Prepping and racing an M-body for F-Stock in Autocross (SCCA Solo)

Prepping

     The first thing people ask when they see an M-body racing is "What have you done to make the car handle better?"  Well, in Stock class, you're pretty limited.  You have to run Stock Suspension components, with the mods limited to tires, rim material, shocks, and front sway bar.  You can add options as long as you install ALL the other options as part of any package they may belong to.

     Between the two pictures, you can see the addition of Bassett wheels and Kumho Victoracer rubber.  Tires are probably the BIGGEST change you can make.

     Other Upgrades I did was a Cop Speedo, 11.75" discs (I know not legal), and a better stereo.


Race 1 April 29, 2007


     First impression: THIS IS FUN!!!  Seriously got hooked.  I ran some "rain" tires because it was cloudy.  Learned a LOT.

     I'm in Z-novice for the first 3 races, or I collect my first win.  I'm still the largest car there...

     I went from a 43.973 to a 37.887 (on a course that a 32-33 would've been competitive).


Race 2 May 6, 2007


     Well, a longer harder course today for the second race of the season.

     I ended today only 4 seconds off the leader in F-stock (although I'm still racing in Z Novice) which is an improvement from last week.  Every week is a different layout, and this time at a different parking lot all together.

     Day started out great when the Hartford Police came cruising around, curious about the activity. The police supervisor was cruising the paddock and STOPPED when he saw the Diplomat. Turns out he remembered when they were the cruisers.

     I'm getting a lot of encouragement from other racers (mostly because they think its cool, not saying it isn't competitive, which it isn't) and this has given me hope for later in the season.

     I started off at a 46.592 and ended up with a 39.677. I changed over to the Basset Rims with Kumho Victoracers and they seemed to like more air pressure than last weeks Yokohamas.


Race 3 May 20, 2007

     I'm starting to get the hang of it, and it started to show that it was my last weekend in Novice.

     It was a 2 lapper, with a LONG left hand sweeper.  F-Stock time was 59.245, an 05 'stang.  Second was a 92 'stang with a 63.133.  I would've been 3rd (of 3!) with my 64.598, not shabby I think.

     However, the limitations of this car in AutoX was starting to show.  The charcoal cannister filled up over the course of 5 runs and over flowed at the very end. I think it was almost full before the 5th, I started to smell gas. Just a 318 LB 2bbl engine. Either the float is sticking/improperly adjusted or needle is shot. Doesn't matter, a carb rebuild is in order.  Also, the front trans seal started to weep.  AutoX requires long runs in first gear.  The 904 was just building up too much line pressure for the 28yo seals to handle.  I brought the car home, and it was completely dry and odor free.


Race 4 June 24, 2007






     The third race woke me up to the reality that I really should start looking for a more competitive RWD mopar.  I put it up on Ebay, and it didn't sell.  What to do?  Go racing!

     What a weird course. A double figure 8, where the first cross was at
the beginning/end and one in the middle. They started running a 2
lapper, but once the math said 3 runs would end at 6:30, they went to a
single lap after a few cars ran. My Diplomat and I greatly appreciated
that (see the third race results for the driplomat story)

     With the fronts at 44psi rears at 36, the chalk told me I was stuffing
the front tires. Nothing new, I knew I needed an alignment.

     First corner was a small left 150 degree elbow that transitioned into a
larger right 150 degree. a small straight into a very forgiving slalom
that ended with the left handed turn into a 180 left bend. From there
it was a slight right then straight through both x's ending with a sharp
right turn.

     FTD was 35.254. The FS mustang I'm chasing did a 41.161 to my 42.561.

     I'm still over driving, not looking far enough ahead, yadda yadda yadda.
Still lots of improvement for me.

     Also was the first time out with the 8.25 rear and rear sway bar. Now I
know what some say about the rear sways. Combined with the SG the
rear was twitchy.  However, it was slower.  Turned out I got the nice 2.45 geared package.

     I brought the car to Carlisle, and sold it to a gentleman from Ohio.  I took the money and bought a 71 Challenger.  I now race my 02 Neon, and when the Chally, is ready, that will be my race car.

 
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