how hard is auto-crossing on an MKIV (NA). me and my friend (has a 98 prelude SH) just found a place nearby where they do it. I wont be doing it to much, but how bad is it on the car..clutch? tires? brakes? suspension? Thanks in advance

I'd say aside for tires you're not really beating the crap out of anything too hard. Sure, it's probably harder on the car than driving to the quik-e-mart, but it's not the end of the world still.

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No, you don't understand, he's got an Iceman INTAKE too! Idiot.

If you frequently autocross, you will need to do more maintainence -- but its not horrible on the car.

It will chew up tires and brakes, and over time will wear out bushings more quickly than normal driving. Plus you're going to be keeping the engine at higher revs, and higher load for 30-90 seconds at a time so engine strain is probably equivalent to 2 or 3 1/4 mile passes...


It is a blast, just keep on top of normal maintainence

Jeff Gore
87t hardtop
11psi and 3050lbs

it's also hard on the axles and frame. I suppose it really matters how often you do it. If you don't do it very often I don't think you need to worry about any maintenance. If you get addicted to it then you will be doing a lot more maintenance than just engine and tire

Temporarily decomissioned, '94 Camry LE

You don't need to worry about maintenence eh?

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No, you don't understand, he's got an Iceman INTAKE too! Idiot.

I only noticed a small increase in tire wear when I picked up autocrossing as a hobby. No big deal. Then again I have always gone thru tires and brakes faster than anyone else I know (even before I autocrossed).

If you are concerned about wear and tear you should already be doing a freakishly overboard maintenance regime anyway.

Autocross is hard on tires mainly, but if you are serious about it, you're going to want a set of racing tires anyway. I would recommend Kumho Victa Racers. I shaved a full 2 seconds off my time on the same course by going to a set of Victa Racers.

-J

I've seen bad things happen with the "stock" springs being on (rusted through) and major auto-x action... but never on a Supra.

Just use your head really. What do you do in a auto-x? You try to get the quickest possible through whatever means available. So you're pushing the car to the limit of it's capabilies in the pursuit of the best time. So it's going to be harder on every part of the car.

Just get a good set of tires and some synthetic motor oil(that stuff is amazing). Get Mobil 1 cause it's the best(i know it's 6 bucks a quart but it's worth it) and use a heavy oil like at least 10w-30 to protect against heat and engine wear. Also keep up with the fluid changes and always check the fluids (i mean all the fluids, even the tranny and the rear) and tire pres before driving. Then just keep an eye on the gauges.