just signed up for my first autox

[peaveyassist]

I personally know and have seen two people install Autozone battery tie-downs in order to pass track techs.

I personally have a copper piping strap wrapped under the tray and over the battery, then wrapped in electrical tape and zip ties... in addtion to the factory "lip" of the tray which holds the battery in place, and a 90degree bend screwed into the tray to prevent the battery from moving and coming out from the "lip".

Even the strictest of anal retentive tech stewards have passed it thus far. Most try to move the battery and its rock solid... so no issue.

Go to Autozone and the universal tie down has worked for 2 friends.

[fretburnr]

cool, added info to my prev. post.

i'll pick one up just in case, but as-is i can't move the thing

[Dave]

I personally know and have seen two people install Autozone battery tie-downs in order to pass track techs.

I personally have a copper piping strap wrapped under the tray and over the battery, then wrapped in electrical tape and zip ties... in addtion to the factory "lip" of the tray which holds the battery in place, and a 90degree bend screwed into the tray to prevent the battery from moving and coming out from the "lip".

Even the strictest of anal retentive tech stewards have passed it thus far. Most try to move the battery and its rock solid... so no issue.

Go to Autozone and the universal tie down has worked for 2 friends.

Actually, for me it was the universal tie down from Autozone plus a length of steel bar with holes drilled in it- I dunno the correct term for it, but I bought it in the hardware section at a 24 hour walmart - only place open when I needed it. I slid the steel bar unde the battery tray and hooked the tie down j hooks through holes in that bar. That battery is not going anywhere.

[fretburnr]

thats a good idea... so i take it the factory tab tiedown won't pass tech?

[nando]

the factory one is fine, but you won't pass without one at all.

[fretburnr]

okay good. i picked up an autozone kit but didn't have time to drill holes in the tray for it; i found can lift the rear of the car somewhat with the battery without it budging, so i figured it was fine.

[Sean]

Ohh, if you got the factory one, it'll pass. Mine has passed 6+ autocrosses. If the battery doesn't move...the battery doesn't move.

Mounting my optima was a different story. Had to do some customization. But, it damn thing doesn't budge now! ;)

[madjurgen]

You may be a noob but there are things you can do to not start at the bottom

These are my opinions/impressions/suggestions so far after my first year.

add pressure nando?? i drive around town with 40psi, then lower to about 35-37psi for the track/parking lot.

Whatever you set it at, put the fronts at 1-2psi lower than the backs, should help with the plowing.

Make chalk marks across the tread and tirewall, this way you can tell how far your tires are rolling over. If your car is neutral, make sure youre using all the tread and none of the wall. Usually the less tire pressure, the more grip. You can adjust pressures to deal with under/oversteer as well.

Remember, tires sitting in the sun for longer than 5-10 min will increase in pressure by a couple of psi. So make changes relative to your initial reading which shouldve been done in the morning when it shouldnt be too bright/hot, preferably right before your first run or parade lap.

Been said before, but brake way later and brake much MUCH harder.

First time i went out, i walked the course with someone and they confused the shit outta me. Id say walk by yourself. Just find the most flowing, smooth line around the bends and try it out.

Dont rev up to 5k rpm at the start and dump the clutch. 2-3k rpm should be enough.

Stay after and help clean cones up. Makes it easy to talk to the committee members which are usually some of the fastest and most experienced people there.

If you throughly enjoy yourself, which you will, and are thinking about doing it every month, a CG-lock is probably the best investment you can make. I spent my first 2 autox with one hand on the wheel and the other on the door pull. For 40$, your ass will not move around an inch and you can fully concentrate on driving. Plus its not intrusive and you can leave it on your seatbelt all the time. Perfect for aggressive street driving as well.

Some people might say some of this is too much for your first time. But I know I had a lot more fun when I did semi-decent my first time out instead of sucking ass because I had done my HW before. This is still my first year and i consistently beat relatively stock e36m3s.

[nando]

add pressure nando?? i drive around town with 40psi, then lower to about 35-37psi for the track/parking lot.

Whatever you set it at, put the fronts at 1-2psi lower than the backs, should help with the plowing.

yeah, unless you like driving on the sidewalls. 40psi is probably overinflated for the street anyway, I'm not surprised you are dropping it for autox.

also, I wouldn't personally run less pressure up front. I haven't run into any E30 drivers who do so either, most run 2-4psi less in the rear. it also depends on what tires you have, and personal preference of course.

I do think all that is probably overkill to be thinking about his first time anyway, when he's more likely to be lost on course than worrying about how fast he's going and beating M3s. The CG lock, however, is worth it's weight in gold..

[fretburnr]

thanks for all the great input guys!

i usually run 34-36psi on the street, so i'll boost it a bit tomorrow.

also, the CG lock is a great idea, haven't gotten one yet, but my seat kicks ass so far (Recaro Sportline, black grippy fabric material) so i'm not too concerned. i used to be all over the place on the factory seats and the sports.

i like the chalk idea too, and i brought a portable air compressor that plugs into the cig lighter outlet for on-location pressure adjustment.

i'm stoked!

[madjurgen]

yeah, unless you like driving on the sidewalls. 40psi is probably overinflated for the street anyway, I'm not surprised you are dropping it for autox.

also, I wouldn't personally run less pressure up front. I haven't run into any E30 drivers who do so either, most run 2-4psi less in the rear. it also depends on what tires you have, and personal preference of course.

I do think all that is probably overkill to be thinking about his first time anyway, when he's more likely to be lost on course than worrying about how fast he's going and beating M3s. The CG lock, however, is worth it's weight in gold..

I dont drive on my sidewalls. 40 psi was recommended to me by a BMW God, so I oblige.

BMWs tend to understeer hard in tight corners when coming in at speed, less pressure up front allows for more grip and allows the back end to rotate more IMO.

You shouldnt get lost after your first run if you pay attention while working. Unless youre a moron.

[fretburnr]

i had a freaking BLAST!

walked the course twice and made notes on the map, super helpful.

first run out i didn't get lost, but got too caught up in it and was going too fast to make a pointer. DNF

after that i had no problems staying on couse and consistently shaved down laptimes, i didn't end up placing but i was squarely midpack in B class... i beat just about as many people as beat me, not bad for a first timer i think!

i can't wait to do this again!!!

[fretburnr]

looks like my brother took a few shots at the event, and even a video.. ain't much of a video but i had fun for sure!







The Video

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v223/fretburnr/?action=view&current=MOV00820.flv

[Jordan325iC]

Congratulations! I'll be doing my first autox next weekend. I'm very excited.

[TresE30]

That's some pretty fancy drivin there and nice e30. Jus wondering where that windycity event was held at cuz i'm from Bartlett, IL (NW suburbs) and just chillin in Orlando For BMW school. I was wondering so that when I get back maybe I can get into an event. My E30 is sittin in my grandma's garage in Joliet right now. Also how did you get signed up. Thanx in advance.
-Trejo-