2009 SM Discussion

EVOlutionary · Jan 10, 2009, 10:51 PM

Welcome to the 2009 Street Modified autocross discussion. This thread will be a place all SM competitors can share our exploits throughout the year, and also will serve as a resource for competitors thinking about campaigning an EVO in Street Modified class.

The last two years Street Mod threads grew pretty quickly! There is a huge amount of information contained in there and I would highly recommend any folks new to SM take the time to read through the 1300+ posts before starting in the 2009 discussion. You can access the 2007 and 2008 Street Mod threads here:
Autocross EVO - Street Modified Build
2008 Street Mod Discussion

Let's get things kicked off by asking - what are your plans for 2009? Any big changes to the car? What events are you planning on running? Will this be your first year to give Nationals a shot?

EVOlutionary

EJEvo · Jan 10, 2009, 11:11 PM

I'm curious how the 2009 National Tour event is going to be at Seneca Army Depot (Romulus, NY). It used to be held at Moore Field/Devens (Ayer, MA).

conevadr · Jan 11, 2009, 09:55 AM

I'm from Finger Lakes, the host region. Feel free to contact me outside of this thread with any specific questions.

George M

prostcj · Jan 11, 2009, 10:15 AM

I'll be running the FP red this year. We'll see if it is too laggy.

wrcRS · Jan 11, 2009, 03:59 PM

I will be moving up to SM this year from STU. My car is currently setup with just Works/Ohlins DFV's, no power mods, and stock SE wheels and tires.

I have purchased from Speed Element, a Whiteline 24mm Rear Sway bar, complete whiteline bushing kit, roll center correction kit, adjustable end links and Perrin PSRS. A group of us are considering buying a set of corner balance scales as well.

I am considering running street tires again this summer until I can afford the 18 by 9.5 wheels that I want to run. Also, by that time I should have the shocks valved to handle the spring rates I want to run.

Being in Alaska, I hope to make it to the National Championship this year in Nebraska.

Richard EVO · Jan 11, 2009, 04:49 PM

SM stands for Spec Miata lol

EVOlutionary · Jan 11, 2009, 08:58 PM

Not on the EVO forums

EJEvo · Jan 11, 2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conevadr

I'm from Finger Lakes, the host region. Feel free to contact me outside of this thread with any specific questions.

George M

FLR = great people. No concerns there.

**SmikeEvo** · Jan 12, 2009, 08:54 AM

New: suspension, a little more power, tires.

Events: Where ever I am, I want to run. Might be CT, might be Belle Isle, might be SVR. Winged Warrior if it happens.

Been talking with Sean from SVR. Its down to upfront costs to long term costs. I went through two sets of Z1s last season (did street drive on them too). But this season is big boy tires time. I think the V710s are it. I was looking to stay in the street tire index, but at this point time to move up. I was looking at the NT01 and NT05, but really, since I run in areas with and without the street tire index, I need to just run as if I didn't have it. Power wise I am still short by a lot. But if I can get one set of V710s to last a season it will be good.

EVOlutionary · Jan 12, 2009, 12:23 PM

You should be able to get ~ 120 runs out of a set of V710's with proper camber, tire pressures, and rotating. The last 60 runs will be significantly slower than the first 60. Maybe 1-2 seconds on a 50 second course.

If you find yourself near the end of the season and wear out the V710's, I have several sets of Hoosier A6's with a little life left in them you can have for a very reasonable price.

**SmikeEvo** · Jan 12, 2009, 01:08 PM

Thanks!

Now, if only spring would come back!

wrcRS · Jan 13, 2009, 07:53 PM

I ran a set of Kuhmo V710's on my Focus (albeit, quite a bit lighter) and got an entire season out of them. That was with a co-driver, four track days on an old worn out airport and about 150 plus autoX runs between the two drivers. No concrete tracks at all up here.

flmjr · Jan 13, 2009, 09:35 PM

I did my first autocross in Anchorage when I was at Fort Richardson in about 1970.
Seems like a long time ago. I thought that the fall off in the V710's was precipitous after about 60 runs. They were serviceable but not competitive for the ext 30 to 40 runs. Time your purchase so that you are within that first 60 run window for the important events unless you can afford multiple sets.

Frank

**SmikeEvo** · Jan 14, 2009, 05:50 AM

Thanks Frank. My big runs are early in the season (Winged Warrior). I am not planning on nationals at this stage yet. After the 60 runs will they still compare to a good street tire in terms of grip?

madmax199 · Jan 14, 2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmikeEvo

Thanks Frank. My big runs are early in the season (Winged Warrior). I am not planning on nationals at this stage yet. After the 60 runs will they still compare to a good street tire in terms of grip?

They will still outperform any street tire by a lot...