88 ix competitive in autox? (SCCA related)

[Jglaze]

After a number of years just watching, I finally got myself into autox (SCCA). I'm running my first year in Novice (obviously), but I'm looking ahead to next season and what prep work I could be doing in anticipation of a larger group of competitors.

I'm thinking that I'll try my hand in the stock class where the mods are limited, but I'm still classed against WRXs (non STI), Cooper Ss(sss), Golf R32s, and other (lighter) e30s. I'm not sure if the 4wd gives me much of an advantage over the others and the only big advantage I can see is weight.

With that in mind I wonder if the stock class is where I should be setting my sights or if I should look into other classes where I can more drastically reduce weight/increase output. Thoughts, opinions are appreciated.

-jg

[gr8skyr]

Nado can probably give you the straight scoop on this question. He's legend in auto-x, at least from the vids and pics I've seen posted. Although his is farfromstock'n.

But here's my two cents. I have a lowered 88 ix, and had it for almost two years and never heard my Toyo Ultra 800 premium touring tires make a chirp. I tried out our local autocross track on a practice day and was totally amazed how I could fling that thing into a hairpin and slingshot through the turns. I had those non-sticky tire just howling every corner for the eight laps I did that day. I can imagine with some race slick hoosiers what fun it could be.

I don't know about being competitive, but it was sure as hell fun. I'm sure the H&R/ Bilsteins contributed to my giggle factor. The AWD only adds about 150 lbs. from a RWD E30 too, but the 4.10 gearing makes up for that a bit.

[Nsquared97]

I'm thinking that I'll try my hand in the stock class where the mods are limited, but I'm still classed against WRXs (non STI), Cooper Ss(sss), Golf R32s, and other (lighter) e30s. I'm not sure if the 4wd gives me much of an advantage over the others and the only big advantage I can see is weight.

-jg

I'm not sure about the ix, but if your racing with SCCA SoloII The E30 got moved down to G-stock for this year, so you shouldn't be classed with any of those cars. Unless your running in the new stock street tire AWD class, but I don't really know a whole lot about hos those stock/street tire classes work.

[Jglaze]

I'm not sure about the ix, but if your racing with SCCA SoloII The E30 got moved down to G-stock for this year, so you shouldn't be classed with any of those cars. Unless your running in the new stock street tire AWD class, but I don't really know a whole lot about hos those stock/street tire classes work.

I had heard something about that last year (though I heard e stock), but haven't found any resource online that references that change. The most recent SCCA rulebooknstill lists in d stock as well...a class bump would make a huge difference though.

[nando]

what do you mean competetive? nationally, locally?

really, no E30 is going to be competetive unless you are a really skilled driver and have a lot of money to throw at tires and maxing out class rules. I was starting to get competetive at a local level in my ix, but I had and still have no interest in nationals (especially since it almost doesn't exist up here).

will it be capable and fun? certainly. are there major things you can do to improve the handling? yes. does seat time ultimately matter more than the car you're driving or what mods you have? definitely!

just drive it. don't worry about being "competetive" too much. especially if you're new, you're going to suck anyway. Whether you're driving a brand new M3 or a 24 year old ix isn't going to change that.

[Nsquared97]

I had heard something about that last year (though I heard e stock), but haven't found any resource online that references that change. The most recent SCCA rulebooknstill lists in d stock as well...a class bump would make a huge difference though.

Just checked the pdf off SCCA's site of the 2012 rules and it lists this for G-Stock:

BMW
2002 (all)
318i & 318is (1991)
318ti (1995-99)
325e (eta engine)
325i, 325is (1987-91), & 325ix (1988-91)

So yeah E30's are definitely in G-stock for good this year, including the ix.

[Nsquared97]

does seat time ultimately matter more than the car you're driving or what mods you have? definitely!

just drive it. don't worry about being "competetive" too much. especially if you're new, you're going to suck anyway. Whether you're driving a brand new M3 or a 24 year old ix isn't going to change that.

Couldn't agree more with this, get some seat time, and learn as much as you can from the guys who have been around and are good.

And Nando, I have to say if you have never been to Nationals itself, the event is a lot of fun. I went in '02 and '03 with my dad long before I was old enough to drive, and it was a blast.

[gearheadE30]

I'd say since you're starting out and such, do it to have fun and don't focus quite as much on the competition. Worry about making yourself a better driver rather than keeping up with the next guy. If you become competitive, that's just a good plus. At least were I am, there are a ton of very, very good drivers, and unless you are out there a lot, they're pretty much impossible to touch. If you ask, a lot of them will be willing to give pointers. Learn what you can, and make sure you never pretend to know something you don't, because as soon as you get behind the wheel it will be obvious haha.

[nando]

Couldn't agree more with this, get some seat time, and learn as much as you can from the guys who have been around and are good.

And Nando, I have to say if you have never been to Nationals itself, the event is a lot of fun. I went in '02 and '03 with my dad long before I was old enough to drive, and it was a blast.

yeah, I'm not saying I wouldn't go, but I have no illusions that I'm a good enough driver to be anywhere near competetive at that level. I don't mind hammering on locals/friends, though. :)

actually, when my kids are older (2 boys, yeeehaw!), taking a road trip to something like that would be a blast. or maybe getting one of them to co-drive and do some tarmac rallies up north.. :D

[irish44j]

you iX will be competitive in rallycross though :)

[Jglaze]

Just checked the pdf off SCCA's site of the 2012 rules and it lists this for G-Stock:

BMW
2002 (all)
318i & 318is (1991)
318ti (1995-99)
325e (eta engine)
325i, 325is (1987-91), & 325ix (1988-91)

So yeah E30's are definitely in G-stock for good this year, including the ix.

Do you have a link for that, I swear I couldn't find that anywhere.

Re: being competitive, I should have been more clear. I get the fact that this car is never going to be a barn burner, nor do I have any illusions that I'll wrestle the thing to a national solo win with my "mad skillz". I was just curious to know whether it even seemed worth it to toss any money at it.

Though, to the point of getting seat time and simply having fun, I suppose that is the real point and is exactly what I'm doing now, so at least I'm off to a good start in that regard. On the plus side, thank god for indexed timing in novice class.

[Jglaze]

Nevermind, just found the g-stock note. It's funny because there is still this listed under d-stock: 3 Series (6-cyl, except M3 &
325e) (1975-2012).

Good news, regardless--just wish my wife hadn't bought the DS magnets for Christmas...