1st Autocross in my LS Coupe

[mmarshall]

Today was the 1st event that I ran in the Coupe since I swapped to the LS1. The car has much more drive off the corners and is really fast. That being said I wasn't very fast today, but still had fun.

Here is a video:

Event 6 2012 St Louis SCCA Autocross Mike's LS1 Daytona Coupe - YouTube

Event 6 2012 St Louis SCCA Autocross Mike's LS1 Daytona Coupe - YouTube

[Thanatopsis]

Very nice Mike. Sounds great.
You might want to update your sig now that the LS1 has had its debut.

Peace,
Dave

[Shawnski]

It takes time to learn what is essentially a different car. I used to autoX my '80 Fairmont (E Street Prepared). After coming in second 2 years to a 5" shorter wheelbase Fox Mustang (even though I had more power), I was determined to make a slightly less agile fairmont win this Mustang/Camaro class and decided I needed even more power and went from a predicatable as the earths orbit automatic tranny (built AOD) to a 75 hp stronger SBF and lighter SD T-5 combo.

Well, it took a full year for me to go as fast as I was, and then I finally started going quicker. Never did win the class though, as too many other variables came into play (not the least of which is my current Coupe project). The driver mod is what needed the most work...

[Cone Basher]

So why were you not very fast? Car sounded great!! I wish I lived closer to you, I would love an open course like that. In my area a lot of clubs are restricted to smaller lots and the Miata and WRX guys design the courses, kind of frustrating at times. I knew you would like the LS.
PS You can get a supercharger for them for future mods.
Nice video;
CB

[mmarshall]

Thanks CB! There are several reasons.
1. No confidence in the brakes. I switched from hydroboost to manual brakes and just don't have strong enough brakes in the front. The backs are ok and I was able to trail brake several times.

2. Because I was getting used to more power I did not look ahead and really flow with the lines. I was pointing and shooting which cost me in several areas.

3. The car was smoking out of the drivers side really badly. At 1st I thought it was just valve seals, but in the process of replacing them I realized that the LS seals don't have a gasket on the bottom. It is just metal on metal. I then realized they are using a slight vacuum to keep the oil from seeping into the valve. I have now switched back to the stock PCV system and the car is no longer smoking. All the smoke weighed on my mind while driving even though I was pretty sure everything was ok.

4. I spun the car on the 1st lap due to cold tires which is hard to completely forget the rest of the day. You find yourself wondering when it will happen again which I think sub-consciencely makes you hold back.

[Shawnski]

Originally Posted by Cone Basher

PS You can get a supercharger for them for future mods.
CB

Oh really? Wow the LS is simply amazing. BTW, I have a blown SVT Lightning, supercharged Ford V8. Dusts Vettes up to 90. 440 hp and 549 tq at the wheels.

Besides, MM is interested in light weight.

[Cone Basher]

mmarshal: It's a learnig experience anytime you make major changes like you did. XP is a VERY tough class to be fast in. Bottom line is is the car faster then it was before, if the answer is yes the rest is just sorting.
Good luck:
Keep in touch;
CB

[bstuke]

Shameful.... Sounds great though!

Don't lay off the throttle so much, modulate more.

[bstuke]

Originally Posted by Cone Basher

So why were you not very fast? Car sounded great!! I wish I lived closer to you, I would love an open course like that. In my area a lot of clubs are restricted to smaller lots and the Miata and WRX guys design the courses, kind of frustrating at times. I knew you would like the LS.
PS You can get a supercharger for them for future mods.
Nice video;
CB

Supercharger would put him in EM..