Auto-X in the wet

[Earthworm]

Looks like it's going to rain all weekend here.

I've never run autocross in the rain before and would appreciate some tips with how I should set up my car.

Specifically I would like to know where I should be setting my tire pressures and Koni's.

For dry events I've been running the Koni's full stiff and tires 46F/42R although I probably should have had lower pressure in the back. Tires are Yoko AVS db S2's.

Thanks for any and all info.

[GreenMarine]

Originally Posted by Earthworm

Looks like it's going to rain all weekend here.

I've never run autocross in the rain before and would appreciate some tips with how I should set up my car.

Specifically I would like to know where I should be setting my tire pressures and Koni's.

For dry events I've been running the Koni's full stiff and tires 46F/42R although I probably should have had lower pressure in the back. Tires are Yoko AVS db S2's.

Thanks for any and all info.

Keep the Koni's as stiff as they'll go... I'd run alittle less pressure though... Maybe more like 42F/40R... I tend to not change he car much depending on conditions... I just drive it, and Drive the piss outta it at an Autocross in the rain!!!

[Chiketkd]

David,

When autoXing in the wet, you need to be as smooth as possible. Every input you make - braking, acceleration, turning the steering wheel - has to be done in a very gradual, non-abrupt manner. The limit of adhesion will come much sooner, so always be mindful of this.

Look ahead...as far down the course as possible as you can't let a tight corner sneak up on you. In the dry you can sometimes get away with not running the optimum line, but in the wet it's paramount that you stay on it - always try to make turns as wide as possible and late apex to make the straights as long as possible (by the time you pass the apex cone more than 50% of your turning should be completed).

-Chike

[Earthworm]

I'll let the driving take care of itself

I'm mainly curious if the Koni's should really stay full stiff and what a good tire pressure to run would be.

[Chiketkd]

Originally Posted by Earthworm

I'll let the driving take care of itself

I'm mainly curious if the Koni's should really stay full stiff and what a good tire pressure to run would be.

Well good luck to you Sir! Definitely keep your suspension settings the same.

[Mr. Pockets]

I'd really like to do more events in the wet. We don't have many here - rain usually means thunder and lightning, and at that point we run for cover.

The MR2 is a lot of fun when it gets slippery. It's a challenge, but a lot of fun.

Chike's right, you're going to need to be extra smooth. I've never autocrossed my SVX, but I can imagine it plowing ferociously if you push it. As for setup, I haven't the faintest. On my MR2, I'd be inclined to soften the struts slightly, but not by much. I have my preferences depending on the surface we're using, so obviously I'd start from there. If the surface is extra-smooth, you can get away with a lot.