Solo Autocrossing with automatic transmission?
#1
Autocrossing with automatic transmission?
Hi.
I used to drive manual transmission cars but this time around I bought a F56 MCS with an automatic transmission. I was not planning to autocross.
But driving a MINI has awakened my autocrossive nature again.
I remember on my only outing with my R56 MCS, it had too much low end torque and it spun wheels out of every turn. My all season tires and inexperience made the matter worse I guess.
Do people turn off DSC and TC? Do you just tap the DSC switch or hold it for 10 seconds?
In Manual mode, will the transmission shift up when it hits the rev limiter?
Thanks.
I used to drive manual transmission cars but this time around I bought a F56 MCS with an automatic transmission. I was not planning to autocross.
But driving a MINI has awakened my autocrossive nature again.
I remember on my only outing with my R56 MCS, it had too much low end torque and it spun wheels out of every turn. My all season tires and inexperience made the matter worse I guess.
Do people turn off DSC and TC? Do you just tap the DSC switch or hold it for 10 seconds?
In Manual mode, will the transmission shift up when it hits the rev limiter?
Thanks.
Last edited by r56mini; 05-02-2016 at 09:53 PM.
#2
Do people turn off DSC and TC?
Yes. And we gradually increase the throttle when accelerating to avoid (as best we can) spinning the tires.
Doesn't your manual answer the other two questions?
After the start you want to shift up to second gear before hitting the limiter in any case.
Go drive the thing smoothly and increase your speed gradually. You (or at least your nervous system) will learn your and the car's limits along the way. It is easier to learn with lower grip tires as the feedback is more pronounced and the point of no return (spin) approaches more slowly.
I give you fair warning that the resulting adrenaline rush is physically addicting and a growing need for speed can become very expensive to satisfy.
Yes. And we gradually increase the throttle when accelerating to avoid (as best we can) spinning the tires.
Doesn't your manual answer the other two questions?
After the start you want to shift up to second gear before hitting the limiter in any case.
Go drive the thing smoothly and increase your speed gradually. You (or at least your nervous system) will learn your and the car's limits along the way. It is easier to learn with lower grip tires as the feedback is more pronounced and the point of no return (spin) approaches more slowly.
I give you fair warning that the resulting adrenaline rush is physically addicting and a growing need for speed can become very expensive to satisfy.
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#9
I have tried AXing with all three options. My best times were always with it all off. The nannies try too hard to save the car and it is not nearly as responsive under hard braking and corner exit. The car would be too low in the rpm range and will push like a tractor. The only way to help the rear rotate on tight 90 degree turns was to have everything off.
What do I know though, I am just a noob AXer. It is what works for me.
#10
I will try different settings myself, hopefully this weekend.
I was so let down by my inability to control the wheel spin and the significant torque steer that I didn't autoX my r56 after just one event back in 2007. I raced miatas since then, and because they have low torque and they are RWD I never had to worry about the wheel spin.
I will have new summer tires on the car tomorrow and try to get 200 miles before the event on Sunday. It will be fun I hope..
I was so let down by my inability to control the wheel spin and the significant torque steer that I didn't autoX my r56 after just one event back in 2007. I raced miatas since then, and because they have low torque and they are RWD I never had to worry about the wheel spin.
I will have new summer tires on the car tomorrow and try to get 200 miles before the event on Sunday. It will be fun I hope..
#11
All nannies are never completely off with BMW products. DSC will turn itself back on under extreme conditions. If an R56 has DTC then it also has EDLC which can never be turned off. Nor can ABS. Nor Performance Control on the Fxx. Lifetime limitations on BMW launch control cannot be reset. 100 times and done forever on the new X1.
It will be mucho fun if you allow yourself time to learn to autox. If you attempt to apply much throttle on corner exit before your front wheels are straight, DTC will very likely cut your engine power dramatically. It hampered my base hardtop so much I never had to brake for corners with it on. Won't hurt to see for yourself though.
It will be mucho fun if you allow yourself time to learn to autox. If you attempt to apply much throttle on corner exit before your front wheels are straight, DTC will very likely cut your engine power dramatically. It hampered my base hardtop so much I never had to brake for corners with it on. Won't hurt to see for yourself though.
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It is not the car.
I AX with my Porsche Club group. We have an X class for all none Porsche's. My Mini beats both of the Sti's and one has a certified instructor driving and I have only been 4 times.
The car is more than capable to beat most at AX (big track different story).
The full track Porsche's (full aero and basically slicks) with the best drivers will certainly have better times but the Mini in any form is going to be able to hang.
Don't give up, it is a blast.
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What brake system do you have? I have the Brembo's that come on the 2016 JCW and they are incredible. We did a Driver safety event with the Porsche Club and part of it was a few braking drills. Not one car out there was better than the Mini.
#20
in autocross stock classes you cannot change the brake calipers I run stock in d-stock. What race pads did for me, is lots less pedal pressure needed and they are more sensitive to input I do not think race pads changed my distance to stop, it just changes pedal feel & pressure needed
on a track they do not overheat as bad as stock
For wheelspin on corners, practice trail braking and getting turned faster, these front wheel drive cars have a big disadvantage you have to get the nose pointed straight before your foot is to the floor or you will get wheelspin bad
on a track they do not overheat as bad as stock
For wheelspin on corners, practice trail braking and getting turned faster, these front wheel drive cars have a big disadvantage you have to get the nose pointed straight before your foot is to the floor or you will get wheelspin bad
#21
I almost ran into a light pole because the brakes didn't had enough bite coming off the freeway. I have done that drive in that turn at such speeds many times in my previous SUV and it braked much better than this MINI. The SUV was a lot heavier and the wheels were larger but it braked much better. When I got home I placed an order for EBC yellow pads. It wasn't clear though whether MINIMania had them in stock or not.
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