Getting ready for first autocross Sunday. (pics)

[Eggman]

can i ask at you meant by your last comment? are these things major under performers on autocross?

I wouldn't know about autocross performance. It would be a problem if you counted on power steering to make your way around the course and it quits on your fourth turn.

Just remember to hook your thumbs.

[Rival Autosport]

As I autocross my Mirage, and have taken it to 2 podiums last year, here is some of my insight:

The car will snap oversteer severely if you use too much late or trail braking. Try to do most of your braking in straight lines or use a little throttle when braking to rotate the car without shifting too much weight to the front wheels. Also, the car will push hard (understeer severely) if you brake hard without the traction control. It is very light and therefore easy to lose traction so ease onto the brakes and off. When you get more comfortable with it, you'll be able to roll on and off of the brake more aggressively without locking up. If you intend on using the traction control, beware as the ABS feels like it's ever looming and makes using the brakes to turn the car hard. Lastly, remember: YOUR CAR HAS NO BALLS. Try to carry as much speed as you can through slalom areas by lightly flicking the car around the cones and try to get the car straight as fast as possible after corners. This may mean that you'll have to adjust your lines. Basically, run a momentum line.

[Eggman]

As I autocross my Mirage, and have taken it to 2 podiums last year, here is some of my insight:

What modifications have you done, and what modifications would you recommend for autocross?

[MightyMirageMpg]

Since you have the CVT I would run the course in "B". You can do at least 70 in "B". Remember torque peak is at 4000 and max hp is at 6000. Gotta keep that 3A92 singing to keep yourself in the "zone". I've downshifted into "B" at 70 mph and it revs to about 5000.

i have a 5 speed, i was referring to the book, "manual".
thank you for engine power band range though!

I'm just curious, how many miles are on your Mirage? To the OP MightyMirageMpg...

about 12,000 miles. if your getting at the whole resale value thing, well, i didn't ham-fist anything, and packed everything in a box. reassembly would take about 3hrs.

the only actual "permanent" mod ive made, was cutting the wiper washer fluid line. it's now about too short to be ran around the hinge and i ziptied it instead. (it works, but routing is different)

Been very careful about not ruining parts.

As I autocross my Mirage, and have taken it to 2 podiums last year, here is some of my insight:

The car will snap oversteer severely if you use too much late or trail braking. Try to do most of your braking in straight lines or use a little throttle when braking to rotate the car without shifting too much weight to the front wheels. Also, the car will push hard (understeer severely) if you brake hard without the traction control. It is very light and therefore easy to lose traction so ease onto the brakes and off. When you get more comfortable with it, you'll be able to roll on and off of the brake more aggressively without locking up. If you intend on using the traction control, beware as the ABS feels like it's ever looming and makes using the brakes to turn the car hard. Lastly, remember: YOUR CAR HAS NO BALLS. Try to carry as much speed as you can through slalom areas by lightly flicking the car around the cones and try to get the car straight as fast as possible after corners. This may mean that you'll have to adjust your lines. Basically, run a momentum line.

excellent information. i will run with abs off for sure, and watch my inputs.

i definitely planned on running a momentum line, i feel I'm at every disadvantage available, but its very reinforcing to know someone can actually do well with the car. kudos too you. thanks for your experiences.


big days tomorrow, . I'll post up with results later tomorrow.

[Marklovski]

Lol whats the autocross horsepower limit? 100? Make sure to get a video with a GoPro or pics.

[flatbroke]

You do know this will void your entire powertrain warranty correct?

[HitShane]

I trail brake heard into corners as I drive my car 1000 miles a week like I stole it. I have never had steering or rebound behavior. Sounds like bad tires are being used. Ceramic brakes should be a must. I also have the Rear Sway, Front Upper Strut brace, and Front Lower 4 point Chassis Brace. I drive for a living. I often slam into B to assist braking and up to D to get a boost as the engine and trans match RPMs... B will let the RPMs fall but tend to keep them around 4k. If you drive with an eye on your throttle you will fine the stock setup is happy to keep the RPMs over 3k. Only when you let off the gas will it drop in D... If you are really serious about racing, I would think a AC delete would be in order...

[cyclopathic]

As I autocross my Mirage, and have taken it to 2 podiums last year, here is some of my insight:

The car will snap oversteer severely if you use too much late or trail braking. Try to do most of your braking in straight lines or use a little throttle when braking to rotate the car without shifting too much weight to the front wheels. Also, the car will push hard (understeer severely) if you brake hard without the traction control. It is very light and therefore easy to lose traction so ease onto the brakes and off. When you get more comfortable with it, you'll be able to roll on and off of the brake more aggressively without locking up. If you intend on using the traction control, beware as the ABS feels like it's ever looming and makes using the brakes to turn the car hard. Lastly, remember: YOUR CAR HAS NO BALLS. Try to carry as much speed as you can through slalom areas by lightly flicking the car around the cones and try to get the car straight as fast as possible after corners. This may mean that you'll have to adjust your lines. Basically, run a momentum line.

What springs rates f/r are you running? Camber kit? Or this is 100% stock?

[Eggman]

Can't be stock. At least the brake pads have been changed.

What does autocross require? Does it need a roll cage or 5-point seat belt harness?

[Eggman]

i was referring to the book, "manual".

I'm pretty sure the manual is available online. I know you can get it from Mitsubishi.