I'm thinking about running the RX-8 in SCCA AutoX next year (just got it and I'm still breaking it in). I don't have experience with the SCCA rules though I have read over the rules. I used to run a Porsche 944 Turbo in PCA Di class a couple of years ago so I'm pretty familiar with autox in general.

Is the RX-8 competitive? What are we allowed to change in B stock? Of those things we can change what actually makes a difference?

 

Welcome to the rx8 family.

In case you're looking for break-in recommendations, I liked what Racing Beat had to say:
http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm

The RX8 is Very competitive in BStock with a good driver. If you look at some of the results off the solo2 link on scca.com, national tour results, you would see a good number of RX-8's with podium finishes in BS.

SCCA.com has the solo2 rules online, which provides a list of authorized mods. Hopefully this link will work for you:
http://www.scca.com/Solo/Index.asp?I...9810&x=050|070&~=

After you have your 600-1,000 miles on the odometer, maybe you could give autox a try later this summer in stock configuration.

For me, the main things that make a difference are tires and shocks. Lots of other feedback are in other threads in this forum, and the other tech forums.

Good luck to you.

 

It's still competitive, even with bad drivers!

Seriously, though, it's a very good car for the class out of the box.

John V

 

I would venture to say that despite it's success so far, we haven't even seen just how good it really is yet

 

I think we all know that based on what happened Sunday...

 

Yeah, but what does it matter if the drivers still need fixing?

 

Here's the direct link for the rulebook: http://scca.com/_filelibrary/File/2005SoloRules.pdf .

 

Can't argue with you there ... :o

 

You can say that again... this driver does, that's for sure. Every run I actually got slower today at the Devens Tour.

--kC

 

I keep looking for driver fixing kits online...but they just link to more DE events.

 

Here's some real world AutoX results.
http://teamtac.org/archive/2005/Auto...C_2/Final.html

Dennis is a great diver...Im just learning.
Look how they compare to the Corvette.
This was a "fast" course...on a twisty course, the 8 will beat a Corvette since power doesnt factor as high.

 

Local event results don't mean a thing. If you want to see how the 8 stacks up: www.scca.com look at the National tours and Prosolo.

Tours: http://www.scca.com/Solo/NationalTour.asp?IdS=00AD23-C283030&x=050|040&~=

Pros: http://www.scca.com/Solo/ProSolo.asp?IdS=00AD23-C283030&x=050|050&~=

 

Well, it looks like you fixed that today!

And your times look pretty nice compared to otehr classes.

WTG!

 

But the Corvette transitions much better than the RX-8.

 

Yeah, Sundays runs were the polar opposite of Saturdays runs. The car felt excellent and hooked up very well on both days. Thing is I made no changes to the car from Sat to Sunday.. other than to the driver. I just put more time into thinking about the course.

Toledo Pro is going to be fun since the concensus is... that our asphalt at Devens and the Toledo concrete have the same grip.

--kC

 

it just depends who's driving the Vette, not going to happen with a top National driver in a well setup Z06

 

Did you also run in a different direction? (I for one still have to learn to drive better in right turns.)

 

Yes, we ran the course backwards with a few changes.

--kC

 

If you don't want to bother deciphering the SCCA rules, the basics of all stock classes are that you can change:

-air filter (but not intake)
-cat-back exhaust
-tires (r-compound DOT-legal slicks like Kuhmo's or Hoosiers are mandatory to be competitive)
-wheels (must be stock size, offset can vary a bit)
-shocks
-front sway bar
-brake pads

things you can't change that you might wish you could:
-springs
-rear sway
-camber plates
-intake

 

Thanks, so far an enjoyable experience with the car and a friendly community. The RX-8 was the car that most handled like my old PCar and I had some good experience with the old 323 as my first car.

Saw those and I'm trying to follow them but keeping below 4K is tough especially in first. 6th could be a bit taller for better highway cruising but a small point.

Also, trying to gauge when to switch the differential and trans oils out - move to Redline and drain the break-in particles. Any advice?

Well, maybe but beyond just finishing the break-in I've got a house to finish remodelling including the teardown and (hopefully) rebuilding of the master bath. Probably don't have the time until next year.

Yeah, right now in the reading I've done it looks like Konis are the only off the shelf adjustable shocks available. I don't want to go that route if I can help it as I had them on the 944 Turbo and adjusting the rears was always a pain. They ended up staying firm most of the time. I'd like to soften them back up again for the street - the RX-8 is a daily driver.

It looks like Tokico (maker of the stock shock) is coming out with an adjustable for the RX-8 that can be done with them in the car. See http://www.tokicogasshocks.com/new.asp and scroll down - looks to be out sometime this month. These models are available for other cars right now - anybody heard anything about them - good, bad, indifferent?

The same to you too. Thanks.