anything I should do before an auto-x?

[03accordcoupe]

Entering one this weekend...anything I should do? I'll be competing in the stock class...but any tips? I'm an auto cross virgin.

[94AccordSedanEX]

Drive safe! Wear your seatbelt! Don't hit too many cones in the new 03,' don't wanna mess up the new paint! Hehe, j/p. I don't know, but have fun!

[VRGNCD5]

I've never run in an autox, but I think walking the course is a must, it'll give you an opprotunity to map it out in ur head and plan ur lines and all that. Take it easy on the first run, feel out the track, then or ur remaining runs, let ur nuts hang. Don't try to deat Joe AutocrossPro, autox is about getting to know ur cars abilities and utilizing them in a way that will yield you the fastest time possible. Have fun mang I have been to a couple autox's, the most recent being this weekend, I plan on running as soon as I get my car in better running condition. I just need to tune it up and get a new clutch. Once that gets done, im there.

[jschmid]

I actually did my first one two weeks ago. It was a blast. I can see how people get hooked on it.

I didn't really know what to expect. I just took out my sub box, cleaned out anything that would bang around inside like CD's, etc. It'll help to have about 1/4 tank or less as well. Some people take out their spare tire, tools, etc for weight reduction.

I competed in the STS class.

Here's my pics:











I'd say the main thing is just have fun. I didn't know what I was doing, so I shaved 6 seconds off my first run over the course of the day.

Here's a stock Accord that was there...a little more body roll than mine.



*edit* I second what was said above me. Walk the course, and don't push the limits the first time out. You don't want to mess up that new car. Just feel it out and find the limits gradually.

[VRGNCD5]

damn schmid, ur car is so purrrrty what suspension mods do you have? I have AGX, Neuspeed sports and Neuspeed strut tower bar. I can't wait to run my first time, it looks like so much fun.

[AccordCoup94]

damn.. i wanna do it too.. does anyone know a place around philly that has this kinda stuff?

[jschmid]

Originally posted by VRGNCD5
damn schmid, ur car is so purrrrty what suspension mods do you have? I have AGX, Neuspeed sports and Neuspeed strut tower bar. I can't wait to run my first time, it looks like so much fun.

Thanks.

Not much right now. Just the H&R Sport Springs and 225/40/18s.

But I have all this stuff sitting in my basement right now just waiting for time so I can install it:



TL-S rear sway and upper front strut bar:


It'll be fun to run it after the install and see the difference.

[VRGNCD5]

wow. seems like it's a bit higher in the back in some pics, but looks even on others Wow, should handle pretty nice after you install the stiff stuff

[Import Driver]

Originally posted by 03accordcoupe
Entering one this weekend...anything I should do? I'll be competing in the stock class...but any tips? I'm an auto cross virgin.

Where will you be running at 03accordcoupe? Cordova by any chance?

[jschmid]

Originally posted by VRGNCD5
wow. seems like it's a bit higher in the back in some pics, but looks even on others Wow, should handle pretty nice after you install the stiff stuff

Yeah, it may look weird in the pics because it may be under squat in acceleration or braking.

Here's a pic parked on level ground:



The front has just a hair more gap than the rear (due to the higher wheel arch up front), so I'm going to lower it 1cm using the lower perch on the Koni's.

Any lower, I can't get into my complex.

[VRGNCD5]

this is the pic that had me thinking you had adjustable suspension Looks quite a bit lower up front than in back

[03accordcoupe]

Originally posted by Import Driver
Where will you be running at 03accordcoupe? Cordova by any chance?

No, theres one at RIT up here in Rochester.

[Rycechyk]

Here's a helpful article dealing with a few of the issues you may encounter. BTW, I haven't autox'd yet, but I can't wait until I do.

[aero3685]

Wish there were events down here in SW FLorida.

[Kingseth2]

Check out the "Track and Auto X" forum here on HAN. Read the sticky on Car Set-up Basics, it's a great article.