I'm just wondering if there are any springs worth buying that would make a difference with my autox events. I know I can get a lower center but will they work better than stock as far as rates and matching stock struts. I just can't afford to go with coilovers. Just curious, I might just wait and learn more with it the way it is.

 

Springs do not offer enough performance for autocross purposes as they would bump you out of stock into Street Prepared class (provided we are talking SCCA classing rules). In SP classing, specifically ESP at this time, you would be less competitive against full coilover prepared cars in addition to other modifications.

STU is a possibility on street tires, but same logic applies here as well. You would be better served getting a front anti-roll bar only that is allowed in stock classes.

 

Well right now I run in ESP since it has a better index. I can't really compete with either of the guys who win AS or ESP so I just go to where I can get the most outta the index

 

I was toying with the idea of doing STU next year (assuming it was offered locally) and was thinking that I would do just springs initially as an interim measure while I did other things to the car. The plan was then to go to coilovers the following season.

More likely, I will just stay in AS...

JW

 

I run ESP and use Tanabe springs. They work good. There is less body roll and handling is very predictable.
To say you can't be competitive in ESP against others with coilovers isn't necessarily true. There have been several events where there was an Evo in my class with coilovers, more mods, and Hoosiers...I still turned 1+ second better times. It's more about driving ability than anything. At the last event there were 6 Evos in ESP. There were two with Tanabe springs, one with Tein S-Techs, one with coilovers, and two with stock springs. I placed 1st and the other Evo with Tanabes placed 3rd.

 

The sad thing is that I have the only evo I've seen at my regions events, But the last event had 5 or 6 STis. We'll I guess I need to think about it some more. One thing is that if I lower the car some then that will kill my rallyx fun.

 

I do not know why you would want to run STU, as ESP still has a better RTP-Pax multiplier. If you are looking for a better placement overall (As opposed to a class win), you want to be in ESP. Even if the other ESP guys slap you around, you have a better multipleir than AS or STU.

 

I run STU with my set up and I am faster than most in ESP. I just don't want to have to buy race tires all the time so the class works for me a a local level. Right now I am using the Tanabe GF210's and like them very much. Just not sure what to do next with the car.

 

The only reason I said STU is in case they bump it out of ESP into something else.

 

I would not pay attention to PAX factors, they truly do not mean anything. It is just a statisticaly calculated number. You really only compete within your own class, there are no trophies for overall placement.

In auto-x, if being competitive for the top 3 spots is important, you should make modifications according to class rules and try to maximize within that class.

For the Evo that is tough as there is a chance that it may be moved to a different class. However, it will not move out of Street Prepared, BSP or ESP. And from a chassis perspective, the STx and SP rules are very close, the only real differentiator is the allowed tires.

So, at the end of the day, if you are trying to run competitively, you have to look at rules, and try to take the most advantage.

I'll say again and in a little different manner In our region, with springs only you cannot be competitive in ESP and definetly not in BSP. That changes from region to region, but in high population areas, it is very difficult.

However, as several pointed out, the best investment you can really make is on the driver. Auto-x schools are the most bang for the buck

 

IMO suspension tuning is an artform and just throwing hardware at your car probably won't get you the results you're looking for. FWIW I'd say get your car setup by John Mueller at RRE (http://www.roadraceengineering.com/) - or someone like him. I've heard nothing but great things about RRE and as far as springs go they seem to recommend Eibach. Of course after reading up, you might wanna save your pennies and go with their JIC custom setup. Visit their website, or do a search for them here on the forums.

Personally, I'm not looking to change the suspension on my Evo until sometime next year. Since I know I'm an ignoramus when it comes to tuning my suspension and that the stock suspension is already very well balanced, I will most likely go with these guys (unless I can find someone as good closer to IL). However, until then I will be playing with the suspension setup on my A4 beater to try to learn as much as I can... (got Koni coilovers coming, mwahaha)

 

I'm also looking at possiblity of running my EVO in STU next year...
I want to run Ralliart (highest non-progressive rate) springs
first before saving up enough for the coilovers. What do you
guys think?

 

I have spent the time tuning the my setup, I have on the car right now Falken Sports, Tanabe GF210's, Works 24mm adjustable rear sway bar, A modified front sway bar W/poly bushings. The car has a lot of grip. (1.05g on a G-tech for what thats worth) I have now really started to enjoy this car, I have out turned other cars that have coilovers on them. Just because a car may have coilovers does not mean it will be faster. My tires roll over as far as I want them to. Your alignment plays a big roll in how a car handles. It's not just the hardware. It's the whole como. I could go with coilovers, not real sure it would turn out faster. GF210's can work, only with other mods.