I'm trying to setup my car for a small autocross club that we have in the area. I have a 1996 LS and so far I have shocks, lol. I was wondering what brand of sway bars, struts bars, bushings, brake pads/lines and rotors I should go with to be ready. Also, will stock do on any of these? It's only a small track, don't reach much after 3rd gear (cones in a parking lot). Thanks a lot!

nOva

 

I just started autoX as well. All of the work I have done so far is setup for the street. I have AGX adjustables, eibach sportlines, type R sways, energy bushings, skunk2 camber kit, and brembo drill/slot rotors.

My car is quick at the track, but if I did it again (setup for auoX/street) I would for sure go Coilovers. With the shock/spring combo I dont have much body roll, but it could definitely be better.

If you get a chance swap the tires. Ive run several types but by far favor the Azenis. The best part about them is that you can still stay in the street class and there damn near slicks.

In my opinion your priorities should be tires, coilovers, and sways. My type R sways are nice, but if you can afford it go for the comptech sway bar/tie bar kit. Ive seen killer times with that setup! Goodluck, and if you can...STAY OUT OF THIRD!

 

What's the prices on the mods you did, I'm on a budget (student) and I just want to make it more fun and a little more quick. I can't afford coilovers at the moment or brembo brakes, but I can go with the sway bars. What else could I possibly get on a budget? Thanks for the help!

haha I will. I just started a couple weekends ago, so I'm fairly new to autocross.

Also, how bad on the car is autocross? It's my daily driver, but I want to have fun in it. If it's going to tear it apart, I'd rather stay home or just watch. Thanks again.

 

I really think the best investment besides beefing up the suspension would be to take some autocross driving classes. A decent suspension setup is only as good as the driver. You will be able to make the most out of what you have when you learn proper techniques instead of relying on self-taught bad habits.

New tires and a thicker rear sway bar (with proper reinforcement) will be a good start. That will be very noticable even with stock suspension. Then, start saving for a good set of coilovers.

I am unsure how they determine classes, but I am sure that all that suspension work would put you into a higher class with more competetive drivers that know their setups better and can use them more strategically in getting the best times. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

my chapter of scca allows the following in the "stock" classes: adjustable dampers, any stock size wheels, catback exhaust systems, cai and sri intakes, short throw shifters, and any tire you want, including slicks. where they draw the line (as far as suspension mods go) for the jump from a stock class to a street touring or street prepared class would be things like: bigger sways, strut tower bars, larger than stock wheels, any additional chassis stiffening, lowering/stiffer springs, and coilovers. things like that. your rules may very well be different though.

 

I'm scheduled for a class in a week and I'll try to use that to help me. Also, I'd like to stay in a street modified class, I'm assuming that's where you have slight mods on the suspension, but that's about it. It seems to be a pretty easy one.

Also, what should I watch for when it comes to wear and tear? Is there anything major that autocross does to the car? I hear it "isn't that bad" from some of the drives. It's my daily driver, and walking to work/campus doesn't sound fun.

 

I suggest what Schmoo is saying. Get some classes in, drive your car as is, see how it responds and determine how would like it to respond from there which will help us help you get the right parts.

 

you shouldnt do anything... you want to start out in the lowest class possible before throwing yourself in the ring with the big boys

 

I want to start as is, but I was afraid it would create too much wear on my car. I want to put on preventative things as well as suspension mods to increase the enjoyment out of it. I'll go to the next event as is and see how it goes. If I upgrade my rear sway bar to a ITR will I be moved up to the next level?

 

yes, you probably will get bumped up at least into a street touring class. and a street mod class is gonna be one of the more competitive if not the most. in our street mod class you can basically do anything to a car you want, which includes engine swaps and big power adders like forced induction. other stuff includes completely custom suspension set ups made specifically for its purpose. street mod is not a beginners category. running your car in stock form wont do much damage to the car other than quicker tire wear, unless your car has been subjected to alot of rust damage, in which case i'd keep a close eye on things like shock mounts, sway bar links, a-arms... that type of thing. last event a friend of mine actually broke an a-arm on his saab because it had rusted and pitted so badly that its structural integrity was out the window. but aside from freak occurances like that you probably wont experience much wear and tear, other than tires, and even thats not too bad.