Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Who is currently racing their SVX? Autocross? Drag racing? Track events? SCCA races? Who is doing what out there these days? I don't hear much any more about actually running a SVX in a competitive event.

So, let's see some posts on what you are doing with the SVX!

Harry

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

PPIR has been running bi-weekly time-attack/drift events, and I took my SVX once while in the middle of my suspension upgrade on the BMW, otherwise I've just been drifting.
I'd like to figure out the infamous cooling issue before taking out my SVX to any open track days.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Harry,
the only people on The East Coast that I know of that are Hill Climbing, AutoCrossing and Track Days are Elezar (radarwhiz) and Bill (SVXRide)
Tom & Melissa are temporarrily sidelined by delays and emission issues.

Is anyone doing anything that is actual sanctioned racing?!
Tom

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Went to a BMW ice event in Wisconsin in Feb. Solo's are just around the corner here in Indiana. Will be attending those.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Represent! 😎

Bill

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Perhaps you can expand on that, Bill.
AutoCross, Hill Climb, Track Days, etc??

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

I autocrossed my SVX once. It had great low end torque, but on short, tight courses the LSi speed sensitive steering was terrible. The second turn in a chicane was met with zero assist pressure.

Also, the sunroof equipped roof is too low for my 6'1" frame with a helment on. I had to run with the roof open and my head cocked to the side.

I prefer to race my WRX.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Oops, didn't see this till just now.........

But you all already know what I do :rolleyes:

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

But to be clear, AutoCrossing, The Hill Climb, Track Days.
Elezar actually READS the rulebook and , what is the PC way to say what he does...
Busts my Ball Bearings to comply with the rules.

I on the other hand prefer the way the Greats "worked" the NASCAR rules in the 60s & 70s! ;)


"Yesserie, Bob, thats a 4"bore, here use MY steel rule, heh, heh, heh.":rolleyes:

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

That's just the difference between a driver and a mechanic.

Your pride is in the machine you build.
Mine is in perfecting my driving skill and testing said skill against other drivers, and that requires an equal playing field :)

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

What is an equal playing field?!?!:confused::confused::confused:

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

That Rulebook :p

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Someone here in New Zealand has gone to a lot of trouble - but wow they have done a great job....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/spec...-879936612.htm


Steve

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

That car makes my pants shorter!:eek::o

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

I just started doing local AutoX events. We run based on NASA rules and the SVX is in the NX-E class.

The first event had a very tight, and technical layout and I was not able to exceed 35mph. With Nevin's larger RSB the rear of the car rotated nicely. I noticed the steering is not very direct and takes quite a bit of input to go were you want to. (Better tires might help, leading to my point) My first run was a 75.847 and I got progressively faster. The last (6th run) was a 66.648;) Out of 10 in the class I placed 4th and the fastest car in my class (Miata) ran a 61.092.

The second event consisted of a more open layout and I was able to hit 45mph. In this event I had to focus more on keeping as much momentum as possible throughout the turns. SVX is not exactly quick!:p Also, when I did use the brakes I had to use them hard and I wasn't always happy with the outcome:rolleyes:. With the higher speed around corners I could really feel my sidewall rolling as well. My times were very consistent up to the point where it started downpouring. My first run was a 50.986, progressively faster again,with my fastest (4th run) being a 50.334.


So, I'm now looking for better tires. Something sickier with a stronger sidewall, but also not braking the bank (Under $150/tire) and lasting more than a season of AutoX.

I'm currently running the BBS STI wheels 17x8 ET 55 wrapped with Gmax AS03 (It's an Ultra High Performance All Season tire). They are surprisingly really good tires for the money (I paid $95 per tire) but just not up to par for the sport.

Any input on good tires? I'm all ears!

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

I would suggest HANKOOK Rs 3's for tires Seems like I paid less than $150, and I'll be getting into my second autocross season with them this year.

Also, I would go back to the 16 inch rims.... if not the stock rims (which I ran with my '92 SVX) a wider aftermarket 16 incher The 17's have the effect of gearing the car "higher", thereby sowing your acceleration. The 17's are much better for the track. Be sure to also check out the tread wear index on the tire - most organizations (like SCCA and NASA) are now limiting the tire wear index to 140 if you are to remain in the stock class - the HANKOOK's mentioned above are 200 and stick really well.

Also, another point to consider is that when you mention you can feel your tires "rolling over" ... that means you need MORE AIR in them. More air will insure the contact patch is at the max. Put some chalk marks on the tire close to the tread to see exactly how much the tires are rolling.

As for brakes, I never had problems with the SVX brakes. If one engaging the antilock brake system, then you need more tire rather than more brake - I use EBC pads and they work great. Be sure to upgrade to at least DOT 4 brake fluid too ..
Hope this helps. I sold my '92 SVX that I autocrossed a bit over a year ago when I found a Porsche 924S with VERY low mileage on it, but I still have my '97 SVX - only 82K miles on it ......

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

I have looked into the wide variety of tires available and it is hard to make a decision. I do, however, agree with the Hankook RS3 being one of, if not the best contender in the Sub $150, 200+UTQG category. Thanks for the input!

Wheels will be staying 17's, I already have 2 sets of wheels :rolleyes: and the other half would kick me out if I buy yet ANOTHER set. I have 4.44's so hopefully that balances out the acceleration. :cool:

I read into "rolling sidewalls" and I will be testing out higher pressures. This last event I ran 38psi fronts and 32psi rears to help the rear end rotate. I will bump up the fronts to 40 for the next event.

The ABS did kick in a couple of times at each of the past events, which is why I started looking into tires. I'm already running DOT 4 fluid, SS brake lines, Red EBC pads and slotted/cross drilled rotors.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

The 16/17/18 inch argument SHOULD be about the total wheel/tire weight as long as you do not increase the tire diameter. 24.86" is stock.

For example a typical 225/50/16 street tire on a stock (20# wheel) weighs 40#s, on average.
But if you have a 16#, 17" wheel with a 235/40/17 wheel/tire combination (at 24.4" tall) that weighs 40# or less,;) Then you have a win, win, win!

Wider tire, quicker responce, more feedback, BUT the wheel has to be wide enough for said tire.
Even our stock wheels are 7.5" wide.
So check to see what YOUR 7.5" wide wheel can handle as far as tire size goes.

A 225/45/17 is only 24.97" tall, and a safe bet, especially with your 4.44s.:)

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Thanks for clarifying Tom! I'm actually running the BBS STI wheels which are 17x8's (19.2 lbs with wheel weights and valve stem). I'm running 225/45's at the moment and the whole set up is 42lbs aired up.

I want to buy 235/45's for my next set for said "Wider tire, quicker responce, more feedback". The wheels I want would put me at about 46lbs though. What should I do:confused:...

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

What he said! ;)

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Harry

The only issue with going back to 16 inch rims is the EXTREMELY limited selection of tire widths. I have not been able to find any of the current crop of 200 TW tires in a 16 inch size that are wider than 235 (!). Now, you go to R-Comps and the gloves come off ;-)

Bill

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

How VERY TRUE, Billy!! And yes, I know - MORE TIRE!! :lol:

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

:cool::D

Bill

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Elezar,
I have four very cool 16 X 9 "snowflake" wheels that weigh 21.6#s each!
Who wants to go FAST!:D

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

I wont go as far as to say I race my SVX, but I like to take her out on track days just to see what she can do and also to learn the handling characteristics of the car. She is like chalk and cheese compared to the WRX's I have had in the past.

here's a cool pic from a month ago!

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

What doe's "Chalk and Cheese" mean?

And yes its a cool picture.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Thanks!

Chalk and Cheese = completely different. like day and night.

LOL see attached. sorry, couldn't resist :lol:

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Thank you for the translation.




It SOUNDED like an English delicasy:confused:

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

OK, I've looked at all the postings in this thread, as well as the mods made to the cars. I'll assume no one is running in the H street class of SCCA. If so the cars are so illegal I'd be ashamed to say I know you. As I've read the rules, (former Modified Category Advisory Committee member), and researched the SCCA rules for over 30 years I've found the following to be not allowed in Street. The other than stock dimension wheels, 4.44's, QC, to name 3 off the top of my head. Each of which I've considered and to add those moves the car to really lofty categories. What groups are you guys running in so I can see if there are any events near Indiana, and the rules allow these mods?

I can see the logic in "there aren't any of these out there and no one will know it's illegal so I can get away with it" mentality but really?

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

We are in FP for The Racer for AutoCross. For the SCCA Time Trials we are in S2.
Its an Unlimited Class!
So at around 250 crankshaft horse power and 2500 or more pounds we are in the same Hill Climb Class as several winged open wheel cars at 1200 pounds and 300-400 horse power!
Kiss my ass!
Tom Krynock!:mad:

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

You would be correct to assume that no one who you have seen reply to this thread is running in H street class with the modifications they have listed........therefore rendering the entire remainder of your post (after that assumption) useless. So the only thing for you to be ashamed of is your rant that targets only those in your imagination.
No one here cheats. In fact, because of the rarity of this car, we strive extra hard to maintain compliance and still be competitive.

We autocross with the National Road Autosport club at the Cumberland Airport in Wiley Ford, WV and compete in Hillclimbs and Track Trials sanctioned by the SCCA in Flintstone, MD and at Summit Point Motorsports Park, WV. You are more than welcome to come observe us and see for yourself how "cheaty" we are. :rolleyes:

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Thank you radarwhiz for helping with the clarification of organizations and classes available and your kind invitation. I hope to be able to get that way in the next year or two and will check for schedules and events that coincide with my travel plans.

An thanks to you svxfiles also for the information of FP for a solo class. As for the fact that you run S2 in time trials that too is admirable. I'm not fortunate enough to live in an area where there is the diverse opportunity for competition with a street car as on the East Coast. You folks are truly lucky. There aren't any hillclimbs in out area either and your enlightenment to me of the vehicles you have to compete against is appreciated. Both of you have proven to me that there is class in the people who compete in vehicles that may be outclassed but do the best they can within the rules. I do feel your rude statement at the end was truly unwarranted. Have a pleasant and successful season to all the honest competitive drivers in this forum.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Sorry for the rude statement. But when you "SEEM" to make a statement calling honest car guys cheaters and that you are
"ashamed to say I know you.",
it makes pig biting mad.


I like our local crowd of Racers and Track Officials. Its a very friendly and accepting group.

Around here in The Country we never see or hear rude.

Actually I have seen rude here twice since 1987.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Having autocrossed an SVX for over 10 years, and being very familiar with the SCCA rule book for auto crossing classes/modifications, here's a few things to pass along:

A dead stock SVX running R-comps would be in GS. Now, the recent shift to 140, then 200TW street tires may have bumped this class. No biggie, haven't run "stock" in 8 years

Once modifications begin, the trail is STX, ESP, FP. Really sporty, and you can play with the big boys in XP.

Please be careful to judge, as those of us dedicated to racing the SVX have solid engineering and hands-on mechanic backgrounds. We understand the rules an fully recognize where we "fit in".

'Nuff said

Bill

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Thanks Bill, I'm sorry for the inference I made about being legal. I feel the same way as you and others that responded to my post. The SVX is now H Street. I've enjoyed the events I've been to and it's bone stock with the addition of front sway bar bushings. The right one self destructed and came out so had to replace it. I have 4.44 trans and rear end waiting for the failure of the stock unit and know I'll be changing classes. Right now I'm doing what is legal in Street. I'll add a rear bar to the original, with custom made mounts, and hope to find some wheels to mount smaller OD tires on to help with the current gearing. They'll be a bit less wide however with the AWD I figure it'll work. Also less wide has less sidewall flex and more stability of the tread. Still trying to figure out what to do about struts. There's a lot of info on the board but out of my price range. Looks like stock replacements may be my choice. I've been in Stock, Prepared, and Modified categories in the past and done all my mods so I'm just looking at what I can do legal. The other thing I'm considering is using windshield polyurethane, and injecting it into all the cavities in the suspension and engine mounts. May be illegal, have to reread the rules. Guess it would move me to STX sooner than I'd want. Again thanks for the reply and good luck with your autocrossing also.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

solodon, one of the things we did with The Racer was to remove the rear sway bar to get it to rotate quicker/better.
On two of my street SVXi I have installed a heavier rear bar and love the feel of it, on the street.
However when the local Subaru Track Star, (Mike Moran) tells me to do something, I know that He knows better than me!
But then again 2500#s and slicks.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

The reason to remove the rear bar was for better traction and less understeer on throttle. It's more than happy to rotate on entry, trail-braking.
After apex, getting back on throttle with any steering angle, the inside rear was light enough to cause the center diff to cut rear power making it fwd.
But in HS I certainly would not recommend removing it!!

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Thanks for the discussion on the rear bar. I've installed and removed rear bars over the years also. I can see where on the track it might be good to remove the bar but since autocross is "supposed" to be closer to street driving and speeds it just seems to make sense to add rear bar. What does the stock SVX weight in street trim? Also what is the torque split F/R and what determines the changes? It would be good to know this I think. I have only run at events in manual 1 and it's not shifted to 2 yet and if I run tomorrow, I know it won't shift at that site either. I've been running more air in the rear and the car seems to rotate very well but I've driven FWD a lot over the years and a few RWD. I've not had much understeer from the SVX unless my head was in the wrong dark place.:lol:

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

3580#s.

When you are at WOT the transmission TRIES to be 50/50.

Under most on throttle conditions its about 66% to 75% fwd.

I say this because I have had the Subaru Select Moniter connected while driving many, many, many SVXi and watched the read out.

At very light throtle, perhaps going down hill, it could be as much as 90% fwd.

Re: Who's Racing Their SVX?
 

Thanks SVXFILES. That means that when I'm autocrossing, in first gear and manual every time I go WOT it's trying to be 50/50. That makes me happy. The rest you learn to deal with but I know the car is a BLAST on traffic circles and all corners when I go WOT so that explains why. I thought it was about 3600 lbs from what I've read. Is that GVW or actual scale weight with spare and gas etc.?