I'll be in Brainderd at the track all day tomorrow. Just wondering if anybody else is gonna be there. I'll post some pics and vids tomorrow night when I get home. So far at the hotel parking lot there's an M3 and S4 that will be there tomorrow, should be interesting.

How did it go? I've been trying to get up there since the start of summer- just no time. I still have my new pads and rotors sitting in a box in the garage from last May :-/

The day went great, about twice the amount of people that normally come showed up because of the groupon for half off (which I purchased). It would get crowded on the track occasionally so I would just pit and let the car cool down.

The car held up beautifully, but the tires and brakes need upgrading. I was running stock size eagle rs-a all seasons and the outsides of the front tires were starting to cup so I left a few hours early. The brakes just didn't have enough bite so they need upgrading. I will be purchasing a set of sway bars to cut down on all of the damn body roll. I also need to look into a different seat for more support and something lower. I'm 6' and had to slowch in my seat since my helmet would hit the roof and not allow me to turn my head. I thought I remembered seeing a place that sold a bar that bolts by the back seat foot wells to use for strapping a racing harness to?

All in all, it was a great experience and now I think I'm going to start auto crossing next year. Time to stockpile parts over the winter!

Headed to the cities this weekend for the vikings game, hope they dont suck it up again lol.

Wont be in the 8 though as it was keyed and im in the process of getting it fixed, but hope to see some nice rx8's around while im there.

Here's a video of me racing around BIR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md8nyHJyp7I

Finally started on my 20b project. the new subframe is tacked in place.

I am thinking about going out to http://www.stockholmkartingcenter.com/ tomorrow 12:30. It is a great track and the karts are very good. I like to do 3 or 4 sessions over a few hours. Anyone interested?

Nine people planning to go so far!

I'll be at the BIR Performance Driving School on July 18th next year. Today is the last day to get discounted rates. Come and join the fun!

yo guys i was wondering if you guys have any experience putting a clutch in.

Thank You

Yes. Anything you're wondering in particular?

just anything i need to look out for and stupid stuff like what tools i need i know i need the 54mm socket i got it from snap on and the snap on guy let me use his demo gun s its gonna be sickkk

54mm socket?
I'd be cautious with using an impact wrench. The aluminum threads in the engine "block" may not like that kind of force. -Do not over torque them- The only place I used an impact was with a deep socket for loosening the ppf nuts... and if you have a good breaker-bar, that'll work instead.
Make sure you have a repair manual to reference. Factory service manual is best for torque settings, and ppf alignment.

I bought an extra long 24" socket extension for reaching the top bellhousing bolts.
The 12mm bolts which attach the clutch cylinder are a PITA to access if you have big hands. I find lowering the back of the trans a few inches helps (but don't let the engine and trans weight be supported only by the 2 motor mounts!)

You might break the cat converter studs removing the exhaust, so have new ones on hand, or have a hardware store nearby.

Tools I remember using:

• jack, jackstands
• basic metric socket and wrench set
• extra long socket extension
• breaker bar
• torque wrench
• vernier caliper (optional for ppf alignment)
• 19 or 21mm deep socket
• screwdrivers
• beer

good luck!

Did you change yours at First Gear?

Have you ever looked for a deal on the cat convertor studs? I want to go back to stock for when my cat goes bad. If you didn't use stock what did you do? I did stainless and in a week I had to twist them off. Used anti sieze this time! Did you see my dyno?

Hey Gary,
Not really, I just replaced my broken studs with grade 8 bolts. Looks like Mazdatrix lists some studs for reasonable prices though. Mazdaspeed has 'em for less yet.

Didn't see your dyno yet. I'd like to see what you've done.

I bought an ECU with Racing Beat V2 software and a straight mid pipe. Did before and after dynos at HiTech. Gained over 11 hp at 8800 rpm. Had my fun - never ran w/o a cat before - now its all for sale.
Attachment 250478

A ride
 

Hi,
I am thinking of getting a new 8, but I am not sure if it is the car for me. I have already PMed a few guys but I would really like to know if there is anyone who wouldn't mind taking me for a ride around town so I can truly experience the 8 (rather than what I see in videos and read in articles) for myself and judge if it is right for me.
I was down in Florida yesterday and got a test drive for 3 minutes. My sister was really enjoying the ride and said I should get it, but Florida is no Minnesota... So yea. P.S. No dealers in MN have it.

Anyways I wouldn't mind giving whoever can give me a quick 20 minute or so ride a $20 for their gas... That's all I have since you know I have to buy a car ;)

I am 17, and getting this car would mean I have to:
1) Ignore what my mom says
2) Save a few G's for down payment
3) Pay slightly higher insurance
4) Pay more for gas (premium gas, and I heard low MPG)
5) Get ready to be keyed by D-bags at my school.

And I really wouldn't mind doing all that if this car is as awesome as it seems and drives nice enough to make the premium gas worth the money.

Anyone who can just PM me. I don't care which R8 you have but I would prefer one that's newer than 2006 because I want the peddle shift and want to see that performs. I am thinking of getting either the 2007 Touring Rx8 or the 2009 R3.

Thanks guys, you rock. I am pumped :shocking:
Wen

What part of town are you in?

Anyone know of a 235/40 18 snow tire I could buy with really good tread?

I live on Dale and University :) by Rando library and Wendy's

snowdriver, you should look into manuals, trust me you will enjoy it more. G luck with the search and ganseg whats the reasoning behind wanting wider snow tires? Not an expert by any means but i think they would be worse then stock size winter tires. I have stock size blizzaks on the stock rims for the winter and they work wonders :)

Sadly I don't know how to drive manuals... :(

[quote=Kaiser bun;3827231ganseg whats the reasoning behind wanting wider snow tires? [/quote]

It/they are not for me. I have one friend that needs one and another friend that needs two. I can't believe I haven't found any - I have tried everywhere/everyone I can think of...

Haha everyone learns at some point, in less then a week you will be able to get around ok (hills may take you a bit) but i learned when i was 12 in the local high school parking lot. Trust me you would be glad you learned once you have an rx8, but auto isnt horrible just trying to help you make the right decision :) (plus many chicks are impressed by stick shifts ^_^)

Hahahha Well just the idea for stick must make them quite happy :)

I wanted auto that has a manual pedal shift... So I can have the best of both worlds.