Lonely in ESP: What class should I move to?

[Daniel Tenenbaum]

I know this was only the first Sunday Races of the 2009 season but I was the only ESP car out there. Last year it was a good weekend when there were three ESP cars running. Unfortunately, I believe that "lack of competitors trend" in ESP that started in 2008 is going to continue into the 09 season.

So ... my question to the CSCC board is which class should I move my ESP preped WRX into (and why)?

My first thought was CSM, mainly because I ran a few events during the 08 season there because there was no one else entered in ESP. Also I already have the CSM magnets. LOL (One less thing to do)
The main concern I have about running CSM is that I will be outclassed and not supper competitive. I am pretty much maxed out on mods for ESP. I'm running R-Comps and don't really feel like going back to street tires which rules out a lot of classes.

My second and last question would be: What else can I do to make myself more competitive if (more like when) I do move up to CSM or SM?

Thanks you in advance for your help and advice.
Cheers.

[Mako Koiwai]

"Max'ed out ESP Mods"

What have you done?

EVO School!

[Michael Palero]

You can run bump and run SM, SSM, CSM, and CPM in ESP trim.
You can also run PAX.

Have you contacted the other ESP folks?

[Steve Ekstrand]

I would think Sm would be the obvious choice.

[Michael Palero]

I would think Sm would be the obvious choice.

It is, but will Daniel make it?

[Mako Koiwai]

Yeah ... even my WRX Wagon managed to beat the Mighty Casey Quinn Camaro ... once. But Daniel would need to max out tires, springs/coilovers and tune plus add a clutch rear dif.

[Daniel Tenenbaum]

Thanks for all the suggestions - I believe that CSM will be my new home until ESP get some more cars.

[Jason Isley BS RX8]

Thanks for all the suggestions - I believe that CSM will be my new home until ESP get some more cars.

How is CSM better if you want competition? If you want competition you should run SM. If you want a class where you can maybe beat two people you should run CSM.

[Daniel Tenenbaum]

How is CSM better if you want competition? If you want competition you should run SM. If you want a class where you can maybe beat two people you should run CSM.

I like competition but I'm not that competitive in this car compared to the SM times. It is s also my go to vehicle for work and hauling stuff so I can get too crazy with SM mods. To tell you the truth I'm more concerned with there being cars (more than one) in my class than it being a real competitive group of peps.
CSM just seems to be a better fit for the Wagon and my skill level in Auto-x.

[Daniel Tenenbaum]

Still Lonely, but too broke to switch to STX (which it turns out I'm only a few de-mods away from + I will have to kick my R-Comps addiction).

Had 2 competitors at the ProSolo's @ El Toro.

1 of 1 in ESP Class at our Team Blew Event

[Jeff Wong]

Still Lonely, but too broke to switch to STX.

Just curious but how is it more expensive to demod a car? Would it be the cost of labor?

[Daniel Tenenbaum]

~$600 New Rims (4)
~$300 STX Competitive Tires (4)
$500 for a "No Boost Adjustment" ECU tune
$50 Used Stock WRX Intercoler
-----
$1400+ misc. stuff I'm forgetting.

I guess its not too bad. I will do all the labor myself, except the tune.
The major expense is tires and rims for STX but I'm hoping to buy Greg P's used setup as he reverts his WRX to Stock for sale.

[Steve Ekstrand]

Where do you get STX tires for $300?

[Daniel Tenenbaum]

Where do you get STX tires for $300?

USED