Top products from r/Autocross

I've used AIM data loggers and made my own arduino based accelerometer and GPS data acquisition systems; but lately I prefer the phone/tablet based GPS logging apps when paired with an external 10Hz+ GPS. IMO, the ability to easily review the data on the spot and provide immediate feedback and comparisons between runs far out weighs the bell and whistles of the more advanced systems that typically require plugging into a computer to review the data. Phone mounting is really not an issue if you get a good mount (I use a ram mount or [kenu airframe] (https://www.amazon.com/Kenu-Airframe-Universal-Accessories-Compatible/dp/B00D901B4W/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1501912932&sr=8-6&keywords=phone+vent+clip)).

I didn't like the high cost of Solostorm, so I prefer RaceChrono for it's simplicity, while some people like Harry's Laptimer. They will all give you speed, position, and accel from the GPS data. How they differ is in the user interface and presentation of the data. For overlaying data on video, I use [Dashware] (http://www.dashware.net/).

Regarding the actual data, I personally find the speed and position data more useful than just the long/lat accel data. Pro Tip: You'll gain a lot of insight by logging data of people faster than you.

We just put together a new racing line infographic. I really like these kinds of quick reference sheets that pack a lot of info into one graphic. Hope you like it.

http://www.paradigmshiftracing.com/racing-basics/racing-line-quick-reference-apex-troubleshooter

The 3rd book in The Science of Speed Series is also now available. The Perfect Corner 2** covers complex track sections and completes our core program starting with The Perfect Corner and Perfect Control. Here is the Amazon link, but it's available from other retailers as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Corner-Step---Step-Optimizing/dp/0997382449/

Feel free to ask questions as well.

I use a RAM mount with just the suction cup, short arm and X grip

It feels pretty damn safe holding my Nexus 6 in a case but I will say the X grip allows some rotation and may be shakier than another mount would be. Then again I don't know if being perfectly solid to the car is the most desirable thing.

Here's an example of how shaky it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTm8b9vfpio

I'm not terribly serious about autox so it's good enough to help me learn the course between runs.

For fluid, Motul RBF600: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LEYJO4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's the best stuff that's reasonably priced that I've found. Most people I've asked about fluid run it as well.

As for pads, I've had good luck with Stoptech Street Performance, but I got them specifically for their inital cold-bite characteristics (since I'm usually on cold brakes). Don't use that link though, I don't think that's the right part number for the Miata.

But mainly the fluid change is the important part. On my FWD rallycross car it completely solved my fade issue (left foot braking for 1/3 of the lap is really hard on front brakes).

If you want to spend a bit more money, tire pyrometer. Something like this one that actually penetrates the rubber. The laser ones are useless for tires: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JVFTTM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wQD2Db3KQ5FAG

Also, biggest tote he can fit in his car/trunk with tires and other gear. Makes it nice and easy to have an autox pack to just toss in the car and go and easy to store stuff in at the events.

Sure. Here's the microphone: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016ARZ9C/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

With a Hero 2, you just plug it in. With the Hero 3, you need the microphone adapter: http://gopro.com/camera-accessories/3-5mm-mic-adapter

Get the STi springs. Subaru spent a couple hundred grand engineering them for a reason.

Are the strut bars bumping you up a class? If so ditch them and run in a more proper class.

As for the bodyroll, that might be a driver mod. Too much braking, not enough gas. Scoobies don't like lifting. That being said, your first problem is absolutely lack of suspension travel due to the drop. 1.6" is a TON of lost travel, and those rates are per inch, which you've chopped off.

I don't think your spring rate is too high, STi's are over 200 stock. But those Epic springs are 100% for looks, and not for handling. Even says so on their website.

>Epic Engineering springs are designed to give your Subaru a more aggressive stance, and increase the intensity of the driving experience while maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride

Further:

>The decrease in ride height effectively lowers the coefficient of gravity, as well as the front roll center and hence inclines the vehicle roll axis further up to the rear.

And, as anyone who's read "Tune to Win" can tell you, lowering the front roll center will promote understeer.

So change the springs for the STi ones. Takes an hour if you DIY and borrow the spring compressors from Autozone (or buy a set for like $40). Just make sure you get the cone washer on top of the struts going the right way!

I go with Ram Mounts. They are good, solid mounts that seem to be very well built. Assuming a GoPro, you could do the following:


Base: https://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mounts-Diameter-Suction-RAM-B-224-1U/dp/B008JGZMZK/


Arm: https://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mounts-Double-Socket-RAM-B-201U-C/dp/B00CU9BTKY


GoPro Adapter (don't buy the actual Ram Mount adapter because it's one of the very few things they make that isn't any good): https://www.amazon.com/Swivel-Lateral-Pattern-Adapter-Mounts/dp/B00PDHYG0K


If you're looking for a generic camera screw-type adapter: https://www.amazon.com/1-Inch-Diameter-4-Inch-20-Cameras-Camcorders/dp/B0056I8SLE/

Yeah, then I still need to make brackets mounting off something solid to screw into. Thats the hold up there.

Friend has offered me a set of these, from Sparco, that he had sitting around from his drift car... not sure yet.. http://www.amazon.com/iJDMTOY-Release-Fasteners-For-Car/dp/B00JJYPATO/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1404933893&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=Sparco+quick+release+fasteners

Here's some in-car video using my Galaxy S4 and this mount: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007FH716W/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ignore that I should have done a good chunk of this run in 3rd instead of 2nd. ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-no6R0AwyM

What I like about the mount is that the suction cup has a mild adhesive on it that you can "recharge" by rinsing it off. The clamps hold my phone very well. Not sure I'd be willing to stick my phone outside the car but it holds it very tight inside.

Also, this amazing hat for those sunny days: http://www.amazon.com/KAVU-Chillba-Pyrite-One-Size/dp/B002LFDWFM/ref=sr_1_23?s=athletic-clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1417711330&sr=1-23

I bought reflective insulation (like this) at homedepot and taped two 25 foot long pieces together. Between runs I just wrap the whole car like so. It's extremely effective as it recycles heat from the brakes and engine into warming up the tires. Too late now, but may have been able to buy some tonight.

This book had the most profound effect on road racing and autocross of anything I've ever purchased.

...and we're live!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072C8RKHR/

https://www.amazon.com/Autocross-Win-DGs-Secrets-developing-ebook/dp/B072C8RKHR

More about car setup but this was a good read

HJC Helmets CL-17 Unisex-Adult Full Face Void Street Motorcycle Helmet (Grey/Neon Green, Large) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GR7KDZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DBiXBb4X8JHXV

HJC 824-584 CL-17 Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet (Matte Anthracite, Large) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FE1X7AU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.BiXBb92H8PSX

Would any of these work. I was looking more for a full helmet.

Probe all day . More accurate and more precise

This book has some advice for complete beginners who have never autocrossed.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0962057312/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Some of the advice might be a little dated. I think he talks about car classing, which changes regularly.

I'd probably just go try it once before I started researching a ton.

I think it is the baked in image stabilization. It does look weird now that I look at it!

It is a garmin Virb on a Fat Gecko mount suctioned onto the moon roof glass.

I use the Panavise suction cup mounts with my FlipHD camera occasionally.

http://www.amazon.com/Panavise-809-Camera-Window-Suction-Cup/dp/B000246ST6

I've never worried about it falling off. I've attached it to the sunroof, the actual roof, the windshield, the front fender, and the back hatch of my WRX and had no problems. I've used it at highway speeds and while racing with the SCCA.

If you can find something similar to hold the Nexus securely I think it should work. Depending on your car though, there may be a bunch of vibrations on the sunroof glass that could distort your video.