I have a near stock 87 Formula what do I need to do to my car to make it autocross ready?

 

First thing you'll wanna do is find out the rules and regulations of whatever autox organization you plan on running with. That way you can find out what parts/mods will put you in what class.

Tires, springs, shocks and struts are about your most significant equipment for most autox courses. Great brakes or big HP usually arn't that important as generally you wont get going much over 60mph or be on the course for more than 50secs or so(brakes will just be starting to heat up). Other things such as a STB, poly bushings, bigger swaybars may or may not move you up in classing but will also help lots. Tires are by far most important tho.

 

If you're just starting out, you don't "need" anything. Just make sure all the stuff on your car is in good working order (no leaks or blown shocks or anything like that). You'll get faster by just driving your car rather than just throwing $$$ at the car (do as I say not as I do ).

If you want to compete in "F Stock" in the SCCA (most clubs have the same rule structure), all you "need" are good shocks, a good alignment (max front camber, maybe a little toe out), and stickier tires like Kumhos, Hoosiers, Toyos, etc.

If you want to add more stuff to your car, you can run ESP where all you "need" is all of the above plus wider wheels (and wider tires), slightly stiffer springs, polyurethane bushings, a better differential, adjustable torque arm and panhard bar. Also headers and a few other horsepower goodies.

Any classes after that, you're looking at more $$$ and going beyond my expertise. This site gives a good rundown of the SCCA rules for stock, street prepared and street modified classes.

Seriously, my Formula was a blast to autocross when it was pretty much bone stock (stock springs and bars, exhaust, air intake, regular street tires, tired Auburn diff). I've also seen guys embarrass others with stock Accords and other "slower" cars. You don't "need" to add much to make a car autocross worthy.

 

I would agree. All you really need to do is check your wheel bearings, tire pressure, brakes, ....basically preventative maintenance. I took my road race car to one a couple months ago. I have an 84 Firebird with 305. It doesn't like the autocross coarse very much. It is just too stiff. I wasn't expecting to do very well anyway I just wanted to have a good time with it.

 

what you really need is 'seat time'

the driver is by far the most important part of auto-x. make sure everything on your car is mechanicly sound, the drive, and drive and drive. ride with people who are good, try to get them to ride with you and offer hints, follow them on their course walk. offer to help them change tires, so you can get on their good side. and then drive some more