Autocross monster?

[steve00s]

The ROW 030 is a great suspension because of the everyday drivability of it. It is very stiff yet is not jarring on bumpy roads and it lowers the center of gravity. I run Azenis RT-615 and thought they were a big improvement (especially racing on wet pavement)to the Kumho's that I had previosuly. Maybe next year I'll get some Hoosiers and see what the car can do with stickier rubber. I went with 225's on the front to balance out the understeer a bit. Strut tower braces are a good modification as they will add some rigidity and don't cost a lot.

John V, you seem pretty jazzed about the LSD. Can you elaborate on how it has improved the car? Just when I think I've done all I can something else comes along.

[Sammy]

Originally Posted by steve00s

The ROW 030 is a great suspension because of the everyday drivability of it. It is very stiff yet is not jarring on bumpy roads and it lowers the center of gravity. I run Azenis RT-615 and thought they were a big improvement (especially racing on wet pavement)to the Kumho's that I had previosuly. Maybe next year I'll get some Hoosiers and see what the car can do with stickier rubber. I went with 225's on the front to balance out the understeer a bit. Strut tower braces are a good modification as they will add some rigidity and don't cost a lot.

John V, you seem pretty jazzed about the LSD. Can you elaborate on how it has improved the car? Just when I think I've done all I can something else comes along.

How does the ROW 030 (is it M030?) differ from what I have on my S already? It sounds like a great suspension and reasonable price but not sure what is different than what I already have?

[der Geist]

Sammy:

Call Vertex and get the front strut tower braces. Tell them you saw them on eBay for that price and they will give it to you over the phone. It will make a huge difference. There are many old threads on this if you want to investigate further. Most people I know say start with tires but it sounds like you are all over that one already. Coilovers would be next if you are still hungry after that ( or should I say "adjustable coil overs"). There are some lower priced ones that cost about 1/2 of the PSS9's that are more than suffucient. Again search for past threads, at least 2 forum members have the lesser priced brands and are very happy with them. The Cross and PSS9's are awesome but are really geared for dedicated cars and people with corporate spnsors to pay for them.

[racer_d]

Originally Posted by Sammy

How does the ROW 030 (is it M030?) differ from what I have on my S already? It sounds like a great suspension and reasonable price but not sure what is different than what I already have?

I believe the only difference between US and ROW M030 is ride height. The ROW lowers the car another 1/2" or so from the US ride height. The spring rates and shock valvings are the same.

[John V]

Originally Posted by steve00s

John V, you seem pretty jazzed about the LSD. Can you elaborate on how it has improved the car? Just when I think I've done all I can something else comes along.

As I said, I don't have one. But it would be the first modification I would do.

The main problem I have experienced with my stock-class Boxster is not that it moves around too much or that it doesn't have enough negative camber - it's that it is rather difficult to put the power down without one tire going up in smoke. Certain courses are worse than others. An LSD would cure this - and the car would be more driveable and faster.

Originally Posted by racer d

I don't disagree that the Khumo is much slower (than Hoosier) and I know many folks who like the stick and longevity vs the Hoosiers and who think they are better than Hoosiers, I just am not yet in that camp. Then again, I am sure like others, I have been quicker on RA-1s at times than others on either the Hooiser or Khumo.. Driver skill and basic vehicle prep also play into the equation.

The Kumho has been the dominant tire at Nationals for the past couple years - that should be pretty good indication that it's as fast or faster than the Hoosier.

If you're as quick on RA-1s as on the V710 or A6... the tire is obviously not the limiting factor. RA-1s and Victos are great tires, but not in the same league as the V710 / A6.

[djomlas]

Patrick, you already drive like a maniac, leave the thing alone.
every time we go you get the damn 1st place plaques, let me and nick get a shot at it

[Perfectlap]

RA-1 are heavvvy and aren't very good for Autocross, but still better than ole' street tires. And they are pricey, one crappy venue with rough pavement and you can shred those RA-1's in a hot day.

I'd avoid full coil overs if they are going to bump you up a class. If you aren't autocrossing I think coil overs are a great upgrade when it comes time to replace your worn out shocks and springs.

I'd get the Kuhmos and a GT3 seat with harness. You can swap between stock and GT3 in ten minutes. A drastic improvement, as one guy at my Autocross once said "they hold you in like a mo..fo.."

[Adam]

PSS9's are the way to go if you want the best imo. Here is a link for a new set for under $1,800 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-98-99-00-01-02-04-PSS9-PORSCHE-986-BILSTEIN-SHOCKS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33590QQihZ005QQi temZ150126336888QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[Dr. Kill]

I would suggest some Type R badges as well as NOS and K&N stickers just aft of the front wheel well.

[djomlas]

theres a guy on ppbb that has a red type R badge on the back of his boxster

[Sammy]

Originally Posted by djomlas

Patrick, you already drive like a maniac, leave the thing alone.
every time we go you get the damn 1st place plaques, let me and nick get a shot at it

I think you and NickCats both know that there is a certain shifter kart, an awesome 911, and an AWD Yugo that I want to chase down.

Besides, if I bump a class that means you and NickCats can go head to head without worrying about my extra HP and R compounds giving me the advantage.

Who knows, I may never do anything to my car but I sure don't mind putting together a wishlist!

[NickCats]

dj,

Gotta agree with Sammy on this one...

We WANT him to upgrade and get him out of the A Stock class to give us a chance at a trophy !

Nick

[John V]

If you guys really want a challenge, sign up for the SCCA Milwaukee National Tour. My co-driver and I are signed up and can't wait for the long tow out there. I cut my teeth autocrossing in the Milwaukee region back in 1997-1999 and several of the country's top A Stock drivers (including the 1-2 finishers at Nats in 2006) will be competing at the Tour. Should be fun.

Hope to see some other Boxsters out there, even if not competing. Miller park isn't too much of a drive from Chi-town.

[racer_d]

Originally Posted by John V

If you guys really want a challenge, sign up for the SCCA Milwaukee National Tour. My co-driver and I are signed up and can't wait for the long tow out there. I cut my teeth autocrossing in the Milwaukee region back in 1997-1999 and several of the country's top A Stock drivers (including the 1-2 finishers at Nats in 2006) will be competing at the Tour. Should be fun.

Hope to see some other Boxsters out there, even if not competing. Miller park isn't too much of a drive from Chi-town.

John - Good luck at Devens! (at least I thougt it was your name for this weeks event )

[Sammy]

Originally Posted by John V

If you guys really want a challenge, sign up for the SCCA Milwaukee National Tour. My co-driver and I are signed up and can't wait for the long tow out there. I cut my teeth autocrossing in the Milwaukee region back in 1997-1999 and several of the country's top A Stock drivers (including the 1-2 finishers at Nats in 2006) will be competing at the Tour. Should be fun.

Hope to see some other Boxsters out there, even if not competing. Miller park isn't too much of a drive from Chi-town.

We haven't been to Milwaukee yet this season, but I did run 3 times last year and agree that there are some fantastic drivers, particularly the one in the older red Corvette. I can't compare last year to this year because I was new to the Boxster and didn't have R compounds. Let me know when you'll be in Milwaukee and maybe we can meet up for an event?