Yes, I have an addiction. I'm addicted to Autox :) (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 :shakes head: . 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 ;) http://www.the370z.com/track-autocro...ss-thread.html 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. :tup:

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 :hello:

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 :D. 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 :eek:! 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 :tup: . I wouldn't ask anyone else before I ask you guys :tup:



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 :tup:. I thank you in advance for taking your time to reply.

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!:tup:

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.

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.

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 :tup:.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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...

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.

In for info. :tup: and to keep tabs on you. :D

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 :tup: . 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.

:tup:


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 :eekdance: (you guys put me in a panic mode now lol :icon17:. 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

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.

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.

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.

Skip the RE-11's and get the bfgoodrich rival, those are the hot ticket in street tire right now.

Rivals are doo doo in the wet, though.

You may not like the change in ride with a stiff front sway. Nice for track work but you'll lose your teeth daily driving over bumps.

I am on my 3rd set of RE11 (265/285, 285/285, 285/285). My car is completely stock. There is no way I would consider running the 265 again as the 285 gave the car a much more balance feel. With the 265, my backend could barely kick out under power. With the 285, I find the car being able to go from understeer to oversteer with some throttle or steering input. It was nearly impossible to do it with the 265s. While the 285s felt much better, I can say the time difference is probably a few tenths at best. Still, the ability to drive the car the way I want it to is worth it alone. Also the 285 will make the car drive better in the long run as the fronts will wear less quick than the 265. (Yes the front made that much of a difference in how the rear drove)

As far as life, the 265/285 got about 200 runs and probably 7500 miles. The second set got about 180 runs but about 10K miles. My current set has about 12K miles on it and about 150 runs. They are almost past their prime, but I am holding on as long as I can before I buy new tires. I can tell you at 10K miles, these tires get extremely noisy. I currently have a 20 miles commute, I have to wear ear plugs as the car is unbearable in terms of noise. When they were new, they were definitely quieter than the RE050. RS3 and AD08 are comparable if not faster, but they don't come in the 285 35 19. They only come in 275 35 19, which is smaller in terms of overall diameter. 4 285 35 19 gives me a dead accurate speedo, the smaller tires won't. I also have to clear speed mountains here in California, so the bigger tire really helps with that.

As far as A6, I only did 2-3 events on them. It's funny that they feel like $hit in the course I ran them in, mainly because of the heat it had and the lot. I mean the A6 just didn't feel like it would turn, the car just understeer and plow where the RE11 would slide left and right and whenever I want. Yet when it came time to finish, I believe i was a second or something over my street tire run.

This was from last year. Tires were near the end of its life.

Common really now your just talking semantics. When it comes down to it what ultra high performance tire isn't doo doo in the wet. I know the RE-11, R888 etc are, but that is personal opinion too. I guess it comes down to how many wet autox sesions are there during the season then not (I have not had one in the PNW this year "knocking on wooding"). The street tire classes in my club have been preaching the Rivals, but one down side people have been talking about is they can wear quickly.

I used the star specs as wets and they were pretty good IMO. They are no Hoosier H20, but admirable.

Id stay away from any spring change if you want to stay stock. Your biggest improvements will come from bigger front bar and better tires. Cant beat A6 as optimum tire for C Stock. Anything less will be about a second or two slower. The BFG Rival and New Dirennzia Star Specs are emerging as a couple of best street going AX tires. People in street tire classes in my area are going with Dunlops mostly. Beyond this you will want to make sure your alignment is setup for autox as well. Its most overlooked and one of more important elements of the sport. Make sure you get enough negative camber and toe out to get most from your car. Also dont skip on tire size. you want at least 275 up front.

I haven't heard about this star specs someone please tell me about them?

Homework

One Hot Lap: Dunlop Star Spec Direzza ZII: A Tire as Exciting as a Date with Scarlet Johansson! (UPDATED)

One Hot Lap: BFGoodrich g-Force Rival: The Plot Thickens! (UPDATED)

New RE-11 Tires and a lot awesomeness!!!
 

So I'm going to start where I left off. Thanks for all the comments.

I had a fantastic Autocross season. The sentence where I mentioned I had "3 more sessions to go" .. yeah.. scratch that! lol That 3 sessions, ended up being 8 more sessions and then some! :rofl2: Yes I'm def. hooked on to Autocross.

I decided to go with 285/35 19" square setup of RE-11 which replaced my oem re-050. Let me just say: I was actually sad first few days after getting the tires installed because I keep asking myself,"WHY DIDN'T I DO THIS SOONER???" The car feels absolutely fantastic on 285 sq RE-11. I must thank some of the people who helped me (chris,spearfish,imzwel, etc) made my decision (Cossie, you know your experience with them influenced a lot). Car felt superb! The change was sooo good bc I went from crappy compound to much slicker compound. Also, I changed the front from 245 to 285 and rear 275 to 285. It just feels soo good driving and at the autocross. I love it! Here's an example how good the car feels: I was given a 2013 370Z with 700 miles at Nismo Performance Academy. After doing some laps in that, I couldn't wait to get into my car and do the laps. That's how good the 285 sq setup felt. Here are the tires

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...psab3310df.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps1ca91ccf.jpg
Back of the truck

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps0dbbf617.jpg
Getting them mounted. The dude installed tires, also has a older Z. You should have seen the grin :D on his face lol. He was more excited than me! haha

8/24/13: Exploring new chapter and kicking a$$ with RE-11
 

I'm going to go forward with my Autocross season runs:

I think by the time the RE-11s broke in perfectly (almost takes a good 600 miles), this was my first event on 8/24 at Philly SCCA. Also, first time I broke my barrier of my own chapter and started a new chapter. August heat and RE-11 grip = the result was phenomenal ! Granted I'm still a new driver but I was able to beat the person that's always 1s faster than me by 2 seconds! :eek: so a good 3s faster than before. I also learned that RE likes to talk to you. It makes sliding noises in different pitch letting you know what's going on.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps08ccfd68.jpg
I also got some magnetic number. Alas the al door, I had to put them in the rear quarter panel.

SCCA SOLO Autox 8/24/13 @ Wells Fargo Center lot 09 Nissan 370Z - YouTube

9/15/13: Furthest vanue
 

This was the furthest venue I attended! :rolleyes: I drove close to 2.5 hours to go to this place. Please ignore the laptimer as I was still tweaking settings on it. I was battling with two Rx-8 and my buddy co-drove with me. I was leading the WHOLE Day except one last good run by one of the Rx-8 bumped me to no. 2nd in Cstock but I was very happy. :tup:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps48bea097.jpg

9/22/13: Back to regular chapter/venue
 

This is my regular chapter. The gravelly/intermittently grassy old air strip is okay :rolleyes:. Since I was given a taste of other good lots, I'm starting to not like this one as the pavement never gets brushed or anything. Oh well.. I did pretty good. Def. closed my margin MUCH MUCH closer to my competitor in CS. I think I was only .20s behind the 2nd place. I took 3rd place

9/28/13: Nnjr!!!!
 

I have been wanting to go to NNJR soo bad. Everyone I talk to they were like,"Man! NNJR is crazy! They have the most National drivers in that chapter" etc. So, you know I had TO check it out. I must say, it was a love at first sight RUN! haha .. course is complex with a lot of twists and more acute turns (unlike air strips). Every class had national drivers competing on top. My c stock I think had 4 national drivers. It was something else. I loved every bit of it. Here's my run: I ran about 4s slower than national driver who drove my car and also praised about my sq setup, which reassured my initial thought.

10/06/13: Happiest day EVER?
 

What can I say about 10/06/13! Well it's one of the THE most happiest day in my autocross season last year. For the first time EVER, I will be taking the 1st place in C stock in Philly SCCA beating two FR-S (who keep messing up. I guess stress was getting to them :D :tup:) and an older porsche 911. I beat all 3 and got first place! :whoot: I also met a forum member there. I can't recall his name, but he said something like "speedfreak"? He had the same identical Monterey Blue 370Z as me. He showed up to the event in all season tires :( which made me sad. I know he probably didn't have the option or maybe garage to maintain two set of tires but driving a Z with all seasons is like eating a gourmet steak with plastic utensils ... you'll just not enjoy it. He was a really fantastic fella and ran pretty good. He couldn't beat my time but with proper summer tires, he will be fast! I was very happy with my win.

10/19/13
 

Even though my work doesn't allow me to go to NNJR (I lose 12 vacation hours), I just had to go there before the season was over. This time, I added an external mic on my Go pro hero 3 BE. I'll make another post on how I set that up etc.

Sound quality is def. awesome. Again, another fantastic layout by NNJR. Probably the toughest layout I had last year but tougher mean fun.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...psf6950b53.jpg

10/27/13: Season Finale :(
 

So, here's the season finale . I did good. Our original course designer was absent so they made a VERY tight course. Great for Miatas/s2ks but not so great for heavy 370Zs. But I did okay I think. I overall finished 3rd in C stock in my regular chapter.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...psa36450b2.jpg

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