I was wondering what the optimal setup for an autocross car would be. I know this is a very vague question, but it's interesting to talk about the different possibilities. To be specific, I'm wondering about cars that would run a tight course without much modification (probably a "low level" class such as stock), and also serve as a daily driver.

In my mind, the optimal car would be a LIGHT car, with a sporty suspension and sticky tires (prefferably a cheaper car, too). If anybody could add to the list, or propose other ideas, this could be a great discussion.

On a side note, how would this do:

(click for more info)

Sounds aweomse for me. Light, quick, agile, $1,500. But then again I don't really know what I'm talking about.

 

I hear those have twitchy oversteer. An EF civic makes a great auto-x car.

 

eg civics aren't bad either

 

Well you can call me an EF'mister I have two of them in my garage right now next to my EM.

My favorite picks for stock class are: 1988 CRX Si, 1989-1991 Civic Si, 1992-1993 Civic Si, Type R (of course).

Take all those cars and install:

• Koni Yellows (full soft front and full stiff rear)
• cat back exhaust for that extra 1-2hp
• replace the filter with a K&N drop in filter for another 1-2hp
• get the widest DOT R tires you can fit on stock rims
• maybe even replace the rims with llighter wheels which are the same size
• remove the AC
• install 4 point harness

And you are set. All that might cost you about $2000 and you are ready to race. Use any left over money for a novice autocross school and you will be rocking!

 

Are you allowed to do a header? The stock mainfold is teerrribbble. I did one on my old D16 and it was a huge improvement. Also good things to remove are the intake resonator, the intake tubing the goes next to the radiator, and the rubber y boot that connects it. You done that yet Civicsiracer?

 

The 1st gen MR2's were ok but not great, the only one that was really competitve was the 88? supercharged version. Now he 2nd gen MR2's up into this year were the car to have in E-Stock, but the just moved the 94-97 meeotters down there and a lot of people are moving to thoose.

 

I would have posted that if you could do it in stock class. For stock class you are only allowed:

• cat back exhaust
• K&N filter drop in
• aftermarket shocks (same height as stock)
• front sway bar
• 4 or 5 point harness
• DOT R tires on stock sized wheels
• OEM sized wheels within 1/4" offset
• spark plug wires
• spark plugs
• any fluid - brake, power steering, tranny fluid, oil

And that's it. That is why it's called stock. You remove the intake resonator and you are bumped into a harder class. Samething with your exhaust manifold.

 

Really off topic question:

Do you need insurance to do autocross? The thing is, if somebody has an autocross car that they only use about once a month for the meets, do they have to have it legally insured year-round to race it? It would be quite some trouble to get the car to the lot, but ignoring that factor, do you need insurance to actually run in autocross?

 

Some people don't even register their cars because it's a "RACE ONLY" car. All you need is a valid driver's license.

But remember if you damage property, someone else's car, or hurt someone else with your own car you could be liable.

 

How about this guy? 1990 integra. I saw one today, and it seems like a nice, light and agile project car.