Yes, I have an addiction. I'm addicted to Autox :) (AK370Z)

AK370Z

Yes! I'm pretty sure seeing some of my facebook pictures, you know about this new venture. I never thought driving through the pylons can be SO ADDICTING. I'm going to give you guys a little back story. In March 2010, I did my first Autox Event. I showed up to the track late, it was a small setup in a parking lot, never walked the track, never looked ahead, never added or bled tire pressure, and obviously ran horrible times . I wasn't impressed at all with the event. Just for the sake of "taking on a new motorsports" event (and my friends pushed me), i decided to try a 2nd event. It was just as bad as the first one. I pretty much gave up and never tried again. I just never had a thing for Autox. I did HPDE here and there (colder months bc I have no oil cooler) and kept myself busy in 2010. During 2011-2012, I was in school, so I was pretty much absent from all motorsports event.

Since now that the Autox venue is literally .5 mile from my house (it's an old air strip which is a very big lot), I told myself to try this ONE last time. I read up on a online Autox articles, read the whole 370Z Autox Bible The Official 370Z Autocross Thread and came very prepared to the track and I had a blast! I have also noticed that I tend to like longer track setup than small parking lot venues. I didn't do good on the very first session (did a few DNFs) but I drove with instructors to get feedback on my driving. I also had them drive my car so that THEY could tell me how my car is setup etc. By the time I was on my 2nd session, I was doing much better. As I was shaving seconds with each run and I was getting closer and closer to the other Cstock cars. That was a great feeling. I felt like I was conquering a new chapter in motorsports and as the time was getting smaller, that gave me the fuel to keep pushing.

Our track setup is a long one. Typical runs are usually 60-80 seconds. We get about 6-7 runs on average (60 people total). It's an old airstrip. It's a VERY nice group of friendly people. Since some of the instructors had worked with me from the beginning, they are just as excited when I'm improving my time. I have just done my 4th event this year. I'm running 4 seconds behind the 1st position and 3 seconds behind the 2nd position in C-stock. I'm improving with each run. I DO want to thank those members that helped me with some of the questions (via pm) I had before each session

Here's my goal for this year:- I have 3 more sessions to go. I DO want to stay STOCK class (C STOCK). I think I want to stay stock AT LEAST next whole year (I want to maximize my driving first before I go crazy on modding). However, I do want to give these 1st and 2nd position C STOCK drivers a good run for their money . Let them know I'm here . I know I have a good second or two I can shave with more seat time. I have been driving without the VDC last two events. Z can be hard to tame without VDC especially on stock tires but I'm getting a hang of it. As for my Z, my tires are done . My re-050a are pretty much toast. I'm pretty much embarrassed to go to next session (Aug 11th) without new tires. I need a new set of tires ASAP. Believe me or not, I have driven my Z 74,000 miles. So far I had the OEM tires that came with the car + I bought a 1000 mile used set from Chrisslicks and just two rear tires in 2011 ! It must be a record. So please look below where I have a few question. Judging by the official Autox thread, we have some serious Autocrossing members here on the forum . I wouldn't ask anyone else before I ask you guys



Tires:
I have pretty much decided on RE-11. What's your input on these? I read the "official autox" threads and looks like these are VERY respectable and are pretty much step stone for A6. I want to run RE-11 reminder of this year (3 sessions = 20ish runs) and all next year (possibly upgrade to A6 in 2015). Most important question I should ask, what size re-11 should I order? I was initially gonna order 265/35/19 in the front and 285/35/19 in the rear? I'm bone stock suspension still. Is that a good setup? or go with square setup like Mr. Cossie who ran all 285/35/19? Is there any rubbing issue on stock or lets say if I get lowering springs? (Swift R). I will be doing autox at least once a month (some month probably twice a month if I end up going to Philly SCCA). I DO drive 70 miles (35 miles each way on highway) every day as daily commute. So, let me hear your suggestions on what size RE-11 I should order that'll let me run awesome times at the event and still I can commute highway.


Springs:
I have been hearing really good stuff about Swift R spring. I believe it gives our Z 1" front and 1.2" in the rear. Do you think I should get these or stock springs are just fine? I can do Swift R springs and RE-11 and shave at least 3-4 seconds? What's your thought on that?

I will be using this thread for all my autox questions, times etc. I have plenty of topics that I wanna discuss like pyrometers, alignment, swaybars, shocks etc. It'll follow once I get the Tires . I thank you in advance for taking your time to reply.

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speedfreek

Awesome! You better jump on a set of RE-11's right now if you can find them ASAP. They are being discontinued in the 19 inch sizes. The RE-11A will likely be available next year in 19 which will be the improved compound. Another tire to look at is the Dunlop Direzza ZII which is tops right now in its tire segment. I would definitely do the Swift springs. Night and day difference for me in handling. I just added Eibach sways and it really dialed in the suspension. Corners like it is on rails now. I may end up upgrading the shocks to some Koni Yellows. Depending on the class you run you will be limited on what mods you can take on but you can likely upgrade at least the front sway bar. Something to think about to continue improving the suspension to bring your times down more. Most importantly just enjoy yourself at the event as that's what its all about!

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threeseventy

The RE11 or new RE11A and Swifts will definitely give you 3-4 seconds over your current setup. 275 fronts don't rub with the drop.

The Hankook Ventus RS-3 is an even faster, stickier tire that was just recently adjusted to a 200 treadwear rating. It is vastly superior when it comes to grip, may wear a bit faster but that should not deter you. You could run them square at 285, they are directional and should be rotated often.

speedfreek

The RE-11A's will not be available in 19's until next year most likely as Tire Rack and other tire vendors do not have an ETA from Bridgestone as to when they will be released in that size. If AK decides to get some AutoX dedicated wheels in 18's then he will be able to run those or the BFG Rivals that get great reviews.

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AK370Z

Awesome! thank you. YEs, I got a good site that I can actually get all 4 RE-11 for about 1100 which is a good deal IMO considering re-050a ran close to 1600 in tirerack. I think RE-11 is discounted now so I wanna grab a set asap (by Saturday). No re-11A in 19" yet but as you've said, probably next year. But it should be a great upgrade over re-050 with the old RE-11. I will look into the Swift R springs and read some reviews .

Thanks threeseventy. So should I go with 275 in front? What rear will pair up good with 275? or stay with the 265/35/19 F and 285/35/19 REAR?

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AK370Z

yes. I'm saving dedicated setup for 2015 season. Gonna give myself a full season to improve my times with RE and possibly springs and sways. Do you run re-11 for autox?

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speedfreek

I gotcha. Never tried autox only track. I am actually on the hunt for a set of tires for track setup. Maybe after you get your set of RE-11's you can pass me the info on what site still has some in stock. I was in talks with Tire Rack today and they didn't have any in the size I need and recommended the Direzza ZII's. Their reviews put them top of the heap but they are the newest compound in the extreme performance for 19's. The RE-11A's surpass them in the 18 size so once again they are king.

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threeseventy

I adjusted my post to include an even better tire. I thought RE11 was the be-all end-all until I started doing track events. They were good for learning and saved me seconds, but RS3 is super sticky and very streetable.

I won't discourage you from running square because I've seen it done and it's easier to keep wear even with rotation. When I run 275 in RS3 it wears the plastic fender liner because it's a wider 275 than the RE11 even at the same rated width.

JB1

I think the springs will bump you out of C stock. To my knowledge you can only do shocks, but no springs. But check the SCCA rule book to be sure. Other mods allowed are change front sway bar (not rear), cat back exhaust, brake pads and drop in air filters. But no other mods to intake system, such as Stillen G3 etc.

Where did you find the RE11's at that price? I also need to replace my stock tires shortly. Thinking about the Dunlops in stock size, but RE11's for 1100 sound good too. I'm at 24k miles and second set of rear tires but still on the original fronts. Outer edge for the thread is gone... Thanks to 3 seasons of autoX...

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gomer_110

Technically not true. You're allowed to change one sway bar but not both. On the Z34 you should change the front bar.

Also I wouldn't worry about the brakes whatsoever at this point if you have the sport brakes.

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Rusty

In for info. and to keep tabs on you.

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AK370Z

Me too. I was only doing HPDE. This is a totally different ballgame for me but I'm glad I tried. Now I'm hooked. I will pm you once i buy it. I did hear about the Direzza from a friend of mine. Something I'll try if I run out of thread on the RE. I can only imagine how well the RE-11A will do next year.. can't wait.


I think 285 square might a little too much for me. I think I'm leaning toward 265/285 now (after reading re-11 thread) as it seems it's the most fav. setup. Cossie ran 285 all around I think but I don't think I'm on his level yet in Autox. Maybe in future . I'll def. keep an eye out for RS3 too.


http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/...ated%205-1.pdf
You guys are right. I think I can only do shocks. Here's what they said about springs:

So looks like RE tires and a good alignment will do the trick now (no springs in stock catagory). Maybe I'll do Koni yellow starting next season. Is that 2 way adjustable? I gotta read that whole rules section again. And yes, just 1 sway bar change. I will discuss that later in this thread.




So guys, judging by the scarcity of the RE-11s, I think I'm gonna place the order STAT tomm noon or afternoon before they run out (you guys put me in a panic mode now lol . I'll post the link here tomm). Reading the RE-11 thread, it looks like 265/35/19 in the front and 285/35/19 rears in the back seems to be most favorite. Looks like I'll be ordering that unless you really want me to try a different setup. Let me know by tomm. Remember, I'm still learning in autox and I still have to drive 70 miles everyday on highway. So a little less aggressive setup like 265/285 seems more desirable, no?

Available size: 245/40-19 , 245/35-19, 275/30-19, 265/35-19 and 285/35-19.

Thanks guys

AK

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PharmDZ

It's good to see you out there AK! I've had a TON of fun at the two events I've done so far. Made huge improvements each time as well and like you said, gets better each time. I'll have to definitely look into a nice set of tires and maybe another set of times to stay competitive. I can't be in the novice class much longer after getting 3rd the first time and 1st this past weekend. LOL this guy is kicking butt if he's in C stock and running better times than me with my list of mods! Just shows you how important seat time is with any racing.

spearfish25

Glad to hear you're loving autox! The RE-11s are great tires and an improvement from the stockers. 265/35/19 and 285/35/19 will work well and fit fine. That's the exact size I ran. While people like square setups for less understeer I found the only understeer I got with those was driver induced if I cooked a corner. They also wear well and are reasonable as a daily driver.

For really competitive autox, the direzzas and rs3s are the gold standard for street tires. I would have tried star specs but they didn't come in 19s. Now the ZIIs are here and would be a reasonable tire to try. No idea what their wet handling is like for daily driving though. The RS3s are killer but you'll be limited on sizes and they suck in rain. I wouldn't daily drive them. The RE-11s are a safe bet for autox and daily driving at the expense of not having the latest and greatest tire technology.

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takjak2

RE-11 and A6s aren't comparable. On a 60 second course the A6s alone are worth 2 seconds over any street tire, RE-11 included. But next year slicks will finally be kicked out of Stock as the rules change to Street. So get the RE-11s. 265 in front 285 rear.

A stiff front sway bar will be a big difference. The Stillen G3 intakes aren't really allowed in Stock but you've got a long way to go before anyone complains. Springs definitely aren't allowed.

Keep it up! Next Sunday will be my 4th day of Autox in as many weeks.

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