I am going to an autocross and will be racing against some friends (miata, MR2, volvo awd). Any suggestions on setup so I have braggin rights. I haven't yet modified my suspension but would like to. Any suggestions would be appreciated. In addition to the autocross I will also be taking some driving classes and doing some track time. Is there a setup that can be used for both (maybe with some small adjustments or something)?
Thanks!

 

Well, I hope you'll be satisfied with beating your friends based on raw times, rather than PAX times, because your supercharger pulley bumps you into SM class, and the PAX multiplier for SM is pretty lousy.

Once you get some seat time under your belt, I'd suggest getting some dedicated track wheels and R-compound tires. Since you're in SM anyway, you may as well take advantage of all the mods that class allows, and R-comps can make a huge difference. Do at least a few events with street tires first, though. Starting off on R-comps can lead to some bad habits, and the tires are expensive when those bad habits cause you to wear out tires after only a few events.

Lowering the car a little bit and installing some coilovers/camber plates will help as well. Depending on how much camber you want in the rear, you may be able to get enough adjustment out of the factory adjusters, or you can go with adustable lower control arms in the rear.

 

scoopied where are you ?
Find someone who is involved in local auto X and see if they will mentor you.
Lots of little tricks. how the day runs and rules and If Cal, San francisco area ... I would be happy to guide you through the local events and some set up questions you may have.

SM is a hard class on PAX ...

Here are some thoughts ... many from learning by doing it.

I do run SCCA SM class and do track days.
if you get some colovers ... go figure I have (and sell BC suspension)
the camber plates , and, ride height with the adjustability is really useful.

Good advice not to go straight to "auto x" tires and do some up grades and fine tuning.
My region and I think all stipulate the Novice drivers use tread wear 140+ tires. so not A or R compounds.

Get 1/2 of a seasion in or a "slush" series .. then if you really into it and enjoying it ... go for some super sticky tires.

My region has a Street tire sub class with a different PAX than the class itself.

There is no shame in being a novice, you start as a novice SM you would use street tires ..

I have many mods but here is a nutshell.

Rear adjustable sway bar ... eventually you will proablly run stiffest on auto x and mid on the track.

find a GOOD alignment shop !

I use these alignment specs at Auto - x
Front
-2.6 camber
4.6 caster
0 or (actually 0.01 toe)

0.0 cross camber
0.1 cross caster
0.01 Total toe

Rear
-1.6 camber
0.00 toe

H sport comp on stiff

Hoosier A6 tires

I have to use 17" rims and tires to clear BBK

If you are going to Auto x don't do a Big BBK ... the 15" tires are a huge help !

on the track BBK are a huge help

On the track I usually knock a bit of front camber out to maybe -2
and move the bar to mid. with yet another set of rims with Toyo Prada spec 2 or Bridgestone Reo1.

I do also use different pads for street and X.

The adjustable BCs are so cool to help set up.
Suspension and set up (even for F1 teams) is always a compromise.

If you are going to do 2 quite different types of driving ... the compromise will always be there.

Hope that helps a bit

 

I'm wondering how much time you have before the AX. It sounds like it might be coming up pretty quick, so you may not be able to address many of the points noted above.

I'd go for the rear sway bar and tires first. The HSport Comp on full stiff was my choice. It's hollow so it's a litte lighter. The tire choice kinda depends on your wheel size. But get rid of the runflats for sure. You will shred them if you AX on them a few times and they will have little traction anyway.