GRM members, I'm looking for your advice and opinions on the Abarth.
I've been driving the Abarth in STC for about a season now. Have done almost all of the available mods: Coilovers, Intake, Downpipe, Exhaust, Larger Torsion Bar, Aggressive Alignment, etc.
In STC (going to be STS), I personally don't think the Abarth is competitive. Competing against the Civic Si, CRX, Miatas doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. Those cars are high grip and lower power. The Abarth is top-heavy & turbo-charged so it has more power than the STS-favorites but less grip and heavier.
In the December 2014 FasTrack, a member suggested moving the Abarth in STX. I initially hated the idea but after doing more research, realized that STX might be a better fit for the car. It allows a LSD install, it allows for wider wheel and tires. The car definitely has trouble putting the power down and a LSD logically makes sense. It helps that the Mini Cooper S is in STX as well. Competing against the BRZ/FRS twins will suck though.
What do you guys think?
I think the frisbee upset the applecart in STX and I think the 2015 WRX may be 'game over'.
Too bad. STX had something going on when there were an assortment of cheap, fun cars that had a chance - e36, RX-8, WRX, MINI, etc. You could buy in for peanuts and develop the car as budget allowed. That's why it had its own heat at Lincoln this year.
it's been competing against the Civic Si, with no more success, nationally, than any of the other STC cars (that's why the class was titled STCivic …. LOL)
so all that's really happened is that all the cars that the Civic has been beating up on will now have the CRX and the Miata to play with
as for any thoughts or advice … got nothing for ya … sorry
other than the stock answer .. "write a letter" to the STAC
I think you will be slaughtered in either class
so pick the class that will make you enjoy your car more. Become a "local champion" in that class and codrive for regional or national events.
. Or you can blaze your own path in stx...that will be costly and frustrating. My 2 cents.
Before writing a letter to the SCCA about moving the car to STX, look at the times you got compared to the fast drivers in STX. If they're not competitive, don't even bother. I don't think it will compete in STX, either.
hotchocolate wrote:
I think you will be slaughtered in either class so pick the class that will make you enjoy your car more. Become a "local champion" in that class and codrive for regional or national events.. Or you can blaze your own path in stx...that will be costly and frustrating. My 2 cents.
since the SCCA has started placing cars in class ….(no class jumping) STX is out of the question for him, unless he can get the club to move … he can't just move on his own
The reason I brought it up is because the SEB is looking for member comment on whether the Abarth should be in STS or STX. Sounds like either way the Fiat won't be competitive which is a bummer.
http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/assets/14-fastrack-dec%2011.pdf
I personally submitted a letter supporting the move to STX. I'm willing to spend the money to get a LSD + Wider Wheels to see. If it doesn't work out, I'll just do some track days with it.
so if you're not wanting to run against the Civics, the CRX's and the Miata's then I'd suggest writing the letter .. can't hurt, and you may get some action … but keep in mind, this is the SCCA, they usually don't do things in what could be considered a hurry .. plus you're stuck in STS this yr .. any change would be for '16
