What??

Both Raybestos and Performance Friction recommended i keep the XR3's on the rear while using their compound on the front. PFC doesn't make rears for the rx8. The guy even called me back after the fact to confirm the xr3 would be a suitable rear compound for the PFC01 up front. Raybestos was the same way. They only make rx8 rear pads in special runs and assured me the xr3 would be a fine compliment for the ST-45. Not sure why putting a similar compound from another manufacturer on the rear would be "less optimal".

God forbid i call them after my first track day and have them send me a set of rear pads... I'm not trying to be an *** or anything but this seems like minutia

 

I'm not either, just trying to get the brain gears a whirrin'

agreeing to disagree is no problem, you seem set on the idea and it's your car so be happy

 

Yes, you get the kit at Mazdaspeed.

I have a suggestion for you to consider. If you want to be fast, you need to change this philosophy. It's not about who hits the brakes at the last possible second and stands on them as hard as they should be. It's about getting on the gas faster and rolling through the turn faster.

 

Sometimes yes sometimes no. Is standing on the brakes as hard as you can the fastest away around the track? Not usually. Will standing on the brakes as hard as you can get you by the guy in front of you and allow you to make a pass? Sometimes.

Raybestos does make the rear pads also. Try ordering through Porterfield... they can usually have them made same or next day.

I've had some pretty funky braking with mismatched pads but I have to admit it was usually when the rear pad was more agressive than the front (why I've had to race this way a few time is another story...) . The other way around, less agressive in the rear, is usually not too much of a problem.

 

Absolutely right Magnus. Which goes back to my previous post about why track days and time trialing are different than wheel to wheel . Your scenario happens. It's also the slow way around the corner. It's screws both guys "times" but places you in front of the competitor. Which is the goal. However, JantzenRX-8 question and buildout is referring to track days.

It would be fun to run together someday.

 

Will you be coming to Nationals at Miller this year? If not I can't blame you... Mid Ohio was too far for me these past two years. Miller is a great track and worth the trip!

 

I would like to . It's not the distance that's the problem for me, it's the expense. My budget is tight this year. I was able to do 25 Hrs of Thunderhill with Robert Davis Racing in December. I'm going to have to make the call later in the year. You missed a great race at MidOhio. It was pretty amazing with 4 RX8s in the field. If you ever get a chance to come out, it is still one of my favorite tracks. VIR, MidOh, and Road Atlanta are my top picks so far.

 

Yes, good point, corner speed works.

 

I hear you! I was at the 25 Hour as well... driving an orange BMW Spec E30. Expensive race!

 

Mark or Magnus,

How long did the brakes last and what pads did you use?

Also did you run a Transmission cooler?

I am running the 12hr at NJMP and I do not have a transmission cooler so I am a bit concerned.

For the brakes I AM running cooling ducts.

Stephen

 

For a 12 hour race I think you'd want a differential AND a transmission cooler. I've never done more than a 45 minute race with my RX-8 so I have no direct experience with longer. However, the word on the street is that you really do need a cooler - particularly for the differential - for long races. Maybe you have a differential cooler already?

I usually run Carbotech XP12 brake pads because I like the "feel" they give. However they are not the longest lasting pad. Would probably make it 12 hours if you're not killing the brakes but who knows.

For endurance racing I like the Raybestos ST43 compound brake pads. The last FOREVER. A very "grabby" pad but should last you the entire race. You can order these from Porterfield Enterprises.

 

Diff cooler is a must especially since we have the 5.12 diff in it

Just curious about experience with the tranny. I spoke to one of the guys that worked with speed source today and I got some awesome info from him. And yes he did recommend a tranny cooler. They ran mocal coolers both located in the trunk.

They also had an awesome idea for brake ducts that I am going to try.


Stephen