What are /r/Autocross' favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I personally use this Garmin model, purchased in 2018, with Race Chrono for autocross and track. Does a fantastic job when it has a view of the sky (aka don't stuff it in a glove box).

Ram makes an exceptional suction mount. The suction is very strong and the double clamshell design makes it super easy to adjust, way easier than the GoPro official mount. Both the suction cup and the adjustable arm hold solid even at high speeds.

You can also purchase other attachments to use it with other products besides GoPro without needing to purchase a whole other unit.

Link on Amazon

Edit: link formatting

> the mythical PAX, which is basically a large mathematical formula that allows ST* drivers to presume their cars to be faster than the "real cars". This PAX--otherwise known as mental masturbation--is the holy grail of autocross, the only goal is not to go faster than the other guy, but to have the mathematical formula tell everybody that your time was "better" than the other guys even though your car was slower overall.

its an older/outdated page but its still hilarious https://en.uncyclopedia.co/wiki/Autocross

I went with this one based on recommendations from guys at a track day. Can't comment on long term use but one guy had one for years.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036E9VB6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

interesting suggestion for battery operated, but i have this 12v unit.

https://www.amazon.com/EPAuto-Portable-Compressor-Digital-Inflator/dp/B07C2D145V/ref=sr_1_29?dchild=1&keywords=air%2Bpump%2B12v&pd_rd_r=be3eaee7-d104-45c3-ad12-3125aa3f2894&pd_rd_w=hiagX&pd_rd_wg=fKEMS&pf_rd_p=0ec05f25-9534-48f...

works great, quiet, comes with attachments to blow up other things and its cheap and portable.

Just FYI - this post was eaten by Automoderator until I just approved it. It was more than likely because of the tinyurl link.

Unpacked link: https://www.amazon.com/RAM-Suction-Double-Diameter-Adapter/dp/B0091RA0KS/ref=sr_1_19?crid=1HLZ66KM6LZAT&dchild=1&keywords=ram+suction+cup+mount&qid=1586191012&sprefix=RAM+suction%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-19

And without Amazon tracking: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091RA0KS

Yeah, for sure. I only mention the runway lights because on the last day last year, we had a nice blue C8 Corvette take one out along with his sideskirt :(

Protip! These scooters help you get to your marshal station with less effort :D

https://www.amazon.com/Razor-Kick-Scooter-Pink-FFP/dp/B01EN6LTAQ/ref=sr\_1\_5?dchild=1&keywords=scooter&qid=1625503956&sr=8-5&th=1

GPS with a high refresh rate will help. Your phone is most likely 1hz. I got this back in the date that runs at 10hz and helped a lot. Not sure if there is something that has a higher refresh rate.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E65TNYE

I used the air compressor from the NC Miata emergency kit for a while. 12v air compressors are just generally useful of you have bikes, balls, other cars, etc.

After that broke, I bought this Viair air compressor which has been a beast. Its small, effective, and isnt too expensive. There’s similar ones out there, but avoid the cheaper ones.

You can get any number of adhesive gopro mounts on Amazon for a few bucks. They work just fine as long as you clean the surface they mount to before attaching.

Link

...because (amongst other things) sometimes that's not what happens.

Let's say you have a McStrut car, like a Mustang or BMW M3. McStruts don't provide any camber compensation in roll the way a double-a-arm can, so as the car rolls, the dynamic camber angle on both front tires is changing, up until the point where the car has reached full roll angle.

So now you have two pissed-off tires, unhappy because they are at nonoptimal camber angles.

OK, so let's add static camber so that the dynamic camber angle at full roll puts the tire in its happy place. Great! But now the inside tire is even more pissed off, because the static camber made its dynamic camber worse.

Well given that we've got one happy tire that can take all the load, and one pissed-off tire that is contributing basically nothing, if you stiffen the front bar such that 100% of the front load is transferred to the happy tire, you will gain overall grip.

The indicator that this is going on is a car that lifts the inside front off the ground in roll.

Thus, sometimes things work backwords from theory.

See https://www.amazon.com/Autocross-Win-DGs-Secrets-developing/dp/1521406987 for more info.

Ok, I’d grab this guy then : https://www.amazon.com/ScanTool-OBDLink-Bluetooth-Professional-Diagnostics/dp/B00H9S71LW?ref_=ast_sto_dp

Use racechrono or Harry’s lap timer or similar app with the Bluetooth dongle to log data on each run, export the data as a .csv file which you can then read into the racerender program to overlay the data onto your video file on a pc, you can use the phones gps to generate a rough course map. All the apps should have free versions to do what you want. Next step is to upgrade to a better gps and analysis software to start dissecting the data.

I just purchased some of this Griot's Garage Track Spray and was very impressed! This stuff literally dissolves and melts away cone and tire marks!

Codriver who is almost always on Yoks... I went with a blingy sprayer after trying to cheap out a couple times:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NNWK7CT/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295N5VK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This - it's $40 but way more solid than cheap sprayers. I've had Husqvarna off home Depot and it eventually couldn't be pressurized properly.

This is actually very sturdy.

Retractable Vacuum Suction Cup Race Car Mount Holder for Action Camera Smartphone Motion Camcorder Cab Cockpit Vehicle Windshield Hood Cab Rooftop Sunroof Window Door Mounts for GoPro iPhone Hi-Speed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LCM33DB/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_E84Z86GZTT1N5QGV6XKM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Open face

Conquer Snell SA2020 Approved Open Face Auto Racing Helmet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MV78CV3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_002PAJ8XHYZCQB9T5CE0

Closed face

Snell SA2020 Approved Full Face Racing Helmet (Matte Black, XL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZNZX23G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_RQKHM3ZXXS27ZXYXC5VS

I know of a really nice ‘99 for sale if you’d like to pick up a good, clean, and fairly sorted out car that hasn’t been stanced out or treated like crap...

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/471672040221347/

It’s not mine, but I have driven the car..

If you want to do autocross on Sims, you should also check out Live for Speed. It comes with 3 autocross courses pre loaded and an in game course designer. No need to download mods or anything. It also records penalties when you hit pylons or go of course (or run over a marshal lmao)

The LFS forum also lets you download courses designed by other players, some of which recreated their own real life SCCA courses.

https://www.lfs.net/

I shoot a canon 70-200 non stabilized. I am a professional photographer and have made most of money with this lens.

I think it is the best value in glass available.

Canon 70-200mm f/4L EF is USM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I2J2SG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_H4QZR1TV581QH47FHTFF

'Conquer' has been making some really affordable Snell helmets for a few years but it seems like they've gone up in price lately. This is their current full face.

Then open face one used to be $130-140 but is now $190. And the full face used to be $190 but has gone up throughout the year. Price graph.

I have their open face one and it's decent. They are really popular at track days.

I don't know what your camera is, but I'd recommend getting a gopro / similar camera on a mount that attaches to the front passenger seat rest: Center Headrest Mount for GoPro with Dual Rotation 1" Ball Joint & Socket Arm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017HSNYGY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_G639BGH35B3PP1WJR610?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1. Note the there are better options; this one is inexpensive, kinda wobbles in the arm, but illustrates my point nonetheless.

It at least results in footage that can show your hands, and where you're looking: https://youtu.be/huDKVXGIQCU. Apologies on the wind noise; it was a cold, windy day and I didn't find a solution for that.

I have this one. It used to work fine in the beginning but now it works for shit. Sometimes I'll begin my run and somehow end up on Africa but come back to North America by the end of the run. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YCZINA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_VVH3XZ3HN5PP1Y03PH6B

I’m surprised everyone is using these large cumbersome compressors you have to plug in or attach to your battery etc. I just use this cordless air gun type compressor. Best track tool in ever got. Tire Inflator Air Compressor, 20V Cordless Car Tire Pump with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, 12V Car Power Adapter, Digital Pressure Gauge, Avid Power https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CTGM2LD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_stnc9z7PZnc4v

I use this brand, but the one that connects to the battery terminals, not the 12V. Had the 12V one blow the fuse for the connector in my old BRZ.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_BT7YFbCN2G6ZS

This is the one that I use. Fills up from low pretty quickly. I even use it on my off road rig when I go on back trails and have to air down. Only caveat is the car has to be running since it connects to the car battery. Otherwise it drains it and you'll need a jump.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_dG7YFb4363PX1

Yes. You bring it into the app and sync. I use a Veepeak Bluetooth adapter: Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner Auto OBD II Diagnostic Tool Compatible iOS & Android, Bluetooth 4.0 Car Check Engine Light Code Reader Sup https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073XKQQQW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_IlD4LYuShZXHO

Paradigm Shift is awesome. At one point years ago their first e-book in the Science of Speed series was free so I read the book when I was in high school. It lays some great foundations about racing lines for beginner drivers. I would definitely recommend it to those who are novice. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0997382422/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_d4KdFbMJWX56N

I bought a cheapish Akaso fakepro/nopro for about cdn$70 and it comes with a wristband remote. The video quality works but the sound is god awful.

This is said camera in action.

amazon link

You get what you pay for. Heroes are expensive so if all you need is a camera for self review, the Akaso works.

To be fair I don't know what I'm talking about but saw someone recommend this helmet recently. It's Snell SA2015 rated helmet but a good deal at only $74 Amazon Link

I bought reflective insulation (like this) at homedepot and taped two 25 foot long pieces together. Between runs I just wrap the whole car like so. It's extremely effective as it recycles heat from the brakes and engine into warming up the tires. Too late now, but may have been able to buy some tonight.

I'm currently using the Tackform Headrest Mount which I haven't had a single issue with, you just need to make sure all the adjustment screws are tightened down or you get rattling noise that you can hear in this video. this POV is great for feedback, though I wish it had a bit more of a sense of speed.

I'm running 225x40R18 RE71r's on 18x8 Enkei Raijin wheels. Love them so far, and from what I can tell are worth about 3ish seconds on a minute long course over the Contis. the RE71s are definitely an investment but really are the gold standard for autocross.

I have a mk7.5 R in manual, how do you like the DSG? I feel like it might even be a better choice for autocross, I lose too much time shifting manually.

https://www.amazon.com/Traffic-Cone-Hat-Hats-Unisex/dp/B005OW65SA/ref=pd_bxgy_21_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005OW65SA&pd_rd_r=c59276e3-1a8a-11e9-8251-4f05bd12d3fc&pd_rd_w=PwNrX&pd_rd_wg=J6OUL&pf_rd_p=3f9889ac-6c45-46e8-b515-3af650557207&pf_rd_r=TFG2R37K7Q8AHGA5HM5G&psc=1&refRID=TFG2R37K7Q8AHGA5HM5G

For fluid, Motul RBF600: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LEYJO4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's the best stuff that's reasonably priced that I've found. Most people I've asked about fluid run it as well.

As for pads, I've had good luck with Stoptech Street Performance, but I got them specifically for their inital cold-bite characteristics (since I'm usually on cold brakes). Don't use that link though, I don't think that's the right part number for the Miata.

But mainly the fluid change is the important part. On my FWD rallycross car it completely solved my fade issue (left foot braking for 1/3 of the lap is really hard on front brakes).

I've never found issue with my Hero+ LCD that's $150 on amazon with a cheap suction cup mount. I've had it suction cupped to a motorcycle going a lot faster than cars at an autocross event go with no problems.

And at that price, you could probably get 1 for each side if wanted. Lol.

GoPro HERO+ LCD [Ecommerce Packaging] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSUJ6EI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UJkLzbXRE53YM

Is this an ok helmet for occasional autocross?

https://www.amazon.com/Snell-SA2015-Approved-Racing-Helmet/dp/B01GGLXEUO

It's Snell SA2015 approved but doesn't say a thing about DOT. Does this matter? I'm not looking for the best or highest quality helmet, just the cheapest one that will still protect me for the occasional auto-x event

I'll update everyone after I pull them out of the book tomorrow, but this is a good way to make autocross magnetic numbers on the cheap.

I'd probably buy these if I ever remake them though. Same process as shown.

Get a standard camera suction mount with a 1/4" thread at the top. All camera gear can screw to this. Then you just need a 1/4" female threaded phone mount. Like this: Manfrotto Mount for Universal Cell Phone - Retail Packaging - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0169SORDW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IE1LybJVN2CQG

I use my iPhone to film autocross runs since it can do 1080/60fps and 4K/30fps

There are a bunch of kinds, google pinch weld adapter and you'll see many of them.

I can't find the exact one, but I have one like this that is magnetic: http://www.amazon.com/ZL1-Addons-2640-Universal-Magnetic/dp/B00H4JL162

I went with a pair of these:

Etymotic ER20

I'll test them out beforehand. I've needed sound protection for various environments anyway, if they aren't useful for this I'm sure they'll be useful for something else.

Oh wait you were asking about the Ferrari video. Sorry i used my "backup" kit for that for when i see cool cars show up to autocross. I dont want to spend a fortune on A/V equipment so I just go with what works OK. My other post was about my Mustang which all the stuff is more permanently attached.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-WK5SGp06Q

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MYPPPE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That in combination with a windsock.

Honestly hasnt seemed to matter too much as long as its out of the wind. Ill eventually upgrade to a Xoom H1 but this is what i use now. Its drilled into my license Mustangs license plate frame.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BTAH62/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have been using a VIAIR 70P for the past 4 months and love it!

Way better build quality than other similarly priced compressors I've seen.

Buy or store? You're in STX, you 'need' 8" wheels. And if what I know about Subarus is true, if you don't have gold wheels, your car is not at its full potential.

STORAGE

$50/weekend seems reasonable if it's the latest model, but for an older one like the Hero 1 I would expect to pay $20-30 for a weekend. That's based on the rates of my local rental place. That's including SD card and 2 batteries and a mount.

Personally I would try and find one used or try and borrow one from someone you know. If you do pick one up and you're looking for a suction cup mount, try amazon.com, they have a whole ton for under $10, a lot less than the $40 one go pro sells, and also you can get one that is more adjustable than the go pro one too. I got this one for $6.

You can stick them just about anywhere, including on the outside of the car. I prefer keeping mine on the interior though, just in case it falls off :)