Autocrossing a 1988 E30

[rob211]

I'm considering purchasing an E30 and wanna use it in autox.

I'm wondering what class to aim at. The car I'm considering may not be legal for stock; I think the rear sway bar, e.g., isn't stock and that probably means GS is out.

I don't wanna do many upgrades, especially early on, so any suggestions for something say a notch or two above stock that's fun to run in?

Rob

[Jean]

Well, decide if you want to go with SCCA or BMWCCA first?

Then get the rule book (pdf online).

[rob211]

I have the SCCA book, and I've done BMW. BMW's system is pretty easy to suss out, assuming it's the same as 2010.

But in SCCA or NASA, practically speaking certain models of cars tend to group in certain classes, usually because they are more competitive there given the modifications available in that class. Which might be due to the effort and expense needed to do those mods. I just thought it would be easier to ask where most folks are running.

thanks,
Rob

[BlackbirdM3]

Since you are in Oakland, you have SCCA, BMWCCA, and NorCal UFO who runs down in Marina (who I run with.) My guess is that you will fall in a Street Prep class.

Will

[Jean]

STX is popular.

I've been running in SM due to the mods I've made, it's not an easy class but got a local 1st and 3rd last year.

List your current and future mods and we'll help.....

[Nsquared97]

Rear sway bars are now legal in stock, however you'd be much better off with a stock rear and larger front if your going to run GS (Either the front or rear can be changed, but not both.) I did pretty well locally in GS this year, but the group I run with isn't extremely competitive by any means. STX is do-able, check this thread for lots of good info:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=222733&highlight=STX

I am planning on running STX next year. DSP has been done by a couple people, and some are members here. But the E30 really isn't the car to have. SM seems to be getting more popular.

[yeaseth]

STX is probably your best bet, I ran it all last year, its great competition and pretty close results as well. Plus the FR-S was put into STX so its fun to beat the punk kids who think their scion is fast. Just make sure you check out the rules for the class so you can keep your car to spec, http://www.scca.com/solo/content.cfm?cid=44517 I think its around page 81 ish if you go to the 2013 scca rules draft