Wife says I can't RX my E30 it so AX?

[w. leavitt]

Got an E30 last weekend, wife says I can't RX it so I want to try AX. It's fairly unmolested by previous owner and I plan on keeping it that way. I have some house keeping to do on it but want to run AX, suggestions on making it ready for AX? I would like to lower it but if that moves me into a higher class I won't do it.

Thanks,
Will

[ZX3Focus]

A stock E30 is plenty fun to autocross. No mods necessary.

As for making it ready, check out the Preparing Your Vehicle section here. That section covers what our Tech Inspectors will be looking at on race day.

[FVee90]

Hmmmm can't RX it.....guess that means guttin' it and putting a cage in it wouldn't go over to good either.

[rodhx]

Basically keep the thought that anything non-original you may do to it can affect it's classification. We'll be glad to help you find the appropriate class if you'll provide the specifics on all modifications, regardless of how inconsequential you think they may be.

I second Joseph's comment though. Make sure it is mechanically sound and bring it out. It's gonna be fun as is

[w. leavitt]

It's box stock except for radio and 12 pack of diet mountain dew. Replacing fluids, front rotors, hubs and center bearing. Going to order a set of tires, any suggestions? Later I plan on new shocks and spring but if lowering moves me out of stock I'll just keep it at stock height. Hopefully I can get her ready for March's event but April for sure.

[rodhx]

To stay in Stock you'll have to keep the original equipment springs (or at least their rates & length). Rotors need to be OEM style as well (just plain ol' rotors). You have to stay with a wheel diameter, width, & offset that was offered for your car & trim package. Offset can vary +/- 1/4" I believe.

Regarding tires...what size wheels do you have? If 14s you choice for good autocross street tires could be down to Dunlop Z1 Star Specs.

The diet dew is your biggest violation. Unless you plan to use it to bribe the tech inspector

[Cholewa]

I'll drink it all.

Like others have said, return it to the basic "Stage 0" so it's running well and wont give you any surprises, and you'll have a blast. It's going to be boat-like but it will be super fun. You'll learn how to anticipate turns and use the body roll to your advantage. Then when you get fancy sticky tires you'll have to relearn how to drive.

Learning on junky all seasons is a fantastic opportunity to really get to know the ins and outs of the car at speed, and will not hide simple driver errors that stickier tires will mask. I'm a big fan of starting on crap tires, and slowly working your way up the chain of sticky-icky. You get more out of it when you have to compensate for crap tires by maintaining momentum or doing whatever else it takes to drive better with less grip.

[FVee90]

+1 on starting on crap tires - you can price yourself out too fast on buying the purple crack (Hoosier). Learn - have fun - and practice practice.