anyone autocross?
- Thread starter jesh
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rustychops41
Member
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- 2007 Mazda 3s HB
I auto-x a 2002 sedan and my buddy a P5. In stock form the Protege is a great chassis for the most part. It turns in pretty good, is easy to drive 10/10ths. Corner exit wheelspin is a problem. I did very well in H-Stock, unbeaten for 2 years. Then came the Mini. I can't believe they classed it in HS. Nearly 3 feet shorter than anything else in class, wheelbase/length/width ratio of your average Go-Kart, and out-slaloms (according to R&T): Miata, MR-2 Spyder, Neon SRT-4, Focus SVT, MSP Protege, WRX, Sentra SE-R, and matches the slalom speed of the Z-06 Vette. None of those are exactly H-Stock rides mind you. My friend does well locally/regionally(SFR) in STS in his P5, but at the national level, it's just too heavy a car. The car responds well to a bigger rear sway bar, and lowering/stiffer springs too. As for what to do? Seat time, walk the course, walk the course some more, and yes, seat time. When in doubt, slow in/fast out. Be smooth. You'll find everyone at events are very helpful to newcomers. Have fun.
Yes, in fact I just got back from one. I ran my MSP and a friend ran his new Mazda3s in the street tire class. It was a good event with a pretty good course.
There are two basic schools of thought on doing modifications and autocrossing. One says do what you what and let the classing fall where it may. The second says drive it stock until the driver has enough sat time to understand the changes. If you do a search for autocross or autox, you can see that there are a lot of people on here that autocross thier Mazdas. In fact if you go to the cardomin pages for my cars, I have some pictures of them autocrossing.
What ever you decide, just do it and have fun.
There are two basic schools of thought on doing modifications and autocrossing. One says do what you what and let the classing fall where it may. The second says drive it stock until the driver has enough sat time to understand the changes. If you do a search for autocross or autox, you can see that there are a lot of people on here that autocross thier Mazdas. In fact if you go to the cardomin pages for my cars, I have some pictures of them autocrossing.
What ever you decide, just do it and have fun.
roger that..dx owns on r-compound.
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- 2003.5 Titanium Gray MSP #1699
OMG Dolphin, you have 3 blue Mazdas & you auto-x all 3?!? 
Actually, I'm guessing that "Lapis" is blue...at least I know that "Hunter" is green.
Actually, I'm guessing that "Lapis" is blue...at least I know that "Hunter" is green.
Whoa, my first time back to this site in like 6 months! Looks pretty diffrent...
I used to autocross alot (SFR) in HS-N and did OK, I guess. haha I have a 2002 protege5 auto (auto is lame I know I know) and as far as mods go I would say go in this order
1. better tires
2. better shocks
3. better brake pads
4. bigger rear swaybar
The first three mods you can do while keeping the car in HS, but if you mod the sway it bumps you up a class. The best thing of all to do, which others have sudgested, is to get as much track time as you can!
I used to autocross alot (SFR) in HS-N and did OK, I guess. haha I have a 2002 protege5 auto (auto is lame I know I know) and as far as mods go I would say go in this order
1. better tires
2. better shocks
3. better brake pads
4. bigger rear swaybar
The first three mods you can do while keeping the car in HS, but if you mod the sway it bumps you up a class. The best thing of all to do, which others have sudgested, is to get as much track time as you can!
Black Majik MSP,
I actually have 4 blue Mazdas and a green one as you figured out and they all have been autocrossed at one time or another. I keep meaning to do a site for Hunter but I haven't gotten any decent pictures. But I do have 4 drivers. My daughter, my son, my wife and I all drive. My wife doesn't autocross any more because of her back and knees. I think every car, or nearly so, that I have owned has been autocrossed. Including a 4runner (before SCCA banned them) and a Dodge Grand Caravan. I have even occasionally had cars that were dedecated autocross cars like a 1966 Cooper S and a Formula Ford.
Here are the only decent pictures I have of Hunter autocrossing.
I actually have 4 blue Mazdas and a green one as you figured out and they all have been autocrossed at one time or another. I keep meaning to do a site for Hunter but I haven't gotten any decent pictures. But I do have 4 drivers. My daughter, my son, my wife and I all drive. My wife doesn't autocross any more because of her back and knees. I think every car, or nearly so, that I have owned has been autocrossed. Including a 4runner (before SCCA banned them) and a Dodge Grand Caravan. I have even occasionally had cars that were dedecated autocross cars like a 1966 Cooper S and a Formula Ford.
Here are the only decent pictures I have of Hunter autocrossing.
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hey fool, auto p5 owns autox...just stomp your foot when you want to go. i have hte autostick dealio, but i ran a faster time with full auto controlling it with my foot.
5th place in N class...beat several corvettes and a boxster, an rsx, an m3...some other crap
5th place in N class...beat several corvettes and a boxster, an rsx, an m3...some other crap
I autoX alot in my P5---the best thing you should get is a new rear sway bar from AWR 21.5. This will stiffen the roll in the rear of our p5's.jesh said:
The more mod's you put on the car, you'll be more likely to be in a different class, look up www.scca.com for more information on Solo II Autocrossing.
As far as getting serious about it, buying another set of rims and tires for auto x will be good so you won't rip up your daily driving tires. All of this costs money, but the best thing to do is drive with an instructor, and he'll give you tips for FREE.
Good luck with your AutoX!
OH Yeah? Nice! I love it, matter of Fact I believe Charlie from TM is making adjustable Cam Gears for our P5. I gotta get in touch w/ him so I could get my hands on his next product.jesh said:
BTW, if you REALLY get serious about X-ing, get a 4-5Point Harness and (optional) racing seat. You will shed off 1-2 seconds of your time just because you are now glued to the car and don't have to rely on bracing yourself on the steering wheel for support.
Always ride with an instructor for FREE tips! That will always shorten your time too!
Karl
I also autox my p5
the mini is in H Stock? that doesn't really make sense, I have a tiptronic, which isn't great, I have a question, I'm using street tires, yokohama es100, what do you think are good pressures, I'm thinking 48 front 40 rear, I've tried lower but the tires roll too easy. any thoughts on this would be really appreciated,
rob
the mini is in H Stock? that doesn't really make sense, I have a tiptronic, which isn't great, I have a question, I'm using street tires, yokohama es100, what do you think are good pressures, I'm thinking 48 front 40 rear, I've tried lower but the tires roll too easy. any thoughts on this would be really appreciated,
rob
rustychops41 said:
WRCprotege
Member
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- 03 Protege5 91 miata
i take it your looking to do stuff now with out money.. first remove the air filter if its not super dusty, this gives you a bit better power and responce.. then id take the tire presser down in the front and raise it the the rear like 30psi front and 45-50 psi rear.. the will help wheel spin out of coners and improve grip while the rear having more psi will help change the cars stock (push) to a neutrel or oversteer balance.. good for auto-x most important is to have fun, you will get beat!! just worry about improving your times and 
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Mazdaspeedgirl
Resident Autocrosser
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- 99 10AE MX-5 | 2016.5 CX-5 GT
I totally agree. Well said.WRCprotege said:i take it your looking to do stuff now with out money.. first remove the air filter if its not super dusty, this gives you a bit better power and responce.. then id take the tire presser down in the front and raise it the the rear like 30psi front and 45-50 psi rear.. the will help wheel spin out of coners and improve grip while the rear having more psi will help change the cars stock (push) to a neutrel or oversteer balance.. good for auto-x most important is to have fun, you will get beat!! just worry about improving your times and
And is this Jason?! I MISS LOUKY!!!!
WRCprotege
Member
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- 03 Protege5 91 miata
wwaassss uuuppppp,, hows the TX?? ya we miss ya here in the ville!! ft.knox was fast!!!! 3rd gear 75mph drift!! ya ya ya...... anyways you guys keep in touch, and be sure to get ahold of me this year if you go back the CO. of some skiing....plus, NICE pic.. hehe
I just started this year. I ran the first few events in STS, but I wasn't very competitive due to my 18 inch rims and Paradas. i ran the last event in FSP with my new Victoracers and learned a very important lesson. Sticky tires need a much bigger rear swaybar and lots more negative camber. I'm saving for camber plates now and then I'm switching to Azenis so I can move back to STS where the car will be more competitive. Then it's time to call AWR to upgrade my 19mm swaybar for the 21mm.
