>handling capabilities. right now, i have a question more
>related to the engine. i have read in many magazines and
>online articles that low end touque is the best because you
>rarley ever get out of 3rd gear...is this that true for our
>cars??

Yes, the last time I autocrossed I think I used third gear for a little bit, but most of an autocross is spent in 2nd gear from 3000-6000 rpms or so. You rarely get up to or over 50mph in an autocross, and even then only briefly.

i have a high flow cat and i know i have lost low end
>torque...will this hurt me at all??

I did not notice a low end loss with my high flow cat.

should i swap someone for
>the stocker cat and gain some backpressure?

No, I would not bother. And stop using the word "backpressure" or I'll have to run you over If you want the whole backpressure lecture (more like scolding) I can send it to you or post it elsewhere, since this is the racing section.

what about
>rims...what are some good rims that look good but are also
>functionable by putting down pretty good contact pach?? i dont
>want anything bigger than 17's.

Focus on getting LIGHT rims. A 16 inch rim that is light and fairly wide would be the best. Actually, the wider the rim the better, it will support the tire better in corners. You could get 17s, but I have not had a problem autocrossing with 16 inch rims and 225/50 tires, the sidewalls didn't fold over once and they aren't even Z rated, they are V rated, so there were no steel sidewall inserts like Z rated tires have.

I think you could get away with a 16 inch rim, as wide as you can get (like the RX-7 rims Ihave, they are 8 inches wide), keep the rim light, and get a good set of performance tires, either 205/55s, 215/50s or 225/50. That would be my suggestion.

anyways, any help is much
>appreciated. im lookin to get coilovers/shocks in the near
>future...are tokiko's pretty good?? one guy i know who
>auto-x's has tokikos, but id like some others opinions as
>well! thank!

Tokicos will do nicely.

"Tutto fa brodo."

Todd Scungio
98 RS
15.173 @ 90.70 MPH

And also a 2011 Ralliart