Please be gentle with me. I'm new to autocross, this being my first year and I'm a terrible driver. I raced in my 3rd gen RX-7 until I sold it last month and bought an '06 GT Coupe. My RX-7 had unfortunately, just enough mods to put it in SM2.

As near as I can tell, and I get confused by the SCCA classifications, the Z would fall under B Stock. What suggestions would you make for legal changes to the Grand Touring Z that would improve it's competitiveness in BS? I know a GT is not the ideal car as it is heavier than it should be. I also know that any changes I make to the car won't really matter until I improve my driving. However, I'm still wondering...

 

BS (B stock) - you can't change much if you want to stay in a stock class...intake filter element, shocks, cat-back exhaust, front sway bar and R-comps...IMO, if you're starting out in AutoX, run the Z 100% stock and focus on the driving aspect...if you get serious, run the Z in a street tire class (this will reduce cost of R compound tires and the time/hassel of a tire trailer).

FWIW, I didn't follow my own advice when I started...I jumped into R-comps and ran my Z in BSP (B street prepared)...but as I've gotten more serious about autoX, I've decided to let the Z go and am looking for a STS2 (street tire) miata (something cheaper and easier to commute to events b/c it's on street tires...so I can concentrate on improving as a driver).

 

I agree that my first task is to not only improve my driving skills, but then to learn how to drive the Z well. I read through the Solo classifications, but didn't see where the Z would fit into any of the Street Tire classifications. I admit to being confused a good share of the time however.

Did I see your Z being duel driven at Bremerton back in August?

 

I'm the only black Z that goes to SCCA events (there is a Yellow '05 Z [PDX-Racer], and also a Red Nismo Z that comes out sometimes too).

Street Tire classes:
-There are National level SCCA Street Tires classes (STS, STS2, STX, STU): these classes have specific modification rules with the additional caviat that you have to run street tires. (these classes are allowed at all of the Nationals/Regionals events)
-Most regional clubs also have an additional separate street tire class; this class is made up of all classes that would normally allow R-comps...and the results are indexed to your class. (ie. I can bring out my BSP 350Z, and run street tires in this class...this is always a popular class). For the NWR SCCA, you would sign up for the "T - Street Tire Class", and select which class you would normally run in...in the end, you could be running against a SS Z06 and HS Mini. (this class is offered based on the region. But you won't find it at Nationals)

*If you're coming out for your first time, make sure to enter into the Novice class - it'll give you a fighting chance for a trophy!

 

OK, I was gridded next to you at one of the events at Bremerton. I was driving my black 3rd gen RX-7. I asked you about headroom in the Z. Very nice car btw. I think I saw a note from Michelle that you are selling it.

OK, I'll see what I can do next year.

I've run in Novice this year in the BSCC events and in the SM2 in the SCCA events. I suck. I may have been able to do well in the Novice BSCC division this year, but my family and work schedule made it impossible to make most of the events. It was way too much fun however.

 

Here is some advice from another Z drive who is slow -- me. But, I have gotten much faster.

Team up with someone and ride/drive their car and let them ride/drive with you in yours. I made substantial improvements by doing this. For example when I thought the car was beginning to slide (according to my brain) it was actually just settling in. I was leaving so much perfomance on the table it wasn't funny. I was braking waaaaay to soon. Now I know what trailbraking is and how much it can help.

I also used to be a big RX-8/rotary fan, but after spending more time in one, not so much any more.

I no longer come in last ALL the time and have even taken a few firsts in B-Stock and more seconds and thirds. But the enjoyment is always there, win or lose. Rich

 

yeah - I remember you...I love 3rd gen RX-7's (I owned a 2nd gen turbo several years ago).

Are you coming out to the WWSCC event this Sunday in Bremerton? I'll be running in the PM in ST1 (WW's Street tire class for stock cars)

-Peter

 

dhays,
I agree with Peter that you would be better off leaving your car stock and working on your driving skills. If you are planning on attending the BSSC events next year the Street Tire class is what you should run in. I'm at all the BSSC events and some of the WWSCC events and run in Street Tire @ BSSC an ST2 @ WWSCC. It's a very competitive group and you don't have the expense of R Comp tires.

 

Yeah for multi-quoting!

I can't. I have to go to Salem this weekend since my Mother-in-law just had knee replacement surgery.

Sounds good. I hope to make it to the last BSCC event in October. It will be my first Auto-x in the Z.

 

Sounds good. I hope to make it to the last BSCC event in October. It will be my first Auto-x in the Z.[/QUOTE]

I'll be their, I run Street Tire in the AM and Time Only PM. Look me up and I'll take you for a ride

Greg