So I'm doing my first auto X next weekend with my stock suspension 06 gt, what should I expect.

 

Expect to slide out in every single corner you take if you apply too much power, autox for a mustang is all about control. Take corners wide and hug the cone in slolums. The best advice I got is to go fast in the fast parts and go slow in the slow parts, don't get them mixed up!

Autocross is seriously fun and expect to be addicted!


Posted from MustangForums.com App for Android

 

You'll probably feel like you have an extreme lack of grip. Don't worry about trying to set the world on fire, especially on your first time and all stock. Just go out there and have fun, learning as much as you can. Sometimes when you're just beginning in autocross, it's a good rule of thumb to "go slow to go fast." That is to say, you should relax, take it easy, don't try to drive the wheels off the car, and your times will probably be quicker than if you were to go out there and drift around the whole course.

Here's what I did for a handling suspension setup on my 2006 GT, and it works really well.

https://mustangforums.com/forum/s197...g-package.html

 

With the possible exception of driving a Lotus Elise, auto-X is all about smooth. I come from running CSP Miatas, where momentum is everything and trail-braking is a religious experience because of the lack of ponies under the hood. With big power like a Mustang, smooth is even more critical.

I'll echo UPR's advice - slow in, fast out. Get the car whoa'd down so it can turn, otherwise, you're pushing like a dump truck out beyond the pylons. Coming out of a turn, be gentle on the accelerator. The urge to quickly go faster can lead to going sideways too soon. Fun - yes, smokey - for sure, but not fast. Think of having an egg under the accelerator that you'd really rather not have to clean up if it broke and accelerate accordingly. Once you get a feel for it, it's quite fun and can be pretty fast. I used to love watching a guy navigate a tight track in a supercharged Viper - heavy braking in a straight line, quick but smooth turn-in, and the smoothest way of dropping the hammer when exiting the turn. 345 somethin'-or-others as rear tires didn't hurt, but you get the idea. For a big car, he could be very, very quick.

Otherwise, prepare for the heat and enjoy. It IS addicting.

 

Oh, and look well ahead on the track. Hands follow the eyes; if you're looking at the nearest pylon, that's where the car goes, usually to the detriment of your attack on the next corner.

And that's not bad advice on the street, either...