experience, autocross can be a very fun and exciting sport. I participated in several events in the local area. I found a hobby that is very addictive.
Out of my other hobbies, I think this is one of the best "bang for the buck" as far as excitement goes to the car. Everyone can participate. All cars (some clubs are exceptions to this though, as no SUVs, no trucks) to compete. The nice thing about this kind of competition to compete with others in the class are usually defined by the SCCA, but then the track by yourself so minimal chance of other cars.
The hardest part autocross (apart from learning how to compete) in my opinion, is to find the right car. Of course, it is a daily driver, but this is not recommended if you are going to participate in several events in one year. Autocross can create the wear on the tires and other parts can be very expensive very quickly and fast. We recommend that a vehicle that allows the autocross. This can be a "trailer" or a car, they can also kick start, but only for a hobby.
There are 4 key components to be taken into account when choosing a car for autocross: get
1) What kind of car
2) The price of the car
3) the general condition of the vehicle (if applicable)
4) Aftermarket upgrades / modifications
get what car the AUTOCROSS:
autocross competition, some people assume that the car has to be very strong small, two doors and modified. This is not entirely accurate. Although these types of cars would be good, you do not need to be competitive autocross.
Keep in mind that most autocross events and clubs for cars grouped some kind of class. The club will attend the class follow the SCCA guidelines. The classes help of a group of cars, so the same "level" vehicles remain competitive within individual departments.
This is to avoid the "largest and fastest-best" state of mind. It would not be fair to counter a highly modified Porsche GT3 sets a Ford Focus. This is the reason to do this.
So, choose the right car autocross, you probably want a coupe or convertible, if possible. Sedans working well, but some sedans are not adapted to changes, even though the sport sedan today is really starting to take over.
Manual transmission would be advisable, but if you have an auto that is OK. It may be worth trading the manual in the future to remain competitive. Again, there are also "sport shift" type of automation out there that are getting better and better every day.
Ideally, you also want a rear-wheel-drive car autocross. RWD cars usually better regulation and management in most cases. I know that some fans there disagree with me, but that's okay. On the other hand, I have used several front-wheel drive car that runs on top of them.
Price
The price of buying a car autocross is always a factor for me. I, like many others, can not afford the expensive vehicle autocross. However, there are some that can afford it and the price is always something for them to make.
The $ 0- $ 5,000 range:
This is the range most people want to start to start. Of course, free is good, but then the third component (in general terms) when this opportunity comes to mind. Several cars that are performing well and have a lot of upgradeable options are as follows:
1989-1997 Mazda Miata – Very good power-to-weight ratio. It is very popular autocross. 1979-1991 Mazda RX7 – Quick little car handled well. Many upgrades available. 1989-1998 Nissan 240SX – A number of aftermarket upgrades, handles very well. 1990-1999 BMW 3-Series – Very versatile car. You can find a very nice model in this range. 1988-2000 Honda Civic / CRX – I saw several models compete well autocross. 1984-1999 Toyota MR2 – Low center of gravity, a high-performance, mid-engine. 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse / Eagle Talon – A number of improvements, some of the models Turbo AWD. 2000-2007 Ford Focus – a very competitive car. SVT models are available in the price range. 1997-2003 VW Golf – Hatchbacks still like autocross. VR6 model in the range. 1990-1999 Acura Integra – like the Civic, very competitive out there lots of upgrades.
There may be a few cars I've missed that fall in this price range. The method I use to hunt the cars vary depending on what I'm looking for. I will use the local classifieds, Craigslist. They will also looking to use more of the car and enhancing the overall "hunting" area. Successfully found using VEHIX great cars, AutoTrader and government auction sites.
But what about the autocross cars over $ 5000 range? Well, I'm glad you think that's because I'm about to list them below.
If you have a little money to work with and want to make something new, you can consider the following cars:
The $ 5,001- $ 20,000 range
This the range includes new cars, as well as pre-owned cars that are no more than a few years old. Do not forget that cars generally depreciate very fast, so the years go by, some of the newer car is within reach for less money and a large autocross. The following cars come to mind in this range
bol 1998 Mazda MX-5 – Still the same basic car, but later were given more power. From 2003 VW Golf – modified more than previous versions, can compete. 1992-1997 Mazda RX7 – 3rd Gen twin-turbo and compete in autocross. 1992-2006 BMW M3 – M3 is designed for racing. Some newer models will fall in this range. 1998-2003 BMW M5 – M5's very strong, and competition in the classroom as well. From 1994 Ford Mustang / Cobra – a very versatile car. Competing well in class. 1994-2002 Camaro / Firebird – compete well in class. Many autocross upgrades. 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 bol – Turbo, hatchback, competes well autocross. 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z – Great autocross car, very popular in the field. Special Autocross Kit cars like the Stalker V6 in this range as well.
Now, in this price range can vary in vehicles. Many of these cars are new and require loans to buy them.
$ 20.001 The spectrum consists of some of the current day model as well as the obvious "super cars" we all respect as the Corvette, Viper, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus and others. It does not contain a list of those, because if you buy such an autocross car, that was it for research.
overall condition of the vehicle (USED IN):
when you are buying a second car autocross, he manages to make when buying a car daily driver. We want to be the car that is relatively free of major problems. Autocross racing to put pressure on the car frame, suspension, brakes, tires and bodywork complete.
You want to be sure that the car has not been any major accidents. Frame or frame damage repair can be very dangerous mix if Autocross. This is the most important thing to check when buying a car for autocross. I found and used the names Experian AutoCheck service. They offer unlimited VIN checks one of the service options and the price is much better than the other services out there. I used to use when shopping and comes in very handy if you check the history of a vehicle.
The next important item to check the car's main component problems such as smoke coming from the rear exhaust, large oil leak (small leaks are expected for most used cars), mild / severe overheating of the engine. Autocross outside and push it to the limit. We want to be the main component, the best way they can. Those problems can leave you stranded on the track, they do not look for them.
I usually have some expectations to do minor repairs or preventive repairs to vehicles me if I buy the Autocross them. As already mentioned, a small oil / fluid leaks "OK" and usually fixed very easily. Minor leaks say that the car is used only and does not suffer as a result of the leak. Large / major leaks say the car may have been neglected by the previous owner may make trouble and invisible at the moment. When you look at a car, start up, drive around the A / C section (even if it does not work). When I finished the test drive, leave the car idling for a walk will continue to investigate. If the car is overheating problem, it is often the time will be displayed. This tip has helped to avoid a number of beautiful autocross cars that had an overheating problem.
and hoses are the most common "pre-emptive" I'm improving, even if it is not a problem. It's always best when important element has been replaced, rather than to "guess" and trust the previous owner. Water pumps can sometimes fall into this category.
One thing people always check when buying a used car tires. Yes, it is very important to an autocross car, but did not see the "good" of the tires, but to see if the car needs an alignment. Autocross is the management and you need to be such that the vehicle fleet "Manage" capability, where it should be.
Why can not worry about the tires? Well, the tires should be one thing that you are buying the autocross car to start with, so the existing tires should be removed anyway. Tires wear is perhaps the most purchased items in a Member autocross will buy. Many autocross racers will compete in a set of tires, one on the way home (those who do not use the trailer), and some even brought a spare racing tires. This is so common that Tire Rack offers autocross tires only. I have used them and they are the best place to get tires for this.
AFTERMARKET changes AUTOCROSS
If you ever look into the aftermarket world auto industry, you know that there are literally thousands of places to look for and buy. I will list a few spots that most people do not think to look, but surprisingly things in autocross enthusiasts.
First and foremost, autocross cars do not always need major upgrades to be competitive. The driver can use the kit car and compete with other stock vehicles and remain competitive. Once you start to change or upgrade hard, you will begin to move in different classes, and compete with other cars, both changed. Keep in mind that if you want to change something.
Usually I say, change the easy thing first: Intake, exhaust and general tune up. Most managers do not autocross far from this. They should be the first thing you need to upgrade, while participating in autocross, to extract the maximum performance out of your vehicle.
If you decide to go on to be more competitive, the following recommendations were suspension and body roll changes. Please keep in mind some improvements in this area can change the class. Make sure that the clubs or groups of rules changes.
Generally, the fastest autocross car would be an upgrade to the front and rear strut tower bar / braces. They are generally inexpensive to buy and easy to install. They are also very modular means that if you buy these, you will work with other suspension components in place (usually). This amendment helps to stiffen the chassis and frame, and helps in cornering.
The following recommendations will be modifying the front and rear struts and links. These components also help the body roll in cornering and handling, and sometimes a modular suspension system as a whole.
The final suspension upgrade is usually the most expensive: The struts (shocks / springs). This update will generally work well for these items, but the ads stiffness, multiple responses to treatment, and sometimes let the car's overall center of gravity is lower.
Once modified, the complete suspension of the following recommendation would be to upgrade the brake (or at least the pillow). This will help stop the ability of those moments when you need to tap the brakes on a circle. Please note that the high-performance brake pads usually wear much faster than the OEM.
One last thing I recommend that you upgrade your tires. Now I'm not saying do not have to buy new tires for the first time when autocross, but I will say that they do not update an autocross / race tires just yet. Most autocross enthusiasts will tell you to get used to the set / regular tires of the car first.
Once you get used to modify the stock tires are softer rubber tires in a race or really improve your lap times (this theory anyway).
One last note. It is proposed to replace the fluids in the car as much synthetic as you can. Synthetic fluids with high heat resistance and can put the car in autocross during the intense moments circles.