Autocrossing Backdraft?

TimeForACobra · #1 (**permalink**) 05-25-2011, 08:11 PM

Does anyone have any experience autocrossing a Backdraft?
How does it perform?
Considering a Backdraft with Roush 427 sr/tw... Any comments?
Slicks?
Not looking to be National Champion or anything like that. Just looking to have fun!

Thanks...

Dens · #2 (**permalink**) 05-25-2011, 09:28 PM

I've auto crossed my Backdraft several times and have done some track days with NASA. The autocross is good for really testing you. My car is either pushing or the rear end is trying to pass you. I've spun it out several times. I also race a camaro with NASA, and I find the cobra being such a short wheel helps me race the camaro better. You've really got to be on your game to autocross the cobra. It will put a BIG smile on you face. I think it also helps you know your car better for the street. You get a feel for what you can do with the car and how it will react if you need to make a defensive move on the street.

Brad

WardL · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-2011, 09:37 PM

I am hoping to autocross my Cobra on June 4th for the first time. I know the track and am going to raise the front maybe as much as an inch to keep the oil cooler from hitting. The track is up and down a little and I'm sure to scrape if I don't raise it up. Maybe I should start a new thread, but any ideas how the lift will effect the alignment/handling? Should I raise the rear as well? I want to increase my confidence and skills driving this beast as well as having a good time. Oh, what about somehow limiting the throttle so I don't have to worry about managing the gas pedal? Not sure I need 500+ HP on a small autocross circuit! Again, I don't mean to steal TimeForACobra's thread, just have similar questions and hope you don't mind.

mln385 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-26-2011, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WardL

I am hoping to autocross my Cobra on June 4th for the first time. I know the track and am going to raise the front maybe as much as an inch to keep the oil cooler from hitting. The track is up and down a little and I'm sure to scrape if I don't raise it up. Maybe I should start a new thread, but any ideas how the lift will effect the alignment/handling? Should I raise the rear as well? I want to increase my confidence and skills driving this beast as well as having a good time. Oh, what about somehow limiting the throttle so I don't have to worry about managing the gas pedal? Not sure I need 500+ HP on a small autocross circuit! Again, I don't mean to steal TimeForACobra's thread, just have similar questions and hope you don't mind.

You could go with a throttle stop setup from Jegs or Summit to limit full throttle, or plate reducer on carb base.
As for raisng the front vs alignment depends how much you raise it. I raised mine about 3/4 of an inch and no issues with alignment and the oil pan doesn't scrape on the roads anymore.

twobjshelbys · #5 (**permalink**) 05-26-2011, 07:28 AM

Tires. You're gonna need the right tires.

I wouldn't even try an autocross with my Goodyear Eagle IIs. These tires will last longer than the tires on my truck. But they are hard as a rock. It's hard to keep them hooked up going straight let alone on any aggressive course.

mtpockets · #6 (**permalink**) 05-26-2011, 07:38 AM

Auto X with in a Backdraft is fun. I run Nitto NT-01's and on the right surface they hook up well. I recommend auto cross and performance driving events to anyone new to the Cobra scene. These are excellent venues to learn limitations of both the car and driver and it will make you a better driver.

Several in the HCC will be attending the Classis Chassy - Ride & Drive AC event the weekend of the 11th to raise money for the Shriners Hospital. I'll try and post some video.

Jimbocobra · #7 (**permalink**) 05-26-2011, 03:16 PM

The BDR performs great in the autox, particularly on some of those unlevel parking lots. The IRS shines. I would recommend the power steering for the autocross, some of the tight setups are tough to row the unassisted steering, even with the near perfect weight distribution of the BDR. I run Nittos; they seem to stick better at the limits than the Goodyear’s. Just don't do it in the rain like I did, you can see the pics in my gallery. Convertibles, pouring rain, high horsepower and rear wheel drive make for some interesting driving experiences!