Do you think the spare should get the boot in auto x? I dont plan on taking it out for everyday driving.

 

There are 2 schools of thought on that generally, and I am not sure which applies in your case.
1. Less weight is always good.
2. Weight over tghe drive wheels is good, especially if it helps get the closer to or at 50/50 weight distribution.

You should try it both ways and decide for yourself. Then add in the amount of gas you run as a variable.

If you are just starting out, it probably won't matter as you have much to learn and will there is several (maybe 10) seconds waiting to be had from driver improvement, and 1 second to be had from mods (and maybe .05 seconds from the spare tire).

FWIW I take mine out because my car is HEAVY!!!!

 

i would not take out the spare because the extra weight would help keep the drive wheels on the ground. if you are looking for weight reduction then try lessening weight in the front somehow.

 

I left the spare in. Another Z took his out. My fastest time was 40 sec. His fastest time was high 37sec. Ive got a performance, his was a track. Plus he attended the school the day before, and I had to work. I think it really doesnt make a difference. I only got to walk the track once before racing also.

 

For the record, I agree that it doesn't matter for most autoX drivers. The gains you will get from removing a few pounds of weight are negligible when compared to other factors.

That being said, I've got a car theory question for everyone. Why do most car magazines/people get all excited about 50/50 weight distribution? It seems to me that the ideal weight distribution would be either:

1. As much weight on the front end as possible. While this would tend to cause poor braking perflormance, it would bias the car toward getting on the gas early and accellerating through a turn, much like a motorcycle. Essentially, this setup means the driver uses the throttle to transfer weight during cornering.
-or-
2. A weight distribution that corresponds to the contact patches of the tires. This means a rearward weight bias on the Z, as the rear tires are bigger than the fronts. Fast driving with this setup would require a driver to negotiate a turn on neutral throttle, the idea being to carry more entry speed than with setup #1.

So, why is 50/50 important when it seems that only the cars with the same size tires all around would benefit from it?

Aaron
2003 Lemans Sunset Track

 

ExtremeLean - Very good point. I suppose I think (not know) that because I have long read that in the automotive press (a group which I have little faith in). I do not know what weight distribution or balance would be better.

ttt