2002 Tacoma for Autocross

Well I had another great time at the autocross this weekend with old Trudy! I was actually able to sign up for Novice class STX, and would you believe I got the fastest times out there in the Novice class with the little 5 lug and nice tires?! However this did not put me in first place oddly and I am trying to figure out why..

I think it may be due to the PAX that @Bovaloe was talking about, and the Tacoma is just way more bad ass than a 2017 Miata for autocross apparently!!?!?!

Check out the results:
The first red circle shows the class (GS,CS, STX) for the top 3. I think that second red circle is the PAX adjusted timing, does this sound right autocross veterans?!
The four times in the 70.xxx ranges were the four runs that was all we were able to put in for time. Notice the Tacoma had the lowest times, yet is in third place.


I guess I didnt realize the Tacoma was a pure bred sport truck that needs to be handicapped for Miata's to compete with when I bought it!!

 

You are correct that the red box times are the pax corrected times. Your unadjusted times are what's called the "raw" times. So essentially they were in a class that gave them more of a handicap.
Edit: I'm not an official or licensed member so don't quote me on the above statement. You should be able to reach out to somebody in the club you ran with who can give you a top to bottom explanation.

 

Thanks for chiming in banana, this makes sense.. except I am uncertain why the Tacoma gets slapped into this STX class regardless of mods.

How would anyone think a stock 2002 4 cylinder Tacoma is going to beat out a 2017 Miata on the autocross?

I dont mean to sound bitter, I just dont quite get the classing.. we all know Trudy smoked em!!

 

Probably due to the fact that the modifications required to make it legal to run would put it in that class. Lowering and track width mods. Or that they had the srunner in mind? I'm honestly not entirely sure why either, but sometimes that's how the SCCA rule book is.

 

I am smelling a conspiracy here!

Mazda must own SCCA...

 

It's definitely because of the mods you've done. I think it would fit better in STS but you're still fighting with Miatas, only solution to to buy one

 

Here's a good article from GRM:

10 Simple Steps to Better Handling | Articles | Grassroots Motorsports

 

Good article here!

I have performed most of the mods listed that would apply to my truck to a degree, and I do have the alignment appt coming up next week.

For my next upgrade I think the limited slip differential would be a game changer for Trudy. There is just too little weight on the rear and even the little 4 cylinder fires up the inside tires coming out of the curves.

Looking into a TrueTrac to keep the street manners but get them tires grabbing the ground when needed! Any others folks may have experience with?

 

The obligatory videos are in for those that like to see 5 lugs in action!

Outside the cab.

The inside view, skip to 2:20 for the action since I have not dabbled in video editing yet!

 

Wow, you've been blessed with a much larger and open course than we usually get. I'll also say, if you get sticky tires, I'd be genuinely concerned about rollover risk. Right now you're breaking traction before it becomes an issue, but you could definitely grip roll that truck with the body movement you've got going. Looked good on the course though!

 

Whoa, thanks for this tip I will keep this in mind for sure. I wasnt thinking of a tire upgrade anytime soon, but who knows how long these are going to last me! Thanks for the reminder, I need to get the water sprayer going.

The lot is huge and makes for larger courses that seem to vary a lot from month to month, and they change it both days to mix things up. It was definitely more open this time around. I think the Tacoma prefers a slower tighter course since it has no power or traction coming out of the turns! I was redlining in second gear at a point or two, but not long enough to warrant shifting in my mind.

I took the event organizer out and he jumped out of the truck after one run saying "that was scary fun, nicely done"! My wife took a lap with me and her hands were trembling for a few minutes afterwards.. that was her last lap in the truck too.

It was a great day in the World of Tacoma's!!

 

Nice! You got me thinking of doing this. Looked in to something local. They race every Wednesday. Wide Open Wednesdays . Probably got check it out next Wednesday. My wip would need some love though.

 

I am glad to see that more Tacoma guys are joining the fold, it's a shame I live so far from you! I've been autocrossing my Tacoma for years and was literally the only truck at all the events I went to. I've recently met a bunch of Tacoma guys here in South Florida. I have to get them to come out to events.

 

Awesome to hear, if it doesn't work out in Florida move on out to So Cal!

Actually I am surprised no one else in So Cal from Tacoma World is looking to join the fun... after off roading for decades I am finding this way more exciting currently and my 4WD is gathering dust.. from sitting!!

 

Trudy is getting the "aggressive street performance" alignment today.

I am already registered for the March event.

Also got a TrueTrac sitting here too, just waiting for the parts to complete the rebuild during the install!!

 

I know the feeling. I've had my 8.8 sitting in the garage as I collect parts to do the install. Can't wait to put it in. Will you be re-gearing the rear as well or keeping stock final gear?

 

I’ve had this idea for the longest! Glad someone is out there doing it

 

Awe man NICE I live in ft Lauderdale!!!!

 

I planned on keeping the stock ratio since it seems to be working for me at this point, but worth considering. Are you changing yours up and why if so?

Ordered all OEM parts for the install, found out I need larger v-6 carrier bearings to work on the TrueTrac in my 7.5" rear:

50mm Differential carrier bearings 9036850006 x 2
Pinion bearings 9036630055 x 2
Pinion seal 9031138047 x 1
Ring gear bolts 9010111353 x 10
Pinion Nut 9017918020 x 1
Crush sleeve 4123122010 x 1
Differential housing gasket 4218130020 x 1

 

You are in LA, I hope to see you out there soon!!