I'm looking at getting into auto-x with a few buddies of mine. I won't be taking the Z, but my '88 Civic hatch. I have to give it a full tune-up and replace some various parts including the clutch. What are some good dual purpose brakes, suspension, clutch that I could eventually upgrade to? I'd get a separate set of wheels for events, anyone recomend what type/size wheel/tire I should run, i'm only putting down a mean 100hp It is my daily driver/winter beater, so i'm not looking to sink a ton of $$ in it, plus I don't know how serious about it I will get.
I figured since it's time to replace alot of these parts, might as well upgrade them

Any basic tips on driving around an auto-x course or a site with good info?

 

yup pretty much the same question as he is asking. I have a non brembo auto. just curious what i should do and prepare for my first event. its gonna be this saturday, also thinking maybe I Should just go and see what happens? anyways any help would be great, thx.

 

Hey, bhk1004, so you're from jersey. Im interested in auto-x too. You said you're going to your first event this saturday. Where and when are you going? I wouldn't mind meating up and going together if that's cool. Anyway, I got a 05 g35 coupe 6MT. It's not a Z but, it'll do. lol... Well, post up or hit me up with the info. if you don't mind. Thanks!!!

 

novice tip is probably best to go slow
cuz most ppl speeds into the corner and lose time
why not post on a civic forum if ur gonna autox in a civic?

 

Look for a "Novice" program prior to the event, they can help you with prep and expectations. For older cars, tech inspect can be a show stopper, coordinating with a novice mentor can keep this from happening.

Bring an air tank or inflate your tires at a station that is as close as possible to the event location. You don't want to run A/X pressures on the street, so make sure you are not driving very far between that station and your event.

Realize you will be *******' cones as a work assignment. Pay more attention to your work assignment than fostering new relationships. Don't accept a work assignment that will put you definitely in harm's wa. A/X is probably the safest form of motorsports, but risk is a part of all motorsports, just minimize it until you fully understand it. Let the work assignment person know that you are a novice and would prefer an appropriate station... example: working a "cross over" is not a good place for a novice.

If you are a novice, the biggest thing is to realize you don't know anything about A/X, the regulars know it, and it's all O.K. Having done other stuff, I thought I knew everything and it made for a long learning curve. Since your fellow organizers are trying to maintain a safe environment, they usually get concerned by spins, dirt trackin' slides and big amounts of tire smoke... yep, I learned that one slow too. There's still plenty of fun to be had.

Become a sponge for information on driving and set-up. Not too much of anything you've done before translates very well to A/X. The folks with similar cars as yours are your best source of information. If a top runner gives advice, they're being generous, accept it, and be happy.

I'm skipping the details, just focusing on some of the high level generics. Your novice mentor will cover the detail driving/set-up information. This stuff is fun. If you have competed in other forms of motorsports, you will find A/X has its own challenges and can be very rewarding. I've been A/X'ing since 1990, and it's still a hoot.

Check this out, very helpful:

http://www.dmvrscca.org/topten.htm

BC

 

^^Good info. thanks!

 

BA Cutler

Andy's top ten is one of the first things I print out and give to the newbies. Nice to know others value it like I do.

 

Snsitiv350Z,

It's a classic... something I still read a couple of times per year.

BC

 

question, do they check your lisence for autox..? i just realized my lisence expired last month on my bday and im curious if they are not gonna let me run cause of it... or does it not matter...? thx for any info if you know happen to know.

 

Yes, they will check your license.

 

so with it being expired if they notice, they wont let me run ehh...?

 

That is correct.

You have 3 days till the weekend, why can't you go renew it?

 

cause i am in new jersey and my license is from florida.

 

Sounds like it's time to get a NJ license then?

 

why... insurance is abotu double what it would be in florida, there is no emissions in florida, and they dont bother me for stupid tickets and stuff in jersey cause I Dont have jersey plate. oh and the biggy, no front plates.

 

you still going bhk1004? Im def. going. U should go anyway and check it out. Well, let me know cause if not I gotta con someone else into taking a ride with me. lol...

 

unless i know for sure if they will let me do autox on an expire lisence id rather not go since its like a 30 minute drive. so it becomes a waste of a whole day if I go and cant even autox. you wanna steal someones lisence for me? ^_^

 

I actually got an extra one from Florida, just moved back last year, but I don't think you look like me. you could try if you like. west palm beach area...