Hello all. Sunday is my first autocross in my 2003 Indi Blue Cooper S. I used to race a 78 VW Scirocco with a transplanted 2-liter. Can't wait to try out the new car. Just wondering about the DSC and whether you guys leave it on or turn it off during competition. Also, any observations you've made about handling—understeer, oversteer, etc.— would be much appreciated. thanks in advance. JR

 

Jayar,
You should have a lot of fun. Given you've done this before I recommend running with DSC off as engine power is retarded/braking is applied when the system detects wheelspin, understeer, or oversteer. Based on my first experience autoxing an S (I've autox'd a S2000 for the last two years) it definitely understeers in stock form. If you compete on the run-flats I was surprised how well they hold up (largely because of the stiff sidewall...prevents rolling). The downside to competing on the run-flats with stock wheels is that wheel weights are high (50-60lbs per corner).

Mark

 

DSC off for sure.

Wheel spin in tight 180 degree turns is very prominent. (Due to lack of limited slip diferential.) If you throttle too hard the understeer and wheel spin will take you way off line. (first hand experience)

Avoid this spin by easying into the turn and feathering the throttle.

Ruflats are well..., runflats. They do ok but I look forward to something stickier.

Psi on runflats seems ideal aruond 40. I like 38 in front 40 in the rear. Don't run them at stock 33 or you'll be a slave to understeer and mush!

Push the zigzags and slalom areas hard. You'll shine in the tight transitions.

Your tires will be chewed up a bit afterwards... but just think you can get some new better tires sooner.

Good luck. :smile:

 

Last Sunday was my first Auto-X in my S. I hadn't been X-ing in several years. I ran the stock 16" run fats on a VERY slick airport tarmac. Understeer was VERY prominent as there was virtually no grip. I ran my first pass at 42 PSI front and rear, reduced to 35PSI front, 38 rear for the second pass and 33 PSI front, 38 rear for the third pass. Third pass was by FAR my fastest time. I think the reduced pressure (allowing more contact area) along with being smoother on and off the throttle helped.

I do not have DSC though I did disable the ASC+T. A friend ran my car for time only and he forgot to take off the ASC+T for his first run, came out of the last decreasing radius turn ready to nail the throttle and all he got was ..... nothing. The wheels started to spin slightly and the 'puter jumped right in. Needless to say, this did not happen again

All in all a very fun car. As someone mentioned in an earlier post, ease into the throttle exiting turns and go for it big in the transitions. The car holds really well.

Good Luck!!!

 

thanks for the knowledge guys. I'll hopefully put it to good use! I'll let you know how it goes. JR

 

Made it through the event w/out incident. It's one of the rare times the club actually runs on an oval track, complete with big, scary wall and everything. There was a tight section in the infield, then it was onto the banking for a lap and a half. Watching other cars run, and taking into account that I still have 30-day tags on my car and therefore had to be a little cautious, I predicted a time of around 63 sec. I ended up with 63.7, so I was very pleased. I took passengers on the first three of my four runs. They all had a blast doing some extreme Motoring. Noticed the understeer in the tight turns. Tried both ways (with and without DSC). Both were very forgiving. An Integra Type R on road race tires whipped up on me with a time of 60pointSomething, but I can't imagine he had much more fun than my friends and I did, so all is well. Thanks again for the tips. JR

 

Hope your friends had the dealer issued barf bags!!!