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View Full Version : Setting up an S-10 for Autocross



Motornoggin
02-07-2005, 09:07 PM
I was talking to one of my good customers today and at the same time drooling over this racey looking little car he had in his shop. It was a German Ford Escort with a four valve turbo'ed, 490hp 4 popper. He was saying the guy uses it for autocrossing. I had no idea there was any of that going on up here!? My customer explained that, yes, it is quite popular around thses parts. Whooda thunkit? Cool stuff, I like corners! This of course got me thinking... HEHEHEH Oh crap!

O.K.... So now that I have a company vehicle to drive daily. My 02' Sonoma (S-10) sits in the garage collecting dust. I still need a reliable vehicle of my own once in a while, so a "project" is really out of the question right now. What I would like to do is a straight forward handling setup for the truck and take it to the parking lot races. I already have 2" dropped spindles and 1" lower springs (maybe not quite stiff enough? I dunno), and 2" blocks in the back. Typical lowering stuff, but not crazy low, still very drivable. It handles reasonably well as it is, but it wags a bit under hard cornering. I might also replace the steering box because 70k of hard canyon carving has left it a bit "loose". What else can I do to make it worth while, cost within reason and be pretty much bolt on. I'm basing mods strictly on the suspension, no engine mods.

Salt Racer
02-08-2005, 07:33 AM
For auto-x, good shocks (Bilstein, Koni, Penske, Moton, Ohlin, AFCO, etc) with proper valving before anything else. Then good alignment, sticky tires and springs.

Of course, you need to get a rule book beforehand and check what kind of mods are allowed.

Motornoggin
02-08-2005, 06:09 PM
Yup, good shocks are on the list. I'm thinking a larger sway bar up front and an added sway bar out back. Lighter wheels and sticky tires are on the list as well. THis is all just bench racing(tuning) right now anyway. I don't have the money or time to do it now anyway.