What class would I be in and what are some tips?

Blaze-65 · 10-03-2008, 09:27 PM

I've been wanting to get into autox and possibly even be competitive in the hopefully not so far future. I just bought a 04 wrx though and wanted to know what class I would fall in. The previous owner installed an STI intercooler, STI exhaust, and a K&N filter. I'm also wondering if any of that will push me out of a class that I should try to stay in. Also where do I buy an SCCA rulebook, because once I know what class im in i'll probably want to do a lot more reading on it all. I did read the "AUTOX Super Thread " but it didn't state it outright and hopefully I don't get flamed haha. Thanks in advance guys!

Edit : Oh yeah I also wanted to add that my hood has a nasty punched size dent right by the badge. I am thinking of taking it to a body shop to look at it but if i have to buy a replacement, would a carbon hood move my classing or change anything? Thanks again.

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Scooby South · 10-03-2008, 09:35 PM

ESP for you since you got a bigger i/c than stock...

Bill

Web Foot STi · 10-03-2008, 11:26 PM

Different hood = SM.

Here is a little light reading:

http://www.scca.org/contentpage.aspx?content=61

The 2009 rules are not out yet.

steveRS · 10-04-2008, 05:34 PM

Do not get a carbon fiber hood. That will put you in SM and you will need to tinker with the car A LOT to get it competitive.

Go get a stock intercooler and then you can run DS or STX.

DS- race tires,stock wheel size, shocks, bigger FSB, cat back exhaust

STX-street tires, wider wheels, exhaust, intake, ecu, coilovers, fsb and rsb, bushings
( I probably missed something in there)

2008 solo rules
http://www.scca.com/documents/Solo%2...lo_Rules_2.pdf

leecea · 10-04-2008, 06:10 PM

Run the car as-is for an event or two. You won't be competitive at first anyway and you can see if you like it before buying anything. If you get hooked, follow the advice above to stay in a reasonable class.

Blaze-65 · 10-04-2008, 07:57 PM

sounds good guys, my next local area event is on the 18th. I love the car so far but I can't wait to really open her up. This transmission is a lot better then my former ride, I definitely want time to get used to that or im afraid ill burn it up.

Big-E · 10-04-2008, 08:36 PM

I've run two auto-x events recently and I really like it. I'm still trying to learn as much as I can.

These guys are right. Don't do any mods towards auto-x until you try it out first to see if you like it.

Also, as a first timer FT and then a rookie RT, you are allowed to run on street tires as long as they have a minimum tread wear rating of 140 and are no wider than 225. Or at least this is what I recall reading.

My car is modded, but not originally for auto-x or for any santioned event or arena for that matter.

I have added a lip and an 2007 STI LTD wing to my WRX. They do not enhance the performance of the car for auto-x, so these exterior mods are nothing.

I have chassis and suspension mods that, after having read the rule book, still allows me to be compliant and run in STU class. I can at least make a good arguement to the facts about them.

I have silicone hoses for my intake, and a lightened crank pulley that is of stock size and continues to use the stock serpentine style belts. I have no engine/drivetrain/ECU mods. I have a Cobb exhaust that is below the 90dB limit so I'm compliant there.

I don't run for the points. I run to test my skills, watch other drivers, pick up tips, and meet with existing friends and acquaintances as well as to meet new people and fellow enthusiasts.

For now, since you have a 2004 WRX w/2.0L, put yourself into STX. At least you will be in a class that most average competitors that don't do any real mods to their cars would/might be in. Run auto-x for a season and then figure out what class you should be in and what mods will do what with respect to putting you into another class.

Just go have fun. When you get serious and into season 2, then think about it.

-OneWay- · 10-06-2008, 02:06 PM

Not sure if using the lighter Aluminum hood from an STi is legal in STX but it's another option if you plan on replacing. easier to find. easier to get color matched and lighter than CF hoods.

Blaze-65 · 10-06-2008, 10:25 PM

Yeah I'm not going to try to be competitive for a while, but I want to start getting ready for next season by getting things in line. Oh and I would hate showing up to Auto-x and just making them figure out what I would run in. It's a new car for me so I want to start getting the simple stuff in line.

I also discovered a receipt for what appears to be STI injectors flow testing, and a walbro fuel pump. I'm thinking of purchasing some manuals unless someone knows of an online resource available to use or download. I need to check to see if these are actually still in the car or if it was set back to stock. I'm getting some boost leak from the throttle body to intercooler hose so I'm looking at purchasing the Perrin Intercooler Hose Kit. I'm imagining that the kit and the injectors would not change my classing.

Squidz · 10-07-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -OneWay-

Not sure if using the lighter Aluminum hood from an STi is legal in STX but it's another option if you plan on replacing. easier to find. easier to get color matched and lighter than CF hoods.

The aluminum hood would be legal, because the WRX and STi came with the exact same hoods. The WRX has an aluminum hood as well, same part # as the STi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blaze-65

Yeah I'm not going to try to be competitive for a while, but I want to start getting ready for next season by getting things in line. Oh and I would hate showing up to Auto-x and just making them figure out what I would run in. It's a new car for me so I want to start getting the simple stuff in line.

I also discovered a receipt for what appears to be STI injectors flow testing, and a walbro fuel pump. I'm thinking of purchasing some manuals unless someone knows of an online resource available to use or download. I need to check to see if these are actually still in the car or if it was set back to stock. I'm getting some boost leak from the throttle body to intercooler hose so I'm looking at purchasing the Perrin Intercooler Hose Kit. I'm imagining that the kit and the injectors would not change my classing.

Don't assume things like that. Autocross is kinda wierd with some of their rules, i have been running SM in my 03 WRX for about three years now, and still i am amazed at some of the things that pop up. Injectors/fuel system changes can certainly bump your class up. As for the hoses, you never know...I have seen stranger things

The other thing, is at local events, and especially for a Novice, noone is really going to care what class your car is in or what you have on it. Like stated above, go out, drive a couple times and enjoy yourself...Trust me, there is plenty of time to get obsessed with being competitive.

leecea · 10-07-2008, 09:02 AM

I believe intercooler hoses = ESP. Also, injectors and pump = ESP.

Of course, rules do change and I get out of date, so check.

10-03-2008, 09:27 PM	#1
Blaze-65 Scooby Newbie Member#: 190655 Join Date: Oct 2008 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: San Antonio Vehicle: 2004 Impreza WRX Aspen White	What class would I be in and what are some tips? I've been wanting to get into autox and possibly even be competitive in the hopefully not so far future. I just bought a 04 wrx though and wanted to know what class I would fall in. The previous owner installed an STI intercooler, STI exhaust, and a K&N filter. I'm also wondering if any of that will push me out of a class that I should try to stay in. Also where do I buy an SCCA rulebook, because once I know what class im in i'll probably want to do a lot more reading on it all. I did read the "AUTOX Super Thread " but it didn't state it outright and hopefully I don't get flamed haha. Thanks in advance guys! Edit : Oh yeah I also wanted to add that my hood has a nasty punched size dent right by the badge. I am thinking of taking it to a body shop to look at it but if i have to buy a replacement, would a carbon hood move my classing or change anything? Thanks again. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by Blaze-65; 10-03-2008 at 09:35 PM.

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10-03-2008, 09:35 PM	#2
Scooby South Subtly Outspoken Moderator Member#: 238 Join Date: Sep 1999 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: 2013 Limited SWP BRZ and a Vehicle: 99 Ver6 Recreation JDM Speedwagon 3 LSDs..:)	ESP for you since you got a bigger i/c than stock... Bill

10-03-2008, 11:26 PM	#3
Web Foot STi Scooby Guru Member#: 39086 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2004 STi White	Different hood = SM. Here is a little light reading: http://www.scca.org/contentpage.aspx?content=61 The 2009 rules are not out yet.

10-04-2008, 05:34 PM	#4
steveRS Scooby Newbie Member#: 180430 Join Date: May 2008 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Palm Beach, FL Vehicle: 2008 335i	Do not get a carbon fiber hood. That will put you in SM and you will need to tinker with the car A LOT to get it competitive. Go get a stock intercooler and then you can run DS or STX. DS- race tires,stock wheel size, shocks, bigger FSB, cat back exhaust STX-street tires, wider wheels, exhaust, intake, ecu, coilovers, fsb and rsb, bushings ( I probably missed something in there) 2008 solo rules http://www.scca.com/documents/Solo%2...lo_Rules_2.pdf

10-04-2008, 06:10 PM	#5
leecea Scooby Guru Member#: 37359 Join Date: May 2003 Vehicle: 2003 WRX	Run the car as-is for an event or two. You won't be competitive at first anyway and you can see if you like it before buying anything. If you get hooked, follow the advice above to stay in a reasonable class.

10-04-2008, 07:57 PM	#6
Blaze-65 Scooby Newbie Member#: 190655 Join Date: Oct 2008 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: San Antonio Vehicle: 2004 Impreza WRX Aspen White	sounds good guys, my next local area event is on the 18th. I love the car so far but I can't wait to really open her up. This transmission is a lot better then my former ride, I definitely want time to get used to that or im afraid ill burn it up.

10-04-2008, 08:36 PM	#7
Big-E NASIOC Supporter Member#: 123843 Join Date: Aug 2006 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Greenwich, CT Vehicle: 2006 SGM WRX S2 Let LED's light your way!	I've run two auto-x events recently and I really like it. I'm still trying to learn as much as I can. These guys are right. Don't do any mods towards auto-x until you try it out first to see if you like it. Also, as a first timer FT and then a rookie RT, you are allowed to run on street tires as long as they have a minimum tread wear rating of 140 and are no wider than 225. Or at least this is what I recall reading. My car is modded, but not originally for auto-x or for any santioned event or arena for that matter. I have added a lip and an 2007 STI LTD wing to my WRX. They do not enhance the performance of the car for auto-x, so these exterior mods are nothing. I have chassis and suspension mods that, after having read the rule book, still allows me to be compliant and run in STU class. I can at least make a good arguement to the facts about them. I have silicone hoses for my intake, and a lightened crank pulley that is of stock size and continues to use the stock serpentine style belts. I have no engine/drivetrain/ECU mods. I have a Cobb exhaust that is below the 90dB limit so I'm compliant there. I don't run for the points. I run to test my skills, watch other drivers, pick up tips, and meet with existing friends and acquaintances as well as to meet new people and fellow enthusiasts. For now, since you have a 2004 WRX w/2.0L, put yourself into STX. At least you will be in a class that most average competitors that don't do any real mods to their cars would/might be in. Run auto-x for a season and then figure out what class you should be in and what mods will do what with respect to putting you into another class. Just go have fun. When you get serious and into season 2, then think about it.

10-06-2008, 02:06 PM	#8
-OneWay- Scooby Newbie Member#: 70128 Join Date: Sep 2004	Not sure if using the lighter Aluminum hood from an STi is legal in STX but it's another option if you plan on replacing. easier to find. easier to get color matched and lighter than CF hoods.

10-06-2008, 10:25 PM	#9
Blaze-65 Scooby Newbie Member#: 190655 Join Date: Oct 2008 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: San Antonio Vehicle: 2004 Impreza WRX Aspen White	Yeah I'm not going to try to be competitive for a while, but I want to start getting ready for next season by getting things in line. Oh and I would hate showing up to Auto-x and just making them figure out what I would run in. It's a new car for me so I want to start getting the simple stuff in line. I also discovered a receipt for what appears to be STI injectors flow testing, and a walbro fuel pump. I'm thinking of purchasing some manuals unless someone knows of an online resource available to use or download. I need to check to see if these are actually still in the car or if it was set back to stock. I'm getting some boost leak from the throttle body to intercooler hose so I'm looking at purchasing the Perrin Intercooler Hose Kit. I'm imagining that the kit and the injectors would not change my classing.

10-07-2008, 09:02 AM	#11
leecea Scooby Guru Member#: 37359 Join Date: May 2003 Vehicle: 2003 WRX	I believe intercooler hoses = ESP. Also, injectors and pump = ESP. Of course, rules do change and I get out of date, so check.