The result: crappy tires (many years old yokohama yk420′s) + 4125lb curb weight car (meaning it’s probably more like 4200+ lbs) = VERY HARD TIME for QV to transition, haha.

First run:
- Traction control on (just to see what it was like)
- Top up (just for fun)

Subsequent runs:
- Traction control off (much better, more control & power)
- Top down (let the good times roll).

The car handles like a boat (expected) – pushes everywhere the second you apply power. The traction control cut off WAY TOO MUCH power when it detected any kind of sliding at all. You have to be extra smooth with the inputs since the suspension was so soft & the tires were so crappy. I went from a 78.xxx second first run down to a 74.910 10th run. I had a couple of instructors drive my car; definitely helped, but they both spun the car since they were a little too aggressive – still learned plenty though. Amazingly, with the roll bar down, none of the fishtailing action was enough to get it to pop up (I’m pretty sure it still works properly, haha).

There were also 2 other Mercedes there: a newer SL55 AMG & an SLK 320. The driver of the SL55 was ahead of me for a few runs, and his instructor ran an impressive 75.0xx lap time, but I beat them both in the end, YAY R129!

This car obviously isn’t made for autocrossing, but it can be a force to be reckoned with after some modifications, namely getting a set of nicer tires, shocks/struts, and a front sway bar, which will still keep it in the stock class (all SL’s fall under H Stock, the lowest class available, hee hee). I feel much more in tuned with the car now that I have “broken her in.”

I took out my regular track car (the orange 240sx convertible) for the championship on Sunday, and did much better time wise – estimated at about 5-6 seconds faster than the SL500. I still ended up 4th place out of 5th place in class. The car is definitely capable of at least getting 2nd place, but the driver still needs much improvement.

Some pics from Theo Osifeso from our CSCC autocross group:

And a video of my first run (I’m all over the place) & my best run:

Here is a video of my fastest championship run on Sunday in the 240sx (course is run backwards with some modifications – estimated at about 1.5-2 seconds faster than Saturday’s course):

And for fun, here is a slo mo video capture of my car on Sunday from Mako Koiwai from out CSCC autox group as well – I’m pretty close to the apex cones, could probably get a lil closer:

Q DNCU from Mako Koiwai on Vimeo.

Chris & I headed out for the SCCA CSCC AutoX event on September 13, 2008. Super fun, ran into a few other autocross buddies there. Chris took out his stock 350z, still burning off the crappy performance whatever they are tires he currently has on. Not much has changed to Kandi at this point other than retarding timing slightly from last time.

During the straights, the car just didn’t want to move, especially after a few runs. I began turning off the car & letting it sit in between runs – felt a little better.

The course, as always, was very fun. Before lunch I was able to get within .2 seconds of Chris’ time, but he pulled away by almost a full second by the end of the day. Couple of my runs are shown in my gallery, runs from much faster people & some pictures available at the solo2.com forums.

Not my fastest run, but video of Chris & me being silly @ launch time (higher quality version available directly on youtube – couldn’t embed it):

I also attended the championship on Sunday. The car felt much better going the opposite direction – the fewer number of runs couldn’t have hurt either. This time I wasn’t last place!! WOO HOO! 2nd to last, ftw! I’m still super far off from being competitive anywhere, but it’s still fun.

Picture at championship event taken by Mako Koiwai.

Next practice/championship is October 11-12, 2008 – can’t wait! Got a couple surprises up my sleeve this time around.

Good thing I rolled by because there was a bit of miscommunication between us when I was going over the parts I want painted. I had given Jesse a sheet with a picture of a 240sx hatchback, which was orange w/ a black hood. They had thought I wanted my hood black, so painted it that color. OH NOES!

Also, they didn’t prep the bumpers as much since they figured I was going to use the aftermarket body kit I brought in for paint as well. I had to explain that I was going to be using both (stock bumpers being backups or vice versa).

However, Jesse & Max were both extremely understanding and patient; they will be making sure the hood gets redone & the bumpers reprepped. I feel kind of bad since they did a really nice job on the hood – looks very smooth and nicely done.

They also found the PERFECT orange for Candy. Hopefully it will turn out as good as the swatch sample. Estimated finish time is late next week. It is taking a week or two longer than expected, but it is understandable since there were a couple mix-ups and they are waiting on the paint supplier to bring in the new orange.