'07 Autocross Wagon

[NDGeist]

Ok, so I got into autocross a bit last year, and hope to do it a dozen or so times this year. My WRX wagon currently resides in D-Stock, but is 100% stock with some hankook z212's for tires.

I'm trying to create a more competitive vehicle for this year, and i'm contemplating/resisting moving to STX, and sticking with my current tires (but doing other upgrades) or perhaps getting some new shocks (not springs), and perhaps some R Compounds.

What about these:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=Avon&model=Tech+R-A&partnum=24ZR6TECHRA&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&place=0
in a 225/40 ZR16 Size, stock size is a 205/55 R16

As well as upgrading my stock absorbers with these:
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?&make=Koni&model=Sport+Cartridge&group=Sport&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Impreza+WRX+Wagon&autoYear=2002&autoModClar=&partNum=8610-1351SPORT&perfCode=S

Questions i have:
This allows me to retain D-Stock status, correct?
Is this essentially the extent of upgrades i can do (save for driver mod)?
Is this the best path?
If i wanted to get an alternate alignment that was geared more towards autox, what should I do?

I'm aware that the WRX isn't a very competitive D-Stock car, and most people try to convince me i should just move to STX, but i'm not sure that I want to do all that quite yet. Changing a set of shocks would be quite a big task for me, i'm not sure I could do any of the more in depth stuff.

Thanks for any/all opinions you guys may have,

-Chip

[Derek]

no.

[NDGeist]

O Rly?

[Derek]

and don't bother with the adjustable shocks...cuz we both know....


they will get adjusted once.

[NDGeist]

depends where the adjustment is.. If i can get to it without 900 hours of time, i'd be more prone to making said adjustment. If not, i'll just set them medium hard and call it a day.

[Big Mack]

O Rly?

Big Mack

[X-OvrDistortion]

Replacing shocks is relatively easy. If the are the coil over type, I have a spring compressor that I would be willing to let you borrow. Makes the changing of the springs real simple.

Also, a new set of shocks and springs makes a huge difference.

[CBFryman]

R compound is allowed in the stock class?

[Sound_Miata]

Yes.

Stock class is limited to:
Drop in air filter replacement
Shocks (no in car control allowed aka manual adjustable only)
Exhaust from cat back.
and I believe rear sway bar.

and that is all.

R's will see your biggest improvement but for bang for the buck, go to a regional school, they are worth the time and investment more than any mod is.

-Greer