What is the best autocross suspension?

[2002red]

Hmmm ... I've been running 0 toe in the rear because I like the feel on basically all driving conditions - especially highway ... Does rear toe in make alot of difference on the auto-x track ?

[svo_dave]

Why not go with the ford racing spec focus springs and shocks/dampers, they're not adjustable but specifically valved for each other, I think that would be better than h&r and koni's. I have that suspension on my car right now and with big sway bar in back it oversteers in the tight corners with ease with a little throttle manipulation and handles much better then stock svt suspension.

[Ataru]

Originally Posted by svo_dave

Why not go with the ford racing spec focus springs and shocks/dampers, they're not adjustable but specifically valved for each other, I think that would be better than h&r and koni's. I have that suspension on my car right now and with big sway bar in back it oversteers in the tight corners with ease with a little throttle manipulation and handles much better then stock svt suspension.

Why go with H&R + Konis? Multiple Focus autocross veterans on this board use it and recommend it as the best off the shelf Focus autocross suspension you can get for a decent price.

Can you use something else? Sure. Will it work as good as the H&R/Koni setup? No.

[svo_dave]

You have to go off of how seasoned the "veteran's" are. I am not doubting anyones driving ability, its just as far as I know the koni's are not specifically valved valved for the h&r's. It may work great on the track, I don't know, I would just suggest a setup that is setup to run together. I am sure there is not too much difference between the two setups, I just wanted to state that the spec focus setup is valved to work together, and when it comes to the veteran's opinions, IMO they are just opinions, right now you don't really see many foci on the podiums except for amateur local autocrossing, and hopefully there is some suspension expert that can clear this up, as I am barely knowledgeable, but I am pretty sure the koni's are valved a little on the wimpy side and for the correct setup you would call koni with your spring rates and what not and they would custom valve the shocks/struts for you.

[Ataru]

And you can do exactly that and get a better setup, but at a MUCH higher price.

I am no expert either, but I went with the H&R/Koni setup because OmniFocus, Auto-X-ZTS, and MichaelXi all used that setup. They are MUCH more knowledgable than I am and can educate you on why this is the best option for the Focus and also why you don't see national level Focuses winning at auto-x. Omni did win the Pro Solo in FSP last year in the JDR Focus, but he was on custom valved coilovers and in a car with a LOT of development.

As for matched springs and struts, think about this: Eibach offers the Sportline springs with matching dampers, so does that make them better than the H&R/Koni setup? Of course not. The Sportlines are too low and WAY too soft of a spring rate for autocross.

The H&R Race springs have a 325F/375R spring rate, and a stiffer spring is what is needed for autocross with all of the fast transitions. While the FR kit might work great on the track, it would probably be too soft for semi-serious autocross use.

It is true that the Konis are not valved the best for the Race springs, but they just about the ONLY off the shelf damper that can handle those springs. And the adjustability of the dampers does make a BIG difference during autocross as well.

[svo_dave]

Are you aware ford racing has more than one suspension kit, even when I autocross the car it seems firmer with the spec focus kit (less roll) then when I was running koni's and h&r (that is not a fact, just based off of feel so not entirely valid). Either way it doesn't really matter to me anymore, I am installing custom valved coilovers I just think there is more than one option than the h&r spring/koni setup, and the spec focus setup saves you about $200

[Ataru]

Yes, I know there is more than one setup, but I don't think any of them are as firm as the Race springs.

There are plenty of options depending on how much you want to pay and what level of performance you are wanting to get out of them.

[OmniFocus]

I'll put it this way:

For raw lap times, I think my H&R Race / Koni setup was faster than my significantly more expensive KW Variant 3s.... The Variants 3s have vastly superior road manners, so I don't regret the purchase, but I do rather miss the H&R Race / Koni setup.

The KW setup on the Just Ducky Racing car is quite a bit about variant 3s... much more aggressive valving, and 550# F / 571# R springs.... with plenty of travel to soak up crappy pavement.... but you're looking at $2600 and a long lead time from Europe.

[mattellermets]

Originally Posted by MichaelXi

The car is very capable of throttle lift oversteer in stock form. Most of us strive to setup the car to get it to have even more rotation.
Of course, the faster you're going, the more pronounced the effect, but typically we adapt our driving so as to keep from "looping it". If you would like to try something different set-up-wise, you can try running your rear dampers on the softer side and raising your front tire pressure a tick?
That's a toughie, because typically for Auto-X we strive for MORE rotation, not less.

rotation != oversteer ...

I thought springs as stiff and low as the H&R race kinda ruin the Focus's passive rear steer?