Starting to plan an autocross build

[blkfordsedan]

I just reread my post and I apologize if I came off as arrogant it was not my intention. I wanted to express that I do have a clue what I'm doing. I am open to newer ideas since it has nearly been a decade since my last festiva build.

No problem. What I meant was things like the sway bar to body bushings, LCA bushings, aftermarket coilover kits, 323 & Capri suspensions, etc. have been researched, developed, and sucessfully used by many members within the last few years. Many have found solutions that not only work, but are economical as well. You should not have a shortage of options and real world advice like existed 10 years ago. As you can see from the responses, you will have some support!

BTW- any chance you will be at the SOLO nationals this fall here in Lincoln, NE?

[philip1]

I won't be there this year but if things go well I might make the trek next year.





Ok here is what I've gleaned so far:

Poly bushings for the whole suspension
Race engine mounts (or fill them myself)
323 or rio struts front
WRX camber plates
Aspire auto front bar
1.5" pipe rear
Aspire brakes f
Full aspire beam rear.
Civic coil overs 220#f 125#r springs

I'm still fuzzy on what rear struts to use

I am planning to cheat a bolted upright rear seat (can you say x brace in disguise)


Everything is legal in ST well with one exception

[chrisofna]

You can use VW struts rear.

[philip1]

Rabbit or something newer?

[Aaronbrook37]

Poly bushings for the whole suspension
Race engine mounts (or fill them myself)
323 or rio struts front
WRX camber plates
Aspire auto front bar
1.5" pipe rear
Aspire brakes f
Full aspire beam rear.
Civic coil overs 220#f 125#r springs

I'm still fuzzy on what rear struts to use

Looks really good. The 1997-2002 Mirage AGX rears are a good bet if you can find them and they are eight way dial adjustable. Might be a little firmer than you want though with only a 125# spring though. Perhaps Mirage GR-2 would do the trick instead. If you're going VW, you need preferably a shock from a MK2 (1985-199X) or MK3 (199X-1999)... plug it into the search bar for more information.

Might I ask what your plans for wheels and tires are? Not sure what sort of restrictions you're under in that department. It'll have to be 13" minimum and switched to 4x100 for the Aspire swap obviously as you know... I don't expect either of those to be a problem. Oh... before I forget, front brake pads: you can use anything designed for a 91-96 Escort GT, which gives you access to a wide variety of high performance / racing pads. Porterfield makes incredible stuff - worth checking out.

[philip1]

13x5.5 will be the race wheels with 7" wide tires street would be 14" with low profile tires 185/45 or something.

[blkfordsedan]

I won't be there this year but if things go well I might make the trek next year.

I'll look for you next year then. I have an Uncle in Georgia that has raced an original Mini in SCCA SOLO for decades. He's close to 80 yrs old now and still racing as of last year. He's won numerous championships over the years in D-Mod.

[Damkid]

Engine can't be touched from throttle body to exhaust ports but bolt-ons are allowed.

does this mean turbo's, supercharger or nitrous are allowed?

I'm guessing no but i had to throw that out there :lol:

[philip1]

Unfortunately ST doesn't allow the addition of forced induction if it came from the factory it's allowed but so far I haven't seen any turbo ST cars.

[philip1]

Today I found my car. Its an aqua metallic L. The PO has done 90% of what I have planned. I just have 2-3 things on my list that will need to be done and she'll be ready to go hunting.

[philip1]

I have a question has anyone looked at using a front swaybar on the rear? I've done this on other cars and if the profile is favorable it could be done with the festiva.

[Zanzer]

Not that I'm aware of or can comment on. I think most of us just swap to the Aspire rear beam because it has the bar built in, unlike the Festy unit.

[festyfreak39]

i took frist place in my class last year and the onlu thing i did was aspire brake swap and coil oves from a civic. they work good on the track nice and stiff but a not to good for the street vary rough lol good luck.

i love hearing stuff like this,

Festivas are great race cars with the most simplest mods.

If someone actually took time and spent alot of money on suspension i couldnt even imagine how fast one would be!

[philip1]

I need to contact derick at corksport and see if he can get me some adjustable 323 fronts to pair up with the mirage adjustable rear shocks that will allow even more fine tuning. I am not going to skimp on this car if I don't have to.

[philip1]

I picked up my wheels today. Lenzos 13x7.5 they weigh just 9# each. I will make the car fit them.