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I Autocrossed my 5dr ’00 Viggen last season as a novice, so I am by no means an expert. With that said, here is what I know about how it does…..
As for the particulars of the Viggen:
Lots of power, no limited slip, coupled with the fact that there typically isn’t a straight, means you will spin the inside front most of the time you are out there. A few things that help.
Learn throttle modulation for tight turns. Apply only enough throttle to just start the tire spinning on wider turns. Learn to left foot brake; to give you additional control over the massive torque. It will also allow you faster in & out of the turns when done properly by keeping the car more balanced. Sticky 225/45/17 tires also help stop spinning.
When pushed hard, the Viggen will understeer. The only correction I’ve found is back off earlier and gradually apply more throttle (while gradually letting off the brake) after the apex. Don’t go into a corner too hot or it will just plow, chew up the sidewalls of your front tires, and leave cone rash on your paint ;-).
It also seems a late apex will have the nose flatter and give you better acceleration out of the turns.
The Viggen loves straight aways and slaloms. Hates tight turns and isn’t terribly happy with long sweeps.
As for car setup: I don’t know, I haven’t done anything beyond factory settings with the exception of tires. I only did this after I started beating other cars running race tires using the stock OEM Dunlops. I’ll start alignment and shock tinkering next season. Hopefully, some others will chime in with car setup tips.
Assuming you are running GS, you'll be competitive.
Tire pressures I use: the stock Dunlops 42 psi front, 38 psi rear
My Michelin Sport Cups 38psi front, 32psi rear
BTW: If you are in Colorado, there is a Solo II event this weekend. So far, there are 3 Saabs competing (2 900T’s & my Viggen)
Later,
Chris Fisher
posted by 199.174.253...
, Tue, 19 Nov 2002 17:22:43
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