I have a modified 944 turbo that I use for DE days. I would like to become involved in autocross but have zero background.

Is there a good website or book that provides an overview of the sport?

From what I have read, my heavily modified 944 turbo would not be the best choice for a car since it would not be placed in a favorable class because of the mods.

I have found a stock 1989 944 n/a that I am considering purchasing strictly for autocross. I have read a few other posts and it sounds like a reasonable choice.

The 1989 has a 2.7L and slight better horsepower and torque compared to other years. It is also heavier. Assuming that I want to stay with a 944, does the 1989 make sense or would it be better to get an earlier year that is lighter (but less hp/tq)? When shopping for a 944 n/a, are there specific options that are beneficial for autocross? For example, M220 locking differential?

Any advice on good reading material and choosing the right 944 would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Here are a few sites to start with:

Basic FAQ: http://www.wwscc.org/getstarted.html

Similar Seattle-specific post: http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php...&#entry7090943

Seattle area schedule: http://www.wwscc.org/calendar.php

Seattle area PCA schedule: http://www.pnwr.org/Track/autocross/default.asp

 

Greg Fordahl of Fordahl Motorsports in Bellevue, WA is the chassis engineer for Alex Job Racing (Ruby Tuesday Daytona Prototype car) and has set up Porsches with wins at ALMS, Daytona and Le Mans. He road races an SCCA ITS 944 (2.5 liter) and owns a 1984 944 that runs in the SCCA E Stock autocross class. This car has won three SCCA Nationals (autocross) trophies in the last two years in the hands of other drivers. Greg himself has a number of SCCA National Championships (autocross), mostly in Porsches. His street driver is a modified 944 Turbo.

One of Greg's customers, a retired Boeing engineer who has autocrossed at least 30 years, has been developing an '89 944, based on his crunching of the numbers (more power versus additional weight). So far the '84 is faster, but you should talk to Greg. 425-644-6020, www.fordahlmotorsports.com.

You definitely want a limited slip and whatever factory suspension options were available for the year you purchase. Another model to consider is the 944S2.

Leeds Gulick

 

I'm thinking that you should take your 951 and try it before you buy another car. Who knows, it might be a killer in your region, depending on what the competition is like.

 

Let me second sbyrne's wisdom. The first thing you do in autocross should *not*
be to spend money. Run what you have, and talk to seasoned autocrossers. The
longer you take to inform yourself and to get real personal experience, the more
likely you will be successful in any autocross investment. At least 70% of the
winning factor in autocross is the driver, so until you get that reasonably under
control (your times are becoming consistent) you will not get any real satisfaction
from spent money.
Joe Weinstein

 

+1 & Hoosiers....

 

+2 on keeping what you have. That said, with what group do you intend to run with .. PCA? SCCA? someone else? How would your car be classified for the group you run with? You might find the competition "easier" in a PCA event, but if SCCA is where you intend to play, go large or go home, or be prepared to be a field filler. Not to say you won't have fun, but SCCA and Porsche sucess are not as common as you might think.

Why not share what you've already "improved" on your 951?

 

There are lots of great info on the web (free) others can tell you about. But rather than that, here are some books that I've read. I only started autoX last year so I'm in the same boat as you.

Secrets of Solo Racing by Henry Watts

This book is a little older but it's pretty good. It's a good overall summary of the whole solo racing thing (autoX and time trials). Covers the car, equipment, driving technique. Not a lot of pretty pictures. If you were to get only 1 book, this would be my recommendation to get started.

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Solo-R...0670652&sr=8-1

Autocross Performance Handbook by Richard Newton

A recent book. This has lots of glossy photos. It covers only autoX and concentrates on the cars and equipment and how the different classes work. There is some driving technique, but it's not the main thrust of the book.

http://www.amazon.com/Autocross-Perf...0670652&sr=8-2

Go Ahead - Take the Wheel by David Gran

This book is not so much about autoX. It's more a general primer of how to get into racing without putting yourself in the poor house. It's about what to expect and how to spend your time and money.

http://www.amazon.com/Go-Ahead-Wheel...0670652&sr=8-6

Going Faster by Carl Lopez

This is the Skip Barber book. It's not about autoX but about the physics and technique of vehicle handling on a racetrack. Very detailed. It is great for those who want to know how and why a car does what it does. Great for anybody who wants to go fast at any venue.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/083...KBFYDRCXSMHWH4

 

Here's a good overview. Ignore the source, the info is very good:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/racing/autox.html

 

Geez, Ted! You are EVERYWHERE, the omnipotent Corvette driver!!! I think you have Porsche envy...

 

Got to keep an eye on the competition....

 

Ted does seem to get around

I didn't have a good time autoxing my '89 944 turbo--long gears, turbo lag-- the N/A would be much more fun, IMHO.

I thought I'd post the link to this cool autocross school tutorial (you need Flash to run it). The driving section is neat with interactive explanations of driving theory--lines through turns, etc.

http://www.wtfstables.com/rmsoloschool/

*There are some things mentioned that pertains only to the club who put this presentation together, i.e. schedules, club web site.... it was made for the Rocky Mountain Region SCCA in Colorado