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katie
10-22-2007, 02:48 PM
Wondering...if anyone has auto-x their CX7? I'm interested in doing this...but my husband is really paranoid since its an SUV. We went to an auto-x event yesterday and I'm really into it now. There were a couple guys there that usually race trucks and such...but had other vehicles yesterday....so I wouldn't be totally out of the loop....plus its a Mazda...its made for turns. But just wondering if anyone knew anything about auto-x with a CX7 and what kind of suspension set-ups you have for it. If I end up nixing the CX7 idea, I may end up picking up a Miata that needs some work and fix it up for auto-x...
shadow1
10-22-2007, 03:30 PM
You would need a better suspension setup to auto-x. Autoexe sells coilovers that would probably work. The undefeatable DSC may hamper things as well. But install coilovers, lower the CX7, stickier tires, and you could go race. I doubt a 3900+ lb CUV would be competitive (unless there is an SUV class).
MAZOOM
10-22-2007, 04:31 PM
Just take out the DSC fuse.
shadow1
10-22-2007, 04:45 PM
I wonder if that is possible? I would think that DSC is built into the ECU firmware. ie, DSC is not a separately powered control unit.
MAZOOM
10-22-2007, 04:50 PM
There is a fuse for it in the fuse box, or even just disconnect the neg. terminal cable allow everything to reset and go.
Raider
10-22-2007, 07:30 PM
my wife drives hers like life is auto-x. But no, not on a track. lightweight 20's might be good. 19's with low profile tires might look funny. I think there is a rule about wheel size, right? Has to be original size?
katie
10-23-2007, 02:48 PM
There are different classes for different things. I just talked to a friend who auto-x's a Cavalier (and rocks at it) and he suggested to me to not go any bigger than 18s. He said usually thats the standard, after that it might get interesting....so thats why I'm thinking of sticking with 18s. But then again...my husband was looking at Miatas on eBay....maybe once we get our truck paid off and sell it, we can get me a Miata instead of auto-xing the CX7....

But yes, I drive mine like life is auto-x as well. My husband is always holding on to the O/S handle and plastered to the door....hes scared because he doesn't think an SUV should handle like that!
AWmustang
10-23-2007, 05:13 PM
I drove the CX-7 at a mazda zoom zoom event. It's like a mini auto-x event with all mazda cars (mazda provides the cars). They had an empty parking lot and courses setup with cones. You couldn't go crazy but from that experience I can say that bone stock it was pretty awesome on the course.

the new tires and suspension mods already mentioned would make this thing pretty darn fun for auto-x. Though you probably won't be competitive against lighter, stick shift cars.
katie
10-23-2007, 06:28 PM
Yeah, I realize that it wouldn't compete with the Miatas or my husband's WRX or anything....but I just didn't know if it would be bad to auto-x it or not...but the step-tronic auto does help a bit where the manual helps....

Who knows what will happen...just doing research at this moment on this topic, so its nice to hear opinions from other people. But if I decide against the CX7 for auto-x, then it will definitely be another Mazda that I would get for auto-x...Miata, RX8, RX7, you know...the typical.
BaconNeggs
10-23-2007, 07:00 PM
anyone know if competing in autocross voids your warranty? I remember an article few years ago where subaru gives new WRX owners free membership to SCCA but actually competing voids your warranty. something about the service guys misting water on the doors to see oil residue from the marker to put your number.


holy crap, now this is some crazy autocross
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHgjFPhhzY8
Raider
10-24-2007, 08:21 AM
Racing the vehicle is considered abuse. I have heard of people blowing motors at the track, and having them towed to the dealer for warranty repair. Here is a tip. Wash off the window markings and class codes off the side of your car, as they will void the warranty.
shadow1
10-24-2007, 08:35 AM
You gotta pay to play. If you race your car or break something from modding it, please don't cheat and try to get the manufacturer to cover it under warranty.
AWmustang
10-24-2007, 10:03 AM
anyone know if competing in autocross voids your warranty? I remember an article few years ago where subaru gives new WRX owners free membership to SCCA but actually competing voids your warranty. something about the service guys misting water on the doors to see oil residue from the marker to put your number.


holy crap, now this is some crazy autocross
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHgjFPhhzY8

that was sweet. I wish i knew how to drive like that. (Obviously not in a cx-7)
MAZOOM
10-24-2007, 10:11 AM
Hey Katie, I plan on doing most of the AutoEXE Upgrades for the Suspension(because the wider tires made the suspension feel, sh***y and soft) I will let you know how they go interms on making the CX-7 Auto X ready. The only thing I don't plan on getting is the lowering springs. I just put the Tierod on the hooters card, and it should be here soon.
shadow1
10-24-2007, 10:18 AM
Mazoom - your 285 rubber on 7.5" wide rims makes for a lot sidewall hanging over the rim. That will definitely turn cornering into mush. You should look into a wider wheel to support the rubber or a narrower tire. That will make a bigger handling difference than the Autoexe chassis braces.
MAZOOM
10-24-2007, 10:37 AM
No thx, I will stick with my wider tire, I drove a stock CX-7 and it felt tippy compared to mine, I do plan on wheels very soon though.
shadow1
10-24-2007, 10:42 AM
Cool. You ideally need a 9-10" wide rim to support a 285 tire. Not sure what fits. Let us know when you make your purchase. Hopefully you can find something lightweight. Offsetting the weight from your bigger tires will help handling, braking, and acceleration. Mazoom, sounds like you have big plans for your CX7!
mikomi
10-24-2007, 11:02 AM
Cool. You ideally need a 9-10" wide rim to support a 285 tire. Not sure what fits. Let us know when you make your purchase. Hopefully you can find something lightweight. Offsetting the weight from your bigger tires will help handling, braking, and acceleration. Mazoom, sounds like you have big plans for your CX7!


To me it sounds like Mazoom is going off-roading, where it is the norm and ideal to have tires much wider than the rim. Maybe Mazoom has some off-road blood in his veins.

@Mazoom
Are you trying to build a monster truck out of the CX? Super wide tires, getting a racing seat.. hehe. Get a 10+ inch lift kit. Haha.

But seriously, like shadow1 said, the culprit behind your problem with the suspension feel is all because of the tires.
MAZOOM
10-24-2007, 11:08 AM
Noo, I just want racing seats because the Mazda seats are too flat, and I knew about going wider on the skinny stock wheels, I just feel the wider tires are being held back because the suspension needs more stiffing before it can fully embrace the wider stance, it feels "loose" if you will.

10 inch lift kits are for people who are lacking elsewhere.


hahahaha.
rexercx7
10-27-2007, 05:14 AM
I've posted elsewhere about your new planned "Mods" and I repeat what Shadow1 wrote; your problems are with the 285-tire itself, and if you don't want to listen to any of us giving you advice about it, perhaps you should stop complaining about "no on center feeling" in your steering and everything else about the tires YOU chose to install on the OEM rims.

It's just not going to work correctly.

Get yourself a true +1 or +2 wheel and tire upgrade, and try and listen to some of the constructive advice people are trying to give you.

Kindest regards,
rexercx7:cool: :cool:
MAZOOM
10-27-2007, 12:41 PM
I've posted elsewhere about your new planned "Mods" and I repeat what Shadow1 wrote; your problems are with the 285-tire itself, and if you don't want to listen to any of us giving you advice about it, perhaps you should stop complaining about "no on center feeling" in your steering and everything else about the tires YOU chose to install on the OEM rims.

It's just not going to work correctly.

Get yourself a true +1 or +2 wheel and tire upgrade, and try and listen to some of the constructive advice people are trying to give you.

Kindest regards,
rexercx7:cool: :cool:
The problem isn't with the tires, Shadow1 stated it was sidewall flex due to the wheels, but Shadow1 only really said that because I said that the suspension felt soft after the wider tread, and the reason I said that is because I feel the suspension is too soft, stock tires or not.

Maybe you should lay off and read before you post, I'm ordering new rims around the thirty first so its all gravy.
shadow1
10-27-2007, 02:04 PM
Play nice guys