2002 Tacoma for Autocross

This may be the best/simplest answer. Steering Quickeners | Parts Categories | Howe (howeperformance.com) As well as run a little toe out. It will get that inside tire turning in quicker and reduce the outside from pushing/scrubbing.

 

You knew where I was going with my question.

 

I've looked into those, I've seen a few reports of poor street driving with them installed, along with them being harder on the PS pump. I do want to still street drive this truck fairly often, so I'm trying to find a rack option before going that route.

 

Nice to hear about the recent updates out there @BananaMan !

As for a custom steering rack, I have never had one but Flaming River does seem to offer custom built racks. From their FAQ page:



And here is what the form looks like to give you an idea of the options. I dont see the custom ratio yet I would call of course to get help from the pro's on this one:



Hope this helps, let us know how it goes please!

 

The tires looks awesome and sounds like they are performing even better!

I am sure the sheer fatness of the 295's is helping the cause too.. What class are you in now running this size tire, and are you fairly competitive out there? Are they the same height wise as your old tires or?

Sheesh, my truck is looking kind of scrawny with them measly 245's after seeing your new tire set! My jump would be to a 265 to maximize for my class, two sizes wider much like you did here. Hmmm....

 

Sorry I never responded to this, I totally spaced out. I'm still running in the STU class with that size tire. I'm pretty competitive now because of them actually. I'm only running a second slower than my roommates 2019 fiat spyder that's on 235 rt660's. He also has track spec coilovers on all four corners, bigger sway bars, bigger turbo, bigger intercooler, bigger exhaust, making about 260hp. So I'm pretty happy with my truck nearly matching him! They're a tiny bit taller, not enough to really change much. They've got pretty good rain performance as well I found out last weekend.

I ran my last event of the season today on an actual track. Hitting speeds of 85mph at the fastest section in third gear. A couple of my passengers were heard saying "holy shit lift, lift lift!" As I stayed full throttle. Sadly the increased speeds and G's in the turns took their toll. My engine started knocking ever so gently on my second to last run. Hopefully I'll have pictures to come from the track day though!

edit: a photo of me catching a little too much curb in a chicane...

 

But did you lift?

 

Nope! Full send off the limiter (65-70mph) coming into a blind elevation drop 90 degree turn. Followed three truck lengths later by another 90 degree the other way. Still on the floor listening to the limiter sing. You don't set fast times if you lift when your passenger shits themselves the first time.

"Don't lift until you shit yourself, and only hit the brakes when you smell it."

Edit: I beat every Miata there today...

 

Ha! Freaking awesome

 

Your time is extremely impressive, compared to the field above you. Weight, power, and chassis, being considered. Driver skill FTW.

 

Thank you! One of the club members posted in the Facebook group "I can't believe that truck was faster than my Miata." He was the Miata right behind me and it's supercharged with a big wing.

 

Bad ass Tacoma action @BananaMan, feel free to share a video clip or two up here if you got em!!

I was not able to make it out last month, but I think I should be back out there this weekend for some tire melting fun...

 

I think people are still processing their videos/photos so I'm hoping for some to be posted that I can share.

 

Here's the only video from inside the truck, it wasn't my best run. When you hear the limiter, that's 65-68 mph. At the end of the straight where I grabbed third, I'm doing 85-90.

https://youtu.be/USSjmdbiLw8

 

Dayum. That truck sticks! You have years of practice prior to using the truck?

 

On a track? Nope. Autocross? Kinda, I spent two years without a vehicle to race, just getting as many ride alongs as I could. This is my first season racing the truck, and my third event with sticky tires on it. I did run a stock civic on street tires a couple times back like four years ago...

 

Awesome video @BananaMan , that is one mean little truck and some real nice driving there!! I would love to try out a track like you were on there, although my truck doesn't have much at all in the speed/power department.. I think 0-60 is around 10 seconds or so!

This really woke me up and got the blood flowing this morning, thanks so much for sharing this one! I am trying to get registered for this weekend, but the site isnt letting me in for Saturday at this time. I need to email the organizer again and see if I can get in.

Trudy awaits..

 

I'm glad you enjoyed it! My zero to sixty is pretty weak as well, my tall gearing just lets me stay foot on the floor for a long time. I figured out early on that this truck is more of a momentum vehicle in its current form. The sticky tires really helped me be able to carry more speed through turns and elements I would normally have had to slow down even more for.

Hope you're able to get out to your next event!