[DieselTech69]

Hello all,

I purchased a 2023 LT1 Redline last year (6spd), with the intent to explore autocross and roadcourse events at some point in the future. It has the Brembo 4 piston calipers up front, but just "normal" calipers in the rear. 245/40R20 tires/wheels all around (I would prefer a staggered setup on the street for looks, but I understand that on the track a square setup might be "better", i.e., "more economical"). Currently I'm researching what events/venues/programs are available in my area (western NY and surrounding states), and the safety equipment requirements to get started.

Just looking for any helpful advice from those that have experience in either of these arenas; this can be advice on safety equipment, pitfalls to avoid, car setup/mods, etc. - anything that might make my experience devoid of major mistakes just starting out.

This will not be a "track-only" car, though at some point I will probably trailer it to events rather than drive it there, just so I can have tools, tires, etc. on-hand in my support vehicle.

Thanks!

[dreksnot]

My suggestion would be to try 'em before going all out on a setup. Those are two different sorts of events. You may like one, the other, or both. For immediate starters, a good set of wider 200tw tires (e.g., on ZL1 wheels) would enhance looks as well as performance. Once you decide what you like, then the change-out's would make better sense as those events could dictate what changes to the car would work the best for that event.

[DaveC113]

LT1 is possibly the best place to start for autox as it's lighter, but it's bad for F-Street class because it comes with narrower wheels/tires vs the SS 1LE. So I'd probably just go CAMC. IMO, it's well worth it to go 18x12 or 19x12 square but the 12s won't fit up front without a little hassle and a larger spacer, so YMMV. ZL1 1LE sized wheels will bolt right up. Then some 200tw tires like 305/30/19 or 295/35/18 Bridgestone RE71RS. I'd consider camber plates and rear toe-links to achieve a more ideal alignment, just depends how far you want to go to try it out.

The big investment you'd want for a LT1 would be coilovers and brakes, so I'd wait on that until you have some experience and see what you think. You may decide to trade up for a SS 1LE if you're really into track or want a FS competitive car for autox, which will get you magride that's more track focused, larger brakes, upgraded cooling, the eDiff, Recaros, etc.. Probably a better place to start with the possible exception of CAMC and ESP autox classes.

[DieselTech69]

Thanks for the advice fellas. At this point I'd say that I obviously don't know which I'll like better (autox or RC) so good advice on the "try it before you buy it" mentality.


Is F-street class limited to only the tires/wheels that came stock on the car or something? Is there some reason I can't run the stock SS 1LE wheels?


EDIT: So I found the SCCA Solo Classification Assistant online and punched in my car; I see that I'm eligible for FS, BST, CAMC, SM and XP. I'm reading all of the criteria for each just to get educated. For FS, the criteria listed for wheels is:



A. It is the same width as standard and as installed it does not have an offset more than ±7.00 mm (±0.275") from a standard wheel for the car. The resultant change in track dimensions is allowed.

So since my car technically could have been spec'd with the 1LE package (it was not though), would that mean I could run 1LE-sized wheels, or am I stuck with the 8.5" wide rims that were stock on my car? I'm assuming the answer is I'm stuck running the stock wheel size in FS.....

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by DieselTech69

Thanks for the advice fellas. At this point I'd say that I obviously don't know which I'll like better (autox or RC) so good advice on the "try it before you buy it" mentality.


Is F-street class limited to only the tires/wheels that came stock on the car or something? Is there some reason I can't run the stock SS 1LE wheels?


EDIT: So I found the SCCA Solo Classification Assistant online and punched in my car; I see that I'm eligible for FS, BST, CAMC, SM and XP. I'm reading all of the criteria for each just to get educated. For FS, the criteria listed for wheels is:



A. It is the same width as standard and as installed it does not have an offset more than ±7.00 mm (±0.275") from a standard wheel for the car. The resultant change in track dimensions is allowed.

So since my car technically could have been spec'd with the 1LE package (it was not though), would that mean I could run 1LE-sized wheels, or am I stuck with the 8.5" wide rims that were stock on my car? I'm assuming the answer is I'm stuck running the stock wheel size in FS.....

You'd have to install ALL the SS 1LE parts/systems to make that legal. If it weren't for the eLSD diff, that would be feasible. But that diss would be nearly impossible to swap out in any cost-effective way, because various modules and harness connections must come with it. Therefore, the only good way to jump into FS with a competitive car is to get an SS 1LE at the outset (or one of the top Mustang equivalents). But also, you can have a full-on SS 1LE and without the right tires (which aren't the ones it comes with), you still won't have a competitive car at the national level.

However, I would encourage you to make no changes to the car and start in FS at your local SCCA region autocrosses anyway. Usually there are many non-competitive cars there with drivers in the same boat as you. When you start out, the object is not to be nationally competitive. As DaveC113 pointed out, the first two questions to answer are: 1) Do I like this form of motorsport enough to keep doing it? and 2) If I am going to continue autocrossing, what class do I want to compete in? You need to do at least a few events before you can answer that in an informed way. THEN when you have answered those two questions, come back here and we can all discuss what you should buy/install. For the first few events at least, just focus on improving on your own times, and not on your times compared to others in class. Hopefully you can also get some experienced drivers to let you ride shotgun so you can see and feel what it's supposed to be like.

Believe it or not, you'll learn more skills in less time doing autocross than HPDEs, even though the seat time is so much less. That's because you can play at and over the limits in a safe environment, whereas the penalty for going over on a road course can be pretty high, especially if you haven't learned car control skills yet. Also, there's no reason you can do both types of events. Most importantly, have fun!

[Deacon Blues]

No real advice just glad to see another WNY Camaro owner around these parts!

[SpeZ]

Just keep in mind, you don't have the auxiliary engine coolant cooler on the LT1 trim.
As wells as no differential or transmission cooler.
The LT1 trim is the base V8 model and is not intended for track use.

Feel free to try, but keep an eye on your temps and don't cook the brake system.

[dreksnot]

Another thing, there may be autocross events put on by clubs near you that you can go and have fun while figuring things out. Tomorrow, I'm taking my ZLE to a Corvette event. They keep inviting us "metals" to their events to help offset the costs plus they set up great, challenging courses to put our cars through where we're all making competitive times. And, the weekend following is a Goodguys All-American (cars) event that is a blast to run in (for beginners to hardcore (the sponsored guys/gals)) - anyone with a Camaro can sign up. What I'm saying mostly is GO PLAY! Once you start running then you'll quickly figure out what you like and what direction (build-wise) you want your car to go in. First things first...

[Patriot Motorsports USA]

I would be happy to help you reach your goals and to guide you along the way to setting new ones! Where in NY are you located? I do track days at Watkins Glen and our Project Shocker is based at the Club Motorsports track in NH.

The SS1LE and ZLE platforms are proven to perform on the track and the parts are plentiful at huge discounts due to all the stolen parts being dumped at legit Sheriff Auctions and Salvage yards across the USA. LMK as we have several customers doing the same builds, but the point of diminishing returns on your base platform may set you way back on recovering the investment.

I would focus on what the goal is. If you see yourself wanting to do lots of upgrades, sell the car now and buy one that is more suited with the proper control modules designed for upgrades and performance. You will be surprised what the systems can do when working together and not against you.

Best advice is to just leave it alone at first, buy some decent tires and get some track time to learn if this is what you want.

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by Patriot Motorsports USA

If you see yourself wanting to do lots of upgrades, sell the car now and buy one that is more suited with the proper control modules designed for upgrades and performance.

I don't fully agree with this. I would say the opposite: if the OP wants to keep the car stock or nearly stock, then he should consider an SS 1LE. They are well suited to autocross and track use with just a change of tires and (once you get fast at track days) different brake pads (the stock 1LE pads are great for street and autocross use and will hold up to the OP's first track days as well).

OTOH, if he foresees lots of serious suspension upgrades such as good coilovers, heim-jointed suspension links, and wide wheels and tires, then the car isn't going to stay in a stock-based class anyway and there's no reason to get a different car. The LT1 and SS (even with 1LE) have the same frame and body, so you can fit all the same upgrade parts on either car. Someone mentioned the 1LE's extra coolers, and that would be something to consider adding to the LT1 for track work. For autocross use, they aren't necessary at all. The only thing you can't easily add to an LT1 from the SS 1LE is the eLSD, but you can add aftermarket mechanical LSDs if desired.

[DieselTech69]

@ Patriot Motorsports and Deacon - I'm just south of Rochester, FYI.


To everyone else, thanks for the advice. My plan is to get out there and try some local events. I'm looking at autox events in PA and there are some SCDA events as well that seem like a good intro to roadcourse driving with little risk, some instruction, and for completely stock cars.


As far as upgrading the car: I understand that the SS 1LE is the track-focused package. That was what I originally wanted, but given that I wanted my 6th gen to be new, and a 6spd car was getting harder and harder to find new last year, I decided on this car because the price was right. In addition, I saved at least $15k over the price of an SS 1LE, and my car also doesn't have all the BS electronics that I don't want (adaptive cruise, lane keep, etc.) nor things like heated/ventilated seats (read: weight savings). At the end of the day, I can do a lot of upgrades for $15k. The only 2 things I can't easily add to the car are the eLSD and the Magnaride, neither of which are critical IMHO. My car has a factory LSD anyway (just not electronic) according to the Monroney sticker.


According to my research of the SCCA rulebook, this would likely require me to run the SM class once I start modding the car, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. The main thing I am concerned about right now is tire/wheel selection and how that will impact what classes I can run. It appears I'll have to run the stock wheel size to run FS, which is a bummer as I was hoping to move up to something like 275's all around as the track setup, but those won't fit on the stock 8.5" wheels.

[DaveC113]

Originally Posted by DieselTech69

@ Patriot Motorsports and Deacon - I'm just south of Rochester, FYI.


To everyone else, thanks for the advice. My plan is to get out there and try some local events. I'm looking at autox events in PA and there are some SCDA events as well that seem like a good intro to roadcourse driving with little risk, some instruction, and for completely stock cars.


As far as upgrading the car: I understand that the SS 1LE is the track-focused package. That was what I originally wanted, but given that I wanted my 6th gen to be new, and a 6spd car was getting harder and harder to find new last year, I decided on this car because the price was right. In addition, I saved at least $15k over the price of an SS 1LE, and my car also doesn't have all the BS electronics that I don't want (adaptive cruise, lane keep, etc.) nor things like heated/ventilated seats (read: weight savings). At the end of the day, I can do a lot of upgrades for $15k. The only 2 things I can't easily add to the car are the eLSD and the Magnaride, neither of which are critical IMHO. My car has a factory LSD anyway (just not electronic) according to the Monroney sticker.


According to my research of the SCCA rulebook, this would likely require me to run the SM class once I start modding the car, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. The main thing I am concerned about right now is tire/wheel selection and how that will impact what classes I can run. It appears I'll have to run the stock wheel size to run FS, which is a bummer as I was hoping to move up to something like 275's all around as the track setup, but those won't fit on the stock 8.5" wheels.

The 1SS 1LE is the stripped down version and has few options, the 2SS has the fancy options pkg for about $5k more.

I'd have a look at CAMC unless you're set on running slicks. 18x12 or 19x12 square, basically the rear wheel up front + a ~1.5" spacer. 295/35/18 or 305/30/19 RE71RS. Check out Titan spacers, but hammer out the stock studs and use MSI 97mm Mustang studs and MSI open ended lug nuts.

If you're not too worried about ride quality the ZL1 1LE suspension is often in the $2k range used. Hotchkis ft roll bar, ZLE rear..

Just the sus, wheels and tires will make for an excellent CAMC car and you'll be shocked at the difference between the stock LT1 and the car with those mods. IMO, a much better way to gauge if you want to ax/track, buying another set of 8.5" wide wheels and narrow 200tw tires to be completely uncompetitive in FS doesn't make sense.

If you want to take the car completely stock and run FS fine, but it's not going to be nearly as fun as with the CAM setup... the car will be way better and it'll actually be locally competitive.

[DieselTech69]

Is the ZL1 1LE suspension not magnaride? I thought all 1LE packages were magnaride....


I'm not looking to run stock wheels.......my comment regarding them was basically an acknowledgement that in order to run F-class I'd have to stick with the stock wheel sizing since moving up to larger wheels/tires would be against the rules. Since I want to upgrade the wheels/tires, I'll be forced to run a different class (which is fine).


The main thing is that I do not want to ruin my streetability. I'm fine with having a second set of wheels/tires for the track to mount up for events, then switch back to my street stuff for street duty.


How does running 97mm studs up front affect not running spacers when swapping the street wheels on? Or will that be an issue? Thx

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by DieselTech69

Is the ZL1 1LE suspension not magnaride? I thought all 1LE packages were magnaride....

No, it's a different non-adjustable coilover package. It apparently works well on track, but it's a pretty harsh street ride.

How does running 97mm studs up front affect not running spacers when swapping the street wheels on? Or will that be an issue? Thx

With open-ended lug nuts the length of the stud doesn't matter.