Drag racing Vs Autocross

[ArizonaGT]

For autocross, a brake fluid flush and replace with a DOT4 fluid (ATE Superblue or Motul RBF600), as well as a set of pads like Hawk HP+ or Ferodo DS2500 should be enough.

 

[Sam Strano]

If it's acutal autocrossing, then you can do it in a bone stock car (not that that is ideal). But stock pads aren't too bad really, and autoxing isn't exactly killer on brakes. I upgrade them a bit because I have had fade--but that's with two drivers, on bigger courses, on Hoosiers (going faster).....

Don't mistake me saying that stock is ok for me saying it's perfect--but just go have fun and try it out.

 

[cop on my back]

. I just still feel kinda lost still. I feel as if my suspension on my car wont be able to handle that kind of maneuvering stock.

I think you are wrong, the stock suspension will take autocross just fine. Only 2 issues to deal with, if your rear tires spin you will likely get a bad shake in the rear axle, but you shouldn't be smoking the tires in autocross.

The other is you won't be going as fast as you could if you spent money on suspension, brakes and power mods, but you don't want that if you are learning.

 

[ayabrego]

Now for my next question is what will make my s197 ideal for auto-crossing. I am going to try it out before I go buy everything but I kinda just want to see the kind of things that I will buy. So from what you all are saying is brakes will be good as long I flush it out and new brake fluid and new brake pads. Also what are ideal brake system to run later on.

 

[cop on my back]

I think someone else stated that the brakes don't take a real beating in autocross, this is true. Personally, I would just buy a set of Hawk HPS pads and maybe some SS brake lines to help firm up the brake feel. Getting a set of lowering springs and maybe some shocks would be good. Put those together and the next thing would likely be tires that stick better than stockers.

 

[ayabrego]

Great information here any other suggestions?

 

[bigmachano]

drive

 

[Sam Strano]

You can, and you should probably call me. I am an autocrosser--and a good one. I know the rules (and I suggest you go to SCCA's website and download a copy of the rulebook and read Stock, Street touring, Street Prepared, Street Mod sections).

You can't learn nearly enough on a forum, even though everyone will try and help, you need to do it. But you can learn a lot by talking to folks. There are categories for different levels of prep (and some parts might bump you up). That's where I can help, because aside from setting cars up, I know how to set them up to be legal for various categories.

 

[irishpwr46]

subscribing

 

[Vapour Trails]

I don't see them as being mutually exclusive as I both autocross and drag race. My suspension is geared towards turning, but I still pull 1.6x 60 foot times with LCAs at the "wrong" angle and my steeda front sway bar firmly mounted to the vehicle.

Going back and forth between the two activities is just a matter of changing tires and adjusting shock settings.

Also, 40 seconds is a short autocross course. My local events feature courses 60-75 seconds long.

 

[Captain_Stangin']

When I first got my Mustang, I told myself "no racing, no mods, just keep it as a nice street car"

Then I heard a radio broadcast on a local station, stating that I should bring my car to "Mission Raceway" and see what me and my machine could do in the 1/4 mile....120+ passes later, I decided to try turning......Auto-x was a blast....naturally, I progressed to open tracking, and I think, once I get my car fixed up, I'm going to do Solo 1 next year.

I totally forgot my point.....Just try both auto-x and drag racing, see which one you like more (I loved auto-x). Don't worry so much about your initial car build, as your skills progress, you can build up your ride.

Oh, and don't worry about burning up your brakes in auto-x, a good set of Hawk HPS pads is all you need. I used my stock brakes for ages until I burned them out at the open track, lol.

 

[ayabrego]

You can, and you should probably call me. I am an autocrosser--and a good one. I know the rules (and I suggest you go to SCCA's website and download a copy of the rulebook and read Stock, Street touring, Street Prepared, Street Mod sections).

You can't learn nearly enough on a forum, even though everyone will try and help, you need to do it. But you can learn a lot by talking to folks. There are categories for different levels of prep (and some parts might bump you up). That's where I can help, because aside from setting cars up, I know how to set them up to be legal for various categories.

pm'D

I don't see them as being mutually exclusive as I both autocross and drag race. My suspension is geared towards turning, but I still pull 1.6x 60 foot times with LCAs at the "wrong" angle and my steeda front sway bar firmly mounted to the vehicle.

Going back and forth between the two activities is just a matter of changing tires and adjusting shock settings.

Also, 40 seconds is a short autocross course. My local events feature courses 60-75 seconds long.

Well I have decided to go with autocross. For one its local and there isnt a drag strip where I live. I just need to get started and get out there. The plan is to drain the brake fluid and put super blue dot 4 and some hawk pads. I was also thinking about getting a strut bar. Any experiences with these guys? Any other suggestions as to what else to do. I was also thinking about lowering the car also. Yes I know I need seat time I just like to plan ahead. Thanks for the input.

 

[Sleeper_08]

The front strut tower brace is considered by most to be just window dressing on the S197.

 

[Ken04]

Well I have decided to go with autocross. For one its local and there isnt a drag strip where I live. I just need to get started and get out there. The plan is to drain the brake fluid and put super blue dot 4 and some hawk pads. I was also thinking about getting a strut bar. Any experiences with these guys? Any other suggestions as to what else to do. I was also thinking about lowering the car also. Yes I know I need seat time I just like to plan ahead. Thanks for the input.

FIRST, take your car to an autocross and drive it. Sounds simple, but you'll never know if you like it or love it until you try it. You may prefer drag racing, neither is better than the other, just different.

When you get to the point while autocrossing that your car is limiting your times, then mod it. But that will take a while. I went from a 3 second difference in times on the same day to within 1/2 a second. Then I started thinking about suspension mods.

The number one performance mod you can make for autocrossing is under your helmet and under your butt. Don't even worry about all these other things until you do it a few times.

Then go drag race your car a few times. When you get to where your times are with 25/100th consistently then you can start modding that way if you want.

A great driver in a stock car will whoop a piss-poor driver in a modded car.

I drag race, autocross and run HPDE in my car. I prefer road courses way over going straight, although drag racing is fun. But you'll never know what's your favorite until you actually go out and do them. So go young padawan, use the (mustang) Force.

Fugeddabout the STB for now. Mostly for looks anyway.

 

[pcdrj]

Any other suggestions as to what else to do. I was also thinking about lowering the car also. Yes I know I need seat time I just like to plan ahead. Thanks for the input.

Seat time, seat time, seat time.