First AutoX next weekend...light or full on gas?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale
First AutoX next weekend...light or full on gas?
Opinions welcomed on whether to run an (my first) autocross with light tank or full tank in a middle aged (86)Carrera? My instinct says light...ie.lighter car probably quicker? Any other quickie tips also welcomed. Nervous but grinning. Many Thanks from rainy So. Florida
Ted
86 Carrera Targa. Blk/Blk <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />
Ted
86 Carrera Targa. Blk/Blk <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1
From: Northern NJ
Whatever is easiest. 
A full tank helps with weight distribution...but I don't think it will be that much of an issue at your first autocross.
My first I was just trying to stay on course and get it done...then started to go faster (a little).
Have fun out there is key, you're expected to do really bad your first time out!
A full tank helps with weight distribution...but I don't think it will be that much of an issue at your first autocross.
My first I was just trying to stay on course and get it done...then started to go faster (a little).
Have fun out there is key, you're expected to do really bad your first time out!
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 7
From: Blacksburg, VA
I agree with Adrial; fuel load probably won't be a significant factor in your first autox. Extra front end weight will help in cornering and braking, but hurt in acceleration. An autoxer on the west coast used to beat 911 drivers in their own cars. He'd throw his big bag of sand in the front trunk before his run. I run with at least one-half tank.
Good luck. Don't feel too badly when experienced drivers in nimble little cars beat your butt. The learning curve is steep.
Good luck. Don't feel too badly when experienced drivers in nimble little cars beat your butt. The learning curve is steep.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 486
Likes: 8
From: Scottsdale, AZ
You have posted a very good question that my sc/carrera autox/track buddies and I have not found a solution to. It is an easy decision for the track since in our local events we put in at least 100 miles in a track day. But for autox, it is tough. We find that we get a tad bit more grip at times with the full tank in certain situations, but with a close to empty tank the car becomes more responsive. I've been trying to come up with an answer to this one for a very long time and who knows, maybe in a few years I'll come to a conclusion. But the good news is that I haven't seen major differences in times, if any with either a full or empty tank. Just have fun and try things. That's what it's all about.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Germany
just ran my first with 3/4 tank.
Don't think it really made much difference since I am not the talented driver the car needs. All I can say is accelerator control, car balance, and keep the line. I had a hard time at all three of these and it showed in my lap times. I posted a lap at 1 min 6, then the next at 1 min 3...and it was all because I did a little better at the 3 tasks listed above. JUST HAVE FUN! I loved it.
Don't think it really made much difference since I am not the talented driver the car needs. All I can say is accelerator control, car balance, and keep the line. I had a hard time at all three of these and it showed in my lap times. I posted a lap at 1 min 6, then the next at 1 min 3...and it was all because I did a little better at the 3 tasks listed above. JUST HAVE FUN! I loved it.
