New B-Street FRC owner
11-11-2015, 09:16 AM
#1
Heel & Toe
Thread Starter
New B-Street FRC owner
Update 4/26/16:
Season is off to a good start. Expectations and goals are being met. I learned what truely new tires felt like at my first two events. Coming from my E36 where I started autocrossing on what were track tires and continued to autocross on second hand tires, I've never scrubbed in a set of tires myself. It was discouraging as my times were mid-pack, I couldn't predict what the car was going to do, and it just didn't feel all that great overall. Really didn't know what was going on, I thought my year hiatus was really showing. Fast forward to this past weekend, the tires felt completely different. They finally feel like the tires everyone says they are and I'm finally able to drive with some controllable rear slip. Finished 4th in PAX both days, won B Street the first, 2nd on the other. There were some caveats to my finishing positions but I will savor it while I can.
I haven't made any changes to the car other than the tires. Ordered a bar from Sam and can't wait to see how it affects the handling. Now that the car is drivable (tires scrubbed in), I am going to work on my throttle control.
Videos are in reverse chronological order. I have 3 GoPros and have been playing with different angles for fun. Enjoy and thanks for following my progress.
--------------------
Hi everyone. I just wanted to share my YouTube channel for anyone interested in autocross C5 Corvettes. I bought a '99 FRC to compete in SCCA Solo B-Street next year. I also plan to try and attend a couple of national events and Pro Solos, all depending on location (with respect to the D.C. metro area).
I got 3 events in with the car before the end of the season. This was my first time out all year, proceeding 2 consecutive full years in my E36 M3 that wasn't really built to compete in any specific class. I'm still learning the car and its tendencies, keep that in mind if providing constructive feedback.
As of right now, the car is lowered using stock adjustments and has Bilstein sports shocks. The tires that came with the car are RS3s, 245/40/17, 265/35/18. Alignment specs are unknown but was done by PO when they lowered the car.
My very first event was bad; first time out in a year and with a new car. My next 2 event felt a lot better and the times looked better but, they were both in the wet.
I usually only share my best runs but when I'm learning, I also make a compilation of the whole day. I am unsure of how often I will post here so please subscribe if you'd like to follow my progress or if you just like watching Corvettes.
Best run last event:
Compilation of last event:
Prior event:
Compilation:
And, the embarrassing first event. Forgot to mention I forgot to turn off traction control and noticed coming out of the first loop.... And, this was my best run of the day...
Season is off to a good start. Expectations and goals are being met. I learned what truely new tires felt like at my first two events. Coming from my E36 where I started autocrossing on what were track tires and continued to autocross on second hand tires, I've never scrubbed in a set of tires myself. It was discouraging as my times were mid-pack, I couldn't predict what the car was going to do, and it just didn't feel all that great overall. Really didn't know what was going on, I thought my year hiatus was really showing. Fast forward to this past weekend, the tires felt completely different. They finally feel like the tires everyone says they are and I'm finally able to drive with some controllable rear slip. Finished 4th in PAX both days, won B Street the first, 2nd on the other. There were some caveats to my finishing positions but I will savor it while I can.
I haven't made any changes to the car other than the tires. Ordered a bar from Sam and can't wait to see how it affects the handling. Now that the car is drivable (tires scrubbed in), I am going to work on my throttle control.
Videos are in reverse chronological order. I have 3 GoPros and have been playing with different angles for fun. Enjoy and thanks for following my progress.
--------------------
Hi everyone. I just wanted to share my YouTube channel for anyone interested in autocross C5 Corvettes. I bought a '99 FRC to compete in SCCA Solo B-Street next year. I also plan to try and attend a couple of national events and Pro Solos, all depending on location (with respect to the D.C. metro area).
I got 3 events in with the car before the end of the season. This was my first time out all year, proceeding 2 consecutive full years in my E36 M3 that wasn't really built to compete in any specific class. I'm still learning the car and its tendencies, keep that in mind if providing constructive feedback.
As of right now, the car is lowered using stock adjustments and has Bilstein sports shocks. The tires that came with the car are RS3s, 245/40/17, 265/35/18. Alignment specs are unknown but was done by PO when they lowered the car.
My very first event was bad; first time out in a year and with a new car. My next 2 event felt a lot better and the times looked better but, they were both in the wet.
I usually only share my best runs but when I'm learning, I also make a compilation of the whole day. I am unsure of how often I will post here so please subscribe if you'd like to follow my progress or if you just like watching Corvettes.
Best run last event:
Compilation of last event:
Prior event:
And, the embarrassing first event. Forgot to mention I forgot to turn off traction control and noticed coming out of the first loop.... And, this was my best run of the day...
Last edited by Rated-M3; 04-26-2016 at 11:07 AM.
11-11-2015, 09:48 AM
#2
With that camera angle, it's tough to see where you are "placing" the car. Your hand position and head movement indicate you have the skill set.
Also, any event in the rain is likely more of a "minimizing losses" type drive rather than pushing the car and your abilities to the limit. So it's tough for me to critique. Nice control, though.
The good news is you've come to the right place for feedback.
Also, I once had an e36 M3. They are a lot of fun to autocross, it's a shame they don't really fit into any SCCA class as a competitive car.
Last year I autocrossed a Subaru STI in STU Class. This year I made the switch to a 99 FRC in STU class. It took me quite a while to shake the "awd" habits.
My main struggle with the Vette this year was "maintaining" speed. It took several events for me to find the right entry speeds for this car.
Also, any event in the rain is likely more of a "minimizing losses" type drive rather than pushing the car and your abilities to the limit. So it's tough for me to critique. Nice control, though.
The good news is you've come to the right place for feedback.
Also, I once had an e36 M3. They are a lot of fun to autocross, it's a shame they don't really fit into any SCCA class as a competitive car.
Last year I autocrossed a Subaru STI in STU Class. This year I made the switch to a 99 FRC in STU class. It took me quite a while to shake the "awd" habits.
My main struggle with the Vette this year was "maintaining" speed. It took several events for me to find the right entry speeds for this car.
11-11-2015, 09:59 AM
#3
Heel & Toe
Thread Starter
With that camera angle, it's tough to see where you are "placing" the car. Your hand position and head movement indicate you have the skill set.
Also, any event in the rain is likely more of a "minimizing losses" type drive rather than pushing the car and your abilities to the limit. So it's tough for me to critique. Nice control, though.
Also, any event in the rain is likely more of a "minimizing losses" type drive rather than pushing the car and your abilities to the limit. So it's tough for me to critique. Nice control, though.
I love the rain, I use to be scared of it. In my afternoon runs in the compilation video of the last event, I was pushing the car too hard through almost every turn understeering and losing time. It didn't come to me that I should have slowed it down until I worked the course afterwards... I love the way you put that though, "minimizing losses." I will try and remember to help me stop pushing the front end around.
I have my eye on STU as well but I have some bills to pay off first. I took a year off because I bought a house and had another kid. How did you do overall this year with the Corvette?
Last edited by Rated-M3; 11-11-2015 at 10:02 AM.
11-11-2015, 10:34 AM
#4
Thanks. Where do you place your camera if you use one? I like this angle because I can see my inputs. I am picking up a second GoPro later today and plan to run it on the right side of the car.
I have my eye on STU as well but I have some bills to pay off first. I took a year off because I bought a house and had another kid. How did you do overall this year with the Corvette?
I have my eye on STU as well but I have some bills to pay off first. I took a year off because I bought a house and had another kid. How did you do overall this year with the Corvette?
I've seen a lot of guys put it behind them in the car. You can see the layout and the inputs/technique. There's some videos and good STU information in this thread: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-2015-a-9.html
I prefer the camera under the rear view mirror. I was struggling with positioning the car, too. I hit a lot of cones this year on the passenger side. So this helped me.
I'd say I got close to my goal this year. I was just about 1 second off Nick Barbato in my region event before nationals. Nick got 2nd place in Glenn's 350Z at nationals this year in STU. To be fair, Nick probably wasn't pushing as hard as me with me a full second behind him.
I'm not a national competitor, although my goal is to make it there next year, but more just for the experience.
11-11-2015, 02:07 PM
#5
Thanks. Where do you place your camera if you use one? I like this angle because I can see my inputs. I am picking up a second GoPro later today and plan to run it on the right side of the car.
I love the rain, I use to be scared of it. In my afternoon runs in the compilation video of the last event, I was pushing the car too hard through almost every turn understeering and losing time. It didn't come to me that I should have slowed it down until I worked the course afterwards... I love the way you put that though, "minimizing losses." I will try and remember to help me stop pushing the front end around.
I have my eye on STU as well but I have some bills to pay off first. I took a year off because I bought a house and had another kid. How did you do overall this year with the Corvette?
I love the rain, I use to be scared of it. In my afternoon runs in the compilation video of the last event, I was pushing the car too hard through almost every turn understeering and losing time. It didn't come to me that I should have slowed it down until I worked the course afterwards... I love the way you put that though, "minimizing losses." I will try and remember to help me stop pushing the front end around.
I have my eye on STU as well but I have some bills to pay off first. I took a year off because I bought a house and had another kid. How did you do overall this year with the Corvette?
11-11-2015, 03:11 PM
#6
Supporting Vendor
DC is a pretty good place to run a Corvette out of. It's my region to start with and I have a hand in most of quickest ones in any class for Solo. There are other fast BS versions around like Mike Moran's car (one I setup) as well as SSR cars in the region to compare to.
If you need some help, setup or driving wise... I can be of assistance. Those are my two actual jobs, car setup/parts sales and driving instructor.
If you need some help, setup or driving wise... I can be of assistance. Those are my two actual jobs, car setup/parts sales and driving instructor.
__________________
Sam Strano
Strano Performance Parts
www.stranoparts.com
814-849-3450
More options than any other single company out there. More parts than any other single company I know: Brakes to Safety, Wheels to Exhaust. Suspension to Air Filters: Girodisc, Hawk, Raybestos, Essex Racing/AP, Ferodo, Wilwood, Penske, Koni, Borg Motorsport, Ridetech, Viking, After Dark Speed, Hotchkis, Bilstein, KW, Forgestar, BC Forged, Forgeline, MRR Wheels and on, and on, and on it goes.
Sam Strano
Strano Performance Parts
www.stranoparts.com
814-849-3450
More options than any other single company out there. More parts than any other single company I know: Brakes to Safety, Wheels to Exhaust. Suspension to Air Filters: Girodisc, Hawk, Raybestos, Essex Racing/AP, Ferodo, Wilwood, Penske, Koni, Borg Motorsport, Ridetech, Viking, After Dark Speed, Hotchkis, Bilstein, KW, Forgestar, BC Forged, Forgeline, MRR Wheels and on, and on, and on it goes.
11-11-2015, 05:50 PM
#7
Heel & Toe
Thread Starter
DC is a pretty good place to run a Corvette out of. It's my region to start with and I have a hand in most of quickest ones in any class for Solo. There are other fast BS versions around like Mike Moran's car (one I setup) as well as SSR cars in the region to compare to.
If you need some help, setup or driving wise... I can be of assistance. Those are my two actual jobs, car setup/parts sales and driving instructor.
If you need some help, setup or driving wise... I can be of assistance. Those are my two actual jobs, car setup/parts sales and driving instructor.
I guess I'd like to ask about the rear tire size. I see the PO's theory in running the 265/35 (for gearing) in the rear but is the difference from a 275/35 or even a 285/35 worth it? I do feel like the power comes on quick on exit and I could probably benefit from the taller tire but I don't have any experience to compare to. Could just be that I need to get use to driving a more powerful car X)
11-11-2015, 07:55 PM
#8
Supporting Vendor
I remember, glad they are safe in BS for a while.
Who was the PO? Just curious. Gearing ... the difference is tiny in the gearing with a shorter tire and the car has torque anyway. And if it's that slow you are miles from peak torque in 2nd you could run 1st (not that I recommend that a lot). but I'd be running the largest tire I could actually make use of. The thing is in 18" you pretty much have 275 or 315 (too much) from BFG, and 275 from Bridgestone so it kind of makes your choice pretty easy for the rear. Front, that depends on if you stick with 17" or go to an 18".
Who was the PO? Just curious. Gearing ... the difference is tiny in the gearing with a shorter tire and the car has torque anyway. And if it's that slow you are miles from peak torque in 2nd you could run 1st (not that I recommend that a lot). but I'd be running the largest tire I could actually make use of. The thing is in 18" you pretty much have 275 or 315 (too much) from BFG, and 275 from Bridgestone so it kind of makes your choice pretty easy for the rear. Front, that depends on if you stick with 17" or go to an 18".
11-11-2015, 09:22 PM
#9
Heel & Toe
Thread Starter
I remember, glad they are safe in BS for a while.
Who was the PO? Just curious. Gearing ... the difference is tiny in the gearing with a shorter tire and the car has torque anyway. And if it's that slow you are miles from peak torque in 2nd you could run 1st (not that I recommend that a lot). but I'd be running the largest tire I could actually make use of. The thing is in 18" you pretty much have 275 or 315 (too much) from BFG, and 275 from Bridgestone so it kind of makes your choice pretty easy for the rear. Front, that depends on if you stick with 17" or go to an 18".
Who was the PO? Just curious. Gearing ... the difference is tiny in the gearing with a shorter tire and the car has torque anyway. And if it's that slow you are miles from peak torque in 2nd you could run 1st (not that I recommend that a lot). but I'd be running the largest tire I could actually make use of. The thing is in 18" you pretty much have 275 or 315 (too much) from BFG, and 275 from Bridgestone so it kind of makes your choice pretty easy for the rear. Front, that depends on if you stick with 17" or go to an 18".
11-12-2015, 02:34 PM
#11
^ This. Rumor has it, we'll get an 285/35/18 RE71R from Bridgestone. The 2wd STU crowd will be rejoicing!! I'm not holding my breathe.
I'd listen to Sam and wait until next season. Maybe there will be something to compete or be better than the RE71R. I've got about 20 runs left in my RE71R's, so I'm gonna hang on to them until next season and wait til spring brings a new line up of tires
FWIW, I think all the 2wd STU crowd ran 275/35/18 RE71R's, even though we can use up to a 285 in class. Shows that the RE71R was the tire to have, even if it was down 1 width size.
I'd listen to Sam and wait until next season. Maybe there will be something to compete or be better than the RE71R. I've got about 20 runs left in my RE71R's, so I'm gonna hang on to them until next season and wait til spring brings a new line up of tires
FWIW, I think all the 2wd STU crowd ran 275/35/18 RE71R's, even though we can use up to a 285 in class. Shows that the RE71R was the tire to have, even if it was down 1 width size.
03-05-2016, 10:03 PM
#14
Just saw this thread.
I don't remember why the rear tires were 265s. My best guess is that they happened to be in stock at the time and maybe the 275s weren't... there wasn't a special reason for it, and I wasn't super concerned with it since my dad just needed decent tires to learn on. He didn't have enough events under his belt to justify the RE71Rs.
For shocks, they're actually sports on the front and HD in the rear. Ordered from Sam.
I don't remember why the rear tires were 265s. My best guess is that they happened to be in stock at the time and maybe the 275s weren't... there wasn't a special reason for it, and I wasn't super concerned with it since my dad just needed decent tires to learn on. He didn't have enough events under his belt to justify the RE71Rs.
For shocks, they're actually sports on the front and HD in the rear. Ordered from Sam.
03-06-2016, 12:08 AM
#15
Heel & Toe
Thread Starter
Just saw this thread.
I don't remember why the rear tires were 265s. My best guess is that they happened to be in stock at the time and maybe the 275s weren't... there wasn't a special reason for it, and I wasn't super concerned with it since my dad just needed decent tires to learn on. He didn't have enough events under his belt to justify the RE71Rs.
For shocks, they're actually sports on the front and HD in the rear. Ordered from Sam.
I don't remember why the rear tires were 265s. My best guess is that they happened to be in stock at the time and maybe the 275s weren't... there wasn't a special reason for it, and I wasn't super concerned with it since my dad just needed decent tires to learn on. He didn't have enough events under his belt to justify the RE71Rs.
For shocks, they're actually sports on the front and HD in the rear. Ordered from Sam.
03-06-2016, 02:27 AM
#16
Plan is to be out for the DC pro... I need to get the ball rolling on that, but I should be there.
03-07-2016, 12:49 AM
#17
Supporting Vendor
Just a fair warning. DC Pro is not a great one to hit on the east. The lot is much better for a Tour (which I'm doing the course for btw). I didn't even bundle that Pro in my stuff cause it's so far from ideal for that use. But it's still a Pro and still fun. But it's bumpy and they won't be big courses by any measure. And it's on a big slope, and sealed asphalt.
03-07-2016, 08:40 AM
#18
Supporting Vendor
It appears that if the front tires are larger diameter than the rears, ice mode under braking will trigger more easily. The only time I have even gotten ice mode in my car is with larger diameter front tires. They were DOT R-Comps, not street tires though. Otherwise these cars need all the gearing they can get.
03-07-2016, 12:39 PM
#19
Just a fair warning. DC Pro is not a great one to hit on the east. The lot is much better for a Tour (which I'm doing the course for btw). I didn't even bundle that Pro in my stuff cause it's so far from ideal for that use. But it's still a Pro and still fun. But it's bumpy and they won't be big courses by any measure. And it's on a big slope, and sealed asphalt.
