Needs for autocross

[Dance_Business]

What order should I purchase my upgrades in? I have fairly new tires; need struts to go with my springs(not installed yet); and want new brakes. I'm looking for help with my times. Yes, I know driving more events will help, too.

[Hiighboost2]

All 3 at the same time.

[Dance_Business]

lol. That's not an option! No tengo dinero, amigo.

[Davis]

http://www.mr2board.com/forums/wheel...e-systems.html
If you want to do a little homework.

EDIT:
Forgot to mention I voted for #3.

[TomsMR2]

even stock brakes are fine for autox. upgrading mr2 brakes is really about keeping fade resistance, which is a non issue on an autox.. if you need pads anyway, spend the 80 bucks and get some axxis ultimates and new napa or raybestos blanks for 15 a piece and call it a day.

id say suspension, tires, then brakes.. but thats not a poll choice.

[Slidealliance]

Tires are typically what will give you the most improvement. I shaved about 2 seconds off with my drop springs, and another 2 seconds when I went to coilovers, but I shed almost 7 seconds overall with race compound tires.

Brakes are pretty much worthless to upgrade unless you are going to be on course for a long time (longer than 120 seconds at least) but upgrading just the pads to something that is not overkill and having your rotors turned (even when you buy brand new ones its a good idea) will give you the most braking potential in the mr2 during autox

The stock pads work great on a straight rotor so why mess with it??? I have axxis on mine, and I notice absolutely no difference whatsoever.

[Dance_Business]

Seven seconds is a lot!

[Gairloch]

Something to keep in mind is that in order to get faster the first order of business needs to be .. dum du duh! Tighten down the loose nut behind the wheel!

If you're not absolutely sure what your needs are that tells me that you need more seat time under your belt before you do anything. Go for as many ride alongs as you can in order to get a feel for how other cars react. This will give you a better idea of what you want YOUR car to do. Never upgrade via "monkey see, monkey do" because you'll regret the choices you make down the road.

Honestly, given where you're at right now I would focus more on getting seat time and developing driver skill than putting any money into upgrading the car. You'll know when it's time to upgrade because you'll be able to talk about exactly where the car is slowing you down without input from others.

[Gairloch]

Whoops! Wrong button.

[TomsMR2]

i think its very difficult to drive a car that doesnt communicate... ie, blown stock struts. you'll pickup bad habits and just end up being frustratingly slow with worn out old struts. driving on tires that dont stick the best isnt bad, you can still learn to control your car and definitely gain skill driving, but i think even if you're just starting out you need to show up with good high quality struts.. even if you keep the stock springs, you'll forever be glad you have solid struts.

if it was back in the early 90's and all our cars were new.. id agree, just show up and drive.. but in this day and age, if you have old struts they're probably bone dead by now.

[Dance_Business]

The upgrades will take place later. I am saving for a building...

[Gairloch]

I agree with what you say about blown dampers, Tom. Baseline maintenance stuff should always be done first and if that maintenance falls into an upgrade path then that becomes your priority

[Dance_Business]

You guys have me considering buying a set of track only wheels and tires. Some cheap 15" or 16" rims and good tires. I think the 17's I have now could be a bit large for the shorter tracks...

[Slidealliance]

You need wide wheels, light wheels are not necessary so stepping down to a 16 will not always help out. The tires that you choose to use will be your biggest improvement on the autox. I will take some pictures on Sunday at our next autox here in Colorado and show you a few different ways people are setting their cars up so you can decide.

[rande]

4. Driving school.

[Dance_Business]

HA! Driving school is on the list, just not immediately. Right now I'm trying to drive through the ignorance!

[Dance_Business]

I'll also be looking around Sunday at the other cars at MMP.

[Slidealliance]

Driving school is a waste of money. Just go to a lot of events and ask the more experienced guys to ride along with you, its the same thing, but you dont have to pay for it!!!!

[Dance_Business]

Ahhh, but for some events here I have to have certified credentials. Like for Open Track Test days at MMP. So the PCA Driver's Ed course here, and any other I can get to or afford, are on the hot list. That is the only way I get to totally windout my car. They use the whole track for the open test, with some guys hitting 160mph or more on the long front straight. They will not use that section tomorrow, for obvious reasons.

[Slidealliance]

Originally Posted by Dance_Business

Ahhh, but for some events here I have to have certified credentials. Like for Open Track Test days at MMP. So the PCA Driver's Ed course here, and any other I can get to or afford, are on the hot list. That is the only way I get to totally windout my car. They use the whole track for the open test, with some guys hitting 160mph or more on the long front straight. They will not use that section tomorrow, for obvious reasons.

What's your car top out at anyway with that V6????