Input needed!! Tell me what you think!

[stealthie1]

Hey guys, so I have decided to start running my neon in autocross. So here is my dilemma:

I was thinking, to stay in stock class, run the stock 16" wheels with R-comps and install a bigger rear sway bar. But the stock rim is a 16" x 6" and there not that many R-comps that will fit. The only size that Kuhmo makes in the 710's that will fit a 6" rim is a 225/50 which is a taller tire than stock size! (195/50) and hoosier makes an A6 in 205/45 which I think will fit but hoosier says needs a 7" rim

I could go with a 15" x 6 rim and my options go up for R-comps but then I can't put the sway bar on and stay in stock class.

Input is required!!

Thanks
Jon

[Black Shadow]

<2cents>

Get the smallest dimeter, widest rim, with the best offset you can find. Then stuff the most rubber on it that you're comfortable with (if you're new to Rs I wouldn't recommend 225 on 6" etc). Make sure your car is mechanically sound and get an alignment.

Don't get sway bars as they are a 'big hammer' handling solution and will tend to mask your mistakes and turn into a crutch; you'll have to re-learn how to drive later. Do nothing to the vehicle and spend all your money on events.

In AutoX the most important nut is the one behind the wheel.

</2cents>

[Benzin!]

I think the rear sway bar will put you in a modified class with some local clubs.
I know it's accepted at the Regionals so if that the only one series you will follow it's good.

[Cliff96]

steathie1: first or second gen?

Either way my answer is going to be get 15*7, (or 15*8 if you can afford them) and R comp's, if your intention is to stay in a stock class.

Then get an alignment with the max -ive camber as permitted by the rules your are competing in, and zero the toe.


I've run both with smaller rims & large rear bar on first gens, and larger rims w/ stock sway bar are faster - there is more tire on the ground, grip is more important then rotation (and tires are easier to find to fit a 15*7+ rim, then 14's).

A good/decent alignment will get you most of the rotation that a large rear sway will, in my experience.

Any other Q's let me know

[IndyIan]

How does the car rotate now with the stock sway bars? I have a 95 Neon and the first thing I did was add some front camber which helped the front stick better even with no rear sway bar. I would try using camber bolts or a procedure in the 2002 factory service manual on slotting the struts which makes in SCCA legal atleast...
Check out www.neons.org as well, there is lots of knowledge there on our cars.

[stealthie1]

I am starting to lean toward a set of 15" rims. Its a second gen, 2002 R/T model.

Finding a set of 15 x 7's might be a little harder. The 15 x 6's are everywhere for cheap.

Keep the comments coming! thanks guys!

[IndyIan]

I think reading on the org yesterday that Fiero rims came in 15x7...
Not that those are super common but probably cheap!

[Marsh]

Tire Rack lists Motegi Racing SP10 15x7" in 5x100 and 42mm offset for $96US. Not super light at 14.4 lbs, but can't beat that price. (searched using an 88 fiero)

[forcefed]

hoosier makes an A6 in 205/45 which I think will fit but hoosier says needs a 7" rim


If i can fit a 295 a6 on an 8" rim, im sure you could fit a 205 on a 6". I've seen 315 a6's on 9" rims too, just dont try this with anything else except a hoosier.
The a6 sidewall is extremely flexible and installation isn't any harder than compared to a smaller tire.