Autocross - Full or empty tank of gas?
#1
Still plays with cars
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Autocross - Full or empty tank of gas?
Going autocrossing tomorrow and want some imput on how much gas I should have in my tank.
I have heard 2 different theories, both from auto-x instructors. Both claim to be faster.
1) As little gas as you need to make it through the day. This saves about a hundred pounds.
2) Full tank of gas. Helps handling since the gas is not sloshing around throwing off balance.
Has anyone tried both and seen a difference?
I have heard 2 different theories, both from auto-x instructors. Both claim to be faster.
1) As little gas as you need to make it through the day. This saves about a hundred pounds.
2) Full tank of gas. Helps handling since the gas is not sloshing around throwing off balance.
Has anyone tried both and seen a difference?
#2
I zoom therefore I am.
i would say bring as much as you need to get through a full day of auto-x. unless you're bringing jerry-cans. of all the things i've read about auto-x i would think "how much gas should be in my tank" would be somewhere next to "should i go with the pine, or vanilla air freshener"
edit; I say that because I would rather be slower because of a full tank of gas, then run out of gas half way through the day
edit; I say that because I would rather be slower because of a full tank of gas, then run out of gas half way through the day
#7
1% evil, 99% hot gas.
iTrader: (21)
Water is 8.33 pounds per gallon.
And I would definitely run 3/4 to full tank on your first autocross. You've got other things to worry about! Enjoy the ride!
And when it's over, send your result to MAZDASPEED Motorsports. One more set of results and you'll be able to buy stock parts at dealer cost. Coils for $28.85, wires for $48, etc.
#11
New Member
AutoX may not generate as much G force to create fuel starvation like in the circuit. I never have fuel starvation over 1/4 fuel. So close to half tank is AOK.
#12
I try to just have the light come on on last or next to last runs, but as mentioned, having an extra 12 lbs (2 gal) of weight will not make a noticeable difference to your times. Running out of gas will.
Also, this may sound obvious, but if you are going to run it low, make sure there is a gas station nearby (and open on Sunday) so you can make it home!
Also, this may sound obvious, but if you are going to run it low, make sure there is a gas station nearby (and open on Sunday) so you can make it home!
#13
please wait for the beep
iTrader: (5)
you don't have as many instances of sustained (i.e., 3+ seconds) high Gs, but the peak Gs are definitely higher during autoX than on a track. plus the transitions on a track are MUCH less sudden and frequent.
we starved at a recent event on a not-super-grippy lot just after the light came on. the course was ~1 mile (low 80-seconds), and the light came on just before one run. we had starvation on the next run. i generally show up with just over 1/4 tank (but i have a co-driver).
#14
05-08 SCCA BS Natl Champ
iTrader: (1)
We always started the event with a 1/4 - and even then got fuel starve on two occasions. On another occasion I ran the car completely out of fuel without a hiccup. The course layout has a big impact on when it occurs. But a 1/4 tank is safe most of the time.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post