First autox in the MSP

[scapamouche]

See subj above

I ran in STX, even though the car is still stock because all of my old buds are still in STS which runs at the same time (STS/STX: SCCA autox classes based on small 4 seat cars with common bolt ons. AKA, the ricer classes )

The car handled fantastic for a stock vehicle, if not up to the standards of my old car or the other competitors. I was about 2.5 sec slower than the fastest cars in STX, a set of very well setup WRXs. I'm very happy with this result: it takes time to get used to a new car, and I think 2 sec off the pace with tires that aren't as good (Falken AZENIS are the BEST bang-for -buck tires sold in the US, and they ALL were on them....) and no suspension improvements (read that as: stock alignment, and suspension tuned for safety, not speed.)

The car had some understeer, but once I knew about it, I could counter it with throttle and better braking habits. All in all, I thkn the MSP is a FANTASTIC place to start building an STX car, but I haven't decided whether I'm going to stay stock, or mod the sh*t out of it.

One problem, though: on some corners under heavy braking, there was a very loud CLUNK from the front suspension. It sounded like some component binding as the weight shifted around. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

 

[nattyboy513]

you could look at over half the threads on this forum and find at least one reply in all of them about the infamous "clunk". johnnymiata had one of his friends ride in the trunk and discovered that his clunk had to do withthe amount of play in hte rear suspension. search for suspension or clunk and you will find all kinds of info

 

[KBicknel]

Were you running on the stock tires?

How did your times compare to the D-Stockers?

Kristi

 

[Allen]

Stay stock and own! Also, just stay out of STX while you're all stock.

 

[scapamouche]

I suppose it could be the famous clunk.... I didn't expect it would be that loud.... I should have thought of that. I thought that was in the rear, though....

As for staying stock, yeah, I could, but since I won't be here for the entire season this year, there's no point in worrying about being competitive, so I'll run with my buds. Considering what worked on my old car, a simple a mod as the rear sway would probably put me right up there with the rest of the class (especially after I kill the poor RE040s on the car now and replace them with Falkens or PP S-03s...)

I was about 4 sec off the pace of DS open (we have some real screamers here in SFR), but I forgot to check DS street tire class. When results are out, I'll let you know. The one guy I saw running on Azenis in a DS BMW 330 was about.2 sec quicker than me....

 

[JasonH]

How did the Schroth harness work for you? Do you have any pics of it?

 

[Newf]

a clunk on the front?

sure it wasn't the rear?

 

[SpicyMSP]

I have also noticed a clunk in the front. but honestly I could care less. And its only in the morning when it's cold out. not all the time

 

[low_psi]

i've got it too on my DX, its kinda a creek tough. its only when its cold though also. i need to make sure my springs are still seated correctly.

 

[scapamouche]

It was definitely in the front: A loud clunk under heavy braking only...

I've been using the schroth for over a year, and I've been VERY happy with it. It made up for the lack of grip in the leather seats of my old ride, and it made up for the lack of bolstering on the MSP. I highly recommend a set to anyone who autocorsses. I'd think twice before putting them on a track car without any kind of roll bar: rollover issues....

For pictures, go to www.soloracer.com and follow the links in the installs section. The pics are of a friend's RSX here in the Bay area. My kit is identical, mounted to the same points on the MSP (seatbracket and seatbelt mount in front, and the two lower seatbelt mounts on the driver's side of the back seat.

It should take about 30 min to install if you've never done it before...

 

[Daemos]

a new clunking sound ;

The stock tires kick major ass, they are better than the falken's 140 treadware, it's one of Bridgestone's stickiest street tires you can buy.

Not even the Pole S-03s are as sticky.

 

[nattyboy513]

when these tires wear out i am thinking of yokohama prada spec-2's... alot of magazine and tuning companies use them on their project cars, has anyone had a negitive experience with them(i have heard nothign but rave reviews)

 

[scapamouche]

a new clunking sound ;

The stock tires kick major ass, they are better than the falken's 140 treadware, it's one of Bridgestone's stickiest street tires you can buy.

Not even the Pole S-03s are as sticky.

Unfortunately, treadwear ratings are pretty much meaningless between manufacturers. I guarantee the "200" treadwear rating of the Azenis is not comperable to the exact rating of any other tire. I would put the Azenis right next to the RE040s for stickyness, and I'd look at the tread patterns and pick the Falkens for dry conditions on a smooth surface. The Bridgestones would have the edge in the wet (and the PP-s03s even better) or on a broken surface....