[saabarudriver]

I'm betting you guys are going to see more where I came from considering the current rebates. I figured I would feed from the GM carcass as it slowly takes a dive.

Yesterday I picked up my Midnight Black Mica Aero with the Cold Weather and Premium packages. I wanted the sport package but they are real scarce around this area. Not a huge deal because I'm planning on replacing the wheels this summer anyway.

I'm an avid autocrosser so this car will see some time in D-Stock once this break-in period is over. I mean DAMN - no revs over 4000 for 1000 miles??? This could be a real challenge.

Leaving my garage was a Shadow Grey 2003 Mustang GT (pictured below). It was a great car but I get the itch to buy every few years so it was time to move on. I was lucky enough to win the STX (Street Touring X) class with the Stang last season while autocrossing. I can't wait to get the Saab out there.

Future plans include:
Prodrive wheels (gunmetal grey probably)
Coilovers
Boost Gauge
....I'm sure there's more....

Anyway, looks like you guys have a nice community here, looking forward to contributing.

 

[Scargo]

In terms of Autocross, I plan to do the same thing (planning to stay in D-stock, don't have the $$ to do SP or STX). Any ideas how to get rid of the push?
(used to run an A2 VW GTi in ES, did quite well regionally and okay at NEDivs).
Seems the stock rules have gotten MUCH stricter than when I used to run.
Would be interested in talking ideas on/off the BB, some ideas I have (worked on the VW, was controversial when proposed then, too) don't seem to fit the norm on these lists.

Scargo

 

[saabarudriver]

Good to meet another autocrosser on here already.

As far as tuning, I'm kind of starting over knowledge-wise. I've been running the Mustang for two seasons now and I'm betting RWD V8 and AWD Turbo is going to be quite different. I had a hard time with push on the Stang though because of the front end weight. I started doing some weight reductions, but the best cure was just being smoother through the turn it seemed.

I wouldn't mind hopping back into STX just because it's what I'm familiar with but we'll see. The only thing that put me in STX with the Mustang was the H&R springs.

 

[Scargo]

Glad to have met you too.

I would have to say the "leap" for me would likely be somewhat smaller, coming from a FWD to an AWD car (the reaction on the gas is similar, push, don't have as much experience driving high powered RWD "in anger"). Then again, I haven't competed since I lost the GTi to a storm (felled a tree right onto the car), so I have no idea how I'll do. In some respects, my work schedule will probably do the car good, I have to work Sundays, so the car will get a pleasant break in this season. . I guess I'll have time to play with set-up a bit, but I won't be
truely able to evaluate things (guess I need a G-pro). My thought is, if the car
rolls as much as I expect it to, would adding a larger front bar hurt it or help it? It surprisingly REALLY helped my GTi (against all popular opinions) b/c by killing roll ANYWHERE, the fronts didn't have such large gains in roll +camber, so they actually started to work (the delta Temp on the tires from outside to center to inside dropped consistently from 12 F to 4 F). If the Saabaru rolls (and it's got less camber adjustment than the VW) fairly far, I was wondering if the same effect could be achieved. I've had no input from the various lists I've signed up to since putting a deposit on the car (pick up this Friday) w/rt to anyone trying this (since it's the only allowable stock suspension mod other than shocks) everyone else just jumps right to the rear sway bar. So, what do you think?

Scargo

 

[CZ-75]

Glad to have met you too.

I would have to say the "leap" for me would likely be somewhat smaller, coming from a FWD to an AWD car (the reaction on the gas is similar, push, don't have as much experience driving high powered RWD "in anger"). Then again, I haven't competed since I lost the GTi to a storm (felled a tree right onto the car), so I have no idea how I'll do. In some respects, my work schedule will probably do the car good, I have to work Sundays, so the car will get a pleasant break in this season. . I guess I'll have time to play with set-up a bit, but I won't be
truely able to evaluate things (guess I need a G-pro). My thought is, if the car
rolls as much as I expect it to, would adding a larger front bar hurt it or help it? It surprisingly REALLY helped my GTi (against all popular opinions) b/c by killing roll ANYWHERE, the fronts didn't have such large gains in roll +camber, so they actually started to work (the delta Temp on the tires from outside to center to inside dropped consistently from 12 F to 4 F). If the Saabaru rolls (and it's got less camber adjustment than the VW) fairly far, I was wondering if the same effect could be achieved. I've had no input from the various lists I've signed up to since putting a deposit on the car (pick up this Friday) w/rt to anyone trying this (since it's the only allowable stock suspension mod other than shocks) everyone else just jumps right to the rear sway bar. So, what do you think?

Scargo

NASIOC folks think a Whiteline or similar 22mm front bar is a big help, even though it should bias the car toward understeer. They indicate the added stiffness helps the front tires get better traction (dynamic camber, etc.) and enhance cornering speeds that way.

 

[socaldave11]

Complete novice in terms of Autocrossing here. Do you guys mind giving a quick overview on just what that is? (I mean COMPLETE novice.) Is there a league or something? Organized events?

I'm intrigued. Thanks.

 

[saabarudriver]

Complete novice in terms of Autocrossing here. Do you guys mind giving a quick overview on just what that is? (I mean COMPLETE novice.) Is there a league or something? Organized events?

I'm intrigued. Thanks.

Sure thing man, always good to pass on the addiction.

Here is the "Beginners Guide to Autocross" from one of the definitive sources on the subject - Grassroots Motorsports. http://grmotorsports.com/news/012005/beginners-guide-to-autocrossing.php

Not a bad read. Autocross (or "Solo II" which is the SCCA brand name) is allows you to basically take any street car and toss it through the cones for minimal investment (about $25 per event around here).

First you need to find an event in your region:
http://www.scca.com/Inside/Index.asp?IdS=01697A-D0B9A10&Reference=RegionalSites&~=

The SCCA puts on a ton of events but sometimes local car clubs like BMW, Porsche, and even Saab will host events that are open to anyone. You just need to find them so you can register (usually online).

Next, you just need to find out what class you're in:
http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/

A 9-2X Aero is in D-Stock without any modifications. In the stock class you can still make a few changes. Next stop is Street Touring X which was created to allow for some of the more popular modifications (like an intake for example).

So just head out and give it a shot. Sometimes people go check it out and watch an event before entering. I taught a class of sorts to the team I'm racing on for the new people.

Here's an excerpt:

Prepare your car:
Remove all loose items from your car -- floor mats, driver's carpet, coffee cups, etc. Check tire pressure and chalk your tires.

Register

• Register at the trailer
• Select a run group and get a car number.
• Complete waiver and registration form.
• Remember to sign up for a work station once your heat is over

Technical Inspection:

• Drive car to Tech Inspection
• Car will be inspected for safety
• Car Number and Class will be put on window

Course Walk Through

• Check course map at trailer
• Walk the course with an experienced driver if possible
• Check surface for rough spots, sand, bumps, oil, etc.
• Study the course, look for:
  Turn in and apex points,
  braking points, entry point of slalom
  etc, etc, etc.

Drivers Meeting:

At the Drivers Meeting you will learn about:

• Safety
• Danger Zones
• Tight Corners
• Wet or Oil Spots
• Uneven or Rough Pavement
• Flagging and Corner Worker Instructions
• Availability of Instructors

Once the Event starts​

Watch other drivers:
What line are they driving?
Where are the breaking points?
Where are the shifting points? -- (Up and Down)

Now it's your turn:
(1) Bring your car to staging area
(2) Proceed to start line

• Check your seat belt
• Make sure all loose objects are out of the car
• Turn the rear view mirror away from view
• Focus your thoughts on how you want to drive & the course

(3) Starter gives the OK!

• Start sharp, but don't spin tires
• Look ahead at gates & know where you want to be
• Remember when to brake and shift

(4) If you should spin

• BOTH FEET IN
• Hands at 3 & 9 on steering wheel
• Look for corner workers to re-start you
• Finish the course

(5) If you see a Red Flag or hear a loud horn:

• Quickly come to a Complete Stop
• Look for corner workers to re-start you

(6) Drive the First Run at Reduced Throttle

• Learn to stay on course
• Drive a good line
• Drive SMOOTHLY

Have fun and ENJOY!!!

 

[saabarudriver]

Glad to have met you too.

I would have to say the "leap" for me would likely be somewhat smaller, coming from a FWD to an AWD car (the reaction on the gas is similar, push, don't have as much experience driving high powered RWD "in anger"). Then again, I haven't competed since I lost the GTi to a storm (felled a tree right onto the car), so I have no idea how I'll do. In some respects, my work schedule will probably do the car good, I have to work Sundays, so the car will get a pleasant break in this season. . I guess I'll have time to play with set-up a bit, but I won't be
truely able to evaluate things (guess I need a G-pro). My thought is, if the car
rolls as much as I expect it to, would adding a larger front bar hurt it or help it? It surprisingly REALLY helped my GTi (against all popular opinions) b/c by killing roll ANYWHERE, the fronts didn't have such large gains in roll +camber, so they actually started to work (the delta Temp on the tires from outside to center to inside dropped consistently from 12 F to 4 F). If the Saabaru rolls (and it's got less camber adjustment than the VW) fairly far, I was wondering if the same effect could be achieved. I've had no input from the various lists I've signed up to since putting a deposit on the car (pick up this Friday) w/rt to anyone trying this (since it's the only allowable stock suspension mod other than shocks) everyone else just jumps right to the rear sway bar. So, what do you think?

Scargo

I'm sort of curious how the front bar would do. I think it depends on how much chassis flex the Saabaru has. If you can really lock down the front end it would seem it would negate any body roll. We'll have to discuss some more later.

Good luck picking up the car tomorrow!