The Fiesta bumps to STX if you perform any mods to it, and that puts me up against some serious hardware. My only advantage against the AWD cars is that I can go with a wider tire, up to 265 width. My question is, would the extra tire width of going from a 7" wide wheel to a 7.5" or 8" wide wheel be worth it with a 16" 200-tread wear tire?
The reason I ask is that if I stay with a 7" width and a 215 or 225 max width tire, I can pull my rear sway bar and run in HS. That's a nice option if STX gets overrun with more serious hardware. (I'm not running any motor upgrades, or an LSD)
In reply to pinchvalve:
If you can fit a 265 and have the camber to use them, yes the tires will make a difference. With very few exceptions, having more rubber under the car will always be faster. I'm doubtful they would be enough for you to be competitive, but I'm not up on the current state of STX either.
2wd STX cars are allowed up to a 9" wheel. What mods are you thinking of doing that move you to STX? How competitive is STX where you are? There's a lot that you're allowed to change in the class - I'd think that a pretty serious suspension, LSD and the widest rubber possible are the minimum you'd want. If you don't want to do that and are going to be frustrated by getting beat on, stick with HS.
Jerry
UltraDork
9/6/16 2:14 p.m.
The Abarth got bumped to STX this year (from STS last year, and STC the year before). I'm just out having fun anymore.
That's the thing, STX is a crap shoot most days locally. Sometimes it's someone with nothing more than a big brake kit and I can be competitive. But if an R32 VW or BRZ/FRS that has been built to class limits shows up, I am toast. The only thing that I have done is front and rear sway bars, and only the rear puts me in STX.
STX is more of a challenge however, and it covers a lot of the mods that I want to do, like an LSD, shocks and springs, cat-back exhaust, intake, etc. (The only thing that's a no-no is a tune as it will affect boost.) Even with all that, I won't beat the class leaders but I might fight for a podium spot.
More potential for outright wins in HS for no cash outlay, or slug it out for every thousands in STX at a significant investment? Sounds like a no-brainer, but you know...competition.
