by cosvega76 » Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:53 pm
Paul,
What you need to change depends on what class you want to run in. Stock classes won't allow you to change much. Prepared and Modified classes allow you more room to change components. Check the rulebook. Also consider if you will still want to be able to drive the car on the street before buying parts.
Larger sway bars are available from Addco, I have 1" bars front and rear on my Vega, a 1-1/4" front bar is available. Shocks are a problem, only KYB and Monroe offer anything new. Coilovers may be overkill, but it depends on your budget. Lowering springs should also be stiffer, as well as lowering the center of gravity.
Tubular control arms are a good idea, but you could get much of the benefit by boxing your current ones. Polyurethane bushings will help, too, but will squeak if not lubricated well. I had poly bushings take out the press-fit of my control arms, so I'm not a big fan of them. I made some tubular arms using rod ends.
Tires will be your best modification for autocross. Get the stickiest tires allowed in your class, whether it's DOT or race rubber.
I ran high-speed autocross for several years in my Vega. It had its limitations, and I was afraid that if I wrecked, I wouldn't be able to find parts to repair. I run a '92 Corvette now, and there is no comparison - except for the attention the Vega got.
Chuck