I was wondering, I am about to get an '89 GTA this weekend. I love autocrossing (something the neon actually did well). Anyway, the neon's 1st gear goes up to about 45-50mph, so I can do 95% of all autocrosses in 1st only. With an L98, what should I do? even if the engine will pull up to max speed on an autoX course, I'm betting that it will be way out of its powerband. Should I just keep shifting between 1st and 2nd? Any help is appreciated, I don't want to hurt it first time out by making some stupid mistake.

BTW, my first GTA autoX will probably be the SCCA memorial day event here in SE MI, will any of you attend this event?

 

I autocross my 88 IROC L98. It is a decent autocross car (an 89 IROC won the FS nationals last year). How much you shift will be greatly influenced by your rear end gear. Mine has the 2.77 gear and I have never gone past 2nd on any course. I personally would rather have a deeper gear.

What I do is start out with the selector in first, then manually make the first bump to second. After that (I have learned) to keep it in second and let the car decide if it wants to downshift based on how hard I hit the throttle. Since you should be gradually be feeding throttle from the center of the corner to the exit, you will not always force a downshift. Remember, this is not a Neon and in turns it is very easy to break the rear tires loose when feeding the throttle in a turn.

Also remember, the peak torque on the L98 is at 3200 rpm and the peak HP is at 4400 rpm. Anytime you are reving past about 4,750, you are just making noise and wasting time.

You will be pleased with this car on the autocross course.

 

Thanks for the info, that should help a lot

 

I Autocross my 89 GTA (3.27 rear & 350TPI) in the FS class out here in Nothern California. I do not usually have to shift. I just place the car in 2nd at the start. Jump on it and the car starts in first then shifts to second and I make the run. Most courses, the L98 has enough grunt to pull the car through, so I can focus on entering and exiting the turns properly.

What size tires are your running. I have been running the 245/45 16 size. Lowers the car and effectively gives me a little more rear gear.

Dave