Any word yet on the various Solo2 reclassifications?

[JST]

Last I heard, the meeting minutes were going to be approved and word was going to officially unofficially leak out. Anything happened yet?

Sucks and is stupid that season subscriptions will be up in Nov.--I don't have the first freaking clue what car I'll be in, let alone what class. :evil:

[undefined]

:dunno:

http://www.sccaforums.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/18/825

http://www.sccaforums.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/18/833

[bren]

Mybe you'll get lucky and the classes that you are considering will be lumped together. :dunno:

[JST]

:dunno:

http://www.sccaforums.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/18/825

http://www.sccaforums.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/18/833

Thanks.

EDIT:

That does make things more interesting.

[undefined]

:dunno:

http://www.sccaforums.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/18/825

http://www.sccaforums.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/18/833

Thanks.

no problem.

i didn't know if that answered your question--that's why I put the :dunno: in there.

[JST]

Mybe you'll get lucky and the classes that you are considering will be lumped together. :dunno:

Yes.

New "JST Stock:"

-Cadillac CTS-V
-Infiniti G35 sedan
-Mazda RX-8
-Ford Mustang GT
-Corvette Z51
-Mini Cooper S
-Volkswagen R32
-BMW 330i ZHP

It would be an interesting class.

[JST]

:dunno:

http://www.sccaforums.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/18/825

http://www.sccaforums.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/18/833

Thanks.

no problem.

i didn't know if that answered your question--that's why I put the :dunno: in there.

Yes--my big Qs were the RX-8 and the Mini. Secondary Q was Mustang.

[clyde]

Um, the C6 is on your list? :paranoid:

As much as I'd like the car, I couldn't buy one right now with autocrossing in mind. Not until the C6 is avialable, classed and competing. Put another way, it would have really sucked to have bought a C5 Z51 for autocrossing in 2001.

Add to that, the total lack of 19" R comp rubber available (that WILL change, but who knows when?).

The new G35 sedan could be a DS player if developed, but is a totally unknown quantity (and one kicking DS ass on a National level would likely prompt a change effective no later than 1/1/06). For local competition, it could be interesting.

The Mustang GT is a big ?

The CTS-V won't hang with the S2000s or the C4 Vettes.

The R32 will be a DS also ran at best and it's probably too fast to be moved to GS if that shakeup happens.

Forget about the ZHP. You're better off with a regular 330i.

The '05 MCS is going to kick GS ass so well that it may get moved to DS (where it should still do well) at any point in the next 12 months. Then again, maybe not.

The safest bets on that list (in no particular order):

05 MCS (with LSD)
RX-8
330i (but NOT ZHP)

Worth considering if autocross competitiveness is not a big factor (meaning that you wont be too upset to be in an uncompetitive car if it turns out that way):

C6 Z51
G35
Mustang GT

Only look atif autocross competitiveness isn't a real issue at all:

CTS-V
R32

If I had it to do all over again, knowing what I know and knowing that the car was going to be developed and primarily used for autocrossing, I'd have a very tough time deciding between the RX-8 and 05 MCS. I'd probably go with the RX-8 because of the RWD and because it will be more interesting to be one of the people developing a car in a class of unknown cars...but that thrill may not even last the year. The question would be, how upset would I be if the 968 or 350Z wound up being the car to have in the new BS? The answer, probably not very since the ultimate potential of the different cars is almost certainly closer than the driver performance potential between me and those likely to win BS on any given September day in Topeka.

[undefined]

Add to that, the total lack of 19" R comp rubber available (that WILL change, but who knows when?).


PSC's?

[clyde]

Pilot Sport Cups? They only come as wide as 265, which doesn't even come close.

Oh, and they totally suck for autocross.

It may as well not exist.

[undefined]

sorry

[JST]

Um, the C6 is on your list? :paranoid:



As much as I'd like the car, I couldn't buy one right now with autocrossing in mind. Not until the C6 is avialable, classed and competing. Put another way, it would have really sucked to have bought a C5 Z51 for autocrossing in 2001.

Add to that, the total lack of 19" R comp rubber available (that WILL change, but who knows when?).



It's a big list at this point, but the two seat thing makes it very, very unlikely.


The new G35 sedan could be a DS player if developed, but is a totally unknown quantity (and one kicking DS ass on a National level would likely prompt a change effective no later than 1/1/06). For local competition, it could be interesting.

The Mustang GT is a big ?


The G35 is, ultimately, probably too big to be a really competitive car, but what do I know? I can't really get that excited about it, anyway, so the chances of me ending up with one is about 15% at this point.


The CTS-V won't hang with the S2000s or the C4 Vettes.


Yes, I would autox a CTS-V precisely once, just for the hell of it. The WRX would have to be my autox car if I went this route.


The R32 will be a DS also ran at best and it's probably too fast to be moved to GS if that shakeup happens.

Forget about the ZHP. You're better off with a regular 330i.



For both the R32 and the ZHP, the answer would be the same as the CTS-V--WRX for autocrossing. I can't imagine buying another E46, but why rule out the best car in class prematurely?

I won't autox a high power RWD car without a mechanical LSD, I think.



The '05 MCS is going to kick GS ass so well that it may get moved to DS (where it should still do well) at any point in the next 12 months. Then again, maybe not.

The safest bets on that list (in no particular order):

05 MCS (with LSD)
RX-8
330i (but NOT ZHP)



Every time I think about a new car, I think about the Mini. Every time I buy a new car, I buy something else. I can't imagine that this time will be different, but you never know.

The RX-8, at bottom, is just too damn much fun, even if you aren't competitive. From an autocrossing standpoint, the big wildcard for me is whether an RX-8 w/o Koni DAs is going to be as much fun.

[clyde]

The new G35 sedan could be a DS player if developed, but is a totally unknown quantity (and one kicking DS ass on a National level would likely prompt a change effective no later than 1/1/06). For local competition, it could be interesting.

The Mustang GT is a big ?


The G35 is, ultimately, probably too big to be a really competitive car, but what do I know? I can't really get that excited about it, anyway, so the chances of me ending up with one is about 15% at this point.

I don't recall ever looking at the dimensional specs of the G35 before. It's 10.5" longer than the 330i (5" longer wheelbase), 0.5" wider and 80 lbs heavier (published curb weight). Not so good.



The CTS-V won't hang with the S2000s or the C4 Vettes.


Yes, I would autox a CTS-V precisely once, just for the hell of it. The WRX would have to be my autox car if I went this route.

Nah...it'll be fun to flog...it just won't be competitive. Then again, the AS ranks may be kind of thin next year. And the WRX won't be terribly competitive in a big DS field without putting in some money. Even then, it'll have problems. STX is the only place to go, and you'll have to dump some money and effort for it to be competitive there.


The R32 will be a DS also ran at best and it's probably too fast to be moved to GS if that shakeup happens.

Forget about the ZHP. You're better off with a regular 330i.



For both the R32 and the ZHP, the answer would be the same as the CTS-V--WRX for autocrossing. I can't imagine buying another E46, but why rule out the best car in class prematurely?

I won't autox a high power RWD car without a mechanical LSD, I think.

See above for the WRX. The 330i with shocks and a front bar is plenty competitive in DS. The ZHP with shocks, bar and price premium will be an also ran in BS.



The '05 MCS is going to kick GS ass so well that it may get moved to DS (where it should still do well) at any point in the next 12 months. Then again, maybe not.

The safest bets on that list (in no particular order):

05 MCS (with LSD)
RX-8
330i (but NOT ZHP)



Every time I think about a new car, I think about the Mini. Every time I buy a new car, I buy something else. I can't imagine that this time will be different, but you never know.

You and me both, buddy. :?

The RX-8, at bottom, is just too damn much fun, even if you aren't competitive. From an autocrossing standpoint, the big wildcard for me is whether an RX-8 w/o Koni DAs is going to be as much fun.

I understand your anti-mod mentality, but the SA Koni Yellows should be available off the shelf by March and the price will be quite reaosnable, I'm sure. It won't be a tough swap, then have an alignment done (which you'd want to do anyway) and you'll be set. You won't have the compression adjustability with SAs but that's not terribly important. And you'll want the Konis anyway to deal with the mid corner float. Without them, the RX-8 will still be plenty fun to autocross...it just won't be as fast and you'll have fewer tools avialable to deal with lift throttle oversteer.

[JST]

I understand your anti-mod mentality, but the SA Koni Yellows should be available off the shelf by March and the price will be quite reaosnable, I'm sure. It won't be a tough swap, then have an alignment done (which you'd want to do anyway) and you'll be set. You won't have the compression adjustability with SAs but that's not terribly important. And you'll want the Konis anyway to deal with the mid corner float. Without them, the RX-8 will still be plenty fun to autocross...it just won't be as fast and you'll have fewer tools avialable to deal with lift throttle oversteer.

Actually, I don't really have an anti-mod mentality--it's a bit hard to justify on a leased car, but not impossible as long as the install/de-install work is not so tricky.

It's good to hear that you think the SAs will be available in March. That's probably all I'd need, and given how much cheaper the RX-8 is than the M3, I wouldn't mind putting a little money into it. I'd also consider the Mazdaspeed units, particularly if I could get them rolled into the upfront cost of the car, though I understand that those are designed to work with the MS springs and are not adjustable.

The big problem with BS locally is you and John V--is he still going to be running that M3, or is he thinking of moving to something else?

[clyde]

Actually, I don't really have an anti-mod mentality--it's a bit hard to justify on a leased car, but not impossible as long as the install/de-install work is not so tricky.

It shouldn't be tricky. If I can get my OEM shocks back soon, I'll find out just how much.

It's good to hear that you think the SAs will be available in March. That's probably all I'd need, and given how much cheaper the RX-8 is than the M3, I wouldn't mind putting a little money into it. I'd also consider the Mazdaspeed units, particularly if I could get them rolled into the upfront cost of the car, though I understand that those are designed to work with the MS springs and are not adjustable.

I heard something about the possibility of MazdaSpeed putting out adjustable units, but confidence level is low.

The big problem with BS locally is you and John V--is he still going to be running that M3, or is he thinking of moving to something else?

Are you serious about John? He's going to be driving my car next year.

[JST]

[quote]The big problem with BS locally is you and John V--is he still going to be running that M3, or is he thinking of moving to something else?

Are you serious about John? He's going to be driving my car next year.

Ah, yes, I remember you saying something about that, but I thought you meant just at the National Tour events.

Well, I guess competing for 3rd with all of the other RX-8 rooks wouldn't be too bad.

[JST]

The R32 will be a DS also ran at best and it's probably too fast to be moved to GS if that shakeup happens.



Why would the R32 be an also ran? It's not so much heavier than the 330, and it has more power and better tractive ability. Balance is bad, but that suspension in the back is supposed to be light-years ahead of the base GTI. With the right development, I can see it being competitive. FWIW, the silver R32 at that event at Rosecroft was running times fairly close to what I was able to do in your car.

[clyde]

sorry

In an example of not only admitting that I was wrong, but point that fact out...

I forgot about Pirelli's P Zero Corsa. Still not a good autox tire, but it does come in a few widths from narrow to wide for 19" wheels.

[clyde]

The R32 will be a DS also ran at best and it's probably too fast to be moved to GS if that shakeup happens.



Why would the R32 be an also ran? It's not so much heavier than the 330, and it has more power and better tractive ability. Balance is bad, but that suspension in the back is supposed to be light-years ahead of the base GTI. With the right development, I can see it being competitive. FWIW, the silver R32 at that event at Rosecroft was running times fairly close to what I was able to do in your car.

I stand to be corrected regarding my R32 assessment, but 53 MPH in second gear is a big problem. Wasn't that R32 on R comps? We weren't.

[JST]

The R32 will be a DS also ran at best and it's probably too fast to be moved to GS if that shakeup happens.



Why would the R32 be an also ran? It's not so much heavier than the 330, and it has more power and better tractive ability. Balance is bad, but that suspension in the back is supposed to be light-years ahead of the base GTI. With the right development, I can see it being competitive. FWIW, the silver R32 at that event at Rosecroft was running times fairly close to what I was able to do in your car.

I stand to be corrected regarding my R32 assessment, but 53 MPH in second gear is a big problem. Wasn't that R32 on R comps? We weren't.

Might have been--I don't recall, but I don't think so.

53 mph in 2nd gear is an issue. I hadn't thought about that.

[FT@SGP]

If I were you, I'd prep the Rex; the wagon would be great entry in STX; but that's just me :D

[bren]

If I were you, I'd prep the Rex; the wagon would be great entry in STX; but that's just me :D
And it sure would look great with some SELGP stickerzZZzz :D

[FT@SGP]

If I were you, I'd prep the Rex; the wagon would be great entry in STX; but that's just me :D
And it sure would look great with some SELGP stickerzZZzz :D

Sure would, but I dont think Josh is that wild ;) But then again, he might earn easy WTF?!!! points :D

[JST]

If I were you, I'd prep the Rex; the wagon would be great entry in STX; but that's just me :D
And it sure would look great with some SELGP stickerzZZzz :D

Sure would, but I dont think Josh is that wild ;) But then again, he might earn easy WTF?!!! points :D

Stickerzzz.

If I decide to build the WRX, you're the first person I'd call.

OTOH, I wonder where this new arrival at the local dealer would be classed?

http://www.porscheofarlington.com/index.cfm?action=InventorySearch&subaction=SearchDetail&vehicle=4L001108&Vehicleid=307656&ListBack=1&vehicledetail=general

[undefined]

Every time I think about a new car, I think about the Mini. Every time I buy a new car, I buy something else. I can't imagine that this time will be different, but you never know.

maybe they'll come out with an AWD MINI soon

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/images/smilies/shhh.gif

[JST]

Every time I think about a new car, I think about the Mini. Every time I buy a new car, I buy something else. I can't imagine that this time will be different, but you never know.

maybe they'll come out with an AWD MINI soon

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/images/smilies/shhh.gif

AWD is not my preferred solution, especially when the car was built to be FWD.

What the Mini needs is not AWD, but more power (esp. with the addition of an LSD this year). I'm intrigued by the JCW package, but it's just too $$$. Give me a 200 hp Mini for factory money, and I'd probably be very interested.