Anyone using all the bracing?
10-23-2009 | 10:25 PM
#1
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Anyone using all the bracing?
I have seen the GTSPEC and other companies offerings for under body bracing and strut tower bracing.
Has anyone actually installed all the bracing on their RX-8?
If only some of the bracing was installed on your car, which one(s) and why?
If so, how was the ride quality affected with normal daily driving?
I ask, because my nearest track for HPDE or track days is Sebring. I don't want to run that thing with stock suspension and brakes. But, this is also my daily ride. I don't want to feel EVERY bump on the crappy Orlando roads.
Has anyone actually installed all the bracing on their RX-8?
If only some of the bracing was installed on your car, which one(s) and why?
If so, how was the ride quality affected with normal daily driving?
I ask, because my nearest track for HPDE or track days is Sebring. I don't want to run that thing with stock suspension and brakes. But, this is also my daily ride. I don't want to feel EVERY bump on the crappy Orlando roads.
10-23-2009 | 10:47 PM
#2
NO A/C :(
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, MD
No bumps? Aftermarket F/R sways, F/R STRUT BAR, Hawk HP+ PADS and drilled/slotted rotors. A nice set of tires would also help get the job done. The rx8 sticks to the ground stock but if you really need more of a stiffer feel and less roll, then coilovers should be something to think about and then bracing as well but you don't really need the bracing. How hard do you plan on pushing the car since it is your DD. Oh yea, you can go for some lowering springs if you want.
I can tell you now, know what you want. The first few mods I listed will be great for daily driving but coilovers and bracing for your DD might not be right for you unless you don't mind being stiff all over the place lol. Have you had a chance to push the RX8 stock on a track yet? It's pretty good as far as sticking to the ground but there are things you can do to help with body roll.
I can tell you now, know what you want. The first few mods I listed will be great for daily driving but coilovers and bracing for your DD might not be right for you unless you don't mind being stiff all over the place lol. Have you had a chance to push the RX8 stock on a track yet? It's pretty good as far as sticking to the ground but there are things you can do to help with body roll.
10-26-2009 | 12:25 PM
#5
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The first few mods I listed will be great for daily driving but coilovers and bracing for your DD might not be right for you unless you don't mind being stiff all over the place lol. Have you had a chance to push the RX8 stock on a track yet? It's pretty good as far as sticking to the ground but there are things you can do to help with body roll.
I have not had the RX8 on the track yet. A stiff platform would be better for Sebring's track, it seems. I do not have great experience and have only been on Sebring's track as a passenger (ride-along) in a track-prepped fox Mustang.
If all of that underbody bracing does not help, then why is it all made and, apparently, bought?
10-26-2009 | 12:33 PM
#6
No bumps? Aftermarket F/R sways, F/R STRUT BAR, Hawk HP+ PADS and drilled/slotted rotors. A nice set of tires would also help get the job done. The rx8 sticks to the ground stock but if you really need more of a stiffer feel and less roll, then coilovers should be something to think about and then bracing as well but you don't really need the bracing. How hard do you plan on pushing the car since it is your DD. Oh yea, you can go for some lowering springs if you want.
I can tell you now, know what you want. The first few mods I listed will be great for daily driving but coilovers and bracing for your DD might not be right for you unless you don't mind being stiff all over the place lol. Have you had a chance to push the RX8 stock on a track yet? It's pretty good as far as sticking to the ground but there are things you can do to help with body roll.
I can tell you now, know what you want. The first few mods I listed will be great for daily driving but coilovers and bracing for your DD might not be right for you unless you don't mind being stiff all over the place lol. Have you had a chance to push the RX8 stock on a track yet? It's pretty good as far as sticking to the ground but there are things you can do to help with body roll.
Have you ever used Drilled/Slotted rotors on the track? They will crack.
Dimpled/Slotted are better, such as the ones from Racing Beat. But DO NOT get drilled rotors if you want to track.
10-26-2009 | 12:46 PM
#7
I have seen the GTSPEC and other companies offerings for under body bracing and strut tower bracing.
Has anyone actually installed all the bracing on their RX-8?
If only some of the bracing was installed on your car, which one(s) and why?
If so, how was the ride quality affected with normal daily driving?
I ask, because my nearest track for HPDE or track days is Sebring. I don't want to run that thing with stock suspension and brakes. But, this is also my daily ride. I don't want to feel EVERY bump on the crappy Orlando roads.
Has anyone actually installed all the bracing on their RX-8?
If only some of the bracing was installed on your car, which one(s) and why?
If so, how was the ride quality affected with normal daily driving?
I ask, because my nearest track for HPDE or track days is Sebring. I don't want to run that thing with stock suspension and brakes. But, this is also my daily ride. I don't want to feel EVERY bump on the crappy Orlando roads.
I am located in Orlando as well, maybe one day we can schedule a day where we can go for a ride in my car.
The car as it handles now is on rails and I love it, if you are going to roebling Road you should come and see some of the best in the SE that track their cars out there.
Lots of good people and great knowledge from those that are dedicated track fanatics.
If you want to ride along with me up there you can. Nov. 7th!
Last edited by Race Roots; 10-26-2009 at 03:06 PM.
10-26-2009 | 02:03 PM
#8
i got the full set of underbracing and also the autoexe 4pt rear strut, soon to pick up the 6pt front.
my impression so far is that it doesnt change the handling characteristics of the car that much but there is a notable difference. I feel like since the body is much more rigid now the car body rolls alot more, where as before it would flex a little bit more and compensate. so my next step is to grab some stiffer springs and shocks probably coilovers. Im running koni yellows with tein stechs right now.
I dont have sway bars yet but since they tend to affect the characteristics of the car the most im probably not going to get any until i can land some faster laptimes
my impression so far is that it doesnt change the handling characteristics of the car that much but there is a notable difference. I feel like since the body is much more rigid now the car body rolls alot more, where as before it would flex a little bit more and compensate. so my next step is to grab some stiffer springs and shocks probably coilovers. Im running koni yellows with tein stechs right now.
I dont have sway bars yet but since they tend to affect the characteristics of the car the most im probably not going to get any until i can land some faster laptimes
Last edited by c0ldf1ame; 10-26-2009 at 03:26 PM.
10-26-2009 | 03:14 PM
#11
10-26-2009 | 03:21 PM
#12
10-26-2009 | 04:07 PM
#13
10-27-2009 | 06:38 PM
#14
NO A/C :(
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, MD
Have you ever used Hawk HP+ Pads on the track? They will fade, squeak, and make you lose confidence.
Have you ever used Drilled/Slotted rotors on the track? They will crack.
Dimpled/Slotted are better, such as the ones from Racing Beat. But DO NOT get drilled rotors if you want to track.
Have you ever used Drilled/Slotted rotors on the track? They will crack.
Dimpled/Slotted are better, such as the ones from Racing Beat. But DO NOT get drilled rotors if you want to track.
Last edited by bhop; 10-27-2009 at 06:41 PM.
10-27-2009 | 06:48 PM
#15
^Yes, alot of people use the HP+ Pads on the track. So far I have put a season of AutoCross on them and 4 Track days. They will be fine for track but they are not the best choice. I have another track weekend comming up next weekend and I'll be on the HP+ again, unfortunately.
10-27-2009 | 07:01 PM
#16
NO A/C :(
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, MD
^Yes, alot of people use the HP+ Pads on the track. So far I have put a season of AutoCross on them and 4 Track days. They will be fine for track but they are not the best choice. I have another track weekend comming up next weekend and I'll be on the HP+ again, unfortunately.
I use slotted and HP's but my RX8 is my DD, well almost my DD. I just have not got used to the bracing idea. I do use sways, struts, coilovers, upgraded tires, control arms and almost all suspension components you would see in a track only type of car. I am slacking on the brakes though but they start to cost if you really put them to the test all the time like I do lol.
10-27-2009 | 07:19 PM
#17
What a coincidence. Did someone say full bracing?
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/fs-full-under-car-chassis-bracing-carbing-front-mid-rear-185330/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/fs-full-under-car-chassis-bracing-carbing-front-mid-rear-185330/
10-27-2009 | 09:13 PM
#18
slapping on parts to your car doesn't make you fast, i would suggest OP to go to the track with stock tires and suspension, and tune out what he doesn't like, that way he can feel the changes to the mods that he does
on the tangent of brake disks, my friend with powerslot rotors cracked his on the track about a month back, he was running pretty hardcore pads though
on the tangent of brake disks, my friend with powerslot rotors cracked his on the track about a month back, he was running pretty hardcore pads though
10-28-2009 | 02:28 AM
#19
I have/had all the bracing, literally. I can't think of anyone with the degree of bracing apart from a full on race car and the car is so stiff that you can notice slight fractures on anything that has been over tightened or I notice a few nuts here and there becoming loose due to vibrations. Even though its minor, it is something that should be discussed.
I have the full Auto Exe under brace kit, the additional 2 under bracing pieces for the front and rear A arms, the AutoExe trunk brace and the 6 point strut brace. On top of all that I also have a 4/point roll bar installed. All of that on the HKS Hipermax II (JDM only) coils, adjustable Progress Tech sways front and rear as well as the AP racing endlinks.
With my NT01s I couldn't break through a corner if I wanted to. The car just doesn't have the power to spin out a car that planted on tires that sticky through just about any corner I threw it at. It makes quite a difference of you do any racing. People who say it changes nothing are the same people who put it on their car only because it is pretty.
The most noteable changes come from good tires. With my NT01s I'd run circles with someone with coil overs and sh*tty tires like 615s with the stock suspension. The next thing that made the most difference was the coils. As far as my my trunk brace goes it was hard to notice a difference because I already had the 4 point cage which achieved a similar effect. One thing to warn is don't just get all this done, throw everything on the stiffest setting and go romping around. You'll regret it. There is a such thing as too stiff.. You'll end up bracking more parts if the car has no give. Something WILL go eventually.
I have the full Auto Exe under brace kit, the additional 2 under bracing pieces for the front and rear A arms, the AutoExe trunk brace and the 6 point strut brace. On top of all that I also have a 4/point roll bar installed. All of that on the HKS Hipermax II (JDM only) coils, adjustable Progress Tech sways front and rear as well as the AP racing endlinks.
With my NT01s I couldn't break through a corner if I wanted to. The car just doesn't have the power to spin out a car that planted on tires that sticky through just about any corner I threw it at. It makes quite a difference of you do any racing. People who say it changes nothing are the same people who put it on their car only because it is pretty.
The most noteable changes come from good tires. With my NT01s I'd run circles with someone with coil overs and sh*tty tires like 615s with the stock suspension. The next thing that made the most difference was the coils. As far as my my trunk brace goes it was hard to notice a difference because I already had the 4 point cage which achieved a similar effect. One thing to warn is don't just get all this done, throw everything on the stiffest setting and go romping around. You'll regret it. There is a such thing as too stiff.. You'll end up bracking more parts if the car has no give. Something WILL go eventually.
10-28-2009 | 08:36 AM
#20
+1 track your car first, then add **** as you feel its needed.
10-28-2009 | 08:45 AM
#21
NO A/C :(
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, MD
True, and it was already suggested that he is better off going to the track stock and then......
Nice sticky tires are one of the best mods and even sways would not hurt for starters. Although it has already been suggested, he said in the OP that he does not want to go to the track with stock suspension, oh well.
Nice sticky tires are one of the best mods and even sways would not hurt for starters. Although it has already been suggested, he said in the OP that he does not want to go to the track with stock suspension, oh well.
10-28-2009 | 11:42 AM
#22
I have/had all the bracing, literally. I can't think of anyone with the degree of bracing apart from a full on race car and the car is so stiff that you can notice slight fractures on anything that has been over tightened or I notice a few nuts here and there becoming loose due to vibrations. Even though its minor, it is something that should be discussed.
I have the full Auto Exe under brace kit, the additional 2 under bracing pieces for the front and rear A arms, the AutoExe trunk brace and the 6 point strut brace. On top of all that I also have a 4/point roll bar installed. All of that on the HKS Hipermax II (JDM only) coils, adjustable Progress Tech sways front and rear as well as the AP racing endlinks.
With my NT01s I couldn't break through a corner if I wanted to. The car just doesn't have the power to spin out a car that planted on tires that sticky through just about any corner I threw it at. It makes quite a difference of you do any racing. People who say it changes nothing are the same people who put it on their car only because it is pretty.
The most noteable changes come from good tires. With my NT01s I'd run circles with someone with coil overs and sh*tty tires like 615s with the stock suspension. The next thing that made the most difference was the coils. As far as my my trunk brace goes it was hard to notice a difference because I already had the 4 point cage which achieved a similar effect. One thing to warn is don't just get all this done, throw everything on the stiffest setting and go romping around. You'll regret it. There is a such thing as too stiff.. You'll end up bracking more parts if the car has no give. Something WILL go eventually.
I have the full Auto Exe under brace kit, the additional 2 under bracing pieces for the front and rear A arms, the AutoExe trunk brace and the 6 point strut brace. On top of all that I also have a 4/point roll bar installed. All of that on the HKS Hipermax II (JDM only) coils, adjustable Progress Tech sways front and rear as well as the AP racing endlinks.
With my NT01s I couldn't break through a corner if I wanted to. The car just doesn't have the power to spin out a car that planted on tires that sticky through just about any corner I threw it at. It makes quite a difference of you do any racing. People who say it changes nothing are the same people who put it on their car only because it is pretty.
The most noteable changes come from good tires. With my NT01s I'd run circles with someone with coil overs and sh*tty tires like 615s with the stock suspension. The next thing that made the most difference was the coils. As far as my my trunk brace goes it was hard to notice a difference because I already had the 4 point cage which achieved a similar effect. One thing to warn is don't just get all this done, throw everything on the stiffest setting and go romping around. You'll regret it. There is a such thing as too stiff.. You'll end up bracking more parts if the car has no give. Something WILL go eventually.
but not quick enough for eclipses...