I have participated in several events in my local area. I found the hobby to be very addictive as well.
Every cary can participate. Every car (some clubs have exceptions to this though like no SUV & # 39; s , no Trucks) can race. The nice thing about this kind of race is that you are competing against others in the class. Definitely by the SCCA, however, you are on the course alone is there is minimal chance of hitting other cars.
Sure, you can use a daily driver, but that is not recommended if you are going to participate in several events a year. Autocross can I can recommend to get a vehicle that you can use for a car that can be a "trailer car" or a car that you can still drive on the road , but use only for this hobby.
There are 4 key components to consider considerably when car for autocross:
1) What type of car to get
2) The Price of the car
3) The overall condition of the vehicle (if used)
4) Aftermarket upgrades / modifications
WHAT TYPE OF CAR TO GET FOR AUTOCROSS:
This is not entirely accurate. While that type of car would be nice, it is not required to be competitive in autocross.
The classes help group the cars so the same "level" of vehicles can remain on competition within each class.
This is done to avoid the "largest and fastest is best." It would be unfair to put a heavily modified Porsche GT 3 up against a stock Ford Focus. This is why they do that.
Sedans can work well too, but some sedans are not geared for modifications, though, the sport sedans of today are actually starting to take over .
Again, there are still "sport shift" type automatics out there that are getting better and better each day.
I know some, I will some handhum in the other hand. I have some enthusiasts out there will disgree with me, but that & # 39; s OK. On the other hand , I have used several front-wheel drive cars that run with the best of them.
PRICE:
There are, many people, can not afford an expensive vehicle for autocross. There are, however, those that can afford it and price is still something for them to consider.
The $ 0- $ 5000 range:
This is the range most of us beginners want to start. Of course, it is the 3 rd component (overall condition) when this option is to have mind. Several cars that can perform well and have a lot of upgradable options are the following:
1989-1997 Mazda Miata - Very nice power to weight ratio. 1979-1991 Mazda RX 7 - Fast small car, handles well. Many upgrades available. 1989-1998 Nissan 240sx - Several aftermarket upgrades, handles very well 1984-2000 Honda Civic / CRX - I have seen several models compete well in autocross. 1984-1999 Toyota MR2 - Low center of 2000-007 Ford Focus - Very competitive cars. SVT models available in price range. 1997-2003 VW Golf - Hatchbacks always like autocross. VR6 models available in range. 1990-1999 Acura Integra - Like the Civic, very competitive with many upgrades out there.
I will also use a hunt for cars can vary depending on the type I am looking for. I will also use local classified ads, Craigslist. I will also use the I have successfully found great cars using VEHIX, AutoTrader as well as Government Auction Sites.
But what about the autocross cars above the $ 5000 range? Well, I am glad you are thinking that I am about to list them below.
If you have some money to work with and want to get something newer, you can consider the following cars:
The $ 5,001 - $ 20,000 range:
Remember, cars usually depreciate very fast, so as the years go by, some of the newer cars can be within reach for money The cars below come to mind in this range:
1992 - Current Mazda MX - 5 - Still same basic car, but more power as they got newer. 2003 - Current VW Golf - Even more modified than the previous versions, compete well. 1992-1997 Mazda RX 7 - 3 rd Gen is twin - turbo 1992-2006 BMW M3 - M3 's are designed for racing. Some newer models will fall in this range. 1998-2003 BMW M5 - M5 & # 39; s are very powerful and compete in their class 1994 - Current Ford Mustang / Cobra - Very versatile car. Competes well in class. 1994-2002 Camaro / Firebird - Competes well in class. Many autocross upgrades. 2007 - Current Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 - Turbo, hatchback, competes well in autocross. 2003-2008 Nissan 350z - Great autocross car, very popular on the track. Special Autocross Kit cars such as the V6 Stalker fall in this range as well.
Now, this price range can vary in vehicles. A lot of these cars are still new and may require loans to purchase them.
The $ 20,001 spectrum will consist of some of the current-day models as well as the obvious "super cars" we all respect such as the Corvette, Viper, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus and others. if you are buying one of those for an autocross car, you did your research.
OVERALL CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE (USED):
Autocross racing can put stress on the car & # 39; s frame, the suspension, the brakes, the tire and the overall body of the car.
That is the MOST important thing to check for when buying a car for autocross. I have experienced and I have used it when shopping and comes in very handy when you are checking for it is better than the other services out there. the history of a vehicle.
Autocross is outside and there is a big oil leaks (small leaks are expected on most used cars) slight / major overheating of the engine. You are the best components to be in the best shape they can be. The mention problems can leave you stranded at the track if you do not look out for them.
As I stated above, small oil / fluid leaks are "OK" and can usually be fixed too easily. Small leaks tell us that Large / major leaks tell us the car may have been neglected by the previous owner and may carrying residual problems unseen at the moment. When looking at a car, start If you are finished with the test drive, you are finished with the test drive, you leave it idling while you walk around the car continuing to inspect it. This tip has helped me avoid several beautiful autocross cars that had an overheating problem.
It is always best to know when it important to to "guess" and trust the previous owner. Water pumps, Belts and hoses are my most frequent " too, fall in this category sometimes.
Yes, this is important for the cars, but this is important for the autorescross car, but not to see how "good" the tires are, but to see the car needs an alignment. Autocross is about handling and you need to be sure the car & # 39; s stock "handling" ability is where it should be.
Why not worry about the tires? Well, tires should be one thing to consider with buying for your own tires should be removed anyway. Tires are probably the most bought wear item an autocross member will buy. A lot This autonomous tacit racers will bring a set of tires for racing, one for drivers home (those who do not use a trailer) and this will rare tires. have used them and they are the best place to get tires for this.
AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS FOR AUTOCROSS:
I will list a few spots that most people do not think to look, but surprisingly have things for the autocross fans .
Once you start to modify or upgrade heavily, you may start to move into different classes and compete with other cars that are equally modified. Keep that in mind when you want to change something.
Most autocross drivers do not go far from the. These should be the first things you try to upgrade while you participate in autocross to get the most performance out of your vehicle.
Be sure to check your club or groups rules with these modifications.
They are also fast components upwards and upstairs. They are also very fast. This modification helps stiffen the car & # 39; s suspension and frame and helps with cornering.
The next modification recommendation would then be part of help the body roll while cornering and handling and can sometimes be modular to the suspension system as a whole.
The final suspension upgrade is usually the most expensive: The struts (shocks / springs). This stickiness, more adhere more stiffness, more response to the handling and sometimes lower the car overall for a lower center of gravity .
This will help your stopping ability for these moments where a tap of the brakes is needed during a lap. Please keep in mind that high performance brake pads usually wear much faster than OEM.
I do not saying that you should not FIRST buy new tires when you autocross, but I am saying not to UPGRADE them to an autocross / race tire just yet Most autocross enthusiasts will tell you to get used to the stock / regular tires on your car first.
Once you get used to stock type tires, modifying them to a race tire or softer tire will not improve your lap times (that & # 39; s the theory anyway).
One last note. I recommend replacing the fluids in your car with as many can heat as you can. Synthetic fluids have higher heat resistance and can take the intestinal moments you will be putting on the car during the autocross laps.
