class question

[skatamatic]

i was wondering if anyone here could help me figure out what class i'll be in once the real season starts up next month. i ran in novice yesterday at the tuneup day and got 1st so it looks like i'll be getting moved out of that soon (isn't that one of the scca rules?) anyways, i have a 2000 gts 6 speed with CAI, exhaust, TRD springs, front and rear 3 point strut bars (i'm afraid that right there might put me somewhere kinda tough, but oh well), and a bunch of other stuff that shouldn't make any difference (bodykit, etc...). also, i was running on my 18" ALT wheels w/ yokohama paradas but am planning on getting a set of stock GTS wheels back and getting some kind of auto-x tire on them. if anyone has some tire reccomendations/sizes for what class i'll be in i would also appreciate that. thanks a bunch for any help!
-cody

[autxr]

I'm leaning towards STS for your class.

Here are some things you would have to do/verify...

For STS there are tire and wheel restrictions. They can not be greater than 7.5 inches wide and the tires are limited to 225 width.

You would also have to unbolt the bottom bolts of the rear 3 point bar (triangulation isn't allowed).

that would make it Kosher enough. If you were really good the rear bar could still get you protested.

With teh 3 point bar that really bumps you to a prepared or mod class because of the triangulation. I'm not even sure if it is OK in prepared, then there are wheel restrictions for prepared as well (old rules).

In all though, I say STS is the right class until you decide to compete nationally.

Scott

[skatamatic]

thanks a bunch for the quick reply. what kind of effects do you think unbolting the bottom of the 3 pt. would have? i was really enjoying it this weekend and could tell a nice difference with it on. also, any reccomendations on types of tires to use? i want to go ahead and get a set before the next event on march 10 so i can stop killing my street ones. thanks!
-cody

[scapamouche]

Here I go again!!!!!

If you run prepared or Mod, someone esle can recommend a race tire

if you run STS, get Falken Azenis tires. Awesome grip on a tire that meets the requirements of STS (treadwear >140 being the primary one) For 16" rims, the best bet are the 215/45-16s.

I run a set of 15" Kosei rims with 205/50-15 Axenis. Wonderful stuff!!

[nxracer]

I'll stick with my Hoosiers (pardon the pun) even in the rain

But for STS/X the Falken's seam to be the tire of the moment.

Personally I think Howard (Duncan) should do a tire test. Mount up one Falken, one Kumho MX, one BFG KD and for a reference one Kumho V700.

To prove the claimed "tread wear" ratings Howard would drive to each Pro and National Tour event. At the event, Impound would measure and record the tread depth of each tire and rotate them in a counter clockwise pattern.

[Unity112]

Yeah I dont think triangulation is allowed in prepared, and I don't think just undoing the bottom will cut it. So either take it off, or if you don't care too much about being competitive, you can run mod. Which you'll probably want hoosiers or khumo v7000's.

But for sts the hot tire right now is the Azenis. The new Khumo MX (slated for April (yeah right?)) are supposed to compete with those tires.

[skatamatic]

alright, thanks for the help everyone. i guess i'll just think on this for a little while, run in novice at the points events until they kick me out, and then figure out if i wanna keep the bar and get hoosiers (and most likely still loose real bad), or do something about it (unbolt or remove it) and run sts w/falkens (and maybe have a chance at being competitive).
-cody

[skatamatic]

oh, sorry for all the questions, but i just thought of one other thing. i kinda want to get a harness and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. i saw that scott was reccomending the schroth rally 4 but was wondring if it was really worth $140 (i need to start saving for tires now, and that just seems a little high for a few little straps). the sparco ones were more in my range ($75-$80) but if the other one is definately worth it, i'd be willing to pay a little more. i also noticed it's street legal which could be a plus, but just wanted to see if it had any other advantages. thanks!
-cody

[autxr]

First, since you are running novice, don't worrya bout teh car or class. Slow down in your quest for a national champioship. Go out and have fun. If you like it so much that you care what class you are in, you will have to change the car to fit the class. Do'nt rush out and do that just yet.

As for harnesses, I liked the Schroth for several reasons:
1) It's German and they are better engineers (IMHO).
2) It's both DOT and TUV? approved. I like the thougt that what is holding my butt in the seat has actually be tested.

I spend $140 per tire, like I care that I just spent an extra $50 or 60 to get a harness that has some thought behind it.

It's your life, you chose.

The cheap one will hold you in your seat though.

Scott

[icyjaws]

what about weight reduction? specifially AC and PS would that push me out of STS?

[nxracer]

STS rule 17.1.C Air conditioning systems may be removed in whole or in part. This rule should not be interpreted to allow modification of the heater system.

I see nothing in the Stock or STS rules about Power Steering removal SO that means it is NOT allowed.

I really wouldn't worry too much about weight reduction. Spending a lot of time worrying about how well the car is prepared can and does become a mental crutch. It's best to just "Drive the Car"

[skatamatic]

thanks again for the help scott, it's much appreciated...
-cody

[icyjaws]

yea i hear you on that one but its was something i was planning on doing and i just wanted to know if it would push me out of STS thanks