Autocrossers: Check in here!

[venomous]

Originally Posted by honda93

Jay,

How's life in NC treating you?

Who was the GS MINI Cooper S driver?

I'd like to see if he's in Kansas now, and if so, how's he doing compared to my known benchmark regarding GS drivers... Tony Savini. All I know is that Shenefield drove at the haggard edge (borderline sloppy/out-of-control) just to get about a 1/2 second off Savini at Warminster (Philly) on the 10th of September.

It may be as fast in certain instances, but there is also consistency at play here. One event you may take the MINI Cooper S by a second, at another, he may take you by a second. The job of dethroning the MINI Cooper S is going to be more difficult with Si owners in GS than with my LX in HS against the base MINI Cooper. That's what I've been implying.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

He's not running this year, his name is Ken Porteous.

[Highrev1]

On a national level the si can't keep up consistantly with the mini's imo. Look out of the top 23 spots in gs there is one spec-v in 10th other than that they are ALLL MINI's Mini owns GS for now.

[honda93]

Originally Posted by venomous

His name is Ken Porteous.

HOLY SCHMOLEY!!!

I didn't know Ken moved / ran down there! I've often wondered where he went as he stopped showing up like 5 years ago. He used to be killer in the 94-99 Celica ST in HS.

He's a wonderful guy and was a great instructor, very patient and insightful. Tell him all of us in the NNJR say hello, myself and Perry in particular...

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

[honda93]

Originally Posted by Highrev1

On a national level the si can't keep up consistantly with the mini's imo. Look out of the top 23 spots in gs there is one spec-v in 10th other than that they are ALLL MINI's Mini owns GS for now.

1st through 20th is covered by 2 seconds. That's actually pretty damn close considering how many cars that covers... However, Savini is 9th! That tells me how competitive the class is.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

[venomous]

Originally Posted by honda93

HOLY SCHMOLEY!!!

I didn't know Ken moved / ran down there! I've often wondered where he went as he stopped showing up like 5 years ago. He used to be killer in the 94-99 Celica ST in HS.

He's a wonderful guy and was a great instructor, very patient and insightful. Tell him all of us in the NNJR say hello, myself and Perry in particular...

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

You got it. I'm running with them on oct the 22nd. He told me that he moved down about 5 years ago and loved it down here

He's a great guy, he knew pretty much everyone in the Jersey/New York region.

[venomous]

Looks like the results are up

Check out this page for sep23rd http://www.ncrscca.com/autocross.htm

They also have some nice photos. I'm Jay MR at the top of PAX.

[honda93]

Some interesting stuff is happening in Kansas.

First, it seems like the weather is holding out for everyone, so I think the inevitable comparisons from class to class will be easier to make this year.

Second, I don't think the 2006 Si that finished so low in the results (Sam Karp and his codriver) is being driven to its potential in such a tough GS; I'd be interested to see where Greg and Chris would have been with the car. Hate to say it, but the 2005+ Cooper S (w/LSD) is the king of that class...

But, in HS, things are much more open regarding being competitive in something other than a MINI. A Mazda3 is in second after Day 1.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

[venomous]

I'll be the genea pig for next year. I'm going all the way to nationals. I will also be spending a lot of time finding the perfect setup for the SI in GS. The SI potential, lies in the fact that it is a quicker car than the mini on the straights. This is where the advantage comes in. If you're able to get on the power sooner mid-turn, you'll have a hell of an advantage on the straights. Next year will be key. I have been doubting myself, but in reality, I'm truely ready to take on the challenges that are set ahead for next year.

[honda93]

Originally Posted by venomous

The SI potential, lies in the fact that it is a quicker car than the mini on the straights. This is where the advantage comes in.

Jay,

You are correct, but if I may clarify something... The amount of time going "straight" in autocrosses isn't enough to make full use of the drivetrain's potential. Even CHris Shenefield has admitted to this.

You are talking about tryng to eliminate (or greatly reduce) one of the biggest weaknesses of autocrossing FWD cars, and that is how to get a car that can make power and get it to the ground. There are FWD people in Street Modified ($M) who are making a bit more power than you with gigantic wheels and tires, mega-grippy, clutch-based LSD's, and perfectly matched, high-rate shock and spring rates who can't do **** against the 4WD and RWD cars there. In fact, this is one of the many points that convinced me to sell the 93 Civic $M car and make my move to HS with the 2006 Civic.

And yet, to try this in GS with a weak LSD, a heavy curb weight, and 7" wide wheels is going to be quite the challenge. Though I am trying to avoid what I am about to suggest, here goes...

You may need to contact Moton. Why? Custom Koni's can be made super stiff, and work well in the process, but the Motons can make the car as easy to drive as the OEM units. And that's what you need to compete with the Cooper S... All the nervousness of an overdamped car without all the nervousness of an overdamped car.

Greg, any input on this... Assuming you're still reading this thread.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

[Highrev1]

Originally Posted by honda93

You may need to contact Moton. Why? Custom Koni's can be made super stiff, and work well in the process, but the Motons can make the car as easy to drive as the OEM units. And that's what you need to compete with the Cooper S... All the nervousness of an overdamped car without all the nervousness of an overdamped car.

Greg, any input on this... Assuming you're still reading this thread.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

I am going to have to agree.. I don't know if the koni's are going to be the way to go. You are going to need as much fluid displacment as possible on the new surface. Also things aren't as stiff on this new surface as on the concrete. It is more finess and less grunt. I know motons are made for the new fg, the guy in ESP has them on his si. With that said I still don't think that the car will be able to keep up with the mini's. Not enough camber, too heavy, no torque down low..I mean the list goes on.
Jay got some wheels 2 sets of brand new hoosiers and maybee koni's for the si PM me if interested

PS: If I were going to continue to campain this car I would defintly get the motons. But Chris and I are gonna take on a new project.

[venomous]

Originally Posted by Highrev1

I am going to have to agree.. I don't know if the koni's are going to be the way to go. You are going to need as much fluid displacment as possible on the new surface. Also things aren't as stiff on this new surface as on the concrete. It is more finess and less grunt. I know motons are made for the new fg, the guy in ESP has them on his si. With that said I still don't think that the car will be able to keep up with the mini's. Not enough camber, too heavy, no torque down low..I mean the list goes on.
Jay got some wheels 2 sets of brand new hoosiers and maybee koni's for the si PM me if interested

PS: If I were going to continue to campain this car I would defintly get the motons. But Chris and I are gonna take on a new project.

what's your price?

[venomous]

aight, who's going to the tri-state championship event on the 22nd?

Greg, if you're going, I would like to co-drive in GS.

[honda93]

Originally Posted by venomous

aight, who's going to the tri-state championship event on the 22nd?

Greg, if you're going, I would like to co-drive in GS.

Jay,

Will you be up? I am compiling the team now.

Anthony "Mario" Crea

[venomous]

I would need a ride, since I'm flying there.

[honda93]

Originally Posted by venomous

I would need a ride, since I'm flying there.

I'll see what I can do.

Team CT is supposed to get back to Team NJ and Team NY regarding the new rules package for the Tri-States. I'll keep you posted.

I'd offer up a ride in my car but I have a co-driver this weekend and I am on tire conservation mode after this Saturday's "Double Points" event at Raceway Park.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

[venomous]

Cool, worse comes to worse, I may just co drive with Rogers, but the problem is, he's running on y street tires, beat to hell.

[The Shishpanik]

Hey guys, i'm autocrossing next week for the first time in my 06 civic ex coupe mt and was wondering what kind of mods are good and cheap to help my times..

I was wondering short shifter, si rear sway bar, etc. etc.

Plus what are good tips for first time autoXers? What's a common mistake people do on their first rounds?

[Highrev1]

First thing many novices do wrong is modify their car. First drive the car how it is and get used to it at it max as is, then modify what you want the car to do.

Jay is this a Sunday? If it is I can not go if its a SAT I am in and sure you can co-drive...for a fee PM me. Greg

[The Shishpanik]

Thanks. Good advice. So you have to just progress at it right? And i was wondering (i know you all HATE when people do this) but me and my friend are betting on whos car will autocross faster, either my 06 ex coupe or his 03 jetta 1.8t with an intake, We are both about the same skill level.

[honda93]

Greg,

Are you coming this Saturday (10/14)?

I need a co-driver... It's gonna be chilly and I need to win the overall Drivers Championship.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA