RK

iTrader: (1)

The tech form is basically a formality (I fill my own out) however I'd recommend having a mechanic fill it out for you the first time you track your car. After that you can do it yourself

Most mechanics do it relatively cheap. I think it cost me $50. Just find one you trust. I'd also really recommend getting an alignment before getting on the track. You might be able to do both but little barely noticeable shimmies you might feel now doing 75 or 80 because your alignment is a little off become a pretty big deal at 120.

They'll do a tech inspection on site once you get there and verify that your helmet is valid, your wheels are tight, your fluids are full, and there's no glaring issues with your car. But the goal of tech inspections is to make sure your car won't screw up someone else's day. It's not to make sure that your car will work all day.

RK

iTrader: (1)

Ok. Here's my prep list. Some of this is overkill for first time HPDE (like brake components - I'm starting to push mine with track brakes and rcomps but you probably won't be pushing yours) and some is specific to my car like the wheel locks but it's not a bad starting point:

Things to Bring:

-oil (at least 1 qt per day)
-duct tape (contrast colored from your car so you can use it if your numbers don't work on the track - also helpful if parts of your car come off)
-torque wrench
-wheel locks
-tire pressure gauge
-sealable, plastic storage bins (it rains)
-brake bleeder
-brake fluid
-socket set
-wheel sockets
-screwdriver set
-helmet
-spare brake pads (just something to get you home)
-drinking water
-Immodium AD
-Advil/Tylenol
-jeans
-long sleeve shirt
-sneakers/race shoes
-waterproof pullover jacket
-dry towels (your windows are open rain or shine)
-sunglasses
-jack
-jack stands
-brake tool kit
-spare front rotors
-track numbers

Pre-weekend Checkout before you leave home:

-Brake fluid full and brakes bled
-Oil changed and topped off
-Appropriate tires for weather
-Clean out anything unnecessary
-Insurance up to date and tow service available

Pre-session checkout:

-No leaks under car
-Brake fluid full
-Coolant full
-Oil above 1/2 mark
-Gas above 1/3 tank
-Engine cover off
-Sunglasses (if needed)
-Helmet

Post-Session Checkout:

-Open the hood (leave it open to cool)
-Keep it in gear. Don't use your parking brake (it leaves deposits when your rotors are track hot)
-Check your tire pressures and reduce it if it's too high (I keep mine around 36psi hot which is usually 28-30 cold)
-Grab a water and go to your download class

Shinka_MJR

looking around on a different forum, i saw some guy said he bought an `06 made this comment, "since I'm not great with shifting, I got a 6-speed semi-auto Paddle shifters."

wth does that mean? paddle shifters? is this an after market mod for automatic 8's or a true option from Mazda? Or is he simply full of ****?

RK

iTrader: (1)

Paddle shifter is included on all sport automatics. Not sure about the older base automatics but I'm pretty sure only the sport was available from '06 to now.

docgatorx8er

iTrader: (10)

I didn't know that either. Why have a paddle shifter on an automatic?? Hmm

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

It is that automanual option. Amy's 3 has the same thing. You can drive around in a fully auto mode or your can drop it to M (Normally where you find first on an auto) and then you have to paddle shift up and down. Paddle shifters are super cool because you can just shift and not have to worry about clutch timing or anything and it is smooth. But in our car it is stupid because you forfeit the horsepower/torque/redline for it.

RK

iTrader: (1)

I had an auto-shifter on my Prelude before the 8 (not paddles but the same concept). It's very useful for track/autox situations where you want to hit redlines or get to a lower/higher gear for performance reasons. In my case with the Prelude that meant when I was using on ramps and wanted to make sure my tranny didn't bog me down in a gear with low RPMS or when I would make highway passes and wanted easy access to the power in my car. VTECH YO!

Keep in mind too that most automatics 'hesitate' when they shift gears especially when you got to WOT. Paddle/autostick shifters eliminate that hesitation.

Shinka_MJR

cant redline? why have an 8 then. that sucks.

torque? what's torque? :p

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

I heard somewhere that the Auto 8 shifts at like 4800 or something with a redline around 6500. I'll pass on that fo sho

Machiavelli

The "6 Speed" reference was probably to differentiate it from the 04-05 AT's that came with a four speed transmission. I think the newer AT's actually red line at 7500.

My CX-7 has an auto stick feature, and while I generally think their pretty lame (look, you're diving an AT; man-up and admit to yourself that pushing and pulling a lever doesn't somehow change that), the mapping is so biased toward mileage vs. performance that unless I'm really whomping on the accelerator the damned thing has already shifted into 5th gear by the time I'm going 38 mph. Once I explained the auto stick to She Who Must Be Obeyed, she quit complaining about the difficulty of merging onto the highway with it.

Shinka_MJR

9k or no way!

RK

iTrader: (1)

Spotted a galaxy gray (I think) in Brecksville with temp tags and a Summit racing sticker on the side. I dropped a note on the wiper.

tony_673

...a note to say that the Summit stickers actually cause you to lose power?

On a serious note, some ***-clown keyed my car while at class today. The scratch is only through the clear coat and it looks like I might be able to buff most of it out, but I'm still pissed. If I had only seen the person do it .....then again if I did I'd probably be typing this tonight from a jail cell.

I just don't understand why people feel the need to destroy stuff that doesn't belong to them. Envy, I suppose.

Oh well. I guess it's an official track car now.

rotareriot

iTrader: (1)

where have you guys been hiding? i've been looking for anyone in the cleveland area. if you ever see a black rx-8 in the strongsville area then thats me. as far as i know me and my buddy are the only ones 8s in strongsville. if anyone wants to get a meet together i'd totally be down for that

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

rotareriot- There is a group gathering on the 24th at the Boneyard.
See the Social Group forum:
https://www.rx8club.com/groups/rx-8-club-northeast-ohio-5/

Tony- Sorry to hear about your car. People are just jealous.

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

Welcome to the group rotareriot.

docgatorx8er

iTrader: (10)

Sorry to hear it Tony. that sucks

I live over in Broadview. I see a black over on Rte 82 at State all the time. Is that you? That's in North Royalton?

Machiavelli

I'm in Strongsville. I have a Phantom Blue, but it generally stays in the garage from November through March. What color is your buddy's car?

Tony, sorry about your car. The feeling of frustration when that happens is indescribable.

RK

iTrader: (1)

I'm pretty sure we've been hiding in plain site right here...

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

Yea...hard to hide out in 208 pages (104 for Ryan) of forum. :P

Shinka_MJR

about to add a new member to the RX8 forum...

wife and i are pregnant! Due date projected to be mid-dec!

Machiavelli

Grats!!!

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

Congrats Banned

Danc

iTrader: (1)

Good for you! First one?

Shinka_MJR

yep. first one.