[vmaxjohn]

hi, I'm new to this board, but it seems there are some knowledgable folks with good experiences. I'm interested in the Elantra GT, but is this a car for some occasional autoXing? I'm not kidding myself, I've got a kid coming any day now, and I won't be modding this thing anytime soon, if I can in fact get one. I'm just wondering if I should look elsewhere for a better all around sporty car? Honestly, I'd like to get into TSD rallies, any thoughts there as well?
What are the first mods (for future reference, hehe) that are worth the cash? Thanks!<img src=/images/forums/snitz/uhh.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


<hr noshade width=60% size=1 align=left>I need a racecar, eh

 

[Mechanix034]

<img src=/images/forums/snitz/thumbup.gif width=25 height=18 border=0>Man sounds to me like you'd better be forgetting about a car and concentrating on your kid!

Well, if you have to get the car anyway, you're gonna have to be realistic with yourself first: the Elantra GT will NEVER come close to what an Evolution or WRX will have to offer, not to mention the more tunable Japmobiles out there like Silvias, RX7s or even the last couple words in performance, Skyline and Supra.

All this aside, thats just on the dyno,and maybe on the strip...elsewhere, the driver counts for as much as a hot turbo setup or correct gearing,the driver is an integral part of the racing soloution, and with the right skills you will be competitive.

Start with tyres,what are others running on the course, and what works for them?Asking around in your area and hanging out with the folks who do the AutoX where you are can yeild plenty of useful tips,especially when it comes to gearing and shift and brake points on the track.Suspension setup will have much to do with how you drive the car, it WILL have to be dialed in to how you want it to be,and will doubtlessy be a major factor in what your results will be like, especially when you're looking for that last itsy bitsy iota of traction...

When it comes to the engine,it depends much on the track and how you're geared for it: will you benifit more from a quick-revving NA setup, or on-tap boost with a blower?Are any others running turbos on the course...and what kind of turbines are they using?Do they have antilag...?

Try following what the more successful competitors are doing, and tweak it round more towards how you want things to be, I wishg you all the best, and CONGRATULATIONS on the impending birth of your child!


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>Power without the skill to control it is a dangerous thing...

 

[vmaxjohn]

Thanks 034! This kid coming, I tell ya what! It's made me realize all the fun things there are to do, and all the things he can learn from. I'm a guitar teacher, and a few months ago got into another band! We're rehearsing once a week, playing once a month...it's crazy. I just want this kid to do lots of cool fun things in his life, and I'd like autox to be one of them. The thing is, the Elantra GT really seems to fit my needs on paper, other than being down on power....<img src=/images/forums/snitz/disapprove.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>
BUT, it's all relative, as the car doesn't weigh a heck of alot. I'm just looking for a sporty car that can haul my gear and family. Thanks for your reply!

John


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>I need a racecar, eh

 

[Mechanix034]

<img src=/images/forums/snitz/thumbup.gif width=25 height=18 border=0>Anytime, man! But just be sure to get the equipment you'll need to stay healthy, bucket seats, 4-point harnesses with submarine belts and of course a helmet...and you want your baby to start on this path? Getting him to start go-karting with you can be an awesome experience for the whole family,especially if your wife gets involved too(just make sure the outing didnt turn out like mine, my mom kicked my butt the first time i ever got on the karts,and my dad just ran laps around the both of us...damn all ex-Ford dirvers! lol)

Well, all the best man, and stay safe out there!


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>Power without the skill to control it is a dangerous thing...

 

[pucci]

Hey man, congrats on your upcoming child. Sounds like you'll be a cool papa - bands, guitars, racing cars... uh, did I mention i'm available for adoption? <img src=/images/forums/snitz/laugh.gif width=15 height=31 border=0>

I'm also interested in getting involved with auto-x and I was wondering if anyone knew of web sites w/more info on getting started...

peace


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>All go and no show...

 

[MarkHazard]

These should get you started:
http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/index.html
http://www.autocross.com/

This is probaly the best for beginners:
http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

ENJOY!! <img src=/images/forums/snitz/cool.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>

 

[pucci]

thanx!!<img src=/images/forums/snitz/cool.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>

 

[vmaxjohn]

AutoX is a total blast. Also, the folks who put on my local events are completely helpful, and even the national champ was giving me pointers! Don't hesitate, go and run, and learn as much as you can. Have fun!


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>I need a racecar, eh

 

[EN00]

It looks like the Elantra GT is classified in HS. It looks like stock class will work best for you. There are 8 stock classes so you will not be racing against Supra or WRX. I started autocrossing with an 87 Ford Escort. If you show up with a bone stock Elantra and not have the slowest car.
I like stock class because it keeps me from spending a lot of money on my car. The best mods you can make for stock is to get a spare set of wheels and some autocross tires (Kumho are probably the best for the money). Also look into some shocks. Start with a stock car and add those two things and you can be competitive.
I would recommend that you go to an autocross with whatever car you have and look at the different classes. If you want to do some things like a strut braces or a cold air intake you might want to look into STS. Save yourself some time and money and get a solo rule book before you buy anything.
For TSD any car will work and it's a good way to get to know the racers in your aria. Just look for somthing in your region or here


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>2001 Mellow Yellow Tiburon and friends.
Fear God and you will have nothing else to fear.

 

[pucci]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is STS and TSD?

 

[Mechanix034]

<img src=/images/forums/snitz/thumbup.gif width=25 height=18 border=0>Dont forget the reduced-throw shifter there EN...it's also an advantage when you lose minimal time while changing gears...and it lets you punch the corners harder because you know for a fact that you can cycle down through the gears quickly enough.

Oh...STS? Thats sexually transmitted spunk man!lololol


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>Power without the skill to control it is a dangerous thing...

 

[pucci]

<img src=/images/forums/snitz/uhh.gif width=15 height=15 border=0><img src=/images/forums/snitz/uhh.gif width=15 height=15 border=0><img src=/images/forums/snitz/uhh.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>uh, ok...<img src=/images/forums/snitz/oogle.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>

 

[EN00]

That’s it. How could I have overlooked that. All I need is a short throw shifter and I can get that nationals title. BTW. Do they make one for Automatics.<img src=/images/forums/snitz/oogle.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>

To some of us (mind firmly removed from the gutter) STS is a class for small 4 setter cars with typical street mods (springs, strut brace, intake, headers, alignment changes, and 10ft wing<img src=/images/forums/snitz/eek.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>). A unique thing about STS is that you have to use a true street tire not a DOT race tire. Hence the nick name Street Tires Squealing. If you do decide to run STS I would recommend that you still get some wheels and tires for racing. You don’t want to have to drive around on the tires you just flat-spotted when you spun at the last corner.

Time Speed Distance rallies. You and your codriver fallow some directions and maybe a map on public roads at the posted speed limit to see if you can stay on course and arrive at the check points on time. Don’t be early or late and you get the best time. These are a good way to get to know the roads in your town and go for a nice drive.

Take off the OD, lock it in second and bounce off the rev limiter dut...dut…dut…<img src=/images/forums/snitz/finger.gif width=33 height=15 border=0>


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>2001 Mellow Yellow Tiburon and friends.
Fear God and you will have nothing else to fear.

Edited by - EN00 on 02/01/2002 01:42:15 AM

 

[MarkHazard]

Where I run, STS (Street Touring -S) is typically referred to as the "Rice Rocket Class" because that's pretty much what it was designed for. <img src=/images/forums/snitz/smile.gif width=15 height=15 border=0> Basically small displacement, 4 seat imports with usual street mods. The cars are too modified to be stock, but not modified enough to go into a prepared class.l

FYI SCCA just added the STX class and dropped STR this year. The rules for STX are the same as STS except the major difference being that it allows for supercharged or turboed engines up to 2.0L and N/A engines up to 5.0L. Before if you had a turbo, you got bumped into street prepared or some other open class that was more difficult to compete it. <img src=/images/forums/snitz/thumbup.gif width=25 height=18 border=0>


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>

 

[Mechanix034]

<img src=/images/forums/snitz/eek.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>EN you're using an automatic...!?Looks to be one big disadvantage there man, unless there's some way that you can preset the change points to better suit the transmission to the track...hey I think MSD makes somthing like that...take a look, I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I read somthing like that.


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>Power without the skill to control it is a dangerous thing...

 

[pucci]

<img src=/images/forums/snitz/cool.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>thanks for the the extra info...

 

[EN00]

The auto really isn't that bad for autocross. Its taller first gear allows me to stay in first longer. That can help on some courses. If it wasn't for the downshifts taking so long I wouldn't mind it so much. There are actually some cars that are faster (i.e.. Camaro) with the auto than the stick. That surprised me but sometimes the gears are better suited on an auto. If I could get a paddle shifter I'd be set.

If I really want to go fast that's what the BWM and Mazda are for. The Tib is a daily driver.


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>2001 Mellow Yellow Tiburon and friends.
Fear God and you will have nothing else to fear.

 

[Mechanix034]

<img src=/images/forums/snitz/thumbup.gif width=25 height=18 border=0>Way cool man...!I cant afford those cars, so if I wanna go fast then I gotta pony up for a full tank of gas and borrow whatever car is avalible from friends (the last couple of days I been lucky, managed to land the new Evolution 7 with a 3/4 tank of gas in it from an army buddy who's going on honeymoon!)Anyway as a test I killed every Hyundai I met on the road including several supercharged Tibys...Hyundai's got a long way to go before they can even smell the smoke on this thing!One of the Tiburons was turbo'd...I think. He kept with me through most of the course(one of those really badly lit backroads near the reservior)until it got twisty. Then the FWD and the understeer got to him while the 4wd was hooking up like crazy...just goes to show, Hyundais are way cool, but compared to this beast, are nothing but dust settling on the wing...

BUT!There is a rumour circulating that all this may soon change...I heard from someone at the showroom say that in the next couple of years a V8, N/A, 4WD Tuscani might be released!Then I went to Sharkracing and saw the same thing.This guy is elderly and doesnt have a computer, so there's no way he could have read it on the net...is there any truth to this at all..?Guys...?


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>Power without the skill to control it is a dangerous thing...

 

[Pumbaa]

An Elantra GT would be fine for autocross. And the STS class would be good. I am in Novice right now with my 91 Excel and I don't do really horrible. There are many others out there that can't drive at all. And consistancy is the key. Miss the cones and you should be able to hold your own. When I get the stats from todays Autocross I'll post them. I was the only Hyundai out there this morning. Last year I raced for the first time and placed 77th out of 178 cars and I was completely stock.


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>Timothy Zacher
1991 Excel Evo II Rally Project
#346 N
Des Moines, WA
http://www.geocities.com/nwhec/

Edited by - pumbaa on 02/10/2002 5:42:19 PM

 

[skierd]

Just think, there are 101 cars behind you that are really pissed they lost to a, no offense, beater excel.<img src=/images/forums/snitz/laugh.gif width=15 height=31 border=0><img src=/images/forums/snitz/thumbup.gif width=25 height=18 border=0><img src=/images/forums/snitz/smile.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left><b>KORE Crew #19</b>

"It's not the contest between racers that really matters, but the abstract dialogue between the soul of a racer and his machine." -Racer X