Possibly Autoxing MP3, suggestions?

[Zerv]

Was thinking about Autoxing the MP3 weekend after next. Guy from work had me check out the local scene this last Sunday and I have to say I was pretty damn impressed. Was just wondering how the MP3 faired in Gs or what recommendations could be made for driving the MP3 in autocross. The guy I work with took me for a ride along in his WRX in SM class. Was wondering what are the risks to the car as well other than burning out some tires. The MP3 I've got is bone stock. The cars that were in Gs at the meet I checked out were, SAAB 900 SE, a Bonneville, VW gti, and a Pontiac GP.

guess I was just looking for oppinions as to what I could expect.

 

[toucci]

your car will kick their asses with the right driver (friday)

 

[Zerv]

Yeah I won't be expecting too much. Gotta get used to it. It just seemed kinda weird looking at the classes as far as where the MP3 sits in class. Seems every other car in its class has more power than it... but then again I know where the strength of the MP3 is.

I'm looking forward to it though

heh do have to admit though at the meet is was fun seeing the twin turbo viper running the track.

 

[dmitrik4]

the MP3 has become way low-powered for GS, but can still do well since autoX is not at all about power (ok, it's a little bit about power). the MP3 probably has the best suspension setup in GS, the celica GT included.

there's a saying that autoX is 99% driver, 1% car, and that's basically true. a good driver in a protege can beat a terrible driver in a Z06 most of the time.

your real disadvantage is your inexperience. have fun, stay with it, and get experienced people to ride along with you. autoXers tend to be extremely friendly and helpful, esp to newbies. most of all, have fun!

 

[Vanimaniac]

the MP3 has become way low-powered for GS, but can still do well since autoX is not at all about power (ok, it's a little bit about power). the MP3 probably has the best suspension setup in GS, the celica GT included.

Yes, driver is key, suspension is key too. And mazda's have good out of the box suspensions.

 

[beavis]

when i first started out i was in gs with my 93 celica gts. i thaught it was way under powered but i always seemed to do decent. i even won a few times and the suspension in the mp3 is way better than my tired old celica was. best thing that i can say is don't over drive.... slower is faster than you think.. autox is the only sport that i have seen an old 79 super beetle get ftd

 

[Zerv]

Thanks for the support. However still curious as to what could be some hazards to the car other then tires. I don't want to destroy the car just for a sport. still need to get around. Yeah the guy at my work really seems to be interested in how the MP3 will do after how much he's read about the car.

Thanks for the advice

 

[DistantTea]

If you are super agressive you can do a couple things to your car besides the obvious tire wear issues.

1.) Brakes go faster when you autox. Depending on how hard you are on them you can wear your OEMs in one to one and a half seasons.

2.) Cones CAN and WILL do damage. We have have broken two of our underbody protector panels being too agressive and we have plenty of little paint chips all over the rocker panels and bumper sides. A fresh, never touched cone is almost as soft as a baby's butt and can't hurt your car... unfortunately every cone at an autocross is going to be covered in tar, dirt and sometimes woodland creatures. They can get stuck under your car and break some of that plastic. If you drive a little more conservatively none of that will happen... but seriously, what fun is that?

3.) Switch to synthetic oil right away. On a super hot day you'll run your car wicked hot. I don't think it can do damage to your turbo but better safe than sorry over the long run.

4.) The only way you are going to do any damage other than the light stuff mentioned is if you cross the agressive line, pass right past the wreckless line and land smack dab into the insanely stupid zone. I've seen a car end up ontop of a tall bush and another one take out a horse fence... from above. I've also seen some cars break bad things by flying into curbs. Accidents happen but every one of those accidents involved stupidity at levels that far surpass what you see on daytime television.

All in all autocross really isn't going to do anything if you just go out there to have fun. Maybe a little extra tire wear if you don't push too hard. Its once you start going for points, start pushing the envelope of your limits does any actual harm come to your car and even then its so minor... hell most of my paint chips came from highway driving, not conage.

 

[Leigh]

3.) Switch to synthetic oil right away. On a super hot day you'll run your car wicked hot. I don't think it can do damage to your turbo but better safe than sorry over the long run.

You know the MP3 doesn't have a turbo right?

It should do fairly well in GS - at least I hear stories to that note. We dont have one out where I run anymore...

Most important thing with regular AutoX IMO is to be super good about your maintence. While its unlikely anything will really break, you are putting additional stress on the vehicle on a semi-regular basis, be nice to the car; use synth oils, get all your fluids and other wear parts checked/changed regularly (better than recommended intervals when possible) and expenct to invest in an annual or bi-annual alignment... a quick once over at the end of the day never hurts either.

The only thing besides tires that is almost garaunteed to get torn up somewhat is your paint. Probably not a good hobby for show cars. If its a concern I see some ppl using clear bras, painters tape, etc to protect the most frequent impact areas. Keeping a solid coat of wax on the car helps too.

 

[DistantTea]

You know the MP3 doesn't have a turbo right?

(stooges)

Yeah... yeah I do... wasn't paying attention.

 

[dmitrik4]

don't get us wrong...while the MP3 is probably stilll a decent GS car, a lot of that will depend on the competition. for example, i'd pick an SVT focus over the MP3 in a heartbeat.

Thanks for the support. However still curious as to what could be some hazards to the car other then tires. I don't want to destroy the car just for a sport. still need to get around. Yeah the guy at my work really seems to be interested in how the MP3 will do after how much he's read about the car.

Thanks for the advice

as Tom said, you're not really going to damage anything unless you drive recklessly. i have paint chips and scratches (and probably a few broken plastic bits underneath), but it's no more than i would expect after 35,000 miles. tires will wear out quickly. brakes, maybe- but in my experience, the lack of power compared to grip means less speed, which means less braking.

in reality, you're more likely to damage your car on the way to an autocross than at the event.

 

[Zerv]

Thanks for the advice. I just kinda wanted some reassurance on it. I mean when I was checking it out the last weekend I couldn't see doing much damange unless I were to take it to the stupid level as mentioned and like nailed a light post or a curb. I don't plan on driving that hard especially since I'd need to get used to it. Kinda figured it'd be rough on the body a little if I started nailing cones. As far as a Focus SVT out there on the track I don't think there any in the area, if there are I haven't seen any and don't believe any are racing. Just mainly looking to at least go out and have some fun. Maybe eventually putting some money later on into the car and see where it goes.

Thanks again guys!