Poll: Which chassis should I AutoX?

5144 Views 15 Replies 9 Participants Last post by tyson, Apr 13, 2007

bittles110

Discussion Starter · Mar 31, 2007

What chassis should I AutoX?

1gen	6	40.00%
2gen	9	60.00%

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

bittles110

Discussion Starter · #2 · Mar 31, 2007

So I am seriously thinking about getting into AutoX, mostly cause I love the rush when you can take your car to the limit, but not cross the line. Speed scares the hell outta me, so I would prefer to venture near the redline while going modest speeds.

Here's the question: What chassis should I prep? The 87DX, or the 88Si? Both are modified as my sig states, however the 1gen more closely resembles a factory combination of parts. (It's basically Si without a sunroof or rear wiper.) What do you guys think? I know the suspensions are completely different from one another, but is there a distinct benefit between torsion bars and a solid axle versus coil overs at each corner?

Its me DUB

· #3 · Mar 31, 2007

Start with the 1st gen. Run a season in stock class...then decide from there. Starting with a slower car will teach you how to drive better.

ludesrv

· #4 · Apr 1, 2007

Its me DUB said:
Start with the 1st gen. Run a season in stock class...then decide from there. Starting with a slower car will teach you how to drive better.

True, then you could even swap a B series in there and make it a worthy competitor in a more advanced class at still a mediocre cost. Plus 1st gens look sweet as auto-x cars.

downest

· #5 · Apr 2, 2007

I'm going to agree on the above, if you can run in stock with the first gen, then run that to start off... and you'll definitely improve and learn a lot when you're using a car that's easier to get to the limit. You could always bring the other too, and try it in a fun run to see how you like it.

There aren't any first gens around here at autocross, I think it would be hot to see one.

Its me DUB

· #6 · Apr 2, 2007

downest said:
There aren't any first gens around here at autocross, I think it would be hot to see one.

The lowest times are net by the 1st gens around here. One's a modified CRX and the other is a stock Civic Hatch Si. Both have great drivers though, which really helps their times.

george34

· #7 · Apr 2, 2007

Its me DUB said:
downest said:

There aren't any first gens around here at autocross, I think it would be hot to see one.

Click to expand...

The lowest times are net by the 1st gens around here. One's a modified CRX and the other is a stock Civic Hatch Si. Both have great drivers though, which really helps their times.

Is the crx that you are talking about Yellow and in EP? If so that guy is one of the chair people for the region that I do some of my auto-xs with.

Its me DUB

· #8 · Apr 2, 2007

george34 said:
Is the crx that you are talking about Yellow and in EP? If so that guy is one of the chair people for the region that I do some of my auto-xs with.

Small world...sounds like the same one. Says Video Stop on the side...

george34

· #9 · Apr 2, 2007

I'm not sure about that but it does have a Pure Tunning sticker( I might be on the windshield)

bittles110

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 3, 2007

Awesome posts guys! Keep em coming.

Anyone know of a decent 13 inch tire to run with?

george34

· #11 · Apr 3, 2007

bittles110 said:
Awesome posts guys! Keep em coming.

Anyone know of a decent 13 inch tire to run with?

Unless your tires have no life left in them use them. Using normal street tires that are on your car now, they will also help you learn more. Be prepared to be very slow atleast you first four events (but it should be more like 10-12). Some people that are slow after there first couple events think that the problem they are slow is because of their car so they start modding their car like crazy. DO NOT DO THIS IMO. If you have not learned yet the driver is the most important part not the car. Just some advice that other my disagree with.

hondaman

· #12 · Apr 3, 2007

Let me make one comment here. None of the cars in your sig are going to qualify for running STOCK. The first gen has had a motor swap that like you say essentially makes it an Si w/o a sunroof. I assume we are all talking about SCCA rules here so that combo would at best fall into CSP. That is essentially what I compete with (84 DX w/85 Si motor). It could also be an Street Mod 2 car.

The 88 si is a Street Mod 2 car and the HF will soon be a an SM2 car once you drop the B16 in.

Now all that said I would say that you might be happier using one of the 2nd Gen cars simply because there is more aftermarket support for those cars as opposed to the 1st Gen.

For local events any one of the CRX's are probably going to reasonably competitive if you do the suspension right and get sticky tires. The farther you venture from home the unhappier you are going to be because it pretty much is a requirement in SM2 (or CSP for that matter) that you have a rear drive car with way more horsepower than you are going to be able to get (and put down) in a front drive Honda.

I don't want to seen negative here but rather just make sure you understand how we Honda drivers rank in the food chain. Myself, I don't care - I have a ton of fun in CSP even though those pesky Miatas kick sand in my face all the time.

At the end of the day just choose whichever car you think will be the best and go out and have fun and enjoy yourself!

Scott

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bittles110

Discussion Starter · #13 · Apr 7, 2007

Thanks everyone for the input, if I actually follow through with this I'll let you guys know what I did.

chet90si

· #14 · Apr 7, 2007

hondaman said:
Let me make one comment here. None of the cars in your sig are going to qualify for running STOCK. The first gen has had a motor swap that like you say essentially makes it an Si w/o a sunroof. I assume we are all talking about SCCA rules here so that combo would at best fall into CSP. That is essentially what I compete with (84 DX w/85 Si motor). It could also be an Street Mod 2 car.

The 88 si is a Street Mod 2 car and the HF will soon be a an SM2 car once you drop the B16 in.

Now all that said I would say that you might be happier using one of the 2nd Gen cars simply because there is more aftermarket support for those cars as opposed to the 1st Gen.

I was going to say the exact same thing. None of your cars are legal for stock. I'd use the 2nd gen. for sure.

glagola1

· #15 · Apr 10, 2007

I wouldn't worry about anything like which car to use or will you be competitive or any of that crap.

Pick a car from your stable and go race. You will suck. You will either become hooked or you will not care too much about it. If you become hooked you can always convert your 88si to STS2 spec and be competitive there. Now, by the time you become fast as a driver, who knows what the class structure will be like and what cars are the "must haves".

Just enter novice class and go have fun. After time you will know what direction to head with your machinery.

It's 80% driver and 10% machine and 10% luck when it comes to novice auto-x. Don't focus on the car yet.

I'm starting to repeat myself.

Rock on.- Matt

tyson

· #16 · Apr 13, 2007

hi matt! 8)

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