Autocross Question

[Perfectlap]

good question!
I don't think I ever really looked at the temp during an autox, or maybe I did and it never registered. usually i turn off the engine while waiting on the qeue.
Sometimes during the autox I will leave the 'paddock' and take a drive around the venue to warm up the tires a bit. I doubt it makes a huge difference but since they were R comps I figured maybe....

In the morning I always short shift when first starting up the car but its usually up to temp in no time.


but revving any engine that's cold is not good in the long run.

[FrayAdjacent]

It is definitely better to run the engine at temperature, especially if you're pushing it hard. The engine oil viscosity changes as temperature increases - it flows better. You need good oil flow when you're pushing it.


I can't say it will really HURT the car if it's not warmed up, but I will say it's better to have it warmed up before pushing it hard.

[ChrisZang]

same here:
I made it an habit of mine to start the car and let it idle before the driver's meeting (you never know if your run group goes first). And between runs I let the engine idle.
Don't ask about the average gas mileage I get out of an Auto-X

[986 Girl]

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

same here:
I made it an habit of mine to start the car and let it idle before the driver's meeting (you never know if your run group goes first). And between runs I let the engine idle.
Don't ask about the average gas mileage I get out of an Auto-X

At one event I remember driving an hour out to... got 31 mpg on the way there...

... and then a whopping 9 mpg while participating. Hehehe.

[Rodger]

Nine MPG?! Pshh.....I got 5.9 at my last one! Nice fast course....

I always warm mine up and sustain the revs around 3000 to really get things flowing prior to pulling up to the start.

[kabel]

I always let my cars come up to temp before running them at autox rpms. Just seems like the right thing to do. And it sound counter intuitive, but I run the ac between runs (if back to back) I noticed the water temp runs cooler with the ac fans running.

[LuisR]

I would also recommed warming up your engine before autoXing. You do NOT want to run high revs with your engine cold!!!! I did my first autoX earlier this month and i was told by many Boxster drivers to just ket the car idle in between heats, remember that you want as much lubrication as possible!!!!