Auto x setup questions

[Ukashi82]

Hi everyone. I have 07 sti and i'm trying pick the best setup for scca SM class. I'm thinking about turbo. there is 2 options what i have.
1. VF43 p'n'p
2. tomei Arms7760
The reason why i want to have tomei is spool. i was thinking about 20g TD06 8^cm2 but it spools slower then tomei ( i heard that ).

also i have
gruppe-s EL headers
TGV Deletes
Inlet turbo pipe Perrin
3 inch Invidia DP
Hks Cat back
TXS big tmic

need help. dyno sheets are helpful
thanks

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[speedyHAM]

Tires and suspension will make a bigger difference than any power mods for autoX.

A 20G is way too large for autoX use on a 2.5L. At the largest I'd go with an 18G on a 2.5L. The PNP VF43 would be pretty good, the Tomei would still be too laggy for decent performance in autoX.

[Ukashi82]

i got stance Al+ with 8k front 8k rear springs, 17X8.5 wheels (17,5 lbs each), 245/45/17 Dunlop Dirtezza Z1 specstar, whitline 24 adj front sway bar, 24 adj rear sway bar, Whiteline ALK. and because of that i'm in SM. I need more power to compete with other SM cars

[575rider]

How big are the autox courses you're running on? Usually, big power doesn't translate into faster times. Tires, suspension, brakes and most importantly the driver make a much bigger difference.

[KC]

Originally Posted by 575rider

How big are the autox courses you're running on? Usually, big power doesn't translate into faster times. Tires, suspension, brakes and most importantly the driver make a much bigger difference.

What he said.

[dunk]

Originally Posted by Ukashi82

i got stance Al+ with 8k front 8k rear springs, 17X8.5 wheels (17,5 lbs each), 245/45/17 Dunlop Dirtezza Z1 specstar, whitline 24 adj front sway bar, 24 adj rear sway bar, Whiteline ALK. and because of that i'm in SM. I need more power to compete with other SM cars

No you don't, you need real tires to compete with SM cars.

Duncan

[Ukashi82]

Originally Posted by dunk

No you don't, you need real tires to compete with SM cars.

Duncan

Meaning slicks ??? what am i missing in my setup to be able to compete with SM cars ?? what should i change and what should i leave ??

[dunk]

Originally Posted by Ukashi82

Meaning slicks ??? what am i missing in my setup to be able to compete with SM cars ?? what should i change and what should i leave ??

I'd be willing to bet your car is too heavy. Look up the SM minimum weights, they're pretty scary.

You're undersprung and undertired.

Think 10 - 14k spring range with 10-10.5 inch wide wheels.
Tires 275 minimum, probably better with 285's on 18's or 295/315's on 17's. (Kumho 710 or Hoosier A6)

Be prepared to cut the fenders up for tire clearance.

Duncan

[sureshot007]

Originally Posted by Ukashi82

what am i missing in my setup to be able to compete with SM cars ??

Probably about $15k.

[skuttledude]

Originally Posted by sureshot007

Probably about $15k.

What he said

[ckcadavona]

Originally Posted by Ukashi82

what am i missing in my setup to be able to compete with SM cars ?? what should i change and what should i leave ??

If your asking this question you should leave your setup alone and drive. Your money would be better spent at an EVO/driving school or seat time. Once you get enough seat time and experience you'll see the level of committment it takes to be competitive in SM financially, mentally, and physically.

[575rider]

Originally Posted by Ukashi82

Meaning slicks ??? what am i missing in my setup to be able to compete with SM cars ?? what should i change and what should i leave ??

Yes, slicks for starters. At all the autox's I've been to, the serious SM guys have cars built specifically for autox, some are trailered to the event. They have also been racing autox for many years. SM is super competititve, my cars falls into the class and I don't worry about it. I go to work on my driving and to have a good time, not worried about trying to compete on a regional or national level.
Odds are you aren't as good a driver as them. You'd be better off not worrying about how competitive you are and go for "personal" bests until you reach a new level of driving ability.
At the events, you need to walk through the parking area or grid, and talk to people in the SM class. Look at what tires they are using, ask them how their car is set up, etc. Most racers want new competition, they've been racing against the same folks for years. They will tell you what you need to know about setting up your car. Unfortunately, your car won't make you a better driver, that comes with seat time.
I can assure you, you couldn't get in one of their cars and turn the same times as them. Practice, practice, practice....Good Luck!

[speedyHAM]

Originally Posted by Ukashi82

i got stance Al+ with 8k front 8k rear springs, 17X8.5 wheels (17,5 lbs each), 245/45/17 Dunlop Dirtezza Z1 specstar, whitline 24 adj front sway bar, 24 adj rear sway bar, Whiteline ALK. and because of that i'm in SM. I need more power to compete with other SM cars

ALK's are not legal for SCCA SM autoX.

You should be in a prepared class.

[bcblues]

you will need R-comps, most definitely. The wider the better.

I run SM now. I have an 18g, and quite frankly on most courses in our region, which tend towards the tight/slow end of the SCCA spectrum, I think my stock vf39 was actually quicker.

[Davidss]

Forget about power! Why do you even think you need more power? A stock wrx with rcomps would be faster than the setup you're planning.

If you want to get faster get tons of seat time, get people to ride with you to tell you where you can improve, go to an evo school, and then get some rcomps.

[bcblues]

+1 Evo School

[sniper1rfa]

+2 seat time.

At the local rallyx, the top competitor in mod4 drives a stock '99 RS with a heavy cage and snow tires (it's an ice racing car). He regularly posts times 10-15% better than anybody else out there.