Autocrossing the P5
 

I took my P5 to an autocross Sunday and was impressed on how well it did, even with the crummy stock tires and lack of horsepower.

I would like to know of anyone is aware of the P5 being campaigned nationally or regionally in Solo II, and if so, what brand and size of autocross tires they run.

thanks

If you can, go find the December 2002 issue of Grassroots Motorsports. They did a full write-up on Proteges, including someone that I believe is a member of this forum that used to drive one competitively in STS. :)

You are correct, that member would be one of our most loved and hated moderators, Jesse (PsuedoRealityX) :p

yes indeed.

And former SCCA National Champ Steve Brolliar ran an H stock Protege 5 at a local event and beat many Stock, Prepared, and even Race class cars.

Autocrossing the P5
 

Yes, I remember Steve. He almost won the E stock National Championship in an early 90's Protege back around 1994 or so.

I use to autocross quite a bit back in the early and mid nineties. I'm just now getting back into it. I'm trying to decide between my P5 and my 93 Vette. Upon first glance the Vette would be the obvious choice. But I would need a trailer for the extra set of tires and wheels. With the P5, I can just fold down the seats and put them in back.
Also, the Vette is an automatic, which takes away some of the fun factor.

I also autoxx in my P5, look in the motorsport section on ideas for tires, setup, etc.

if I were you, I'd just get a set of Falken Azenis, toss them on the stock rims, and call it a day.

Indeed, it was a pleasure just to watch him drive.

P.S. Jesse, I made need your help with building up an Improved Touring car. Once it's built, it'll be used in autocross for a season so I can get used to the car, make any needed adjustments or changes, and so I can get my SCCA license. I'll just need your input as things start coming along, but I'll keep you posted.

I think the P5 would be just as competitive as the Vette in their respective classes. The P5 would probably be cheaper to race than the Vette - Less on tires.
All depending on how competitively you would like to be and what kind of budget you are on. I could give you some recommendations for parts, alignment, and other setup stuff.

Jason,

Thanks for the reply.

I would really like to race competitively again, so if that means spending some money on the car, so be it.

I'm not much of a mechanic, but I'm willing to learn. Trying to do my own alignment might be a pain though.

Thanks for the reply.

Do you have a guesstimate on how long the Hoosiers are good for, as in how many runs?

Re: Autocrossing the P5
 

Actually, it was in '92 and '93. In '92, it was with his wife's '92, and he was 2nd or 3rd behind Bob Tunnell in his Jetta (one of my local competitors at the time). In '93, he was going to be running in a 318is, but his co-driver, Erik, rolled the car (damned rear-suspension!!) at the Pro Finale, so out came the wife's Protege again, and he was 3rd behind T.C. Kline and Bob Tunnell, both in 318is'.

Having autocrossed my '90 since May of '90, I've tried to follow Proteges on the National scene (of course, from '93-'98, that was mostly me :) ).

The hoosiers are good for about 45 runs.
I ran 225's on the front, and 205's in back- so I usually bought fronts and flipped the rears around then. (the rears last a while).
If you are just setting up the car- just get Kumhos for seat time and setup practice- then run the Hoosiers for Divisionals and Nationals.

If you are serious about building up the car- I would recommend some Double adjustable Konis built by Tri-Point for the rear. The fronts, you can probably skimp on and only get Single Adjustables. But if you've got the money, I'd go for DA's all the way around. more to tune with. The key is getting good rear shocks. You'll want them valved to be VERY stiff.

Later,

Thanks Jason

Let's not forget this guy...http://www.speedvisionwc.com/bios/bios/foo.jpg


He may not be an autoxer, but he definately races his Protege:)
http://www.calslam.com/forums/upload...1058461960.jpg