First time Auto-X'ing the S-197

[phatpony]

I'm pleasantly surprised how good this car is. The only thing done to it is FRPP springs and BBK CAI. That put me into STU class which I cannot hope to be competitive in it's current setup. Obviously the suspension needs help, she rolls around pretty good, and the understeer is a real bitch, but with proper speed management that can be overcome, but it isn't fast. There is plenty of power on tap, I think gobs of HP could be a hinderance, but the low end torque is sublime, keeping the car in second all the way around the course was a true benefit to me. My best run was over 4 seconds faster than my first run, so I was becoming more confident and familiar with how the car handled with each pass. Even the BFG KDWS tires held on pretty good. Overall, it is a great platform to build on and I look forward to getting even faster and yes, competitive within my class.

 

[pieperz06]

i would have told them your CAI was stock and then just run in stock class

 

[Cone Sweeper]

STU? I'd run either Stock class ...kinda surprised they didn't put you in ESP class.. but who knows why.

 

[pieperz06]

STU? I'd run either Stock class ...kinda surprised they didn't put you in ESP class.. but who knows why.

stu is below ESP

and he could run a stock class if you didint have the cai which i think is so dumb because you can run different shocks and i dont see how a CAI gives you that much more of a benifit

 

[Sam Strano]

He couldn't run stock--he has lowering springs too.

On paper STU is "slower" than ESP. But in reality it depends on where you live/compete. STU is full of Evo's and STi's and the like, which use street tires much better than pony-cars. In fact if his wheels are 8" wide he could actually run STX against the less nasty cars (a BMW 328is won Nationals last year in STX).

That said what happens most of the time is you get better prepped ST cars are local events than ESP cars (again, depends on the location). He might actually fair better in SP at times even without R-comps-locally at least.

 

[pieperz06]

He couldn't run stock--he has lowering springs too.

On paper STU is "slower" than ESP. But in reality it depends on where you live/compete. STU is full of Evo's and STi's and the like, which use street tires much better than pony-cars. In fact if his wheels are 8" wide he could actually run STX against the less nasty cars (a BMW 328is won Nationals last year in STX).

That said what happens most of the time is you get better prepped ST cars are local events than ESP cars (again, depends on the location). He might actually fair better in SP at times even without R-comps-locally at least.

yah see where i am there are hardly any STU and there are bad ass ESP cars and then there is me who has a aftermarket DS who is in SM which i dont mind to much even if i couldn't hope to be competitive

 

[phatpony]

I was the only non-novice entry in STU that wasn't an EVO or STI. I knew I was "outclassed" from the get go, but I'm not competing for points (yet). I'll look into what I need for STX, and what is running in that class locally. I have another Auto-X on the 11th, so I'll see how it goes.

 

[pieperz06]

if you have ever read the rules for all the classes i dont think that there is any class that a s197 can be competitive in except a stock class IMO.(national lvl not locally)

 

[phatpony]

STX actually looks like a better fit for my current setup. There was only 1 car running that class last weekend, but his times were way better than mine. WRX wagon of course. I think with some more seat time, stickier tires, and a few bolt on suspension items, I could be very competetive in either class I run.

 

[Sam Strano]

The car I think can be competitive in F-stock, STX, and ESP. Depending on prep level and driver of course.

I'm happy to help you guys setup you cars. I personally don't run the ST classes, but have a lot of customers who do. I run mostly F-stock and ESP, and have won 3 National Championships in each class (not counting my ProSolo titles). Setting up autox cars is something I'm pretty good at.

 

[Sleeper_08]

Sam

You also appear to be pretty good at driving them as well

Haven't seen any videos for a while.

 

[pieperz06]

The car I think can be competitive in F-stock, STX, and ESP. Depending on prep level and driver of course.

I'm happy to help you guys setup you cars. I personally don't run the ST classes, but have a lot of customers who do. I run mostly F-stock and ESP, and have won 3 National Championships in each class (not counting my ProSolo titles). Setting up autox cars is something I'm pretty good at.

i would love to run esp but i have a DS and it is kinda bolted on and i cant take it off so im kinda stuck in SM

 

[Thinkkker]

if you have ever read the rules for all the classes i dont think that there is any class that a s197 can be competitive in except a stock class IMO.(national lvl not locally)

BULL! Though my driving was not right this past weeked and the setup has changed a bit.....

I attempted STU, and I think you can trophy, but not win. STX should be a better class. If you start with a bullitt I think you are better off. Darn the no update/backdate in ST

 

[Sam Strano]

Sam

You also appear to be pretty good at driving them as well

Haven't seen any videos for a while.

New thread started... with some new vids.. And thank you for the driving compliment.

 

[pieperz06]

BULL! Though my driving was not right this past weeked and the setup has changed a bit.....


I attempted STU, and I think you can trophy, but not win. STX should be a better class. If you start with a bullitt I think you are better off. Darn the no update/backdate in ST

im just saying what i have have observed.

but im meaning more for higher lvls of cars like esp, sm, cp.

p.s do you run with the Houston region?

 

[Thinkkker]

Yes and no, I havent in a while since I can travel to A&M and run on concrete instead of asphalt and its the same distance.

 

[pieperz06]

Yes and no, I havent in a while since I can travel to A&M and run on concrete instead of asphalt and its the same distance.

yah i want to make it down there some time the place here in Corpus is bad it has all kinds of gravel.

but i will probably be there on the 11 so i didn't know if i would see you out there