Nailing the AX rules down

[bryanearll]

Lov'n it!!

Ok, I realize the AX rules are in a temporary state of flux but for clarifications sake:

My 996 is a stock coupe. It came with 18" wheels as an option. Currently the rear tire used is 265mm wide. So based on the chart, my car would already be "dinked" 2 points for the 18" wheels.

So no changes can be made further without moving to the MS class OR I might as well throw some wider wheels on the car since I'm getting dinked anyway.

BUT, if I was willing to commit to driving the MS class then I ONLY have 4 points to spend. So I guess that would mean a suspension upgrade to something along the Bilstein SS9 system (or equiv. -what else-?) and that's two points, right? Which ultimately will lead me to tires vs. sway bar. Since there is no room in the cab for an extra set of wheels, then its burn through tires or take the sway bar.

So how would you spend the points?
b

[martinreinhardt]

Sway bars will not help you very much at an autox, some people even disconnect them. H&R Springs or Full Coilover will make a difference, Shock tower braces will make the car stiffer (even 986 and 996's which already a front tower from the factory).

The tire can make a hudge difference. Currently most people in the MS class have race tires (Kuhmo or Toyo's) these will give you approx 2 sec on a 60sec lap over a good street tire. There are really good tires for the stock classes like the Kuhmo MX (cheap and better than tires that cost twice the price) which will shave 1-2 sec of a Dunlop, Bridgestone or whatever comes stock. What comes stock changes from country to county, per example US market compound tires are illegal in europe. I beleive the US will also adopt the EURO compound in the near future which will make tire more expensive and not last as long.

[ttweed]

My 996 is a stock coupe. It came with 18" wheels as an option. Currently the rear tire used is 265mm wide. So based on the chart, my car would already be "dinked" 2 points for the 18" wheels.

I would wait for the rules to be finalized before making any decisions, Bryan, but I don't understand your assessment of the 2 points for your wheels. Under the last year's rules, MS/S is allowed a 265 tire. 2 points were assessed for 270 and wider. The diameter makes no difference, it's the width that matters. What chart are you reading?

To run in MS, you will need R-compound tires to be competitive, IMHO. The other place to spend points would be lowering springs with higher rates, as Martin suggests.

TT

[glenn_993]

Martin, It sounds like you were not impressed with your recent sway bar upgrade. Is this true?

[martinreinhardt]

Glenn,

I think I got the swaybar the setup right and the front end appears to turn it better. But overall it was very little gain, I am hoping that the sway bars will help at Streets of Willow and Fontana which are the 2 Time Trial I plan to attend in 2005.