86_951_

I'm interested in getting my feet wet in Autocross. But with the low speeds, and the 951s turbo lag, can I even be competitive? Are any of you successful with your 951? Do you punch the throttle early in anticipation of the lag?

knfeparty

The short answer is "no." I'm pretty sure the 951 is in B stock, where the 350Z, e36 M3, 944S2, and 968 will all be way more viable options. One of my friends showed up to an autox in a track-modded 400rwhp 944. I was still able to beat him with the 2.7NA, there was just never enough time to get the turbo to spool up.

shiners780

Competitive or not...do it! It is an excellent way to learn car control in a relatively safe controlled manner. You will have fun and become a better driver regardless of your finishing position.

knfeparty

This is true.
Don't be like me (see sig).

Get a REAL alignment first.

shiners780

You get points for style.

tomrc

Are you planning on competing at national level? do you plan on getting sponsorships? If not don't worry, go and have fun. I've been autoX'ing for 8 years in non-competitive cars and classes. I just enjoy the hell out of it.

Slantnose!

Absolutely!
Yes, 951's start out in B/S and while not winning on a national level, can definitely hold their own locally.
Good tires (Hoosiers, etc.) are a must, as they will allow you to keep a decent speed up and reduce lag.
To answer your questions...yes, I've had good success with mine even with that PAX stuff and yes, you gotta' drive it different than most cars and that does include nailing the throttle early then hanging on. Most courses are done just with 2nd gear, but there are times a quick downshift will make a better time.
Trust me, it's fun.

Tom R.

exactly. I had the most fun autoxing my miata at PCA events. I was sooooooo outclassed it wasnt funny. we had a national champion running a very worked honda in my class.

competitive, ha!
Fun - OHHH YEAH. Ask Dan (jeeper) about the time he borrowed the miata at an autox.

gizmozoid

Go out and have fun. If you're just starting, don't expect to be too competitive.

That being said, I did notice that when my car was stock, it did feel a little slower than I would've liked when the RPMs and boost dropped. I did a bunch of upgrades since my last AX, including an LBE and chips, and even though I'll be moving out of stock category, my car feels much peppier. Comparing track events before and after the upgrades, it's a different car. Guess I'll have to see how it goes with AX when I try again in a couple weeks...

But like the guys said above, go enjoy the events and learn how to push your car to its handling limits. In AX, it's more about technique and picking good lines than all-out power and speed anyway.

FRporscheman

I go to autocrosses to meet women. No OK really I go to autocrosses to learn car control, not to be competitive.

knfeparty

I met my girlfriend at an autox!

I learned to drive better, too, I guess.

M758

In short NO.

The speeds and the gearing of the turbo often put the car in 2nd gear below is power band. The other option the top of first gear where it is very easy to run out of gear or over power the rear tires. Yes I often found myself standing on the gas early and just waiting for the revs and boost to pick up. If timed right you did not lose that much. If timed wrong you were late on the power or the car got very sideway quite easily with the suddern rush of power.

I actually think a 2.5L NA is a faster autocross car than a 944 Turbo S. Stock vs stock. BTW... I autocrossed a stock 944 Turbo S for 2-3 years and a stock 83 944 for a year. The 83 had little hp, but what little there hp that was there was easier to use and the lighter weight was a big help.

Once you start modding the car things change depending on what mods you do. Even so you will be limited by the gearing. Still the car is fun at autocrosses and well worth the effort to run. When you start the car is really of little importance as driver skill plays a huge role. Only when you really start to know how to drive will the Turbo hold you back.

86_951_

Ok, regardless of whether or not I'm competetive, I'd like to start.

Yeah, Peachstate PCA has finally gotten a location for 08! First event is next month. I'm going!

How much is it?

M758

$20 to $40 mostly. It all depends on the region and what their costs are.

dhall615

i am currently signed up for the SCCA event at Six Flags and Turner Field. you should check it out.