AutoX noob checking in!

[Rhynolite]

Hi there, I've been reading up on AutoX for a bit now and I wanted to see how my Audi would fare. 1998 1.8 turbo FWD (yayyy understeer)

What would be the soonest time I could get out there with you guys and throw my car around the track in some practice runs? Also, I've been looking at the classes and I've seen numerous different things I could be in. All I've done performance-wise right now is a chip, but coilovers are soon to be put on. Would this put me DSP? Or STX?

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks
Eric

[nalbar]

Hey Eric!

The next practice is Dec 8. The flyer will be up within a week or so. If you go to the official site ( http://www.sdr-scca.com/solo2/ ) and hit the 'schedule' button to the left in about a week you will be able to download the flyer. A notice will also be posted on these forums.

In order to run in our region you need a SoloCard. Think of it as a region drivers license. It costs 15 dollars (half price) and expires at the end of the year (unfortunate timing). However, if you renew your card by Dec 31 the renewal is only 10 for 2008. That does NOT include the entry to the practice (it will be 40). Instruction will be available at the practice.


nalbar

[Rhynolite]

Hey Nal, thanks for the fast reply.

I read on the SCCA site that I can get the SoloCard at the registration on the day of the event.. true?

And also, any idea on my racing class?

[nalbar]

I read on the SCCA site that I can get the SoloCard at the registration on the day of the event.. true?


Yes, at EVERY event, practice or champ.





And also, any idea on my racing class?

STX, I think. The chip throws me. Once the coilovers go in, it's STX. Of course you can always run SM.


nalbar

[Rhynolite]

Sweet, more answers. :D

Finally, would it be worth it to come out and race my first time out, or just come out and get a feel for everything before actually hopping in?

[woodrufj]

Depends on what the chip does. If it effects boost, you're off to DSP.

As for ST classes, I think your audi qualifies for STS. For the most part STS excludes forced induction, but there's some allowance for small displacement, and I think the VW's 1.8Ts are called out as a legal example.

This is grass roots racing. No reason to come out and waste the day watching, get out and participate.

Jay W
505/287 Dakota

[Mazda_Gremlyn]

The only thing the chip can affect is fuel, so no timing/boosting adjustments.

[woodrufj]

Spark timing looks debatable. Was there a clarification ever published? My interpretation of what's written is car's with traditional rotors can advance their timing, but electronic timing is not mentioned (and therefore not an allowance).


Here's the 'computer' section of STS (which carries into all ST classes).
---------
E. The engine management system parameters and operation may
be modified only via the methods listed below. Any and all modifications
must meet or exceed the applicable US DOT emissions
standards for the year, make, and model of the car. These allowances
also apply to forced induction cars, except that no changes
to standard boost levels, intercoolers, or boost controls are permitted.
Boost changes indirectly resulting from allowed modifications
are permissible, but directly altering or modifying the boost
or turbo controls, either mechanically or electronically, is strictly
prohibited.
1. Reprogrammed ECU may be used in the standard housing.
Traction control parameters may not be altered. Altered
engine controllers may not alter boost levels in forced induction
engines.
2. Electronic components may be installed in-line between an
engine’s sensors and ECU. These components may alter the
signal coming from the sensor in order to affect the ECU’s
operation of engine management system. Example: fuel controllers
that modify the signal coming from an airflow sensor.
3. Fuel pressure regulators may be replaced in lieu of electronic
alterations to the fuel system. It is not permitted to electronically
modify the fuel system AND replace a fuel pressure
regulator.
4. Ignition timing may be set at any point on factory adjustable
distributor ignition systems.
5. VTEC controllers and other devices may be used which alter
the timing of factory standard electronic variable valve timing
systems.
6. All STS vehicles must comply with the Federal 49-state
safety and tailpipe emissions test requirements as a minimum.
--------------

[woodrufj]

As for ST classes, I think your audi qualifies for STS. For the most part STS excludes forced induction, but there's some allowance for small displacement, and I think the VW's 1.8Ts are called out as a legal example.

And since I was there, I looked up the STS elgible list
-----------
Also Included (Small Turbos):
- VW Golf/Jetta/Passat/Beetle 1.8T
- VW Golf/Jetta/Passat/Beetle TDI
- Audi A4 1.8T and TT (Coupe and
Roadster), non-Quattro
- Mazda 323 GT/GTX
- Volvo S40 (except T5) and V40
------------

[Sean G]

The only thing the chip can affect is fuel, so no timing/boosting adjustments.

All VW/Audi 1.8T OTS chips affect boost AND timing. The car goes to SP. Is it true that you can't adjust timing in ST? I find that hard to believe.

[nalbar]

The car goes to SP.

Or SM. Because of quirks in the San Diego region, SM is probably a better fit for him, if he does not fit in STS.

nalbar

[Cullen]

Hey guys, you realize that Rhyonlite isn't coming back right? New people never follow up on the massive amount of feedback they get from the nice people on this forum. Such a shame....

But, he could prove me wrong! Rhynolite, if you are reading this, don't come out to watch, come out to play!

[woodrufj]

All VW/Audi 1.8T OTS chips affect boost AND timing. Not true. I know of a past VW driver who had a non-boosting chip on his 1.8T.

Jay W
505/287 Dakota

[Rhynolite]

The chip in my car greatly increase the boost, from a 7 spike up to 16 spike and 14 holding.

So DSP For me? Seems like the DSP class will have people with a lot more mods than me and a lot more driving experience. Oh well, I'll be out there to have fun! :p

[Rhynolite]

Hey guys, you realize that Rhyonlite isn't coming back right? New people never follow up on the massive amount of feedback they get from the nice people on this forum. Such a shame....

But, he could prove me wrong! Rhynolite, if you are reading this, don't come out to watch, come out to play!

Oh I'll play all right. Can't wait to throw my car around out there. :D

[woodrufj]

Your competitive class isn't that important up front, just that you get in a legal one. You'll get your butt kicked for the first 6months just picking up the learning curve. But don't worry much about it, we've all been there.

Jay W
505/287 Dakota

[Sean G]

Not true. I know of a past VW driver who had a non-boosting chip on his 1.8T.

Jay W
505/287 Dakota

On purpose? :D

I'll revise: All OTS 1.8T chips SHOULD modify boost...

[Rhynolite]

You know, I'll probably be taking the chip out of my car for AutoX and running with a stock ECU. I've been snooping around Audi AutoX threads and a lot of people are saying that the 1.8 engine with a chip is pointless; the power is brought on too quickly for it to make a difference.

[Cullen]

You know, I'll probably be taking the chip out of my car for AutoX and running with a stock ECU. I've been snooping around Audi AutoX threads and a lot of people are saying that the 1.8 engine with a chip is pointless; the power is brought on too quickly for it to make a difference.

Yeah, don't buy whatever is in doubt about whether it makes you faster. Sell the chip, and spend that money on the crappiest set of tires you can find and race on those.

[Sean G]

Sell the chip, and spend that money on the crappiest set of tires you can find and race on those.


I've got 4 225/45/15 Hankooks in my garage ;)

[Rhynolite]

Yeah, don't buy whatever is in doubt about whether it makes you faster. Sell the chip, and spend that money on the crappiest set of tires you can find and race on those.

...or get the coilovers I have sitting in my garage installed. ;)

I think my Kumho Ecsta's will hold up pretty decently for my first couple of runs. If not, I have my old OEM wheels with Screechalins- er.. Michelins- on them that I can run too.

[Cullen]

...or get the coilovers I have sitting in my garage installed. ;)

I think my Kumho Ecsta's will hold up pretty decently for my first couple of runs. If not, I have my old OEM wheels with Screechalins- er.. Michelins- on them that I can run too.

Don't install anything performance wise until you know how to drive your car as fast as it can already go. You will be even faster than your novice self on a car with coilovers.