Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

Yea, I guess any three cone slalom could be considered a garage or Chicago box. Maybe a cross-over was a better example of something nearly never seen at NORA.

tiresmoker

iTrader: (1)

I'm goin out on a limb and gonna assume you are from Chicago then. Haha.

Pretty neat to know that. I've always just looked at them as a tight three cone slalom with a bunch of extra cones on the outside.

tiresmoker

iTrader: (1)

Cross overs are pretty much reserved for lots with limited space. Occasionally SCR will have a crossover. And back in the day. (circa 2006) NORA ran at Lordstown Highschool. Small parking lot, and they utilized crossovers. I haven't seen one with them since they left that lot, and rightfully so considering the lots that have been run since then have gotten bigger.

blazenblue63

Ok so I've been searching the net for hours on tire pressures and grip and all that stuff. Eventually I came to an old post on the NORA forum and it basically said that lower pressure improves grip but higher pressure improves response. So the whole idea is to find the right balance of those 2 variables? You want maximum grip while having maximum response when turning. So am I right in thinking if front pressure is set to good grip and minimal understeer, that raising the rear pressure could help the car rotate? I'm just trying to understand it all . If I was consistent in my runs and wouldn't feel any push, would I raise the pressure up front to increase the response until they start to push then back of a lbs? Would that be an "ideal" setting? Same with the rear, would I increase the rear till I feel the car oversteering? (assuming every same turn is repeated exactly the same which is impossible) but am I theoretically close?

tiresmoker

iTrader: (1)

You forgot to factor in heat. Aka tire temperature.

docgatorx8er

iTrader: (10)

Danny, your thoughts are correct. The problem is you are isolating variables in a soup of variables.

As Brian said tire pressure, compound, and temperature all affect grip. So do springs, strut compression and rebound. Sways to some extent (more midturn). Yes, more rear pressure will cause the rear to rotate more, assuming the front is gripping. Of course speed and steering inputs, as well as braking technique also affect that rotation.

So as you can see, it is not simply tire pressure. That's why Eric can hop in your car regardless of your setup and out drive you.

Your goal is to find the sweet spot in these things. Put your emphasis on your driving technique right now. Then begin to experiment with the pressures and setups. The hard part of autocross is that you don't get much chance to "practice." So try finding a parking lot and go do some experiments. I left a lot of skid marks at a nearby church lot.....

Your first couple runs are practice runs to get the tires warmed up and understand nuances in the course. Here's a tidbit you won't find anywhere else. Fastest way to heat up your tires and brakes to temperature is to speed up and slam on the brakes. More so on the track because you can get to speed. I used to get yelled at all the time for doing that in the paddock as I drove to grid......hee,hee

Give me a call this weekend.

blazenblue63

Thanks Doc I appreciate it. I will call you for sure.

Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

... I miss the old cleveland6club autocross **** talk thread. We need a new one somewhere.

tiresmoker

iTrader: (1)

Go back over and start a new one

Or I'll just start here...

Steve was on fire in Jamies car on Sunday, not dissimilar from the last time he drove a rwd Mazda.

Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

Could. The forum is still there. For some reason. Doing that would give jamie a fighting chance as I don't think he looks at this thread. ever.

I just don't want to pollute this thread with pointless trolling and talking **** about parking lot racing. Considering that there are plenty of people that don't participate in the aforementioned nonsense.

Surely you must be talking about when I beat Jamie in the rain at the last event of 2011...

tiresmoker

iTrader: (1)

Pretty sure he knows about it. How else would he have known about our meet at the Boneyard? duh



Isn't most of this thread pointless trolling and talking ****?



Yeah, that's it.

Rocopr

im in cleveland !!!!

ngill33

iTrader: (1)

That's why I look forward to the email update every morning.

Another portion are non contributory comments that I make.

I still have not replaced my broken OBDII scanner. Do you guys have any recommendations for a cheap solution to this? Smartphone or laptop based technology, or just a cheap scanner? I don't need all the bells and whistles as I wouldn't know what to do with them anyways. Or if one of you has a scanner that you're looking to unload, that would be cool too.

tiresmoker

iTrader: (1)

I'm in Youngstown!!!!


What do we win?

Shinka_MJR

I'm in N. Canton !!!!

Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

You're in massillon, just like me. So don't even lie. Were not even the "good" part of Massillon either (Jackson).

Shinka_MJR

i'm close enough that i can throw a rock and hit Jackson TWP.

04MRedRX8GT

Hey all new 8 owner here from Lima, OH and I've had the car exactly a week now. I see a handful of other 8s in town but not very often. Anyways I have a 2004 Red 8 Grand Touring with manual tranny and the red/black interior. Best thing is it's only got 24k miles on it.

Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

Welcome - Do you have any plans for the car?

docgatorx8er

iTrader: (10)

Welcome. Just don't let Steve drive....no, wait....what am I saying?

Shinka_MJR

It's time... for as much as i hate to say it, i believe i am at the point of having to sell the 8. The car's fine, i just am tired of trying to play catch up with all the bills i am juggling. having been unemployed for 6 months really put me in a bind. This is one expense which unfortunately would make my life easier were i to cut it. I probably should have done so when i got laid off but i hadn't expected to be out of work so long. i had 3 jobs lined up when i walked out of Goodyear my final time. Yes, i am working now... have been since Feb 20 but i am making $12k less than i did even 5 years ago. But it's a solid company (been around 70 years) and great potential to move on and up. maybe when the time comes, provided mazda keeps on with the rotary, i'll get whatever new pistonless beast they create.

Anyway, should any of you guys know someone looking, feel free to tell them about mine. It's in great condition. i never raced it and garaged it for the winters. It came from Florida, so it never saw winters from the previous owner either.

6spd `05 Shinka and it's got ~65k. i have all paperwork for any maintenance i had done. Will post in the for sale section soon with pics. just thought i'd mention it here first since most everyone here has seen the car.

no need for condolences. it simple is what it is. as much as i love the car, it's just not worth the headache anymore in trying to keep it.

04MRedRX8GT

That I do, I'm not planning on changing anything with the exterior except maybe some clear corners. I love the look of the stock RX8s with the added stock lip kit. As far as the engine goes I do have plans with some basic bolt-ons and eventually, when I get to know alot more about the car I would love to upgrade into a turbo kit. that, however, will probably be after a couple years of research and when my 2 year 24,000 miles warranty on the drivetrain runs out. I've been lurking on the forums for a few months now and finally decided to join after I actually purchased my 8 so I still have alot to learn before I get into anything crazy yet.

blazenblue63

That sucks. What are you asking? bunch of guys at work are always talking to me about mine. Might be one that wants it.

blazenblue63

Almost forgot.. Welcome if you're planning on seeing what the car can do, come autocross. Next event is May 6 at geauga lake. A lot of fun and myself and vyndictive and tiresmoker are there.

04MRedRX8GT

Before I forget, pics for proof of ownership lol