Plan for next autocross

[teamDFL]

So, with next autocross looming, I have developed a plan to reduce the understeer in the Focus. No money will be spent and all changes are reversable.

I will take my first 2 runs as is, making sure that the tire pressures are right. Depending on temp, I will most likely go with 45 front and 34 rear. A little higher than last time. Then before the next pair, I will climb under the car and toe the rear end out. I have no idea how much, but most likely, I will go to the limit of the eccentric adjusters.

Why? Well, I have never intentionally had rear toe out, as I have always been in RWD vehicles, and that is a big no-no. A 2am brain fart resulted in a little one time, and I was very afraid through the 90 mph sweeper known as turn 3 at Roebling Road. So, since I am always open to new things, this is what I'll try.

If anyone has tried this, let me know. The only negative I have heard is that transitions can get down right funky if you go to far. But, since every turn in seemed like there was a three second delay to it, I'll welcome rotation no matter how it comes.

All thoughts, comments and prophecies of doom welcome.


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Rich
teamDFL...Just Run It
www.teamdfl.com

[ZXmurph]

DFL- you rock!

"boldly researching while other cars sit in the drive ways..."

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HOWZ about more go, less show.......
2001 pitch black ZX3 "special order"- no power- Premium Grp + Advance-Trac
1984 VW GTI 2.0 16v "Street Mod" Auto-Xer 1900lbs/155hp- (refereed and certified C.A.R.B. swap)Schrickcams,GarretECU,Bilstein Gruppe1,H&R GruppeG45O/300,KumhoVictoracer,Shine bar,Porterfields,Techtonics Exh.
1979 VW RABBIT Diesel "S.U.V." 45mpg Surfmobile- wipe your feet after getting OUT-(C.A.R.B.'s evil smoking nemesis)

[Chris F]

No danger. Worst you can do is swap ends, which in a FWD car gets you bonus points and cheers from the spectators.

If you dont have the 25mm Eibach rear bar I highly doubt you will get it loose enough to do that.

Youll know you are having a good effect if you can get the tail to step out in trail braking and hard turning.

[P-51]

Instead, why not reach under the front and disconect the front swaybar? You may want to undo it and then redo it at home first to get it nice and loose (my bolts are stuck). That is probably going to have a bigger effect, and will be easier to put back to normal.

[teamDFL]

Chris F. I cna already get some rotation with heavy trail braking and violent inputs. I'd just rather do it on the smooth and fast.

ZXMurph. Did I mention the teamDFL motto lately? Just Run It

P-51. I considered that, but figured that the alignment thing might be a smaller change. I know I've bitched pretty loud about the understeer, but, to tell the truth, I don't want to do anything too radical since the handling is quite good stock. I like the predictablity and the fact that things basically happen in slow motion. If this doesn't work, front sway bar disconnect will be the next step.



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Rich
teamDFL...Just Run It
www.teamdfl.com

[Chris F]

In my car the rear steps out both smoothly and quickly, its very easy to catch with the power.

Ill try to get some video of myself at the next auto-x event here so you can see what I mean. Basically in hard deceleration sharp corners I can get the car going nicely slideways almost as if I had induced throttle oversteer in a RWD car. But whereas in a RWD car this might lose you time regaining traction, in a FWD car you just hop off the brakes, punch it and go. Fun!

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Chris Feist
Black 00' ZX3 5spd
Mods Dyno Chart
"No Fear?..... Not Fast Enough!"

[This message has been edited by Chris F (edited 05-15-2001).]

[teamDFL]

I agree that the tail rotates nicely with the brakes, I just can't get it to do it without them!


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Rich
teamDFL...Just Run It
www.teamdfl.com