Changing tires at events
#26
Momentum Keeps Me Going
#28
1% evil, 99% hot gas.
iTrader: (21)
Race Ramps are very nice, but expensive. Jacking from the side high enough to change both tires is hard on the chassis IMHO. There's another cheap way I've been using for twelve years on my Spec RX-7 and now on my RX-8 too:
Do not cut the leading edges of the ramp on an angle to make them like little "ramps". The tires will slip, especially if there is any moisture. The sharp uncut corners give the tires something to grab, even when wet.
Even when on the ramps, there is enough room under the rear to get under the rear differential to jack the back.
Pay attention to the front, you don't want it rolling off the ramps. You can just roll the car off the ramps and use them as chocks before jacking the back if there is any concern. I'm sure you could take a 4-5" piece left over from the 8' board and glue and screw it upright to the end of the ramp to make a stop. Thought about doing that, but even if you overrun the ramp, it's not tall enough to hurt the chassis (unless you have mud guards).
Oh, and then go pick up the $80 impact gun from Pep Boys with the money saved over getting Race Ramps.![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Your mileage may vary.
![](https://www.rx8club.com/members/wankelbolt-40296-albums-cheap-ramps-832-picture-ramp1-6291.jpg)
- Buy an 8" long 2x10, some waterproof wood glue, and a small box of 2.5" flush-head wood screws at your local big-box hardware store.
- Have them cut the board into two 1' and two 2' pieces. The usually will do it for free.
- Glue and screw a 1' piece onto a 2' piece, all the way to the end.
- When you get to the track, stop 2' short of where you are going to park.
- Pull out the ramps and put them against the front wheels.
- Pull onto the ramps, set the brake. You now have 3 more inches of clearance.
- The jack will now fit under the front cross member. Change tires.
- When lowering the car, move one ramp so the tire comes down on the first part of the ramp. It will act like a wheel chock when raising the back of the car.
Do not cut the leading edges of the ramp on an angle to make them like little "ramps". The tires will slip, especially if there is any moisture. The sharp uncut corners give the tires something to grab, even when wet.
Even when on the ramps, there is enough room under the rear to get under the rear differential to jack the back.
Pay attention to the front, you don't want it rolling off the ramps. You can just roll the car off the ramps and use them as chocks before jacking the back if there is any concern. I'm sure you could take a 4-5" piece left over from the 8' board and glue and screw it upright to the end of the ramp to make a stop. Thought about doing that, but even if you overrun the ramp, it's not tall enough to hurt the chassis (unless you have mud guards).
Oh, and then go pick up the $80 impact gun from Pep Boys with the money saved over getting Race Ramps.
![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Your mileage may vary.
![](https://www.rx8club.com/members/wankelbolt-40296-albums-cheap-ramps-832-picture-ramp1-6291.jpg)
![](https://www.rx8club.com/members/wankelbolt-40296-albums-cheap-ramps-832-picture-ramp2-6292.jpg)
#29
1% evil, 99% hot gas.
iTrader: (21)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47246
I've been using it for more than five years at the track and in the garage and it hasn't died yet.
If you are a Costco member, you can get this one. It also only goes to 14.75", but the knurled **** that holds the handle on is on the backside of the pump lever. Gives it better clearance:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...rodid=11186866
Whichever one you get, you can remove the handles from the sides to make it much easier to pack it into the trunk or tire trailer.
#30
Registered
That's almost exactly what I do, except my boards aren't actually screwed together. I have four 2xsomething big boards and I can stack them for the front or put one under each wheel, depending on what I need to do.
#32
Registered
iTrader: (25)
Yes, I also own that one too, but it's much bigger and heavier than you need to change tires on an RX-8, moreso for that Costco model which is why I've never bought one - too big and heavy for my needs. I only take it along for an emergency tire change on my truck or trailer while towing, otherwise it stays in the garage
For people driving their RX-8s to an event the smaller jack is a better option IMO
For people driving their RX-8s to an event the smaller jack is a better option IMO
Don't get that one unless you are very short on space or funds. It only goes up 14-3/4"". This one goes up to 17.5" high, and takes fewer pumps:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47246
I've been using it for more than five years at the track and in the garage and it hasn't died yet.
If you are a Costco member, you can get this one. It also only goes to 14.75", but the knurled **** that holds the handle on is on the backside of the pump lever. Gives it better clearance:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...rodid=11186866
Whichever one you get, you can remove the handles from the sides to make it much easier to pack it into the trunk or tire trailer.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47246
I've been using it for more than five years at the track and in the garage and it hasn't died yet.
If you are a Costco member, you can get this one. It also only goes to 14.75", but the knurled **** that holds the handle on is on the backside of the pump lever. Gives it better clearance:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...rodid=11186866
Whichever one you get, you can remove the handles from the sides to make it much easier to pack it into the trunk or tire trailer.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Touge
Canada Forum
0
08-19-2015 11:00 PM
Touge
Canada Forum
0
08-13-2015 04:48 AM
akagc
RX-8's For Sale/Wanted
7
08-11-2015 07:07 PM
Touge
Canada Forum
0
07-18-2015 05:41 PM