3/30/2008. I came in 3rd place (missed 2nd by .008!!!) in my class, and 3rd overall out of 103 cars: results.
For the last 2 seasons of AX/RR, I had progressive rate springs (approx 412 lbs front, 288 rear) and KYB/mazdaspeed shocks. It was very compliant and soft. Easy to drive. But lots of body roll with sticky tires:
Over winter, I got JRZ triple adjustables with 900 lbs front/ 650 rear springs. The national winners in SCCA run slightly higher so I wasn't really concerned they were too stiff. Feels great on street.
Switched to bigger front tires (more grip) and ran 285/30 v710's all around.
Yesterday was first event of year for me. I got a real experienced friend to co-drive with me and after a few adjustments to low speed bump (set it to softest setting, 1 of 6 ) the car felt amazing. Less body roll:
The car reacts a lot quicker but even on a pretty cold 45 degree day, tire temps didn't go over 100 with 2 drivers, the stick was amazing. Still using suspension techniques 1.25 solid front sway bar. I will put tripoint bar on this week for next weeks event and put it to the softest setting to start out with.
Tire pressures were 29 hot front, 25 rear. Rear grip was pretty good. I had thoughts of removing rear sway bar, but it will stay for now. I put new hawk HP+'s pads and new fluid and the braking was awesome.
My co-driver, Ed, set FTD with a 44.1 and I think I came in second with a 44.5.
I did have axle hop at the start so I know I was leaving time on the table at the launch; 30 aspect ratio can't take a shock. Maybe in the warmer weather it'll hook up better. That issue was just at the starting line. On a warmer day, I will adjust the slow speed bump up from softest to up 1 or 2 clicks (out of 6).
Backing up my steep driveway, the front axle dropped because all the weight was on the rear axle because it hit my driveway slant first. To pop it back up, I put a jack under the front part of the shackle and it sprang back up.
