Oval track race car - need advice
fab4
07-02-2003, 12:24 AM
I have an 88 Accord LX (carb), with an auto trans. I stripped everything out, and added a roll cage. I race it on a 1/3 mile oval asphalt track. Of course, there are rules, and I'm looking for ways to bend the rules. Last year I raced an 88 LXI (manual trans), and it was the fastest car in the class. I know this car won't go as fast, but would like to make it as close as possible. This is supposed to be a low-cost hobby, so I'm not looking to spend much money (if any at all). I already swapped engines because the original had a blown head gasket (supposedly rare for this car).
So far, one of the coils on the left-rear shock is cut, s the car leans slightly to the left. The toe is slightly adjusted in the rear to make it go around the track easier, and I've added a bar between the rear strut towers. The front-right upper control arm has been changed to allow slight adjustment of camber. I set the tire pressure the way I'm supposed to. I can't think of anything else to do to improve the handling on the track. I won't be able to get away with lowering it, or anything that noticeable. Also, I'm restricted to 75 series tires (14 inch wheels).
As far as the engine goes, all I did was put in a new thermostat, water pump, secondary fuel filter, and spark plugs. I removed the AC compressor and condenser. Understand that I know very little about cars. I can't believe I swapped the engine and it actually runs!!! If I could make it have more pickup, I'd be very happy.
Does anyone have any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)
So far, one of the coils on the left-rear shock is cut, s the car leans slightly to the left. The toe is slightly adjusted in the rear to make it go around the track easier, and I've added a bar between the rear strut towers. The front-right upper control arm has been changed to allow slight adjustment of camber. I set the tire pressure the way I'm supposed to. I can't think of anything else to do to improve the handling on the track. I won't be able to get away with lowering it, or anything that noticeable. Also, I'm restricted to 75 series tires (14 inch wheels).
As far as the engine goes, all I did was put in a new thermostat, water pump, secondary fuel filter, and spark plugs. I removed the AC compressor and condenser. Understand that I know very little about cars. I can't believe I swapped the engine and it actually runs!!! If I could make it have more pickup, I'd be very happy.
Does anyone have any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)
BullShifter
07-02-2003, 12:53 AM
Oval racing with FWD, thats gotta be fun:bigthumb:
For handling you will want a large rear sway bar. Remove the front if its got one. Also a lower tie-bar will help with the upper brace you already have. If you can a good set of adjustable shocks(paint them black, less noticeable) would be helpful.
Front wheel drive cars have terrible under steer, that front end pushing & pushing in turns sucks! The way to correct this is to loosen up the front end & stiffen the rear.
For handling you will want a large rear sway bar. Remove the front if its got one. Also a lower tie-bar will help with the upper brace you already have. If you can a good set of adjustable shocks(paint them black, less noticeable) would be helpful.
Front wheel drive cars have terrible under steer, that front end pushing & pushing in turns sucks! The way to correct this is to loosen up the front end & stiffen the rear.
BullShifter
07-02-2003, 12:56 AM
Just thought of an old trick. Use your cage as a nitrous holding tank:wink: Juice Juice!
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