[Autocross] Points Event #2 with TSCC : May 2023
Location: Suffolk Executive Airport
So after the last autocross, I definitely got the bug to make the car better for that too. While I still wasn’t a fan of the V730s overall, I decided I’d order another pair of 255s to put on the front (with 245s out back). The price was just so cheap that I couldn’t NOT do it ($150/ea shipped). I also purchased some Koni Special Active shocks from TireRack, plus some Powerflex offset lower control arm bushings (to replace the SuperPro LCA bushings I had already installed over the winter). I wanted more camber and to remain legal in STH. The Konis were primarily to help on track - the Esses at VIR in particular.
For starters I drove terribly. 4hrs of sleep, I had my son with me, missed an opportunity to eat lunch before my runs since I was running around helping novices and I just never felt it. Was a really fun course, just wish I was a bit better mentally/physically prepared. I still managed fastest STH run, but I had no chance of beating Tim Aro (who is a top level national competitor for the record) in the all-ST bump class. I think with better driving I could have knocked off a low 40 or high 39 sec run, but I don't see any chance of doing a 38.5xx to beat Tim. I finished 3/16 in the ST bump class, and 15/115 in overall PAX. Not terribly but was definitely kicking myself for not preparing myself better.
Now with all the typical racer excuses out of the way:
Observations on the car:
The shocks are awesome. The rear was far more planted and definitely improved in overall grip moreso than the front IMO. Will require playing with higher tire pressures out back. I was on my way to doing that, but my last run really needed to be a clean one so I erred on the side of caution since my driving was craptastic every run before that.
The 255s up front I'm not sure if they really bite notably harder. Considering I also added camber, and better shocks, I was kind of hoping for more. I ran them at 29psi all around. 31 up front was tried and didn't seem to have as much bite. Unfortunately with new tires means yet another pair that needs to be fully heat cycled to start being decent - wasn’t going to worry too much about them just yet. Tire pressures were a wild guess still. I was going strictly by “feel” and lower seemed better. Testing really needs to happen at VIR where measurements can be done more accurately, and my driving more consistent.
Since adding the shocks, the front bar feels more "free" if that makes any sense. I noticed this driving on the street but wanted to see if it held true when driving harder. I think that they make a big difference in helping to damp the added bar rate as well. It feels less "springy" as you pass the 0 lateral G mark transitioning from left to right or visa versa. It’s hard to accurately explain, and I’m not sure that there's any data that would be able to pinpoint it either. Best I can think is that it doesn't feel like it wants to "stick" on center, the body motion is more smooth in transition I guess?
I don't think using LC is any faster (yet - still playing with settings in the tune)... The main benefit is that it rapidly lowers your IATs sitting on the start line. You can see this in the video above. It drops from 154F down to 138F in about 5 sec sitting on the launch control. I wasn’t standing on it for an extended period of time for my fastest run as I was pretty much ready to leave, but it can definitely be done longer to drop it further.
My son got to ride along in the infamous high-IAT Golf R
Overall was still a really fun (but exhausting) day. My son had a great time and got to help set up course and ride along in some cool stuff before the day was over.
Now time to prep for another VIR trip in a few weeks!
