Autocross - sway bar question...

Boxin' Robin wrote: Took my 2012 Civic Si to the dealership for scheduled service yesterday. I asked them about some recent clunking sound coming from the left-front side of the car. The technician found "excessive play in left-front sway bar link".

Robin, the first thing that crossed my mind after reading your post is why a two year old car has already worn out an end link?

I don't know what an end link looks like on a Honda, but I don't believe there should be any real problem driving your car at AutoX 101 with the loose link. It might "clunk", and it might affect the handling a tiny bit, but go for it... you'll have a gas!

Boxin' Robin wrote: Also on a brighter note, looks like I may be joining you in an autocross one of these days. You were bugging me about it the first time we met at that chocolate shop in Fort Langley a couple of years ago

Yes Robin, I remember our little get-together at Blair's chocolate shop way back when. I'm disappointed you sold your Fiero, but it'll be good to see you at an autocross event nevertheless.

If I can get my newly acquired '88 Formula to handle as well as my '84 duke, I hope to surprise a few Honda owners at the track.

Boxin' Robin wrote: Patrick, you were absolutely right! I had such a blast despite the 50+ mm of rain that poured down on the mini lakes we had to drive, walk, and stand in all day! I had no idea that it was possible to push my car that hard in super-slippery weather conditions like that!

Heh heh, I was thinking about you on Saturday while the rain was pouring down.

Yeah, it's good to have at least one really wet day on a track to learn what a car will do (or not do!) on wet pavement. 

Boxin' Robin wrote: ...there was a souped-up Fiero there from Washington. It (and the MR2 that also was there) could not keep its tail from snapping around all day long and came in dead last. Gorgeous $1000 exhaust sound though, I must say

That's gotta be Charles from Bellingham. Here's a picture of him and I a month and a half ago in that same Fiero... from This thread. 

That car was difficult to keep under control on a dry track. I can't imagine the nightmare it would be on a wet one!

Boxin' Robin wrote: Actually Charles (the passenger in the photo above) was only there for a few minutes in the morning and then he left and never returned. The registered driver of that Fiero for the event was "Arthur Bivins". He apparently owns 5 Fieros at home.

Yeah, I can see why Charles wouldn't stick around too long under those weather conditions.

I haven't met him, but Art is Charles' friend from Washington. Didn't know he had five Fieros!