Fitting my Focus into a class, I've gone to far? [Archive]

Martini Focus

07-21-2003, 08:35 PM

I was reading over the rule book, this evening trying to see what class my Focus would fit in.

I think I fit into the B1 SS category with +3 extra points for Exhaust header, Cam Gears and non-stock alignment settings due to my lowing.

Below I have a picture of my car.. Don't laugh. and a current mods list.
http://www.focusedeffect.com/images/irev.jpg

Mods to Date.

Engine Modifications
-Volant Intake System
-Ford Motorsport 9mm Plug Wires (Blue)
-Esslinger Underdrive pulley
-MBRP 2 ¼" Stainless Steel Cat Back Exhaust System
-B&M Short throw Shifter
-STR Cam Gears (Blue)
-JBA Gen 3 Header
-Focus Central Cat.
-Diablo Sport Chip

Suspension

Front:
-Leda Fully adjustable Coilover front struts ( 24 position damping )
-Lowered 45mm
-FocusSport Strut tower bar

Rear:
-Leda Fully adjustable rear shock ( 24 position)
-Leda Springs Lowered 65mm

Brakes
-Brembo Max Rotors,
-Hawk HP+ Pads
-Russell Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Interior
-Corbeau Targa RS Seats
-Corbeau 4pt harnesses

Wheels & Tires
-18" x 8.5" Team Dynamics Monza Wheels in White
-215/35/ZR18" Toyo FZ4 Tires

So does any of this push me out of the SS class into the SP? I suppose I'm a little worried about showing up in a car that looks fast getting put into a class I have no chance of competing in.
I built the car to be different, got into showing the car got lots of sponsorship, awards, magazine coverage, but it wasn't me. I enjoy driving but need to as they say walk before I run so SoloII here I come.

Oh ya my plan is to get some decent tires put on my stock 15's as the 18's while looking good weigh almost 50lbs with the rubber.

Thanks in Advance for the help; I can't wait for next Sunday now.

J.C.

07-21-2003, 08:56 PM

Wich Focus did you start with?

Considering if you have a Focus with Zetec you would start in B1 & you would have 0 points to work with to stay in B1. In BSS you only have 4 points to play with. Shocks and springs are 4 points anything additional would put you into BSP.

If you have started with an SVT you are ib BSS with 2 points available.

If you have started with a Focus non Zetec you are in B2 with 2 points available if you move to B1.

To this you need to go threw and add the mods you plan on doing.

http://soloontario.com/solo2/2003/solo2rules.htm

P.S. If you have everything you posted you would be in BSP.

Logan

07-21-2003, 09:15 PM

I think you have enough parts to make a fast car, but it's going to be learning all these goodies.
With a "stock" car it's easier to find the limits and use them, modifying a car changes its limits, especially suspension. Sometimes you approach and get to the limits without even knowing you've passed them. By the time you've realized it, you're facing the wrong way.

Are your springs much stiffer than stock, or just lower?

Either way, you're in BSS, with that turbo beetle, modified WRX's, etc.
It's a fun class, get out and enjoy yourself!!

My next regional event will be at the Brampton Centre, hope you're there so I can take pics of the car.

Martini Focus

07-21-2003, 09:18 PM

Originally posted by J.C.

P.S. If you have everything you posted you would be in BSP.

That's what I thought, must be a pertty big class if shocks and spring move you out of SS?

J.C.

07-21-2003, 09:22 PM

It depends where you start. If you start in BSS wich a select few cars do then yes you end up in BSP. For the most part you need more then just that to be in BSP.

From your response I take it you have an SVT?

Martini Focus

07-21-2003, 09:30 PM

Originally posted by J.C.
It depends where you start. If you start in BSS wich a select few cars do then yes you end up in BSP. For the most part you need more then just that to be in BSP.

From your response I take it you have an SVT?

No I started with a stock ZX3 with a Zetec. Although it was that way for only about 10mins, just long enough for me to drive to the body shop.:)

Logan: My springs are as follows. 385 Front 310 Rear. I'm hoping to do as many events as I can before the year ends as the car goes away for the winter.

J.C.

07-21-2003, 09:35 PM

Well if all you did were shocks and springs then you are in BSS.

speedevo

07-21-2003, 09:57 PM

which cars are selected to bss stock? i have springs, sway bar, upper strut, lower tie bar, am i still in bss or bump out cause i think thats over 4 points? and my alignment is a close as i could get to stock minus the camber cause i dont' have a kit, will there be a problem?

soloZ

07-21-2003, 10:14 PM

Wow I have seen you a couple times before KK Mosport corner eight etc etc nice car by the way.

Logan

07-21-2003, 10:17 PM

I think the best way for you guys to be sure you're in the right class is to come to the next solo II (regional august 9th??) and talk to someone who knows what's what and has a rulebook.

It's tough to say "you start here and you've done this, so now you're here" without a rulebook handy.
Some mods are "free" once your in a new class. ie in BSS or BSP, intake and cat-back exhaust are "free" mods, no prep points assigned.
If you have fewer than factory # of cats, you're in BSP, no matter what else you've done to the car.

Look for the orange mazda #46 at the next regional. I'll be happy to talk to you and point you to the closest official if I can't answer questions.

Chris P

07-21-2003, 10:58 PM

Hi Simon,
Good to see your finally going to some regional events. The St. Kitts courses are not a very good representation of what SOLO 2 is about. Perhaps you remember me telling you about the regional series some time last winter or the winter before....?

I think you'll really like the SOLO 2 crowd running the regional series, they are a great group. Too bad i'm not running SOLO 2 this season.

Anyway, i hope to catch up with you at one of the st kitts meets some time..

PS, just in case you don't remember who i am here a pic of my car from last year.

http://www.redpepperracing.com/gallery/albums/2002-CRX/aab.sized.jpg

J.C.

07-22-2003, 12:08 AM

If you notice in my first thread I posted a link to the online rule book.

Here it is again:
http://soloontario.com/solo2/pdfs/2003Solo2Regs.pdf

Stock cars are broken down into classification starting on page 35. On page 40 it has the cars that start in BSS & the Porsche that starts in ASP.

tanney

07-22-2003, 10:36 AM

The non Ztec Focus is a B2 car and you have listed 7 points of mods.....BSP is the final class

-Esslinger Underdrive pulley - 1 point
-STR Cam Gears (Blue) - 1 point
-JBA Gen 3 Header - 1 point
-Diablo Sport Chip - 1 point
-Leda Fully adjustable Coilover struts ( 24 position damping ) - 3 points

The rest of the stuff you have listed is free in SS or SP classes.

J.C.

07-22-2003, 10:42 AM

He has Zetec.

tanney

07-22-2003, 11:04 AM

Ok, B1 base class, seven points for mods....still BSP.

Martini Focus

07-22-2003, 11:38 AM

Originally posted by tanney
Ok, B1 base class, seven points for mods....still BSP.

So I guess I look at this as a learning experience right. Decide to compete before I mod up my car.

Would it be worth removing my chip, UDP and gears so I can go back down a class? I suppose it doesn't really matter I'm more interested in learning how to drive my car competitively this year rather than trying to take home points and a trophy.

Thanks for the help everyone. :)

Logan

07-22-2003, 11:48 AM

Moving down one class will put you in BSS, which is a HUGE class.
However, you will have more people to "fight" with in that class.
Suspension mods make more of a difference in solo than power mods, so if you're thinking about stepping down, take some of your power mods out.

BTW, I'm in BSS!

MitS

07-22-2003, 05:55 PM

Do a few events in BSP and figure out where you stand in the class. Since you're not going to compete in the full series this season use the remaining events to figure out where you will slot in next year and whether you would be better off in BSS. I wouldn't remove the mods unless you feel like you're getting killed in BSP. Afterall, you probably did the mods to increase performance and your enjoyment of the car.

finboy

07-22-2003, 06:27 PM

screw what points what class.... blah balh blah

first time out/novice year.. just have fun and try to improve and shave time at every event

once you get some seat time in .. then worry about how competive you are in your class

everyone I know who started in the sport, came with whatever car they had.... checked it out and went from there

sometimes you might start off with a pig, other times you are lucky and have a great solo car

most get bit by the pylon bug.. first time out

personally..... i wouldn't worry bout it

just show up, get involved ... drive and have fun

regardless what car you start off with...

seat time and learning is more important

everyone thinks they are decent drivers..... until they give it a go
around the cones... then find out how much fun it is.. and
how bad they smell

its all good

:)

just my 2 cents

dave t

Keith-02Accord

07-22-2003, 06:33 PM

Originally posted by finboy

sometimes you might start off with a pig, other times you are lucky and have a great solo car

most get bit by the pylon bug.. first time out

Hey, is that supposed to be a pot shot at me :mad:

:)

J.C.

07-22-2003, 06:35 PM

I think its a pot shot at the Beetle with that pylon bug remark :)

Hehe :D

ice/solo racer

07-22-2003, 10:01 PM

Like Finboy says,just come out with the car as is and give it a try,you'll either never come back or you'll try to run as many as possible for years to come.
Untill you get used to finding your way around a cone course at speed the class your in won't matter to much unless your the next solo 2 wonder driver.
BSS is the largest and most diverse class in the series with FWD,AWD and a certain pretty little RWD corolla all doing battle together:D
Most events have 20 to 25 BSS cars alone while most other classes are under 10 per class.
Come out to the double header weekend in August,more than welcome to stop and say hi,I have the only copper corolla(ae86hatch) on the lot.

StewPiddass

07-23-2003, 02:28 AM

I agree with Dave, "run whut ya brung!" I hate to say it but you're probably gonna get killed in BSS or BSP, look at some of the times in the results page, hell BSS has been outrunning BSP all year (except for last Sunday I think) just get on your car (very nice by the way) and have some fun.

I had this same problem this year too. Before I even knew about autocross my Civic was equipped with Intake, Exhaust, Springs, Header, Tie Bars, etc... this puts me in BSS, oh well!

If you do decide to drop back to BSS, the good news is that this year's trophy hog is trying to sell his car... and his new one isn't a BSS car (or BSP for that matter). Look out for that Mini though!

StewPiddass

07-23-2003, 02:31 AM

BTW, Keith, I wouldn't say your car's a pig... well maybe a little, lol, but after being gridded behind you on Sunday, and watching all the spectators (and myself) cringe after that insane wheelhop you have, remind me to never buy that car from you when you're done with it.

Martini Focus

07-23-2003, 08:50 AM

Thanks for the suggestion and support everyone. You guys are going to be so sick of me after the double header weekend I'll be bugging you with so many questions.:D

I plan on running the PITTL event this Sunday and then both of the Aug 9th and 10th events. I have also decided to not use my 18's after this weekend and buy some Azenis to fit my stock 15" focus wheels. It kills me that I can get 4 Azenis for less than the one 18" I'm replacing this afternoon.

I guess I just need to get out and practice now.
Thanks again everyone !!

Keith-02Accord

07-23-2003, 09:09 AM

Originally posted by StewPiddass
BTW, Keith, I wouldn't say your car's a pig... well maybe a little, lol, but after being gridded behind you on Sunday, and watching all the spectators (and myself) cringe after that insane wheelhop you have, remind me to never buy that car from you when you're done with it.

Yeah, it seems no matter what I do, I can't seem to get rid of that wheel hop. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it doesn't. Very strange. Anybody have any ideas?

roooo

07-23-2003, 09:24 AM

Stiffer motor mounts.

tanney

07-23-2003, 10:20 AM

Yeah, it seems no matter what I do, I can't seem to get rid of that wheel hop. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it doesn't. Very strange. Anybody have any ideas?

A little less revs on the launch WILL solve that problem. A 5500-6000 rpm launch will promote tire spin and wheel hop every time.

Keith-02Accord

07-23-2003, 10:29 AM

Except I usually launch around the 3,500 mark!

andrew1984

07-23-2003, 11:06 AM

Originally posted by roooo
Stiffer motor mounts.

what he said.

speedevo

07-23-2003, 01:29 PM

ya i won't be the only rookie this comming weekend, look for me in this say hi

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid71/p0929681b60d81df502f20664a2b9f943/fb9a17eb.jpg :)

andrew1984

07-23-2003, 01:41 PM

what class will you be in speedevo?

speedevo

07-23-2003, 01:44 PM

to be honest i have no idea, i'm guessing bss if i read the rules correctly

ice/solo racer

07-23-2003, 04:44 PM

Hey stewpiddass how can I be a trophy hog?

All these events and not one trophy to show off(thats a lie I received 1 for last years class champ)My buddies with stupid car stereo competitions keep showing off a room full of trophy's some over 5' high!

Hopefully my new car won't hit any solo 2's next year at all-road course only if I can find the cash.

Martini Focus

07-23-2003, 04:45 PM

Originally posted by speedevo
ya i won't be the only rookie this comming weekend, look for me in this say hi

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid71/p0929681b60d81df502f20664a2b9f943/fb9a17eb.jpg :)

Cool I'll track you down see if we can compare notes and suggestions on the course. :cool:

What part of Hamilton are your from? I think I've seen your car before, up on the mountain.

speedevo

07-23-2003, 06:53 PM

yep i live up on the hamilton mountian, so it's probably me :) but i haven't seen your car around i'm sure i wouldn't miss a WRC like car ;)

Robv

07-24-2003, 08:10 AM

Hey Martini Focus,

I'm also in Dundas !
Saw you on Sydenham the other day, sweet looking car !

I haven't done any events this year, still trying to get my car together ('70 Beetle).

See you around.

Rob.

andrew1984

07-24-2003, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by Robv
Hey Martini Focus,

I'm also in Dundas !
Saw you on Sydenham the other day, sweet looking car !

I haven't done any events this year, still trying to get my car together ('70 Beetle).

See you around.

Rob.

what is it with all these beetles coming out of the woodwork?

im trying to be original here! :D

Robv

07-24-2003, 10:37 AM

Don't worry, mine is an old Beetle.....all 48HP of it....if I ever get it running again :rolleyes:

BTW, now I understand 'the blowtorch' after seeing (hearing) you run last Sunday....

I'm sure a lot of people have asked you before, but what *is* that noise ? Wastegate ?

Rob.

andrew1984

07-24-2003, 10:38 AM

exhaust.

i havent touched the stock turbo yet ( nor the wastegate for that matter).

Martini Focus

07-24-2003, 11:12 AM

Originally posted by andrew1984
exhaust.

i havent touched the stock turbo yet ( nor the wastegate for that matter).

It's sounds really cool though!! Now all you need are some flames to go with the sound.:D

Martini Focus

07-24-2003, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by Robv
Hey Martini Focus,

I'm also in Dundas !
Saw you on Sydenham the other day, sweet looking car !

I haven't done any events this year, still trying to get my car together ('70 Beetle).

See you around.

Rob.

You must live in that new subdivision at the bottom of sydenham right?? If so I promise I'll never use your unfinished road as a test track again.:p

Robv

07-24-2003, 11:19 AM

hehehehehe, trust me, you are not the only one :D

I've also seen an older Ford srti ? (dunno what they are called here, in Europe they are called Sierra's) going up and down there.
Looked like a racecar, anybody you know ?

(Sorry for hijacking the thread).

Rob.

Martini Focus

07-24-2003, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by Robv
hehehehehe, trust me, you are not the only one :D

I've also seen an older Ford srti ? (dunno what they are called here, in Europe they are called Sierra's) going up and down there.
Looked like a racecar, anybody you know ?

(Sorry for hijacking the thread).

Rob.

That's my Dad's XR4Ti, it's a great place to test boost level changes. :D I store my car at their house, which is just down the street from Parkside highschool. I'm always there working on one of the car.:rolleyes:

Robv

07-24-2003, 02:51 PM

Cool !

Next time you do a testrun drop by !
Im at Brydale court 7, if you follow that road to where it splits, then I am right at the corner, there should be a Durango and/or a WRX on the driveway. I'm usually in the garage working on the bug.

Rob.

DuPontRacing

07-25-2003, 11:52 PM

hey, Martini Focus

i'm planning to get a focus when my insurance settlement comes in , ( if it ever does) My father has the sedan one, ( i wanted the hatchback but life isn't always fair) but i'm not touching his, b/c he'll get all the fun at my cost . I was wondeirng where did u buy ur parts ? Right now i'm looking at parts and the best bang for the buck , ANy help would be appricated .

also if u want tires for ur 15's i got 4 racing slicks COmpettition USE only , by Yokohama they are 250/590R15 still have a lot of life left and are pretty light with very soft compounds. I got them from the Molson INdy in Toronto, they were giving them away .
THey were used for a few min , b4 it started to rain, then they just got rid of them b/c its not worth putting them back on again.

if ur interested let me know :)

thanks

speedevo

07-26-2003, 12:19 AM

hey do you guys wanna do a mini meet and head down to the hersey center together?

Martini Focus

07-26-2003, 10:00 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DuPontRacing
hey, Martini Focus

i'm planning to get a focus when my insurance settlement comes in , ( if it ever does) My father has the sedan one, ( i wanted the hatchback but life isn't always fair) but i'm not touching his, b/c he'll get all the fun at my cost . I was wondeirng where did u buy ur parts ? Right now i'm looking at parts and the best bang for the buck , ANy help would be appricated .

also if u want tires for ur 15's i got 4 racing slicks COmpettition USE only , by Yokohama they are 250/590R15 still have a lot of life left and are pretty light with very soft compounds. I got them from the Molson INdy in Toronto, they were giving them away .
THey were used for a few min , b4 it started to rain, then they just got rid of them b/c its not worth putting them back on again.

if ur interested let me know :)

thanks [/QUOTE

Well first off I would spend some time on Focaljet.com unfortunately it's down for repairs this weekend. It's been up for 3 years now and is the Top Focus site on the internet. There is a specific autoX section where I have learned so much about setup driving etc. As 95% of the people run in the H stock SCCA class they know the best way to get a focus going quickly on limited parts. We have everything listed from spring rates of different kits, sway bar sizes etc. To stay in a stock class most people are running the SVT kit as it's all OEM ford. Stiffer lower springs, larger sway bars, and revalved shocks and struts. Everything can be purchased for less than $200 USD it's a great deal.

I would suggest checking out Focaljet you can learn just about everything there. I'll happily answer any questions, you might have and take you for a ride in my car if you want.

You can also look at www.focuscanada.net, not much info there it's really just a place for Canadian focus owners to g2g.

As for the tires, I'll think about that I'm not sure I can use them due to the offset I would need to run a 250 wide tire on a 15" wheel. I'll let you know.