135 at DC Pro finishes in 2nd in DS

[piknockout]

Steve Snow ran his 135 at the DC Pro this weekend, finishing in 2nd place, less than 0.2 seconds from first, in an 18 car field. Winning car was an ITR, but there is still development that needs to be done on the setup. The car is definitely competitive for DS though.

Car setup is 245/275 Hoosier A6's with Koni DA's from last year's 330 DS car (installed two days prior with settings unchanged from teh 330) and performance alignment (unsure of exact settings).

The car had significantly less body roll than on stock shocks and Steve reported that the car felt better overall. Biggest issue: the Hoosiers are now corded in the front after only 4 events. Ouch.

Results from the DC Pro (click on Sunday): http://www.scca.com/eventresults.aspx?event=12418&hub=3

I also think Steve may be trying out the 128 as well at some point. The thought is that being able to run a non-staggered setup might allow for a better handling ride, the car is lighter, and shouldn't have any issues putting power down. Should be interesting to see how well it compares. :wink:

[E82tt6]

Hmmm, interesting observation on the shocks.

[mikeo]

If anyone knows Steve Snow please ask him to log into 1Addicts and share his experiences. He would have our attention.

[piknockout]

I do know him, which means I also know that he unfortunately doesn't have much time for forum posting. But he does surf around on here occasionally as he told me he saw my post on his horrendous body roll. I'll see if I get get him to throw us a bone, but I know the majority of his time is spent running his business...Bimmerworks in West Chester, PA (www.bimmerworks.com).

I try to bug him when I can so that I can try and share the information here. I'm also interested for myself to see if the 135 is the right car for me to be looking at. Unfortunately based on the front tire wear, I don't have the budget to replace front tires every 4-5 events...Hoosiers aren't cheap.

But I could see the car doing well possible in STU or BSP, with much lower tire expense after being able to dial in some true negative camber. Of course that's still going to be a roughly $12K investment to get the car setup for either after adding all the various parts. But still better than the $3k+ expense for tires each year. Decisions, decisions.

[mikeo]

Who says you need to be competitive on a national basis? My budget certainly won't stand for an annual $3K tire expense, that's why I'm going to be running street tires with Vorshlag camber plates and I don't really care what class I'm in, STU, SM or BSP. It's still a lot of FUN! :thumbup:

[piknockout]

Oh it absolutely is a lot of fun either way, but the purpose of the next car purchase is to get something that is competitive in class on a National level. While I do pretty well in an uncompetitive car now, I'm going to do it right going forward. :wink:

[mikeo]

OK, I see where you are pointing your efforts. Even though I chose not to go down that road, I hope you are successfull in obtaining your goal.

[piknockout]

Thanks! I always tell people there are two ways to go about autocross: 1) Buy a car that's good for a class and mod it to the extent of the class rules to be as competitive as possible; 2) Buy the car you like, mod it how you want to, class be d@mned and have fun.

I've been doing #1 in the wrong car and now it's time to get the right car and try to compete for a trophy spot in Topeka. :wink:

[piknockout]

Also another FYI for you guys...Eric Strelnieks, of SM2 RX-7 fame (past SM2 National champ - see pic below), just purchased a 135 after the diff in the RX-7 blew at the DC Pro. I think he may be considering campaigning the car. Could be interesting, that's for sure.

[Conemasher]

Yeah I saw that on SCCA Forums. Having Erik do the R/D should really help the development.

BTW - Josh, it woulda been cool to meet you. Too bad we couldn't have faced off in the Bonus Challenge. I was working the course when you ran in class comp too. You looked really good out there!

[MINI135i]

Originally Posted by piknockout

Steve Snow ran his 135 at the DC Pro this weekend, finishing in 2nd place, less than 0.2 seconds from first, in an 18 car field. Winning car was an ITR, but there is still development that needs to be done on the setup. The car is definitely competitive for DS though.

Car setup is 245/275 Hoosier A6's with Koni DA's from last year's 330 DS car (installed two days prior with settings unchanged from teh 330) and performance alignment (unsure of exact settings).

The car had significantly less body roll than on stock shocks and Steve reported that the car felt better overall. Biggest issue: the Hoosiers are now corded in the front after only 4 events. Ouch.

Results from the DC Pro (click on Sunday): http://www.scca.com/eventresults.aspx?event=12418&hub=3

I also think Steve may be trying out the 128 as well at some point. The thought is that being able to run a non-staggered setup might allow for a better handling ride, the car is lighter, and shouldn't have any issues putting power down. Should be interesting to see how well it compares. :wink:

Tell us more about the 245/275 tire-wheel fitment? What wheels/offsets/spacers were used? Any fender manipulation?

Thanks:smile:

[smcgt]

From what I have seen/heard the 330ZHP has the same tire wear issue. Did he stock front bar? I know several people have replaced the front bar with success.

[piknockout]

Originally Posted by Conemasher

BTW - Josh, it woulda been cool to meet you. Too bad we couldn't have faced off in the Bonus Challenge. I was working the course when you ran in class comp too. You looked really good out there!

Yes, too bad we didn't meet up. How did you end up doing in the Bonus Challenge? I was so pissed I DNF'ed the first run, the rear just stepped out on me in that last left side section...something I hadn't come close to doing all weekend. Oh well. Thanks for the kind words, I try with what I've got. :wink:

I know it still currently has the stock front bar. And the 245/275's fit with no fender manipulation that I'm aware of. The original set was on the stock wheels, with the tires now on a set of BMW factory wheels, not sure exactly what style though. Pictures should be out in the next few days.

[Conemasher]

Originally Posted by piknockout

Yes, too bad we didn't meet up. How did you end up doing in the Bonus Challenge? I was so pissed I DNF'ed the first run, the rear just stepped out on me in that last left side section...something I hadn't come close to doing all weekend. Oh well. Thanks for the kind words, I try with what I've got. :wink:

I won it. :wink: Hello ChaseCam...

[piknockout]

Yeah, that's pretty flippin' sweet, CONGRATS!!! If only I hadn't screwed up, perhaps we could have met in the finals. :mad:

[larryn]

Loving the competition this little car is giving, and loving the coneheads showing up here. I've been having great luck with my 135i in class BS of the Boston Chapter, which is ultra competitive. (0.5 points means first place)

[mikeo]

My car is being called the 'cheater car' now, the D Stock PAX is killing my competitors. But it is 'camber challenged', after 6 auto-x I had to have the tires flipped on the wheels to get better outside rubber.