When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I Autocrossed My Truck in an SCCA Event This Weekend.... (Pics and Video)
I posted this up on the facebook page, but some people don't read that and the feed goes by to quickly. I figured I'd post up here for historical purposes. I will update as things progress.
I gotta tell you.. It's been a long time since I have autocrossed or for that matter, competed in any SCCA event. The last time I did it was in a BMW e30 that was 50/50 weight distribution from the factory. Clearly a full size 4WD Silverado doesn't share this luxury. When I bought this silly truck with this crazy idea (take a full size 4x4 Silverado and autocross it competitively) in mind like 5 years ago and it's been on hold ever since.
Here's what the truck looked like when I bought it ...
Well over the winter, I started by converting the front end to Atomic's coil over suspension (deleting the torsion bars) and installing McGaughy's drop spindles on the truck. A lot of work, but pretty straight forward. Richard (Atomic) was great, I ended up changing my mind a couple of times during the process and he was great to deal with, and quick to get the parts out.
After I completed that installation, I turned to the rear of the truck. Last winter I chose to deliver the truck to Jeff and Mike at JSM and asked that they build a bad-*** 4 Link that can withstand the rigors of an autocross and tolerate future HP mods in mind, specifically stand up to a forced induction LS motor. Jeff and Mike have been extremely helpful, communicative and very willing to offer advice as I try to dial the truck in further. They are also a Viking dealer so I get parts quick as I try to get shocks/springs working together to support this big gal. Couldn't be more happy with this kit!
This is what was installed, my truck was the prototype installation for this kit, but I am very happy with how things turned out.
About a month or so ago, I got the truck back from JSM and have been tweaking on it to get the ride dialed into my liking. Playing with the Viking coil overs on all 4 corners can be a bit overwhelming, but I am making progress as I understand how it all ties together and works.
Here is what the truck looks like after the front coil overs and rear 4 link is installed:
I still have some changes to make regarding spring rates and dialing it in, it will be lower than pictured above. While I still have a ways to go in that department, I can not tell you how delighted I was to autocross the truck. I started off in RWD only and ran a few laps. Then switched to Auto 4WD and the truck responded amazingly! Not more sideways drifting action, I have to tell you, it is very very neutral. Over-steer is available if you dial in a little more pedal in RWD mode, but I ran most of my runs in Auto 4WD. While even in Auto 4WD it is possible to overdrive the truck, for the most part it goes exactly where you point it and responds quickly to steering inputs. During these runs, was there never any time I was worried it was going to roll or I was going to run out of luck and end up in the weeds or wall.
Arguably this truck will never rival a Corvette or a Viper in terms of handling, but I guarantee you, as it sits right now it will get the attention of many performance cars. The 4 link really woke up the handling, ditching the torsion bars and leaf springs is the best mod I've ever done.
I still have a little work to do sorting out the spring rates and ultimately adding a rear sway bar (not equipped from GM on these 4x4 trucks). When I get this work completed, well lets just say I'm very excited to get it done and see what she has..
Here is how the truck looked during the SCCA event (Not too shabby for a 4WD):
The last run I had the tech guy from our local SCCA chapter approach me asking for a ride. I let him ride the first round and then drive the next.. As a self proclaimed Miata/Volvo guy he walked away from the truck amazed. He just couldn't believe that he had rode and drove a Silverado that quick around the course. Commenting how well the truck drove and relatively neutral it was.
I still need to make some minor changes in spring rates front and rear, as well as add a rear sway bar, then most of the suspension work will be complete. (Spoiler Alert) Big CTS-V brakes are coming for the front..
Anyhow, I have a bunch of videos up from this weekend, but here's a few of the good ones:
Instead of the big CTSv brakes you might look into doing stainless lines, 05+ 13" fronts with hydroboost booster, and SUV rears if you want more back there. I would put that setup against any high dollar big brake kit out there.
Instead of the big CTSv brakes you might look into doing stainless lines, 05+ 13" fronts with hydroboost booster, and SUV rears if you want more back there. I would put that setup against any high dollar big brake kit out there.
I appreciate the input, had I known about this before I had the brackets made I may have gone this route. However, the SUV rears are definitely on the radar..
The 14" Summit rotors and CTS-V calipers/pads I already have.. In fact I had a machine shop make me brackets a few years ago to adapt them to the sprindles around the 14" summit rotors.. I think I will have $450-500 into rotors/calipers/pads + machine shop building the brackets.. I just need to figure out the stainless lines to the Brembo calipers.. Definitely not as cheap as you mentioned, but waaaaaaaaay cheaper than the big brake kit.
I hear you, and I intend to.. I just need to get to the scrapyard before the heat hits. Once my wallet recovers from the suspension work then its game on ! Thanks again for all your help Richard.
Originally Posted by Steve-O-08
Good to see another truck out there Autocrossing. Nice work
Thanks man, I appreciate it.. It was a hit at the meet, a couple guys raised their eyebrows when I rolled in, but I think the truck earned their respect, the driver? well that's still to be determined ;-)
Do you have a build thread or vids of your truck ? I'm always up for comparing notes/builds to see what I can improve on.
Thanks man, I appreciate it.. It was a hit at the meet, a couple guys raised their eyebrows when I rolled in, but I think the truck earned their respect, the driver? well that's still to be determined ;-)
Do you have a build thread or vids of your truck ? I'm always up for comparing notes/builds to see what I can improve on.
Sure do. Have lots in the works right now. Between both trucks. Most of it doesn't have pictures up yet, but they will be worth the wait.
02-14-2017, 07:49 AM
So I Autocrossed My Truck in an SCCA Event This Weekend.... (Pics and Video)
