Auto X Newbie Setups?

[M3TA5IN]

So, after going to my first Auto X event and talking to some of the people and watching for a couple hours I am excited and want to do it.

Looking for some advice though on things I should know and get.

Vehicle: 2006 330i Sport Package
Wheels: 19" OEM 359M

I figured this season will be my learning period and because I already missed 2 events I won't be able to be a serious points contender.

What are some things I can do for better weight reduction, power, handling? I know, I need to learn the basics first, but lets be serious. Mods are going to happen regardless, they might as well be practical and functional mods now and cosmetics will take a back seat for now.

Things I had on the list.

Strut Brace
Suspension
Exhaust
Intake
I imagine new wheels and tires are something I need (dedicated)

Im just looking for a direction to go in. I know everything takes time and practice.

Thanks

[M0nk3y]

Run this season with nothing. Run with what tires you have on (even if they are crappy) and get to know your lines.

I know you want to be serious, but it all starts with a good driver...seriously. If you go out and buy new stickier tires, then you will not know when you did something wrong (For example all-season tires make massive noise on understeer and loosing traction as opposed to Hankook RS-3s which are quite when you can be understeering the whole turn).

I ran a year with all-season tires on my old E46. I started at the end of class list but at the end of the year I was mid-group...and I actually reached the end of my tire's capability...I got to know the lines, good flow...etc.

Now with this E86 I have sticker tires, but because I have a good line techniques; I can learn this car much quickly. Even though I have a stock car, today I beat a E92 M3 by 4.5 seconds. He has 100 more HP, but he couldn't drive the damn thing...which makes all of the difference.

Anyways, I'd shoot for a ST_ class. You'd probably fall into STX because of the Suspension. You can mod the exhaust and intake and stay in D-Stock

[M3TA5IN]

Thanks monkey, the reason I was asking about most functional mods was because I'm going to mod regardless just might as well be something good to have ya know. I just cant help myself with getting stuff.

I was concerned about tires not for stickys, but doesn't it tear up your tires fast? I don't want to destroy my dd tires is all, I could care less about r compounds as this point. I agree I need to drive and learn first

[M0nk3y]

Thanks monkey, the reason I was asking about most functional mods was because I'm going to mod regardless just might as well be something good to have ya know. I just cant help myself with getting stuff.

I was concerned about tires not for stickys, but doesn't it tear up your tires fast? I don't want to destroy my dd tires is all, I could care less about r compounds as this point. I agree I need to drive and learn first

I ran 10 Auto-X Events on my Hankook V4s last year when I had my E46 and the tire wear was little to none. Still plenty of tread. When you run higher treadwear ratings (300-350+) The wear is minimal.

I would just mod into a Street Tire Class. If you stay in stock you're going to have to battle R-Compound cars. STX in my area is extremely tight, and you usually always find a car to go up against. Suspension and Sways are your best bet now. I'd avoid exhaust, intake and chip IMO....they don't do you anygood in autocross where handling is key

[spencers]

Agreed with Kyle.

You need NOTHING! Get out there and have fun!!!!!

That's what autocross is all about. You don't need stupid bolt-ons. You need to learn to be a better driver! No mod is going to make you better. (OK maybe tires, but you shouldn't be considering r-comps until you have about a year of experience, IMO)

[M0nk3y]

Agreed with Kyle.

You need NOTHING! Get out there and have fun!!!!!

That's what autocross is all about. You don't need stupid bolt-ons. You need to learn to be a better driver! No mod is going to make you better. (OK maybe tires, but you shouldn't be considering r-comps until you have about a year of experience, IMO)

I'm not even going to consider R-Comps and I've been doing it for 2 years. I'm just getting RS-3s.

IMO you only need R-Comps if you go to nationals. Going through a set each year is crazy. Not to mention the price tag on them is outrageous.

[M3TA5IN]

Ok I need to read over the classes that was confusing me but I just skimmed the scca PDF on my phone while I was watching

[M0nk3y]

Ok I need to read over the classes that was confusing me but I just skimmed the scca PDF on my phone while I was watching

You'll either be D-Stock or STX.

[spencers]

You'll either be D-Stock or STX.

Different size wheels will take him out of DS

[M0nk3y]

Different size wheels will take him out of DS

Yep, I was going off the assumption on his last sentence in his OP saying maybe new wheels and tires.