JTilus
Member
- Thread starter
- #1
The new Civic Si looks like a promising autocross car, so maybe we can discuss our thoughts here.
Classing:
The SCCA hasn't classed the car yet, but based on past experience (11 years of autocross,) I would guess the classing (by category) will look something like this:
Street - HS or GS
Street Touring - STX
Street Prepared - DSP
Street Modified - SMF
Prepared - ??
Modified - ??
I think it could be a solid competitor in HS, but wouldn't be surprised if the SCCA put it in GS for the first year to gauge performance potential.
My thoughts for a Street class Si -
The gearing looks okay for autocross. With OE tires, it should reach high 50's at redline and close to 60 at the rev limit in 2nd gear. This could mean an occasional shift to 3rd for "national" type courses. Helical LSD is also a big plus for pulling out of turns and putting down power. ~2900 lbs curb weight is pretty reasonable by today's standards. Over 100 lbs lighter than the last Si. Peak HP rating of 205 doesn't sound all that high, but the power curve is very strong throughout the rpm range. The 235/40R18 tires mean the stock 18" wheels must be at least 8" wide, however I haven't been able to confirm the width yet. I would also be curious what the width is for the Optional wheels. Anyone know? Camber - looks like the strut mounts are pinned and the holes are slotted. So hopefully Honda authorizes pin-removal for camber adjustment. Looks like the overall height is slightly lower than other 10th gen models, so it probably has lower (and hopefully stiffer) springs. Bigger swaybars front and rear (27f/18r,) but most likely it will need a bigger rear bar for better rotation. I'm really curious about the Adaptive Damper System and Sport mode. Can't really comment on either just yet, but hopefully they help autocross performance. At first glance, the wheels and exhaust system look heavy. Aftermarket wheels and catback exhaust should be good for some weight savings. Could be good for 50-80 lbs. Maybe more. Another important consideration is the nannies, like VSA or HSA. Does anyone know if they can be completely turned off?
My Street class build plan would be something like this:
1. Alignment: Max neg camber front and rear. Start with zero toe front and rear.
2. Install bigger rear swaybar
3. Purchase lighter wheels
4. Install top 200tw tires
5. Install lightweight aftermarket catback exhaust
Classing:
The SCCA hasn't classed the car yet, but based on past experience (11 years of autocross,) I would guess the classing (by category) will look something like this:
Street - HS or GS
Street Touring - STX
Street Prepared - DSP
Street Modified - SMF
Prepared - ??
Modified - ??
I think it could be a solid competitor in HS, but wouldn't be surprised if the SCCA put it in GS for the first year to gauge performance potential.
My thoughts for a Street class Si -
The gearing looks okay for autocross. With OE tires, it should reach high 50's at redline and close to 60 at the rev limit in 2nd gear. This could mean an occasional shift to 3rd for "national" type courses. Helical LSD is also a big plus for pulling out of turns and putting down power. ~2900 lbs curb weight is pretty reasonable by today's standards. Over 100 lbs lighter than the last Si. Peak HP rating of 205 doesn't sound all that high, but the power curve is very strong throughout the rpm range. The 235/40R18 tires mean the stock 18" wheels must be at least 8" wide, however I haven't been able to confirm the width yet. I would also be curious what the width is for the Optional wheels. Anyone know? Camber - looks like the strut mounts are pinned and the holes are slotted. So hopefully Honda authorizes pin-removal for camber adjustment. Looks like the overall height is slightly lower than other 10th gen models, so it probably has lower (and hopefully stiffer) springs. Bigger swaybars front and rear (27f/18r,) but most likely it will need a bigger rear bar for better rotation. I'm really curious about the Adaptive Damper System and Sport mode. Can't really comment on either just yet, but hopefully they help autocross performance. At first glance, the wheels and exhaust system look heavy. Aftermarket wheels and catback exhaust should be good for some weight savings. Could be good for 50-80 lbs. Maybe more. Another important consideration is the nannies, like VSA or HSA. Does anyone know if they can be completely turned off?
My Street class build plan would be something like this:
1. Alignment: Max neg camber front and rear. Start with zero toe front and rear.
2. Install bigger rear swaybar
3. Purchase lighter wheels
4. Install top 200tw tires
5. Install lightweight aftermarket catback exhaust
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