Autocross Adventure w/ the 1LE

[PapaKlutch]

A big thanks for the in-depth response!

I've left my BFG Comp 2 A/S's (all 285's) on this summer and will leave them on until next spring when I'll grab the RE71 as next years summer street tire plus Ax.

[Burt]

Originally Posted by nilfinite

Competitive Track-Only: Don't track enough to have a recommendation here. RE-71R? NT01? Cup 2? R888?

I have a couple friends who don't run competitions on track, but they do track frequently (one has over 100 track weekends under his belt) and they run used slicks. They're easiest to get in 18s, and not too hard to get in 19s, and they run $500-700 for a set, lasting 2-3 events in their hands. You should have some experience to run slicks, but they give you monster grip at a reasonable price. There are two places that sell them in the US, I believe.

[nilfinite]

Originally Posted by Burt

I have a couple friends who don't run competitions on track, but they do track frequently (one has over 100 track weekends under his belt) and they run used slicks. They're easiest to get in 18s, and not too hard to get in 19s, and they run $500-700 for a set, lasting 2-3 events in their hands. You should have some experience to run slicks, but they give you monster grip at a reasonable price. There are two places that sell them in the US, I believe.

Interesting. That's a great idea! No wonder used slicks are easier to find. All makes sense now.

Now really tempted to play with some used slicks during the "slush" AX season (September until February).

[Burt]

If you're going to try slicks, I'd do it now. Since they're road racing slicks, they take longer to heat up than the hoosiers and toyos people run at autox, so you'd need hot pavement and as many runs as you can get (preferably with a co-driver) to heat them up. I get where you're coming from though, I have a friend with an old set on some 18" apex wheels I'd like to throw on for an event.

[nilfinite]

Originally Posted by Burt

If you're going to try slicks, I'd do it now. Since they're road racing slicks, they take longer to heat up than the hoosiers and toyos people run at autox, so you'd need hot pavement and as many runs as you can get (preferably with a co-driver) to heat them up. I get where you're coming from though, I have a friend with an old set on some 18" apex wheels I'd like to throw on for an event.

Gotcha good to know. I'll probably hold off on them for AX then. Already having trouble getting my RS3s up to temp. Sounds like they would be perfect for track.

The RE-71R should scratch the sticky tire itch when they finally comes out. They don't call them Hoosierstones for nothing!

[nilfinite]

A quick update update for the weekend. Going to be attending a Sunday autocross with the Golden Gate Lotus Club. They just posted the course map which is very nicely open compared to the last event! I'm actually going to shift out of 1st gear this time!



Went to my go-to shop (Trackspec Autosports) for an alignment check. Was very impressed that the front camber was consistent just a little bit of toe was different. Rear was also very consistent in terms of camber and toe. Zeroed out the toe in the front again and dialed the rear toe from a little toe out to no toe. Looking forward to seeing how the car behaves this Sunday.

Also saving some really good news to share after I get one final component!

[JRL1LE]

19 inch wheels? Those w/ RE71r's and you'll be at the top of the times sheets

[nilfinite]

Haha, I wish I had the wheels now! Won't be until the beginning of next year unfortunately which is fine since it seems like the RS3s will take a long time to wear down.

Thinking about the RS3s and how they need heat, I might give in and be one of those wierdos that uses tire blankets. Going to start with the cheapo silver insulation bubble wrap stuff and see how it affects temps in the paddock.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix...8025/100052556

[JRL1LE]

Originally Posted by nilfinite

Haha, I wish I had the wheels now! Won't be until the beginning of next year unfortunately which is fine since it seems like the RS3s will take a long time to wear down.

Thinking about the RS3s and how they need heat, I might give in and be one of those wierdos that uses tire blankets. Going to start with the cheapo silver insulation bubble wrap stuff and see how it affects temps in the paddock.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix...8025/100052556

Good idea, or just let me warm your tires

[nilfinite]

You are welcome be my tire warmer anytime, John!

[nilfinite]

1 roll was just enough! Bought the film this morning and using it this morning. Pretty cool. Going to cut up custom-fitted ones next weekend. Hopefully it helps today at Marina with a high of 61 degrees.

[nilfinite]

Had a great time with the GGLC today! Got more than enough runs. 6 in the morning and 8 in the afternoon. In the afternoon, I was asked to work one extra shift in exchange for 2 runs. Not a great trade but didn't mind taking one for the team. Lots of guys leave after the morning runs so the afternoon work groups can get lightly staffed. In the end, those extra two runs were amazingly helpful in getting heat into the tires and thus my time!

Competition: No FS competitors but a couple of really solid AS, BS, STS and STR competitors. I comped myself against Shelly Monfort (National Champ) in a AS '07 Z06 Corvette. Her best time was in the high 43s in the morning. Based on PAX, I should be exactly 1 second slower. High 44s to compare. I ended up getting 45.1! So a couple of tenths off pace despite the tire, wheel and setup disadvantage.

Tire Blanket: Did not work very well. After a run, the tires came back at 95 degrees. With the blanket, tires were basically the same with and without the blanket. Cooled down to 85 while sitting in grid. 2-driver or high ambient temps are the best solution to optimize RS3v2 tires. Afternoon runs were better for me. The gap between runs decreased enough that I was able to get more heat in the tires. Things were especially awesome during the last two bonus runs. No break at all between runs. Was finally able to get the tires up to 120 degrees and to hit 45.1! Surprised more than a couple of Lotus drivers that a gigantic Camaro was able to hit that time on such a tight course.

Course: I didn't arrive early enough to get a course walk. Luckily GGLC gives you enough runs that you can learn the course in the car lolol. Just one opportunity for second gear so the course was extremely tight.

[Burt]

Sounds like you're running really well! On the tire warmers, I'd cut the big sheets down and wrap them around each tire. You're still getting air movement front to back under the car, and you have a lot more surface area to lose heat out of the tread face that the sidewall. Tire warmers are a great idea for bigger regions though

[nilfinite]

Originally Posted by Burt

Sounds like you're running really well! On the tire warmers, I'd cut the big sheets down and wrap them around each tire. You're still getting air movement front to back under the car, and you have a lot more surface area to lose heat out of the tread face that the sidewall. Tire warmers are a great idea for bigger regions though

Thank you, Burt!

At Nationals, I'm going to petition that special-needs people like me need to get 14 runs to perfect the course lol. That's the only way I can catch up to these uber fast drivers.

I'll definitely try the individual tires method and report back. I think the wind coming from under the car was harming their effectiveness. There was a strong, misty and cold breeze all day. I was battling the wind from underneath to keep the blankets in place. If it was a sunnier and calmer day, the tire warmers probably would be champs. There are some custom, tighter fitted ones made out of delivery pizza heater material that is $200 bucks. I would say those were absolutely necessary if good-cold-weather tires like RE-71R and Rival S tires weren't available. Counting the days until the start of next season with new wheels and tires!