offroad rallying

[slaterd]

Would they snap at the bolted area cause of torsional flex or is it just for the noise and vibrations?

[u3b3rg33k]

New OE rubber or the HD rubber upgrades are what I would recommend, unless it's a caged race only beast, then I'd probably go poly. Metal mounts just seem like a bad idea to me...

[slaterd]

What about drivetrain wise? Should I put the aluminum mounts on or just replace them?

[SlapDash]

I only know HDs at this point, still a newbie.

That iX launch at the dunes is wicked sick, but remember, in rally, the goal is to finish the event. There are jumps available -- and you can take them -- but make sure you don't ruin your car on Stage 1. At Maine, there's a jump for the spectators on Day 1, but even the top runners, L'Estage, Higgins, Duplessis, etc., rolled over it to save the car. Boring for spectators, a chance at winning for competitors.

But I am jealous of the guy at the beach.

[slaterd]

I've heard nothing but good things about the bilstein HDs. I plan on using those but I've also heard HRs were pretty good.

[u3b3rg33k]

I haven't broken my billie HDs yet, but unless you're building a baja vehicle you take a risk every time you go off a jump, right?

I feel like I need to link this thread in:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=106796

[Fusion]

How about shocks guys? Which brand could take the ass whoop and maybe even a jump here and there?

[u3b3rg33k]

That's what spec e30 does for balls to the wall track driving as well... Race pads and stock brakes.

[slaterd]

That's wht I was saying on the first post ha. Stock brakes would be more than ideal for offroading. Maybe just better biting pads

[u3b3rg33k]

I can't think of a single reason the stock braking system wouldn't be 100% ideal for offroad rally. Tarmac rally might be another story, but I'll just point to the spec e30 folks for that argument.

[Wild Ride]

Yea, Zimmermann drilled + good pads. In offroad (non asphalt) conditions I doubt they would fade because 1) you'll have lots od wheel slip 2) you won't be getting to track speeds.
A hydraulic hand brake would probably be good.

Cross drilled rotors would get all kinds of things lodged in them in the dirt.

[slaterd]

Yeah I plan on getting a storage unit to use as a garage cause I have shared parking and can't work on it. But I plan on rebuilding the suspension completely so I have a clean slate to start off with. Then beef it up as I go

[u3b3rg33k]

Speaking from experience, as I have rallied an E28 and two different E30s, I'd say stock suspension is your best starting point, but get some Bilstien HD springs, you will need dampening. Keep the stock sways in there, or you will lose control. Run some 195/70/14 snow tires on stock wheels.

Hey, that sounds like the setup I use for rallyx and ice racing. Only thing I do differently is run non-winter tires for non-winter events.

If you've never driven an e30 with a refreshed suspension (all new rubber bits, new shocks, working sways), hop in someone's and ask them to beat on it. It's night and day.
Aside from that, the most important things I can think of is don't lower your car, and skid plate it (which has already been mentioned).

One more thing - make sure someone's there to take pictures:

[MDVDuber]

Here's another shot...

I almost cried when the guy announcing the Super Special on the second day identified your car as a Nissan Sentra "or something"

BTW - It was a pleasure to see an E30 run.

[SlapDash]

All of my hopes are foolish.

The dentist is the first one you're going to go to when you smash your face into the steering wheel after hitting a giant seguaro, or whatever other 'trees' you have down there in AZ. Of course he'll cut you a deal!

All kidding aside, please, may you never smash your face (but if you do, let's hope you have a full-face helmet), sponsors will be hard to come by. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. I lucked out and had some services to offer in return (enter your own joke here).

Honestly, I would plan on not having any sponsors. Do it because you want to do it. And if someone offers you free lift time, or a discount on parts along the way, take it and be grateful -- and don't forget to thank them!

I actually gained a sponsor on the way to my very first stage rally, which was two weeks ago. This is quite rare.

And if you start in rallycross, the costs will be minimal. As in you can take your car right now, as it sits, and take it out rallycrossing. A skid plate might be helpful, but stock everything will do the trick until you learn the car, your skill and the courses.

I have six autocrosses and one stage rally under my competition belt. That's it. Prior to this, I attended intro classes at a NASCAR-type school, at Skip Barber (formula Dodge at the time) and a four- and a five-day class at Team O'Neil five years ago.

Go and participate first, then try for sponsors, but sponsors come in many forms.