Autocross nerd thread: The Ultimate E9X A-Stock SCCA Autocross Build?

[lacartus]

Just to close the loop, the tapping was from slack in the adjustable end links. I cranked them down 5 full turns on each side giving it the slightest amount of pre-load and the tapping noise is gone. The only sound I hear is a slightly different thump over big bumps than with the OEM front bar, I'm guessing that is a combination of the bushings and the hollow RDS bar.

[modernbeat]

Originally Posted by Be Stock

Having the same total height as stated in the picture doesn't mean anything if the springs are compressed different amounts. The strut on top appears to have more spring compression as would be expected with a taller stack. The springs on both struts will reach the same compressed length when loaded. The strut with the taller stack would result in a higher ride height.

That is correct. If our stack height was too tall and preloaded the spring, the ride height would change. Our stack height IS the same. Our perch height is the same. And the cars we tested our OEM perch on have the same ride height as OEM. In fact, there are a couple tweeks we could do to loose another 1/8" of perch height and about 1/4" of stack height, but that wouldn't be the same as OEM, which is what our 1M/E90M3 plates are designed for.

The picture is posed. We actually used a square to measure to the fender lip and a pair of calipers to measure to the rocker panel pinch weld. But the info is accurate.

[Merked M3]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

Another outstanding experience with the M3 at an autocross at NCCAR where the pavement is perfect and extremely grippy. I love these Rivals, and they are wearing well. I managed to pull off 1st place PAX out of ~95 cars -- really loving the M3 in F-stock. I'm continually amazed at how well this car puts down power coming off elements. I had to execute the 1-2 shift in the middle of a two gate complex, and it stuck much better than I was giving it credit for (too much experience with the M5 wanting to bust the rears loose any chance it gets I guess -- M3 wins on a more useable torque curve).

I dropped almost a full second on my last run by super late apexing the sweeper at the far end of the course. It felt "slow" being wide down there, but I got way around the back side of the last pointer cone and was able to rotate well and put down power well coming off it.

Did I say I love the E90 M3 on an autox course?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5VpjPytJis

More videos of the next autocross coming soon.

Chuck

Wait, F-Stock!?!?!?!? What did I miss? I am still classing my car in A-Stock!!!!

[arter]

You are right, the E90 M3 is now F stock, wow......must have rebalanced everything

[Richbot]

Page 172 of the rulebook, it's a good train you should get on it

[Richbot]

http://stlsolo.org/sites/default/files/event3_pax_0.htm

Had my first experience with the car and the michelin PSS in wet/misting conditions today. Magic. Great rain tire. Street settings with the dampers turned almost all the way down made for a great rain setup too

The mustang was on the dunlop Z2. No standing water but 50 degrees and misting

[CSBM5]

What size PSS' are you running?

[Richbot]

Stock 18" sizes they are just my street tires on oem wheels

[CSBM5]

Nice, the PSS are great tires. I have them on my M5 and love them.

I'm still enjoying the BFG Rivals on the M3, and especially enjoying the M3. Rich you are partly responsible for me buying this car after seeing your experiences in this thread! I'm not disappointed in the least. Everything you said was spot on. This thing is a blast, and very competitive in F-stock. Had it at the Performance Center a couple of weeks ago for a BMW CCA autocross event and snagged overall FTD with the car. I really enjoyed driving it on course as this is not really an autocross per se (this is a Hero3 so put it in 1080p and full screen it ):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFhtzGsXD6M

[Richbot]

Preach it, brother.

[Richbot]

Street proposal getting closer to finalized, can downsize the 19's so a stripped comp package E92 might be the M3 to have under the proposal if it wasn't already

Hankook rs3 or the rival look like the best options for the car on streets

[CSBM5]

Looks like camber plates are now out in new street class...sadly.


Rich, are you running open stock this season or in tire class?

[Richbot]

Whatever is most advantageous, in that rain event I ran the tire class because we get a .980 multiplier, otherwise I'm running the Hoosiers until they're dead and then switching to streets

Camber rule was not good for the class, IMO, as nice as it would be to have I don't see a good ending to going down the road of allowing "nice to have" stuff in the least modified category, especially permanent modifications to the structure of the car (it allowed slotting of strut tower holes) or only giving some cars but not others the allowance (strut cars yes, a-arm cars no)

Diameter rule I was against too, but I see it as less detrimental and an easily reversible change to the car, in something that you were spending money on anyway in the existing rules, so it doesn't bother me as much. Plus the 18's are the right size anyway, and it lets comp package cars downsize which means more potential F-stockers

[Maypo]

Update on the 2013 campaign:

Installed a set of the TCKline/KONI D/As in the spring, and have been running primarily the NW Region SCCA series. Competing in PAX class and doing very well.

The A6's have held up beautifully. I flipped them at 55 runs and they now have 88. Somewhere around 60 the rears seemed to lose bite. I'll have a new set on next week for the Packwood Tour.

Recently I set the front swaybar to full hard, and after adjusting to it, am even happier with the car.

Finally put in a harness and boy is that nice.

Been experiencing intermittent 'limp mode,' so am in full-court press on getting that diagnosed.

Currently, we (my wife and daughter included) are planning to attend Nationals.

[Richbot]

That's awesome, congrats on the (mostly unopposed) win! A win is a win! Where did you pax?

I recently put the front bar on one side middle, one side still on full stiff, it's amazing how much better the balance is on street tires. I'll put it back next time I'm on Hoosiers but the things we do for autocross...

[jcp907]

Hello all! I hope this thread isn't too old to bring back. I think this post is relevant to the thread, and, I can't start my own thread yet.

Anyhow, I have been running my M5 in F stock here in Florida and absolutely loving it! I'll certainly start 2014 in the M5. But, at some point, the hunt will begin for another ride that is more competitive. I want your opinions, please.

Given the rules, it looks like the coupe with a ZCP package 2011+ M3 with modifications already discussed here would be tough to beat. Is this on the right track? I want all excuses to be removed from the car so I can squarely say it's my fault, when I don't perform as hoped

I see a familiar face. Chuck has offered great advice on the M5board, and I hope to hear his opinion here, as well!

Thank you in advance, and great thread Rich! It looks like you have been having a blast!

Jay

[Kung Fu English]

Originally Posted by jcp907

Hello all! I hope this thread isn't too old to bring back. I think this post is relevant to the thread, and, I can't start my own thread yet.

Anyhow, I have been running my M5 in F stock here in Florida and absolutely loving it! I'll certainly start 2014 in the M5. But, at some point, the hunt will begin for another ride that is more competitive. I want your opinions, please.

Given the rules, it looks like the coupe with a ZCP package 2011+ M3 with modifications already discussed here would be tough to beat. Is this on the right track? I want all excuses to be removed from the car so I can squarely say it's my fault, when I don't perform as hoped

I see a familiar face. Chuck has offered great advice on the M5board, and I hope to hear his opinion here, as well!

Thank you in advance, and great thread Rich! It looks like you have been having a blast!

Jay

M3 can be competitive, but a Boss 302 Mustang is the most competitive F-Stock. Possibly followed by the Audi S4 and then the M3, but I'm less sure on that.

[jcp907]

Originally Posted by Kung Fu English

M3 can be competitive, but a Boss 302 Mustang is the most competitive F-Stock. Possibly followed by the Audi S4 and then the M3, but I'm less sure on that.

I don't see the Boss 302 as being legal...if I am missing it in the rules, please shoot me a link! The Shelby GT (07-08 is legal), but is giving up power to the Coyote powered GT (with street tires, they may be more equal). But, without R Comps, the BMW might have the upper hand over both Mustangs.


Regardless, I want to know which M3 will have the best shot with the 2014 street classing. Any and all help is appreciated!

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by Kung Fu English

M3 can be competitive, but a Boss 302 Mustang is the most competitive F-Stock. Possibly followed by the Audi S4 and then the M3, but I'm less sure on that.

An E92 M3 almost won at the Nationals this year. He came in 3rd overall but had FTD on the 2nd day course. The car is definitely capable of winning a National title against the current F-stock Mustang crop when setup and driven properly.

[jcp907]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

An E92 M3 almost won at the Nationals this year. He came in 3rd overall but had FTD on the 2nd day course. The car is definitely capable of winning a National title against the current F-stock Mustang crop when setup and driven properly.

I'd also think that with the street tire rules, the Mustang loses traction more-so than the M3, so, it becomes even more competitive. I just don't know a lot about the various competition packages that are available. It seems that there are a few configurations that are available and I'd like to hear from those that are familiar with the platform.

For the next few months, I'll be researching to determine what options I want to look for AND, I'll be focusing on improving my driving. I pax'd 2.3 seconds behind Darren Seltzer last weekend. My excuses are that I was out in the 1st run group on an extremely dusty runway, They ran in the 3rd and 4th groups where there was a good bit more grip...oh who am I fooling, he is a bunch more talented! Regardless, I am happy with what I did with the M5 on street tires with an R-Comp Pax. But, I also realize that I still have a lot of work to do. Darren was also kind enough to ride with me and offer some feedback. I did also get creamed by an S60 in GS driven by Ian Stewart and Chi Ho in an E46 M3...that S60 is awesome...I digress.

I'd like to set up the ultimate E92 (not certain I can make it happen, but I have to try)...So, for those that have an opinion what's the best base to start with?

[Kung Fu English]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

An E92 M3 almost won at the Nationals this year. He came in 3rd overall but had FTD on the 2nd day course. The car is definitely capable of winning a National title against the current F-stock Mustang crop when setup and driven properly.

I know an e92 did very well but weren't mustangs all over the top 8? I'm probably mistaken though it's been a while.

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by Kung Fu English

I know an e92 did very well but weren't mustangs all over the top 8? I'm probably mistaken though it's been a while.

The Mustangs *are* F-stock...pretty much. Until the M3 was moved to F-stock and someone decided to try it out, there has been zero competition to the Mustangs.