usability of a gt-s

[Breakerboy]

ok heres the deal... i'm planning to get a 2003 gt5spd only gonna get sunroof and power package..ican get that out the door for less than 20k.. now on the other hand theres agt-s which i could get out the door for about 23k... now my question is... other than hp there isnt anything that the gts has that is worth 3k.. so for those who have driven both a gt5spd and a gts6spd ... does the gts have higher hp at lower rpms...i mean for every day driving...just regular acceleration would only get u to about 3-4k rpms..so is there still a difference in responce..hp..overall feel at lower rpms? the reason im asking is because people say that they get that extra40 hp at like 6krpms when lift kicks in so does that mean before that the hp isa bout the same with a gt??
Thanx a lot :)

[GTS LAID]

you should definitely test drive both cars because they're very very different. The GT-S is extremely rev happy (or it could be my foot) but it likes to take the trip to 8400 a lot. as for other differences. The GTS comes with rear disc brakes while the GT has drums (actually not much of a difference). Also the GTS will be carrying a new throttle by wire system... I'm assuming the GT will as well but i'm not sure.

one thing to watch out for is that unless you're going to special order the car, you have to take what's available. And most cars only come is certain packages. like the GTSes in my area only came with all the options.. and the only choice you had was stick or auto.

[autxr]

The GTS interior is much nicer - the steering wheel alone might be worth that $3000.

If I ever got a GT, I'd have to find a GTS steering wheel.

But, most of that price tag is the engine, a little bit of markup for the disk brakes the GTS gets in the rear. The GTS also probably has a leather interior.

Scott

[yakkosmurf]

Test driving both is the only way to know. The GTS also has disc brakes in the rear instead of drums. That helps a little with stopping. Especially if you want to do autocross or road racing.

[Camry2000]

I never buy into the fact that a dealer only has a fully loaded GTS in stock. In most cases I tell them to special order me one or we don't have a deal. If they refuse that, I negotiate the options for cost or free. I was able to get a free spoiler and free traction control on my Camry.

[Breakerboy]

k, makes sense ill just have to go drive them..i alrdy kno how a gt feels from driving my sisters now i gotta go see a gts..thanx guys

[djm221]

Originally posted by yakkosmurf
Test driving both is the only way to know. The GTS also has disc brakes in the rear instead of drums. That helps a little with stopping. Especially if you want to do autocross or road racing.

Unfortunately, the GT has several advantages for autocrossing as autxr pointed out in the autocross forum.

[GTS LAID]

Originally posted by djm221


Unfortunately, the GT has several advantages for autocrossing as autxr pointed out in the autocross forum.

has anybody ever driven a GT and a GTS on the same run in the same day to compare times at an autocross... my guess is that the GTS would beat it. The advantage the GT has in my opinion is that its classed differently.

[autxr]

My guess is that the GT would win...

Scott

[GTS LAID]

you're assuming the gearing is more of an adv. than the braking... and the less weight.. right?

[autxr]

The braking argument is BS.

Raise your hand if you have ever seen a true braking comparison between hte two cars? I bet from 60 mph you wouldn't record a significant difference.

The GT is a little lighter, that is a bonus.

The GT has more low end power, you actually will use the peak power in the GT. In the GTS you will be lucky to be at the power peak for even a short period of time.

So, my logic is, more power wins the race. Take an average autocross course, and a GT vs GTS. Run the course.

Use a tach with 60 second memory (that's long enough). Dump the output into a spread sheet. Use a GEEZ cube to tell you when you are accelerating.

Now, take the dyno plots (GT vs GTS), plug the torque numbers into the equation, calculate the wheel torque value at each RPM throughout the acceleration portions of the run (We are comparing any time points where forward acceleration is positive)

Graph (Y axis) Wheel torque and on the X axis graph time. Now, just take the area under the curve.

I bet you find that the GT has more area under the curve (thus did more positive acceleration).

Don't get me wrong, on a big open course when I can drag race the GT, I will win, on a road course, I will win, but on a typical autocross course, I will lose in my GTS.

Scott

[GTS LAID]

i got up to step 3...

i need to get a geez cube now... lol

[yakkosmurf]

Originally posted by djm221


Unfortunately, the GT has several advantages for autocrossing as autxr pointed out in the autocross forum.
I sort of added autocross as a last minute thought. I was more thinking of road racing...

[yakkosmurf]

Originally posted by autxr
The braking argument is BS.

Raise your hand if you have ever seen a true braking comparison between hte two cars? I bet from 60 mph you wouldn't record a significant difference.


I meant the better heat dissipation characteristics of disc brakes. The difference wouldn't be seen in a single stop from 60 mph, but rather in repeated stops from 100+ mph. You can upgrade the pads on the rear of the GTS to have better braking under these conditions. Granted, these are the back brakes, which don't do as much stopping as the front.

[spwolf]

Originally posted by yakkosmurf

I sort of added autocross as a last minute thought. I was more thinking of road racing...

umm, thats something completly different... GT-S is considerably faster on the road.... autocross is low speed only, so you cant really keep hitting the lift...

[outhouse]

I dont mean to rip but what is low speed racing LOL and i really don't care. the advantages your talking about with a GT are so slight there only worth mentioning if you own a GT [even though a gts guy wrote it] Oh and trust me I can stay in lift at lower speed's unless your talking about corrola speed's. Remember most uf us GTS guys run I\E which changes the technical stuff above. Ok I love GT and GTS Girlfriend has GT but from driving the two even at slow speed's the GT wont hang. If GT was better at autocross the Hotchkis would have went GT and found the power the GTS has. Remember the weight holds the tires to the ground a hair better=cornering better less excelleration oop's got that covered

Well unless you add ABS to your GT. you don't need a comparison your GT wont stop faster no way no how. Anyone have the real numbers so we dont have to BS each other? I know GTS #'s who has the GT # GTS is a couple feet shy of the best out there [with ABS] and setting records with a few minor upgrades

look at it like this get a GTS or when you own a GT you will be on the I can get this and that, that you cant band wagon which will make the GT faster. Only maybe 5 out of all the cars out have turbo or supercharged and no 1\4 mile times have been posted that will beat a GTS to this day. Get a GTS and you will love your car. punch it get on the freeway doing 85 in third 105 in fourth l

[erok]

Try to drive a used GTS so you can see how it will be when it's broken in. Both versions handle the same. I only drove the GT during a test drive, so I'm not familiar with its engine, but the GTS motor is definitely sweet. With either model you get a great car, but with a GTS you get an extra dose of sportyness and other small perks you don't get with the GT version. And although the perks may not make the GTS a better autocross car, for me it makes for a much more entertaining real-world daily driver.

[Chris25NJ]

i owned a 5spd GT, and now I own a 6spd GT-S....there is definitely a difference through the entire rpm range, and it's worth the 3K......no offense to the GT owners, but my GT couldn't get out of it's own way.

[GTS LAID]

we're actually not making a general comparison between the two cars. Only 2 cars at a specific event. No one's gonna argue road racing or drag racing when comparing the 2. We're talking autocross though.

[outhouse]

are there any facts or proof that a GT would win or just numbers and speculation and some poor GTS drivers.? I think the only way a GT would win is if he was racing another GT. Oh and maybe the GTS was boxed in and out numbered by a bunch of GT guys.

[autxr]

This is the closest head to head contest I know of:

http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/prosolo/2002/petersburg/results.html

Scroll down to the class "DS," I'm the guy in 6th place with a time of 56.132, this is in a GTS.

Now, scroll down farther to the class "GS." Look at the Celica GT's there . Not only are they faster than the faster WRX's, but also faster than the "faster" GTS.

For comparison...

In 5th and 6th place, Aaron ran 55.422, and Bryan ran 55.695. Both faster than me by over 0.5 seconds.

Maybe they are better drivers, but consider this, over the winter, when I went head to head with each of them, I won. Both times, driving *their* cars.

So, I've beaten them in their own cars, yet, when I drive a GTS and they drive a GT, I can't beat them.

Maybe a fluke, or maybe, just maybe low end torque does mean something. I've seen the dyno pots. The GT will pull harder than a GTS until the GTS gets over 6000 rpm. Try taking a tight turn in first at over 6000 rpm.

Scott

[Breakerboy]

hmm..quite frankly auto cross means nothing to me, cause idont plan on doing them( considering i dont really know what they are hehe)... but anyways i'm trying to get the comparison of gt vs gt-s for daily driving, and when u just wanna gas it past that slow ass truck in front of u.. so most people seem to say that gt-s is worth it. even though gt may have higher low end torque, better at auto crossing etc... i mean a car with 40 more hp must be a better performer..considering its the same car with adifferent/ better engine..

[celica=love]

i am in the same situation dont know which one to get gt or gts...stick shift of course. anyways i dont know if the gts will be worth the difference because i live in canada and that means over $5000 difference. all i'll be using it for is daily driving and the occassional street race when i see those civics. any advice would be greatly appreciated because i dont have that much money to spend so i would like to get the most bang for the buck

[Breakerboy]

wow 5000 difference.. thats a lot, but the way i figure your probably gonna get the uprgade package for power windows..so thats 700..+better sound system..maybe u can get the 16inch wheels and not upgrade for awhile...? thats just what im thinking..

[GTS LAID]

5000 canadian isnt as much as 5000 american :chuckles:

[BlackGTS2002]

ill tell it to you like it was told to me at the dealership... point blank... if you are a 3-4 k rpm driver...get the gt...if you are a redliner, 5k+ driver...go Gt-s

[pepsiman]

Originally posted by Breakerboy
ok heres the deal... i'm planning to get a 2003 gt5spd only gonna get sunroof and power package..ican get that out the door for less than 20k.. now on the other hand theres agt-s which i could get out the door for about 23k... now my question is... other than hp there isnt anything that the gts has that is worth 3k.. so for those who have driven both a gt5spd and a gts6spd ... does the gts have higher hp at lower rpms...i mean for every day driving...just regular acceleration would only get u to about 3-4k rpms..so is there still a difference in responce..hp..overall feel at lower rpms? the reason im asking is because people say that they get that extra40 hp at like 6krpms when lift kicks in so does that mean before that the hp isa bout the same with a gt??
Thanx a lot :)

If you get a GT 5spd.. you'll never experience wonderful world of 6spd and VVTL-I... I've driven type-R,GSR turbo, Celica GT...etc
and VVTL-I hav stronger pull at topend than VTEC. ITS your choice..

[yakkosmurf]

Originally posted by pepsiman


I've driven type-R,GSR turbo, Celica GT...etc
and VVTL-I hav stronger pull at topend than VTEC.
Not true at all. It's your perception. The lag before the crossover on the 2ZZ-GE makes it "feel" like it pulls harder. Looking at the dynos, however, shows that 2ZZ-GE is not pulling harder than the B18C5 at 8k rpm. The B18C5 is pulling over 15 HP more at the top end. Go with facts, not what you "feel".

[AsIaN_HoNeYs_GTS]

I'd personally go for the GT-S :thumbup: for all the reasons already stated. I love my leather seats, all around disc brakes, vvtl-i, etc.! :wiggle:

-Carla

[pepsiman]

Originally posted by yakkosmurf

Not true at all. It's your perception. The lag before the crossover on the 2ZZ-GE makes it "feel" like it pulls harder. Looking at the dynos, however, shows that 2ZZ-GE is not pulling harder than the B18C5 at 8k rpm. The B18C5 is pulling over 15 HP more at the top end. Go with facts, not what you "feel".

yeah yeah..

[yakkosmurf]

yeah...yeah...what? Your statement wasn't correct. Don't just spout things off and try to act like you know what you're talking about when you don't.

[NoCones]

I've owned and autocrossed both.

On the street, you'd never know the difference between the 2 if you shifted at or below 6k rpm. Handling is identical, braking is identical. The leather wheel, shift knob, and seats are all that would give away the difference. (that is not to say I didn't enjoy flailing my GT-S up to 8400 on the street)

As for autocrossing, Scott is right. Courses that allow you to use the GT-S's top end are few and far between. Even when you get to wind the GT-S up above 6000k on an autox course, the extra power causes as much trouble as benefit by generating wheelspin.

The bigger ProSolo sites that start with 0-60 type straights are about the only places where a GT-S would have an advantage.

[Breakerboy]

ugg,..there must be some difference under 6k rpm...but hopefully that 2k rpm between 6-8 will make it all worth it :chuckles:

[NoCones]

Originally posted by Breakerboy
ugg,..there must be some difference under 6k rpm...
yeah, the GT is faster if you shift both at 6K.

[Breakerboy]

comeon!!.... gt is faster if u shift both at 6k rpms?? how does that make any sense?....it would maybe make sense that they are the same at 6k rpm but that the gt is faster..doesnt seem right to me..

[NoCones]

Originally posted by Breakerboy
comeon!!.... gt is faster if u shift both at 6k rpms?? how does that make any sense
Go look at dyno plots from 6k downward. You'll hardly notice any difference. Makes sense to me that in a race between 2 cars with identical power, the lighter one will win.

Again, you'd probably notice no difference in regular street driving below 6k, but if you really went out and did a rigorous test, I'd put my money on the GT.

[Breakerboy]

no cones do uhave a gt or gts? just wondering if your opinions are biased..

[autxr]

NoCones owned a GTS for about 2 years, now he owns a GT. Yes, his opinions are biased, biased by knowledge that most folks on this board don't have.

He got rid of the GTS because he wanted a *better* autocross car - a GT.

Scott

[dnet3]

breakerboy, a small tidbit for you, if you plan on doing simple mods like intake and exhaust the gts responds much better.

[NoCones]

Originally posted by Breakerboy
no cones do uhave a gt or gts? just wondering if your opinions are biased..
As Scott said (and as I said above also), I've owned both. I don't think my opinions are biased at all. Choosing between the 2 cars has to do with an individual's priorities.

For me, autox competitiveness is #1 priority. GT is undoubtedly more competitive in class and on almost all courses is as fast or faster on raw time.

For road racing or drag racing, the GT-S gets to make use of its extra power and is the easy choice.

For the street, it depends how you drive. The way most folks (speaking of the general population, not the nc.o population) drive, they would never know the difference between the 2...so buying the cheaper car makes good sense. If you're an enthusiast who likes to run to redline a lot, you'll appreciate and value the GT-S' 6000+ rpm burst...that's worth a couple G's to a lot of folks (esp around here).

Bryan

[Breakerboy]

thanx bryan, what u say makes total sense, and i take back saying your thoughts were biased.. :) also, can u explain what auto cross is in a nutshell plz hehe

[outhouse]

Autox

must be slow driving if a GT is the prime choice, and thats what your choice is, get a GT and drive slow and handle exactly the same as a GTS OR get a GTS and make 99.9 % of every GT on the road kiss your @ss :-)

What these guys are talking about has nothing to do with everyday driving and the leed they give the GT is by tenths of a second [at best] not really worth telling someone who knows or does not plan to autox.

Get the GTS its well worth the money and then some. I personaly would not own a GT celica as there to slow but i like and hang with fast cars.

Oh and these guys are giving bad advise its quite common knowledge that the GT is a better car to go with if your going to drag with it as the GTS will melt with N\O and the 1zz will take a S\C or turbo much easier then the GTS but before you jump on that bandwagon remember only 5 or so GT' s have gone turbo

Get on the freeway and by the time your at the end of the offramp in third your doing 85 and the GTS does not quit there it will pull hard and fast to 105 in fourth when you feel that you'll understand and be dam happy you went the GTS way . a girlfriend has the GT and she loves my GTS there is no real comparison except for handling and hands down the Celica kicks @ss but don't buy that on the street a GT will out handle a GTS its not going to happen. Not now or ever and with the lack of braking power in the GT I don't give it an once of handling power over a GTS infact much less. [unless your going slow and dont need to brake fast] why get a celica then? oh wait 2 guys that autoX

[zac83]

hmm.... reading the post about the GT beeing better at autocrossing made me mad enough to skip the rest to post this...

gt beat a GTS autocrosing?!?!

if your autocrossing your going to be in HIGH rev. i always stay at like 5500-7000 anyway... yeah a GT will have low end, but the only time your in low end is WHEN YOU TAKE OFF OF THE LINE... now considering that a GTS beats a GT off the line...

in laymans: GTS is more powerful/torque laden at high RPM where you autocross.... than a GT at low end. are you saying that you autocross your GT at 3000 RPM? use common sense kiddies. as for weight issues: whatever, if your going to swing a corner in a GT and loose it, your also going to loose it in a GTS. after all: a GT is 'faster' at autocrossing than a GTS.

the braking is a big issue: a GTS will outbrake a GT easily. the rear brake in a car is used to initialy brake a car. a really hard rear brake is applied, then the front brakes take over all the work... a drum is slower and requires ALOT more pressure to be nearly as effective. you dont have your actual 'stopping power' on your front brakes nearly as fast if your in a GT.

another thing... since a GT is so much better at autocrossing, i can sure see why john hotchkiss bought a GT instead of a GTS... ohh wait, i forgot, he didnt.

if your gona argue on something, be educated. otherwise you WILL be educated.

edit: the GTS has alot higher compression. high compression = crisp response. i can ride my car normaly and spool it up to 6500 and mash the pedal... damn near breaks your neck... im sorry, but you can do that in a GT, its called a lift lobe and you dont have one :( since i ride at 6300 or so when i autocross, i have all that power at my disposal whenever i really mash on it... poor GT, dosnt have it either.

now if you ever salivate over a turbo GT, you might as well just shut up, your doing the exact same thing to it as a lift cam. your giving it killer top end and your probably going to make your bottom end suck ass. why the sudden urge to turbo your car and give it charactoristics like the GTS?

[Chui]

ttt, if ignorance were bliss... I think these two actually compete in their cars. Do any of you detractors autocross or open track your cars? No? I thought not.

And a Honda Integra GS-R is quicker [marginally] than a Honda ITR... if you shift before 5800 rpm. Don't believe it? Got any money you'd like to wager?

Until you figure it out for yourself you're merely guessing. You may wish to listen to what you were told. They are not only "right" they are CORRECT.

[Breakerboy]

and the gt-s owners strike back :bang:

[GTS LAID]

i'm afraid i'm with the GT guys on this... I believe it... even though i have the GTS... remember though that when driving normally you're not autocrossing so yes the GTS is faster UNLESS you're autocrossing... but theres no sense arguing something that we already know.

[Karim]

Originally posted by Breakerboy
thanx bryan, what u say makes total sense, and i take back saying your thoughts were biased.. :) also, can u explain what auto cross is in a nutshell plz hehe

taken from sf region faq http://www.sfrscca.com/solo2/faq/auto.htm#102 great read for starters btw

What is an Autocross event?
Autocross/Solo II events are low to medium speed auto racing events; they are often run on parking lots and airport runways, although street events and events at Go Kart tracks sometimes take place. Generally a course will be defined using traffic cones. One driver at a time negotiates a course laid out with the cones, or pylons, testing their skill against the clock. Time penalties are charged for disturbing cones. In most regions, the penalty is 2 seconds per cone, although in some places it may be 1 second.
There is an upper speed guideline for Solo II which is intended to keep speeds in a domain that most drivers might have encountered on the streets and highways; the fastest cars at a Solo II should not get much over 70mph.

Generally, each driver takes three or four runs at an event. A driver is awarded the best time of all runs taken.



Are there other names for Autocross?
Solo II is the term the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) uses to refer to SCCA-sanctioned autocross events.
Gymkhana was the term used in much of the USA during the sixties. Now the term "gymkhana" as used in the USA usually connotes a gimmick event wherein drivers have to do odd things.

Autoslalom is the term used in Canada.



Who autocrosses?
Most autocrossers are driving/racing enthusiasts who enjoy motorsports competition. In fact, a large percentage of participants do not even own a "racecar"! They race the car they drive on the street. Some autocrossers are serious road race drivers who want to practice technique. Most are like you and me: laypeople with an itch for speed!
Why autocross?
Autocross is an inexpensive, safe way to experience racing. It helps you discover your car's capabilities and limitations, making you a better, safer driver on the road. And it develops your own driving ability. Many would-be race drivers use it as a jump point into the sport of road racing. But probably the greatest thrill of autocross is the challenge of beating your own time. It's fun!
How much does it cost?
Costs vary widely around the country. Typical cost for a single day event is probably ten or twenty dollars. The sponsoring club has expenses like site rental and insurance. Costs for insurance are not insignificant in lawsuit-happy America. Keeping safe courses and speeds is important to the survival of the sport.
How do I join in the fun?
It costs almost nothing to start autocrossing, and since other cars are not on the course with you, there is almost no risk of damage to your car. To get started, just go to your nearest event. Ask questions, and if you brought your car with you, you might even be able to register and race right then and there! To find out where your nearest event is, subscribe to the mailing list, and post a message with the subject line "Hometown, State Events?" You should get at least one lead.
Can I watch for free? Can I bring a friend?
Autocrosses do not typically charge for spectators. Just go. You may be asked to sign an insurance waiver.
Do I have to join some club?
Membership in the organizing club is required in some places, but not necessary at most of the local events in the country. Check with the sponsoring club. However, membership has its benefits; event fee discounts, newsletter subscriptions, etc.
Do I need an SCCA license?
For autocross/Solo II events, no SCCA licence is necessary.
At the regional level, Solo II is very much a grassroots sport, but a few large SCCA Regions (San Francisco for one) require SCCA membership to participate. Check with your sponsoring club. At the Divisional and National level, drivers must be SCCA members to compete.



What kind of car do I need?
Almost any car (or truck) will do, as long as it passes the tech inspection. Certain "tippy" vehicles such as Jeep Wranglers or Suzuki Sidekicks are not allowed because of the increased risk of rollover. People autocross everything from modified Porsches to stock Toyota Tercels to Lincoln Town Cars!





here is a link which shows local autocross regions http://www.autocross.com/autoc/swclub.shtml, i do advise you go check it out in your local area, chances are since you in cali there is some celica drivers in your area that would be more than happy to give you a ride at an autox, if not come down to vegas and your more than welcome to ride with me for an event :) and remember the phrase don't knock it till you try it, you'll be amazed at how much fun you can have just using 2 gears.

Karim

[NoCones]

Originally posted by zac83
if your gona argue on something, be educated. otherwise you WILL be educated.
hmmm. Let's see. I have autocrossed for 4 years. 1.5 years in a 00 Celica GT-S. 0.5 years in a 00 Celica GT. I just came back from nationals where I placed 9th of 43 in G-Stock...4th fastest Celica. You should have come to Topeka...I would have shown you how slow you are in your GT-S.

Oh yeah...My B.S. in aerospace engineering, M.S. in industrial engineering, and current pursuit of a PhD also clearly show how uneducated I am.

As said before, the problem with the extra power of the GT-S is that you simply never get a chance to use it on an autox course...you're nearly never accelerating in a straight line. GT's have enough trouble with wheelspin coming out of corners...the GT-S just makes it worse.

As for weight, 100 lbs can make a significant difference autocrossing...especially if you stick it in exactly the wrong place.

As for braking, you vastly overestimate the value of rear discs over drums. The brakes in both cars are awesome for autocross and you'd never notice a diff between the two. The discs really only offer an advantage for roadracing.

As for Hotchkis, he's not an autocrosser, dumbass. He's a roadracer...see my post where I said the GT-S is the clear choice for roadracing.

As for the neck-snapping, I have a feeling there's a lot of that when you autocross. Remember, kiddies, smooth is fast.

[celica=love]

man all this rage....this is why i love this forum....it's so entertaining....:)

[Breakerboy]

Originally posted by celica=love
man all this rage....this is why i love this forum....it's so entertaining....:)
:werd:

[Breakerboy]

Originally posted by NoCones


Oh yeah...My B.S. in aerospace engineering, M.S. in industrial engineering, and current pursuit of a PhD also clearly show how uneducated I am.

:bowdown: --still in highschool :)

[ArtmanTRD]

having a gts lets you make a great vanity plate that reads: MYPOSGTS

[outhouse]

Good post thanks for the heads up




Originally posted by Karim


taken from sf region faq http://www.sfrscca.com/solo2/faq/auto.htm#102 great read for starters btw

What is an Autocross event?
Autocross/Solo II events are low to medium speed auto racing events; they are often run on parking lots and airport runways, although street events and events at Go Kart tracks sometimes take place. Generally a course will be defined using traffic cones. One driver at a time negotiates a course laid out with the cones, or pylons, testing their skill against the clock. Time penalties are charged for disturbing cones. In most regions, the penalty is 2 seconds per cone, although in some places it may be 1 second.
There is an upper speed guideline for Solo II which is intended to keep speeds in a domain that most drivers might have encountered on the streets and highways; the fastest cars at a Solo II should not get much over 70mph.

Generally, each driver takes three or four runs at an event. A driver is awarded the best time of all runs taken.



Are there other names for Autocross?
Solo II is the term the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) uses to refer to SCCA-sanctioned autocross events.
Gymkhana was the term used in much of the USA during the sixties. Now the term "gymkhana" as used in the USA usually connotes a gimmick event wherein drivers have to do odd things.

Autoslalom is the term used in Canada.



Who autocrosses?
Most autocrossers are driving/racing enthusiasts who enjoy motorsports competition. In fact, a large percentage of participants do not even own a "racecar"! They race the car they drive on the street. Some autocrossers are serious road race drivers who want to practice technique. Most are like you and me: laypeople with an itch for speed!
Why autocross?
Autocross is an inexpensive, safe way to experience racing. It helps you discover your car's capabilities and limitations, making you a better, safer driver on the road. And it develops your own driving ability. Many would-be race drivers use it as a jump point into the sport of road racing. But probably the greatest thrill of autocross is the challenge of beating your own time. It's fun!
How much does it cost?
Costs vary widely around the country. Typical cost for a single day event is probably ten or twenty dollars. The sponsoring club has expenses like site rental and insurance. Costs for insurance are not insignificant in lawsuit-happy America. Keeping safe courses and speeds is important to the survival of the sport.
How do I join in the fun?
It costs almost nothing to start autocrossing, and since other cars are not on the course with you, there is almost no risk of damage to your car. To get started, just go to your nearest event. Ask questions, and if you brought your car with you, you might even be able to register and race right then and there! To find out where your nearest event is, subscribe to the mailing list, and post a message with the subject line "Hometown, State Events?" You should get at least one lead.
Can I watch for free? Can I bring a friend?
Autocrosses do not typically charge for spectators. Just go. You may be asked to sign an insurance waiver.
Do I have to join some club?
Membership in the organizing club is required in some places, but not necessary at most of the local events in the country. Check with the sponsoring club. However, membership has its benefits; event fee discounts, newsletter subscriptions, etc.
Do I need an SCCA license?
For autocross/Solo II events, no SCCA licence is necessary.
At the regional level, Solo II is very much a grassroots sport, but a few large SCCA Regions (San Francisco for one) require SCCA membership to participate. Check with your sponsoring club. At the Divisional and National level, drivers must be SCCA members to compete.



What kind of car do I need?
Almost any car (or truck) will do, as long as it passes the tech inspection. Certain "tippy" vehicles such as Jeep Wranglers or Suzuki Sidekicks are not allowed because of the increased risk of rollover. People autocross everything from modified Porsches to stock Toyota Tercels to Lincoln Town Cars!





here is a link which shows local autocross regions http://www.autocross.com/autoc/swclub.shtml, i do advise you go check it out in your local area, chances are since you in cali there is some celica drivers in your area that would be more than happy to give you a ride at an autox, if not come down to vegas and your more than welcome to ride with me for an event :) and remember the phrase don't knock it till you try it, you'll be amazed at how much fun you can have just using 2 gears.

Karim

[Breakerboy]

Originally posted by ArtmanTRD
having a gts lets you make a great vanity plate that reads: MYPOSGTS
:stupid: wtf are u talking about, how is a gt-s a pos u retard.

[yakkosmurf]

Originally posted by ArtmanTRD
having a gts lets you make a great vanity plate that reads: MYPOSGTS
That's pretty funny.

[yakkosmurf]

Originally posted by NoCones

hmmm. Let's see. I have autocrossed for 4 years. 1.5 years in a 00 Celica GT-S. 0.5 years in a 00 Celica GT. I just came back from nationals where I placed 9th of 43 in G-Stock...4th fastest Celica. You should have come to Topeka...I would have shown you how slow you are in your GT-S.

Oh yeah...My B.S. in aerospace engineering, M.S. in industrial engineering, and current pursuit of a PhD also clearly show how uneducated I am.


Aerospace engineering...industrial engineering...neither of those do anything with IC engines or cars in general. Why not have a Ph.D in Reading Fundamentals?

Just some ribbing from a mechanical engineer. :p

[NoCones]

Originally posted by yakkosmurf
Aerospace engineering...industrial engineering...neither of those do anything with IC engines or cars in general. Why not have a Ph.D in Reading Fundamentals?

How did you know what my PhD will be in?

[GTS LAID]

hey i'm doing my PhD in biomedical engineering... those ME boys dont know the underside of a mack truck if it ran them over with all 18 wheels.

[Chui]

Originally posted by GTS LAID
hey i'm doing my PhD in biomedical engineering... those ME boys dont know the underside of a mack truck if it ran them over with all 18 wheels.

Careful, careful, m8! :D

[yakkosmurf]

Originally posted by GTS LAID
hey i'm doing my PhD in biomedical engineering... those ME boys dont know the underside of a mack truck if it ran them over with all 18 wheels.
We'd know a lot more about the Mack truck than you BME clowns. I work with BMEs. They are clueless when it comes to anything non-medical. You'd at least know what we were after the Mack truck ran over us. :chuckles:

[ArtmanTRD]

Originally posted by Breakerboy

:stupid: wtf are u talking about, how is a gt-s a pos u retard.


Jeez dude lighten up...

[Breakerboy]

heh, ok then explain to me how exactly a gt-s is a pos and then ill lighten up..

[ArtmanTRD]

Well literally, nothing is a POS except a POS...so frankly the GTS isnt a POS, it is a machine. So...that leaves me with a loose synical way of saying that the GTS can methodicaly be a POS because of rattles, low torque, 2002 red line limiter ( which still stupidfies me why Toyota did that the retards). To anyone, a POS can be anything for whatever reason they want it to be. And lastly, there is this thing called sarcasm...yeah...its like a joke, ya know?