SCCA CAM Build - 2003 Cobra

shb5007

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I am working on getting my Cobra set up to compete in local SCCA autocross events this year, in the CAM class.

I have already made some modification, including: brakes (calipers and rotors), c/c plates, subframe connectors, a k-member brace, steering rack bushings, and springs.

I am currently tracking down a new set of wheels and I plan on running the Bridgestone tire.

I am also currently searching for a good IRS alignment.

Any other recommendations? Tweaks? Something missing? Modifications?

I am NOT interested in the FTBR kit at this time. That is planned for 2017.
 

Svtmustang01

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If you can grab a second set of wheels for Bridgestone RE-71 R are the new hot tire for auto x. Springs are alright but clearly coil overs are optimal, especially ones that have adjustable dampening and compression. You might look into doing a bump steer kit front and back as a lowered car ruins the toe curve.
For alignment I would max out caster and add some camber in the front and back. One of the biggest upgrades I did to my car is add a seat with bigger bolsters as the stock seats will have you sliding all around, this increases confidence and concentration.
Idk how many times you have been to auto x but the biggest thing to upgrade is you, just get out there and have some fun!
 

shb5007

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First, thanks for the reply! I appreciate the thoughts, and I am still hoping to get some more from others.

If you can grab a second set of wheels for Bridgestone RE-71 R are the new hot tire for auto x.

Yep, currently working on some wheels for the Bridgestone tires. It will happen.

Springs are alright but clearly coil overs are optimal, especially ones that have adjustable dampening and compression. You might look into doing a bump steer kit front and back as a lowered car ruins the toe curve.

Coil-overs are not in the budget for this year. I have H&R race springs. I am looking into a bump steer kit. I see the two options are likely Steeda and Maximum Motorsports for the front. Any thoughts? What about ball joints? I am looking at FTBR for the rear.

For alignment I would max out caster and add some camber in the front and back.

Thanks, I need some insight on a proper alignment.

One of the biggest upgrades I did to my car is add a seat with bigger bolsters as the stock seats will have you sliding all around, this increases confidence and concentration.

I missed this earlier, but I do already have Corbeau seats. But good thinking, it does help!

Idk how many times you have been to auto x but the biggest thing to upgrade is you, just get out there and have some fun! [/QUOTE]

I am a fairly experienced autocross driver, but more in a SVT Focus and a Mazda MX-5, totally different cars. Can't wait for the season to start!
 

Svtmustang01

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I have the steeda bumpsteer kit in the front and dont have any complaints about it. I also have the FTBR toe rods in the back and they are beautiful pieces. Any time you can order something from FTBR it's a good experience. Bruce is always quick to email with any questions and is very knowledgeable, and he sells great products.

I have the steeda x2 ball joints in the front and they are nice. Although unless you are looking to go lower or your ball joints are worn then they wouldnt be the next thing on my list.

I would also throw a head cooling mod and if pullied a larger dual pass heat exchanger for good measure. These cars dont like heat, and the head cooling mod is something that should be done to any modified cobra.
 

shb5007

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EDIT: Also, thoughts on front or rear strut tower braces? Worth the added weight?

I have the steeda bumpsteer kit in the front and dont have any complaints about it. I also have the FTBR toe rods in the back and they are beautiful pieces. Any time you can order something from FTBR it's a good experience. Bruce is always quick to email with any questions and is very knowledgeable, and he sells great products.

I will look into both of those parts this week.

I have the steeda x2 ball joints in the front and they are nice. Although unless you are looking to go lower or your ball joints are worn then they wouldnt be the next thing on my list.

I will hold off on these for now.

I would also throw a head cooling mod and if pullied a larger dual pass heat exchanger for good measure. These cars dont like heat, and the head cooling mod is something that should be done to any modified cobra.

I do currently have the head cooling mod, but I might check out a heat exchanger. Thanks!
 
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Svtmustang01

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I haven't personally done them or researched them but I do know an easy test. To tell if your car is stiff enough or needs tower braces measure two spots laterally near the strut or shock mounts on flat level ground. Now jack up the car and put 3 pieces of wood under one tire and release the jack. Now measure the difference between the two dots and see how much it flexed. Do the front and rear seperately.

I would also entertain sway bars. Although again I havent read up on the cobra sway bars but in general production sway bars never really stiff enough nor do they offer adjustability.
 

shb5007

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Wheels ordered. Helmet ordered.

Changing the transmission fluid this weekend.
 

ConeCrusher281

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How are things going?

Also just wanted to say that strut and shock tower braces are really devices that can be used to fine tune the suspension/chassis setup more than anything. I would go without them for now then see how the car feels after a few races. Also, if you are upgrading sway bars, I highly suggest getting adjustable ones to help fine tune even more
 

CJK440

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I think you will also see a bigger benefit to a strut tower brace once you go coilover.
 

shb5007

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2 events into the season...and 2 class wins.

Both events have been wet, sadly. Not much has been learned on the set-up.

I am going to align the car, replace the front sway bar bushings, and update both front and rear sway bar end links prior to the June event.
 

shb5007

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Tomorrow is event number three.

I had the car aligned to some specs I found online. We will see how that goes. It feels good so far.

I replaced the front sway bar end links and bushings. This was the condition of one of the OEM bushings.

13325646_1366621970031515_2042510100627688706_n.jpg

I also replaced the rear sway bar end links. It was a pain.

13413038_10105296060100582_4736310151708376539_n.jpg

I also finally removed the "brick" from the IRS today.

I will update after tomorrow. A lot of competition registered.
 

Iamchris

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Tomorrow is event number three.

I had the car aligned to some specs I found online. We will see how that goes. It feels good so far.

I replaced the front sway bar end links and bushings. This was the condition of one of the OEM bushings.

View attachment 69130

I also replaced the rear sway bar end links. It was a pain.

View attachment 69131

I also finally removed the "brick" from the IRS today.

I will update after tomorrow. A lot of competition registered.

Forgot to update, or it went VERY bad...
 

shb5007

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Forgot to update, or it went VERY bad...

Mostly forgot. Ended up winning the local class Championship, and finishing ~12th in PAX with ~75 participants. However, struggled to compete at the regional level with the S197's owning the show.
 

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