Click Banner for Details on this Saabnet.com Classified

In my Viggen I've found that the key is to be very smooth in everything that you do--accelerating, braking, and turning. That doesn't mean that you should take it easy, just don't make abrupt motions. Squeeze the brakes instead of slamming them. Roll the steering into and out of a corner. Moderate the gas pedal, especially coming out of tight corners. Your tires should give you a constant state of howl. If they start to squeel, then you've gone past their limits.

Balancing the tire pressure can be a bit tricky and a lot depends on how abrasive the racing surface is (pavement vs. asphalt) and other ambient conditions (i.e. bright sunshine and cool temperatures is good for both traction and horsepower). Your relatively narrow tires with high sidewall profile will probably be your biggest limiting factor. Don't put too much air in them or you'll be decreasing the size of your tire's contact patch.

Some people will tell you to take everything (including spare tire and jack) out of your car and to only have about 1/4 tank of gas so that you limit weight. I don't really subscribe to that theory. I find that my Viggen actually seems to have better handling balance with a relatively full tank and with the spare tire and jack still in.

I'd fill up with as high an octane gas as you can find (which is Sunoco 94 for me). If you had trionic, which adapts to your driving style, I'd recommend driving a bit more aggressively for a few days before the event to make sure you're getting everything that you can out of the software.

If you have to sit and wait around between your runs, make sure to pop your hood and let some of that hot air out. Letting the car run for a while isn't too bad because it will keep the intercooler from becoming a heat sink but definitely let the heat out from under the hood if you get the chance.

And the most important thing--HAVE FUN!! I have yet to come in first place in my class at any autocross but I have a great time and I definitely suprise a lot of people. Remember that it's 80% driver and 20% car.

Be smooth.

pmr
'99 9-3 Viggen (going to the road course in about 3 weeks)
'99 9-5 SE V6

posted by 66.72.180...

• HELP! Auto-X'ing my 90 SPG this weekend ( :, Taylor, Wed, 22 May 2002 16:48:45
  • Good luck in a 12 year old car......, Rollin On 20s, Thu, 23 May 2002 10:22:47
    • Is it "rollin" or RAUL, dave n, Fri, 24 May 2002 19:27:55
    • Practically speaking, 'Rollin' has a point, but..., gorper, Fri, 24 May 2002 01:10:52
    • HUH ! I'm running a 26 year old saab 99 EMS >>>, BobD, Fri, 24 May 2002 00:39:21
    • You should post at www.drivelikeanoldman.com n/m, pmr, Thu, 23 May 2002 19:19:50
    • thanks..., damien, Thu, 23 May 2002 13:56:17
      • Good man damien..., Taylor, Thu, 23 May 2002 16:05:43
        • Re: Good man damien..., Rollin On 20s, Fri, 24 May 2002 00:25:15
    • Re: Good luck in a 12 year old car......, GM, Thu, 23 May 2002 13:19:49
      • Good comeback GM ( : He should be banned n/m, Taylor, Thu, 23 May 2002 22:53:06
        • I don't know about banned, ...., GM, Fri, 24 May 2002 15:05:22
    • Where's your 20"s?, Taylor, Thu, 23 May 2002 10:48:10
  • Others have given some good advice; more (long), WASSAAB, Thu, 23 May 2002 09:35:22
  • Re: HELP! Auto-X'ing my 90 SPG this weekend ( :, GM, Wed, 22 May 2002 23:58:48
  • Be very SMOOTH. Don't hammer it. More. (long), pmr, Wed, 22 May 2002 17:54:10 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: HELP! Auto-X'ing my 90 SPG this weekend ( :, Kevin K , Wed, 22 May 2002 17:45:04
  • Re: HELP! Auto-X'ing my 90 SPG this weekend ( :, Shawn, Wed, 22 May 2002 17:35:53
  • Don't blow your tranny up!!!, Jeff Cunningham, Wed, 22 May 2002 17:01:06

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Re: HELP! Auto-X'ing my 90 SPG this weekend ( :, Kevin K, Wed, 22 May 2002 17:45:04
• Next by Date: (none)
• Main Performance Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)