wanting to get started

[chappys4life]

I have been wanting to try autocross for the past few years and am finally getting a car I can do it with. I am picking up a 88 rx7 convertible this weekend and I know it needs a little loving but I figure even if I catch a 1/4 of the season its worth it. Its a non turbo car so I was wondering what class it would be in. Also it is stock but the interior is shot from a top leak so I know I need seats but was thinking of yanking everything out and maybe get some sparco seats. I wanted to see what class though and see what was allowed before I did anything.

[wahoo5]

The car is in E Stock (ES). We follow the SCCA Rules. A current copy of the Rules are here - http://cms.scca.com/documents/Solo_Rules/2009_Solo_Rules.pdf.

Changing the seats will move you into Street Prepared, specifically CSP. I think stripping the rest of the interior takes you into a Prepared category, but I am not sure.

You are samrt to tkae into account the effec of the modificaitons on your class. A lot of people don't do that before they start autocrossing.

We have a school coming up 4-25 and an autocross on 4-26. Come join us when you can.

David

[Curmudgeon]

Welcome to another car nut.  For sure, come on out to RIR Sunday even if you don't plan to run.  There will be several RX8 owners out there who will be happy to give you pointers.  I recommend running -- however ratty your interior is, you can still have fun tossing the car around and learning how it feels and responds at the limits of adhesion (and beyond!).

[chappys4life]

Thanks guy for the info I will prob come to rir even if the car is not ready but I am going to try my hardest to get it going. I was looking at the stock rules and dont need see anything about interior rules. Normally I would let it go but it has gotten moldy from rain and being wet. Can I strip the carpet at least?

Also what modifications should I make to the car to keep me competitive? Hopefully I will pick it up tis weekend and will do the usual tune up and fluid change. Thanks for the help and insight.

[ahamos]

The way SCCA rules work is simple:  if it doesn't say you can, you can't.  Dig further into the document and you'll see what IS allowed in Prepared (namely the removal of interior carpets, bins, decorations, etc).

Some cars get variances to run in different classes that would otherwise be excluded based on modifications.  My car, for example, has no interior, but gets a pass into Street Prepared because it is built for Spec Miata.  Putting my car into D Prepared would make it completely unsuitable for autocross.

I would strongly caution against pulling any interior components, as the Prepared classes might be fun just to play, but are handicapped out of competitiveness (at least for us mere mortals).