suspension component questions

[cbr600drm]

I am looking into my options for suspension components. I plan to race in the local scca auto cross events this season. I'm not sure which class it will be yet, but I want to keap the drivetrain close to stock with the exeption of TRD stuff. How are the KYB agx adjustable struts? I don't want to go as far as a coil over set up, but the ability to make some adjustments is appealing. Koni makes adjustables that will fit our cars also correct? Would TRD springs work well with either of the above? Suggestions? What sway bars and strut tower braces do you all recomend? What other suspension modifications would be worthwhile? I appreciate all the help in advance! I am just trying get some idea of what I should be looking into, and at the same time what class would be best for me to run in. Thanks again!

[nxracer]

Since your just starting out I recommend you leave the car pretty much alone. Yes KYB and Koni make adjustable dampers (Koni's get the nod) and either will work well with the TRD springs but as you learn the sport more can be gained by adjusting the "Nut behind the wheel".

If your looking to spend money do it on alignment, tires and event entry's. Once you have learned to be one with the car you will know what the car needs and the Celica GT does not need much. With a good Alignment, Shocks and Sticky tires you will beat most "modded" cars (that's why STS is slower than GS)

[Unity112]

What mods do you have on the car? If nothing at all, I suggest you run in the stock class. You'll be classed in ES with that GT of yours. Learn to drive your car first and then make improvements from there. If must buy something, stay in ES and try out some wheels (nice lightweight 15's) and race tires.

[nxracer]

The GT is in GS now (GT-S in DS)

I already own my Gees

[Unity112]

Ah, thanks for the clarification nxracer. There you go, try out your luck in GS. :)

[nxracer]

If you local club has a "street tire" class start there. The first thing you want to do is also the cheapest, alignment.

For this you'll need the following
A good alignment shop (can be hard to find)
Crash Bolts from Toyota, get 2 of each
90105-15004 (1 dot)
90105-15005 (2 dot)
90105-15006 (3 dot)
You want to replace the top strut bolt with a 3 dot, leave the bottom one stock unless you need more.
Click Here (http://home.earthlink.net/~celica73/camber.jpg)

Settings
Front camber = -1.8 to -2.0 degrees
Front toe = .1 to .05 degrees OUT
Rear camber = -1.3 to -1.5 degrees
Rear toe = 0

On your way home for the alignment rack you will be amazed how much better the car handles. Don't worry too much about excess tire wear. I put over 37,000 miles on my stock RE92's, sure the inside edges were a little worn but nothing to worry about.

Tire Pressures on the Stock RE92's
Front 46
Rear 30ish

The new GS will be a blast. All the fast ES cars, the "left back" GS cars, some new ones (MP3) and of course those pesky Neons.

[afghan]

Mark, I would get so pissed when the best H stock drivers would beat my times(Jeff and I forgot the other guy in Blk old si)!!!!!!

Like at Kentucky and a few other places. Damn Race Rubber! I know I know,

I need to learn how to drive!:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[cbr600drm]

Does changing to TRD springs, stuts, exhaust keap me form being eligable for GS? I did the last ot the porsche club auto cross events last month which was my first one. I felt like grip was my biggest problem. Less roll would be nice too. On the slalom sections the steering got a bit mushy. Again is there anything else on top of wheels, tires, and alignment I can do to and still be able to race GS? Thanks guys! You have been a big help!

[autxr]

TRD springs are not legal for running in GS (the S stands for stock). Struts are basically unrestricted (this is considered a wear item so replacements are allowed), the exhaust is also unrestricted from the cat back (the TRD is fine).

Not much else you can do other than play with tire pressures , tire compound, etc. When dialed in and driven properly your car can be one of the top 10 fastest cars at evey event (unless you have a disproportionate number of mod cars coming out).

Scott

[nxracer]

The springs will move you to STS, in STS you'll need a whole lot more stuff to win.

Grip: A "mushy" feeling can come from
A) under inflated tires
What tire pressures were you running up front? On my car with my alignment me driving and the stock RE92's 46 psi works well. On your car without the alignment I would say the front tires need more air, maybe 50 to 55 pounds. The best way to find your correct pressure is to "chalk" edges of the tires, they should roll about a 1/4" down the sidewall. If they roll over too much you need more air, work in 3 pound increments.

B) excess speed
Slow = Fast
Smooth = Fast
In the corners, Slow in fast out
Think of autocross like a dance (not a break dance) with the car.

C) excess steering input
This one is hard to explain (anybody want to take it?)
Basically most new drivers tend to steer way to much.