I've raced autocross many times in a 97 v6 camaro and learn alot of things as far as how to drive a stock camaro in that class. I have run a few races(autocross) in my new 2002 z28 and I have learned there is a big difference even though the 97 was easier to drive(or its just lack of experience). Althought it handles pretty good, I know it needs help because it pushes coming out of the corners easily. Is this my driving or do I need a better setup like a need new set of tires and some suspension upgrades to get better effect? I have many questions so please bare with me.

First off I'm thinking that tires would be a good start. Should I go with a new set of 16 or 17 rims and put a road racing slick on them for swapping out at race time? Or look for a good race tires that is streetable such as G-Force or Eagles 1's or Brigdestones all Z rated with almost Max grip and put them on a 17x9.5 rim?

I would like to change springs and shocks but not sure where to start looking cause I dont know enough about them. Is lowering 1 or 2 inches with Eibach's Sportline(not the other one that cost more for no reason) really gonna help or just make things crappy for me? I was looking at KYB shocks and Bilstien, which would be better?

Any idea if and how front and rear sway bars, torpue arms, SFC's will help and where to look for a good deal?

Basically I feel my engine is strong enough for me for what I'm doing but I think the suspension setup needs help. I'm not to concerned if my car gets out of "stock class" for SCCA. Any opinions, tech help, and combination ideas would be helpful, that is cause I'm ready to start flying in my new machine.

Sorry for such a long post
Thanks
Josh

 

Thoughts:

No flame, but if your autocross driving is self-taught, maybe the best $ you can spend initially is a 1 or maybe 2-day driving school. You don't say your location, but in the east Skip Barber has good schools at Lime Rock, CT. There are good ones everywhere. Learn the basics (and practice on their cars!).

You want to change the car to make it faster. No matter what the car is, a better driver (you after driver's school ) will get the most out of what it is, and then you'll have a feeling for what it needs.

Suspension changes need to be coordinated; everything is part of the system. Before you make any changes, decide what class you want to run in. I don't know about you, but coming in last in a modified class isn't as much fun as placing in a "stock" or mildly modified class. Read the rules, see what's running well, which is often who's running well, then decide what you can modify.

Absolutely tires are a biggy. But first you need to decide class rules, wheel size, etc. A second set of wheels and tires just for auto-x is a good idea, especially if gumballs are allowed in your class.

You can have some fun just throwing it around and throwing money at the car, but, IMO, winning a trophy in a class because you are a better driver is more fun.

My $.02

 

thx, i have looked into the skip barber, but haven't decided on what class to take. Maybe i should just go and do it. But when I ran my 97 camaro, i was first or 2nd alot, with no changes. I read alot about how to drive but I dont know enough about "if you change this part it will effect this part" tech side of the car. One other thing, the region i'm in there are not many cars that are in my class, there are some cars that are beefed up to be as fast and faster but are still not in my class. So it doesn't really matter if go to high in class cause if someone does come along and they whoop me, i will simply learn what i did wrong by asking and harder next time. Thats what i did with the stock v6 camaro and seemed to do fine. I think i'll look into SkipBarber tho.

thanks

 

I typed a huge post but lost it when I tried to submit it. Stupid server.

Just go to www.stranoparts.com . They'll hook you up and you won't get screwed.

 

thx bud =P