Hello.

I'm currently active in local HPDE lapping days. I'm an SCCA Regional licensed driver and I enjoy tracking my daily driver about every other month at local road course venues.

I'm driving an '05 WRX Wagon with stage II power modifications (UP/Down pipe and ECU flash) on Swift springs, slightly larger rear sway bar, aftermarket endlinks all around, strut bars riding on 225/45/17 Hankook RS2 Z212's for lapping days. Brakes are OEM calipers with Hawk HP Plus pads all around with SS lines and freshly bled Motul before every lapping day.

I'm really happy with the setup. It performs very nicely as a daily driver/ track crossover. Problem is sustainability. I'm overwhelming the brakes. Stepping up to a true race pad involves greater frequency of parts replacement. I've already made provisions for a step up to a track pad (brake duct cooling and DBA 4000 rotors), but now my OEM struts have given up, so I need to step up to some Koni inserts..... blah blah blah... long story short, I'm getting tired of modding. I've been modding cars for a few years now to serve different purposes and I want to simplify my life. I just want to bleed brakes before a lapping day and be done with track prep.

Those of you lapping RX8's. How are you finding your OEM suspension and brakes (calipers and rotors) holding up to lapping days. Are you satisfied with the OEM performance of these items? What mods are you guys doing to increase handling and braking performance.

My want would be to simply put in some Hawk HP Plus (or similar) pads, bleed brakes the day before a lapping event and be done with track prep (and be satisfied with track performance). Will the RX8 platform be a step in the right direction?

You know that you will always want to tinker :D: Human nature..

The stock RX-8 is great on the track...

Brakes are good with just pad/fluid upgrades..you will notice a big difference over your Subaru...esp on component life....the Subi's eat brakes.

You will notice the power level is much different on the RX-8 though..and the RWD will be different than the Subi. You will have to drive it different...

The RX-8 with new sways and spring/shocks, or coilovers is awesome...you get rid of the body roll...and tighten it up nice.

Don't get me wrong.....if you are doing 4-5 a year.......the stock suspension will be great!

friend of mine's got an rx8 that sees 8-10 track days a year, since late 03, car has 26-27k on it now, and its held up. brakes are fine, power is ok (car is 100% stock), handling is really really easy.

the only thing id recommend changing are the stock bridgestones, right now, theres still tread left, but after 2-3 laps its like driving on ice....

You know that you will always want to tinker :D: Human nature..

The stock RX-8 is great on the track...

Brakes are good with just pad/fluid upgrades..you will notice a big difference over your Subaru...esp on component life....the Subi's eat brakes.

You will notice the power level is much different on the RX-8 though..and the RWD will be different than the Subi. You will have to drive it different...

The RX-8 with new sways and spring/shocks, or coilovers is awesome...you get rid of the body roll...and tighten it up nice.

Don't get me wrong.....if you are doing 4-5 a year.......the stock suspension will be great!

You are absolutely correct about the tinkering. I lapped just fine in the wagon on stock suspension (with less satisfaction). I began tinkering and now I'm falling into the cylce once again. Very happy with the performance of the mods, just want to get out of the modding trend altogether.

I just want to guage how good of a baseline the stock RX8 offers and from what I've read (and I've driven one recently on a road test), I think it would be pretty satisfying.

Hello. Apologies for double posting this (I also posted in the brakes/suspension forum, but I thought my question might get some more response here)....

I'm currently active in local HPDE lapping days. I'm an SCCA Regional licensed driver and I enjoy tracking my daily driver about every other month at local road course venues.

I'm driving an '05 WRX Wagon with stage II power modifications (UP/Down pipe and ECU flash) on Swift springs, slightly larger rear sway bar, aftermarket endlinks all around, strut bars riding on 225/45/17 Hankook RS2 Z212's for lapping days. Brakes are OEM calipers with Hawk HP Plus pads all around with SS lines and freshly bled Motul before every lapping day.

I'm really happy with the setup. It performs very nicely as a daily driver/ track crossover. Problem is sustainability. I'm overwhelming the brakes. Stepping up to a true race pad involves greater frequency of parts replacement. I've already made provisions for a step up to a track pad (brake duct cooling and DBA 4000 rotors), but now my OEM struts have given up, so I need to step up to some Koni inserts..... blah blah blah... long story short, I'm getting tired of modding. I've been modding cars for a few years now to serve different purposes and I want to simplify my life. I just want to bleed brakes before a lapping day and be done with track prep.

Those of you lapping RX8's. How are you finding your OEM suspension and brakes (calipers and rotors) holding up to lapping days. Are you satisfied with the OEM performance of these items? What mods are you guys doing to increase handling and braking performance.

My want would be to simply put in some Hawk HP Plus (or similar) pads, bleed brakes the day before a lapping event and be done with track prep (and be satisfied with track performance). Will the RX8 platform be a step in the right direction?

I have 9 track days this year in a nearly bone stock 2004 RX-8 (which is for sale, shameless plug...). In it's stock form, the car is VERY competent on track while still being very comfortable on the street.

My modifications:
- Voodoo shift knob (just the knob, no short shifter needed IMHO)
- CG Lock seatbelt locks
- Carbotech Bobcat brake pads for street
- Carbotech XP-8 front brake pads for track (Bobcats on the rear)
- Ford HD DOT3 brake fluid, flushed after every 4 track days
- 17x9 wheels with Nitto NT01 R compound tires
- "Performance alignment"

Everything else is stock - shocks, sway bars, exhaust, intake, etc. I've tracked the car this year with 3 different tire combinations
- 18x9 wheels with 245/40/18 Azenis 615
- 18x8 OEM wheels with 245/35/18 Kumho V710
- 17x9 wheels with 245/45/17 Nittos mentioned above.

What I've used up/broken this year
- 1 set of rear OEM brake pads. They were fine with track pads in the front, they just wore quickly. I replaced them after 4 track days (car had 19K miles on it at the time)
- 1 set of front rotors. I had them turned for use on the street, but I swap in a new set of OEM front rotors for track days. Once the rotor set screw is eliminated, it takes me about 5 min longer per side to swap rotors when I'm swapping in the track pads.
- 1 set of spark plugs. Newer ECU flashes are helping with that.

I haven't had problems with it yet, but the ignition coils are also a potential failure under the extreme heat conditions on track.

SouthFL, sounds like youre having fun with the subie. Ive done 2.5 yrs of tracking the RX8, most of it with a stock car. Brakes are amazing, they just take the punishment wo-complaint. They do get hot of course, so I gave them some brake cooling ducts. Suspension is stock, with WL says and an Autoexe front-rear strut bars. It works pretty well, but I can see where a better suspension setup would help. Just more work to maintain, not as good street ride.

This yr I got Halk plus pads and front 2piece rotors just for grins. Didnt notice much actual performance dif, just cooler running. RX8 is a good car to mix street and track wo much work. Its happy in both environments as is.

I have 9 track days this year in a nearly bone stock 2004 RX-8 (which is for sale, shameless plug...). In it's stock form, the car is VERY competent on track while still being very comfortable on the street.

My modifications:
- Voodoo shift knob (just the knob, no short shifter needed IMHO)
- CG Lock seatbelt locks
- Carbotech Bobcat brake pads for street
- Carbotech XP-8 front brake pads for track (Bobcats on the rear)
- Ford HD DOT3 brake fluid, flushed after every 4 track days
- 17x9 wheels with Nitto NT01 R compound tires
- "Performance alignment"

Everything else is stock - shocks, sway bars, exhaust, intake, etc. I've tracked the car this year with 3 different tire combinations
- 18x9 wheels with 245/40/18 Azenis 615
- 18x8 OEM wheels with 245/35/18 Kumho V710
- 17x9 wheels with 245/45/17 Nittos mentioned above.

What I've used up/broken this year
- 1 set of rear OEM brake pads. They were fine with track pads in the front, they just wore quickly. I replaced them after 4 track days (car had 19K miles on it at the time)
- 1 set of front rotors. I had them turned for use on the street, but I swap in a new set of OEM front rotors for track days. Once the rotor set screw is eliminated, it takes me about 5 min longer per side to swap rotors when I'm swapping in the track pads.
- 1 set of spark plugs. Newer ECU flashes are helping with that.

I haven't had problems with it yet, but the ignition coils are also a potential failure under the extreme heat conditions on track.
This is exatcly the info I'm looking for. Thank you very much.
Did you ever encounter any fade with your brake setup?

SouthFL, sounds like youre having fun with the subie. Ive done 2.5 yrs of tracking the RX8, most of it with a stock car. Brakes are amazing, they just take the punishment wo-complaint. They do get hot of course, so I gave them some brake cooling ducts. Suspension is stock, with WL says and an Autoexe front-rear strut bars. It works pretty well, but I can see where a better suspension setup would help. Just more work to maintain, not as good street ride.

This yr I got Halk plus pads and front 2piece rotors just for grins. Didnt notice much actual performance dif, just cooler running. RX8 is a good car to mix street and track wo much work. Its happy in both environments as is.

I was getting away with running HP Plus pads at stock vehicle power level and at introductory driver level. They simply don't cut it anymore (on the wagon). Lately I've been experiencing fade when I step out of any sort of disciplined brake zone timing.
Again, I can continue modding the wagon to do what I want it to do in terms of brake sustainability, but this is counteractive to my big picture desire of not needing to mod.

the stock brakes on the 8 is big enough (13" on the front, 12" on the rear?) and the car being relatively light (<= 3000 lbs give or take), that upgraded pads and fluids should be able to handle your track use in an otherwise near-stock RX8.

they really overengineered the brakes on this thing, at least for street use it is overengineered lol

the stock brakes on the 8 is big enough (13" on the front, 12" on the rear?) and the car being relatively light (<= 3000 lbs give or take), that upgraded pads and fluids should be able to handle your track use in an otherwise near-stock RX8.

they really overengineered the brakes on this thing, at least for street use it is overengineered lol
That's what I want to hear. My car is over 200 lbs heavier and has a 294mm (11.545") rotor up front. Again, I can do a BBK, but that would be more modding.

Brakes should be fine with a dedicated track pad and DOT3+ fluid. You will definetely miss the power/torque going from a stage 2 WRX to the RX8.

Brakes should be fine with a dedicated track pad and DOT3+ fluid. You will definetely miss the power/torque going from a stage 2 WRX to the RX8.

That's fine.
I've also established a trend over the years of going from higher to lower powered cars. I had a 460rwhp (~540 crank) daily driven Fbod a couple years ago.

This is exatcly the info I'm looking for. Thank you very much.
Did you ever encounter any fade with your brake setup?

Never. Not one time. The worst I've seen is some additional pedal travel with some tired fluid, but my braking capacity was still very strong. I'm not exactly easy on the brakes either. The car has outstanding brakes.

You will miss the hp/tq of the Subie, but IMO, the driving dynamics of the RX-8 are worlds better than the standard WRX. Steering feel, brakes, shifter - all are just more friendly on the RX-8 than the Subie.

One other thing to note - if you do choose to use R-Comps on the track, you don't need a tire trailer. 4 wheels and tires fit nicely in the back seat of the RX-8. I've astounded friends with how much stuff I've fit in the car. I can fit my tires, track tools, jack, helmet, cooler, clothes, and camping equipment in the car with room to spare. It takes me forever to pack the car, but that's an acceptable tradeoff.

Never. Not one time. The worst I've seen is some additional pedal travel with some tired fluid, but my braking capacity was still very strong. I'm not exactly easy on the brakes either. The car has outstanding brakes.

You will miss the hp/tq of the Subie, but IMO, the driving dynamics of the RX-8 are worlds better than the standard WRX. Steering feel, brakes, shifter - all are just more friendly on the RX-8 than the Subie.

One other thing to note - if you do choose to use R-Comps on the track, you don't need a tire trailer. 4 wheels and tires fit nicely in the back seat of the RX-8. I've astounded friends with how much stuff I've fit in the car. I can fit my tires, track tools, jack, helmet, cooler, clothes, and camping equipment in the car with room to spare. It takes me forever to pack the car, but that's an acceptable tradeoff.

How do you fit an extra set of wheels in the backseats? I just picked up a set of 17X9.5 Enkeis and I couldn't for the life of me stuff all 4 in the backseats. I ended up putting 1 in the trunk. Do you stand them up side by side? Maybe because the wheels had 275 tires on them they didn't fit.

Never. Not one time. The worst I've seen is some additional pedal travel with some tired fluid, but my braking capacity was still very strong. I'm not exactly easy on the brakes either. The car has outstanding brakes.

You will miss the hp/tq of the Subie, but IMO, the driving dynamics of the RX-8 are worlds better than the standard WRX. Steering feel, brakes, shifter - all are just more friendly on the RX-8 than the Subie.

One other thing to note - if you do choose to use R-Comps on the track, you don't need a tire trailer. 4 wheels and tires fit nicely in the back seat of the RX-8. I've astounded friends with how much stuff I've fit in the car. I can fit my tires, track tools, jack, helmet, cooler, clothes, and camping equipment in the car with room to spare. It takes me forever to pack the car, but that's an acceptable tradeoff.
This all sounds very good.

From my RX8 test drive experience, I agree on the dynamics and overall feel comment. There is far greater feedback on all levels in the RX8. I was also expecting a torqueless power deilvery, but proper gear selection to stay within the powerband yielded very pleasing power output and I was not disappointed.

The only thing I will miss are the comments I get from other drivers when they walk up to me in the paddocks and say "how the hell did you keep up/pass me with that wagon!" ;) It's quite a sleeper.

I do stand them up, side by side. I have each tire wrapped in 2 industrial garbage can liners to keep the interior of the car clean, but I have room to spare with a 245 on a 9" wheel. I know that Aaron Buckley fit 4 275's in the back of Brian Hertweck's car, but that was on 8" wide rims.

The combo of the 275 on a 9.5" rim may be just too much.

I do stand them up, side by side. I have each tire wrapped in 2 industrial garbage can liners to keep the interior of the car clean, but I have room to spare with a 245 on a 9" wheel. I know that Aaron Buckley fit 4 275's in the back of Brian Hertweck's car, but that was on 8" wide rims.

The combo of the 275 on a 9.5" rim may be just too much.

Thanks for the info, I thought I could fit them side by side. I got them in with one partially sitting on top of the center console and then I realized I couldn't close the door. I will be running street tires so I'll just change the stock wheels to the 275's in the garage and drive out to the event ready to go.

cosmos, your overall diameter should be up about 3.7% over the 245/35-18s that I stuff in the back, but they should still fit. The trick is to stand them up, but get the back ones far enough back and inboard that the half doors will close. Typically, this means that the seatbacks are what is actually keeping the tires from falling forward.

I'd also recommend getting something to protect the rear center console. The previous owner of my car didn't, and I've got the scratches to prove it. I now use a large padded pet blanket that I bought from Jon's company (Afterthoughts Automotive (http://www.afterthoughtsauto.com/pet-pad.html)) to minimize the damage to the rear console.

cosmos, your overall diameter should be up about 3.7% over the 245/35-18s that I stuff in the back, but they should still fit. The trick is to stand them up, but get the back ones far enough back and inboard that the half doors will close. Typically, this means that the seatbacks are what is actually keeping the tires from falling forward.

I'd also recommend getting something to protect the rear center console. The previous owner of my car didn't, and I've got the scratches to prove it. I now use a large padded pet blanket that I bought from Jon's company (Afterthoughts Automotive (http://www.afterthoughtsauto.com/pet-pad.html)) to minimize the damage to the rear console.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. However, I'll probably just throw all 4 into the back of the Pilot and take them to wherever to get the street tires put on. I may have to change tires at the track one day but hopefully not this coming season.

I think baseline...it is one of the most fun cars I have driven.

I've lapped my car 10 times this past summer, it's been really fun except for the getting pulled by almost everything in the straights. The thing you really need is just brake fluid as I have boiled the stock fluid on a hot summer day. Other than that even the stock pads work great. There's another thing I don't like about the car, gas mileage, it's already bad for normal driving, but lapping is another beast of it's own. The most damage I've done is after filling up right outside the track, lapped 130kms ~= 78 miles and the low fuel light came on. Nevertheless I burned two tanks of gas at the track that day

Awe...come on...you don't like 6mpg :D: LOL The 8 isn't really that much worse that anyting else though....my buddies Subaru geta about 7.....and it's FUGLY :)

Went out today and purchased the last '06 on the lot.
So, what's a good street/track alignment?

Do a search :)....I'll say it first cause you will get it a lot if you don't search before you ask an asked question

try the wheels tires suspension and the Competition Forums!

Congrats on the new baby!

STock EVO gets 5-6mpg if it makes you feel any better.

Great...I feel way better now :) My wallet was severly depleted by the fuel bills this summer.....I think I spent as much as fuel as I did on the track days.

Still the best s**T eating grins for any amount of money!

^
Thanks. I'm very familiar to "do a search" response. Been around. ;)
Just thought I'd get a quick answer.

Thanks on the congrats. Happy to join the club. Cheers.

I've lapped my car 10 times this past summer, it's been really fun except for the getting pulled by almost everything in the straights. The thing you really need is just brake fluid as I have boiled the stock fluid on a hot summer day. Other than that even the stock pads work great. There's another thing I don't like about the car, gas mileage, it's already bad for normal driving, but lapping is another beast of it's own. The most damage I've done is after filling up right outside the track, lapped 130kms ~= 78 miles and the low fuel light came on. Nevertheless I burned two tanks of gas at the track that day

Yeah, that's something that I'll need to get used to, but I had the same experience when the wagon was stock (similar acceleration to the RX8).

I'll need to get used to it because I bought an RX8 yesterday. :)

I have a lapping day coming up on Dec. 17th

So, I've already ordered some HAWK HP Plus pads for both front and rear (I like to use the same pad compound, f/r to establish a baseline on my first outing). It seems like lots of the PDE guys here use a staggered compound for front and rear, so that may be what I end up using.

I'll be flushing the brakes with ATE Super Blue, since I have a decent supply of it in my garage.

I'm going to try this alignment (or similar) which I found on these boards.

Camber: 1.3" front and 1.5" rear (this was as much as we could get in both cases)
6.8 Caster
0 toe front and 1/16" rear

Any other suggestions?

have a lapping day coming up on Dec. 17th

So, I've already ordered some HAWK HP Plus pads for both front and rear (I like to use the same pad compound, f/r to establish a baseline on my first outing). It seems like lots of the PDE guys here use a staggered compound for front and rear, so that may be what I end up using.

I'll be flushing the brakes with ATE Super Blue, since I have a decent supply of it in my garage.

I'm going to try this alignment (or similar) which I found on these boards.

Camber: 1.3" front and 1.5" rear (this was as much as we could get in both cases)
6.8 Caster
0 toe front and 1/16" rear

Any other suggestions?

That looks OK for a baseline alignment.....

I'm jealous...unless I drive to Cali or something...I'm stuck in crappy weather with no track days until Mar :(

have a lapping day coming up on Dec. 17th

So, I've already ordered some HAWK HP Plus pads for both front and rear (I like to use the same pad compound, f/r to establish a baseline on my first outing). It seems like lots of the PDE guys here use a staggered compound for front and rear, so that may be what I end up using.

I'll be flushing the brakes with ATE Super Blue, since I have a decent supply of it in my garage.

I'm going to try this alignment (or similar) which I found on these boards.



Any other suggestions?
I used HP+'s for a long time, and finally was using them up, and had other problems. I went to the Carbotechs and have loved them, streetable but also great for the track

I used HP+'s for a long time, and finally was using them up, and had other problems. I went to the Carbotechs and have loved them, streetable but also great for the track

Were they overheating (crumbling)? Killing your rotors? Fading? What was wrong with them? I've used them for about a year now and I'm OK with their performance, and I did go beyond their limits as the car's power increased and drove faster in general (but that was on another platform).

In your previous post you mentioned getting fade with the HP+. With you being an SCCA regional driver I doubt that you won't experience the same with the RX8. If you drive it hard I guarantee that they will fade.

For what it's worth I use Hawk HT-14's on the front and Hawk blues on the rear.
Zero fade and they stop NOW! I also stick with the cheap stuff for fluid, Ford HD, you can't beat it for the price.

You also might want to try a little toe out on the front. It will help the car turn in a little better but it is all driver preference. Good Luck you will love tracking the RX8.

In your previous post you mentioned getting fade with the HP+. With you being an SCCA regional driver I doubt that you won't experience the same with the RX8. If you drive it hard I guarantee that they will fade.

For what it's worth I use Hawk HT-14's on the front and Hawk blues on the rear.
Zero fade and they stop NOW! I also stick with the cheap stuff for fluid, Ford HD, you can't beat it for the price.

You also might want to try a little toe out on the front. It will help the car turn in a little better but it is all driver preference. Good Luck you will love tracking the RX8.

I guess I was hoping I could be lazy and get away with a hybrid pad and not have to swap. Coincidentally, my local RX8 shop just called me to confirm my HP Plus order and suggested that I do use a staggered compound setup (front/rear), as they had just consulted with HAWK for my order. Problem is that if I use an HP Plus up front, this leaves me with an HPS in back and I honestly don't think that's going to cut it. Looks like I might have to go with a track pad up front afterall.

Were they overheating (crumbling)? Killing your rotors? Fading? What was wrong with them? I've used them for about a year now and I'm OK with their performance, and I did go beyond their limits as the car's power increased and drove faster in general (but that was on another platform).
crumbling and fading. I was just going too fast for them, which was kind of a ego boost :)

crumbling and fading. I was just going too fast for them, which was kind of a ego boost :)

Thanks.

I think I'll try either of the following setups then:

Porterfield R4 Front (Swap to an R4S for the street)
Porterfield R4S Rear

or

Carbotech XP10 Front (Swap to an XP8 for the street)
Carbotech XP8 Rear

or

Hawk Blue Front (Swap to an HP Plus for the street)
Hawk HP Plus Rear

Everything else is stock - shocks, sway bars, exhaust, intake, etc. I've tracked the car this year with 3 different tire combinations
- 18x9 wheels with 245/40/18 Azenis 615
- 18x8 OEM wheels with 245/35/18 Kumho V710
- 17x9 wheels with 245/45/17 Nittos mentioned above.


How was the stock suspension with the Kumho's? I tracked my car this year with the stock Bridgestone's and it was fine. I just got a spare set of wheels and I'm looking for some track tires. My only concern was that the extra grip might make me wish I'd upgraded the suspension. Any thoughts on that?

Also, how did the 710's hold up on the track? I was under the impression that they are so soft they'd wear out extremely quickly. I've been torn between putting autocross tires and track tires on my spare wheels. If the 710's will hold up on the track that would be easiest.

Unless you are a crazy dude on brakes...you could probably use HP+/HPS combo...or HP+ on all 4 as a start. You have to get the brakes real hot before your going to kill the HP+'s

I used HPS my first year...and found they were good except at my home track that is hellish on brakes.......no time to cool them off. I had some fade in an hour run group near the end...other than that they fared OK

Since then i have gone to 2PC rotors and 4pots in the front with Blacks, and HP+ on the rear. I haven't had any fade, deposits or problems with this setup.

I have run down Porche 997's, STI's 350's consistantly in the braking zones...and had an instructor with a severely modified M3 almost have a heart attack at my choice of braking markers on the first run group of the day. His comments were " If I did that in my car...I would have been off the track"

Thanks.

I think I'll try either of the following setups then:

Porterfield R4 Front (Swap to an R4S for the street)
Porterfield R4S Rear

or

Carbotech XP10 Front (Swap to an XP8 for the street)
Carbotech XP8 Rear

or

Hawk Blue Front (Swap to an HP Plus for the street)
Hawk HP Plus Rear
i dont know if you would need a blue, plus the dust on those eats the finish on both the wheels and the car

How was the stock suspension with the Kumho's? I tracked my car this year with the stock Bridgestone's and it was fine. I just got a spare set of wheels and I'm looking for some track tires. My only concern was that the extra grip might make me wish I'd upgraded the suspension. Any thoughts on that?

Also, how did the 710's hold up on the track? I was under the impression that they are so soft they'd wear out extremely quickly. I've been torn between putting autocross tires and track tires on my spare wheels. If the 710's will hold up on the track that would be easiest.

On both the Kumhos and the Nittos, the body roll is a little more pronounced, and because of that, the car transitions a little more slowly. It's nothing that you won't adjust to in a lap or two. If I was running a better shock (off-the-shelf Koni sports, for example) I'm sure the car would be a little more crisp.

Lots of folks use the V710 on track, but they definitely don't last that long. This was my first event on them, and I saw no noticable wear with one cool track day.

My Corvette friends who run them generally get 6-8 days out of them. Yes, 6-8 days. They are good, but they definitely wear extremely quickly. Since I don't auto-x very much any more (the real purpose for purchasing the V710s to start with), I'll probably run them for 2 or 3 more weekends and trash them. Fortunately, the RX-8 is very friendly on tire wear.

If you liked the car with stock Bridgestones on track, you'll absolutely love it with sticker rubber, even stickier street tires will seem great.

Thanks.

I think I'll try either of the following setups then:

Porterfield R4 Front (Swap to an R4S for the street)
Porterfield R4S Rear

or

Carbotech XP10 Front (Swap to an XP8 for the street)
Carbotech XP8 Rear

or

Hawk Blue Front (Swap to an HP Plus for the street)
Hawk HP Plus Rear

I'm a Carbotech fan, and that's what I have the most experience with. I do not recommend the XP8 on the street for daily driving. They're loud and they wear quickly on the street. I think the XP10-XP8 combo would be very good on track, but if you're looking to minimize track prep, I'd suggest my setup. Carbotech Bobcats at all 4 corners for street and swap the front for XP8's for track. The car is light enough for an XP8 to be very effective.

I've run Hawk Blues on another car and while excellent on track, they're downright frightening on the street, even just for the drive to and from the track. The just don't work when cold. The other unfortunate by-product of the Blues is the corrosive brake dust. If you don't wash the dust off your wheels within a day or two, it will rust and start to take a serious toll on the finish of your wheels. A friend and I absolutely ruined the clearcoat on a set of track wheels after one weekend. Good thing they were ugly track wheels to start with.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

I spoke with Mazdatrix earlier this evening and they suggested simply trying out HP Plus front and back as a baseline (which was my original plan). That's what I'm going to do.

I would only use ceramic brakes.

I switched rotors to slots and had them Cryo treated.

Many track days and no maintence.

you will need Racing Beat sways and their intake plus a RP Cat.

that's it otherwise you are going back to MODDING!

Welcome to the club.

i would agree with dan the car is more fun to drive then my 400whp car

I would only use ceramic brakes.

I switched rotors to slots and had them Cryo treated.

Many track days and no maintence.

you will need Racing Beat sways and their intake plus a RP Cat.

that's it otherwise you are going back to MODDING!

Welcome to the club.
Hehehe- that is intro to modding! It's a slippery slope.

Took the RX8 out today for my first session of spirited driving on roads which I know pretty well (same roads I used to flog the WRX wagon on).

Within 5 minutes of seat time I was driving harder, shifting better on the rev match braking, braking later and holding a line with more precision than I was ever able to with the WRX. The RX8 is absolutely set up beautifully from the factory. Just enough horsepower to keep things entertaining. I was absolutely elated with my purchase after a few miles of driving.

All I got was a drive around town in the slush ...pouts :(

:mdrmed: SouthFL looks like you're off to a good start with your 8.

If you're looking for track tips, if you drive well or even just fast - your going to sorely miss not staying in your seat! The 8s seats are comfy, and ok for street use - but on the track they (and I'm talking the leather ones) let you slip slide around way too much (me=155lbs). A CG-Lock or similar device to lockup the seat belts will go along way to faster cornering, increased driver comfort and 'oneness' with the car at those critical moments. I also use some seat side bolsters to lock me in a bit tighter. Oh if only the seat design would accept a racing harness...

BTW, I have the HP+ pads front and rear with 275/35/18 RT-615 rubber and have had no fade whatsoever running only advanced groups (Porsche and BMW clubs), braking as little and as quickly as possible. I still can't beat too many on the straights, but them breaking zones are sure a fun payback time :)

Just got back from my first track day in the 8. Used 1 qt of oil in 4 sessions (about 1/4 quart per 30 min. session). Stock, it braked and turned through the cruves much better than my WRX ever did. The powerband is very conducive to getting on the throttle very early when powering out of a turn. Engine spent most of its time between 6000-9000rpm. It's a wonderful track car right from the factory. One thing the WRX did very well was brake and throttle modulation (for a floating caliper design). The 8 is more off/on in its pedal inputs- takes a little getting used to. Some SS brake lines would probably help.

Track prep consisted of:
Hawk HP Plus pads all around.
ATE fluid
Alignment:
-1.2F, -1.4R Camber
6.5 Caster
0 Toe F/R
34psi all around on OEM Dunlops.

Best of all- ZERO FADE!!! :)

Welcome to the addiction! Glad you had a good experience and now know that your car is your friend esp. on the track where it definitely comes into it's own element and readily sheds it's "street" personality. Even stock brakes won't fade just might get a bit 'numb' by the end of the day, which is reassuring. Gotta love that 6-9K RPM 2nd/3rd gear response :cwm27:

Welcome to the addiction! Glad you had a good experience and now know that your car is your friend esp. on the track where it definitely comes into it's own element and readily sheds it's "street" personality. Even stock brakes won't fade just might get a bit 'numb' by the end of the day, which is reassuring. Gotta love that 6-9K RPM 2nd/3rd gear response :cwm27:

During some long sweepers, I was remembering your suggestion for getting a CG Lock. Hehehe.

Did my 3rd track day in the RX8 last week....this time it was WET! all I can say is, thank goodness for DSC!! especially on the first couple of laps, the cold tires compounded by my heavy right foot made for several just-in-time DSC 'corrections'.

I was also trying (front) Axxis Ultimate pads for the first time. by the last two sessions, the track was dry enough to do some aggressive braking and I think the pads held up well. no real fade noticed on-track but by the time I was done, my pedal feels a little squishy. all 3 track days are on this same fluid so I think it's time to bleed the system out soon.
The Axxis pads are a bit squeaky on the street, compared to the OEM-plus-shims pads installed by the dealer earlier this year as part of the squeaky-brakes TSB. this is mildly disappointing since these pads are touted to be a suitable street pad. I'll try re-installing the Axxis pads but with the shims from my OEM pads, and see if that helps the noise.

Did my 3rd track day in the RX8 last week....this time it was WET! all I can say is, thank goodness for DSC!! especially on the first couple of laps, the cold tires compounded by my heavy right foot made for several just-in-time DSC 'corrections'.

I was also trying (front) Axxis Ultimate pads for the first time. by the last two sessions, the track was dry enough to do some aggressive braking and I think the pads held up well. no real fade noticed on-track but by the time I was done, my pedal feels a little squishy. all 3 track days are on this same fluid so I think it's time to bleed the system out soon.
The Axxis pads are a bit squeaky on the street, compared to the OEM-plus-shims pads installed by the dealer earlier this year as part of the squeaky-brakes TSB. this is mildly disappointing since these pads are touted to be a suitable street pad. I'll try re-installing the Axxis pads but with the shims from my OEM pads, and see if that helps the noise.

We had a wet track in the morning sessions also. Got a little sideways a couple times while trail braking, but nothing serious (this is why one shouldn't trail brake in the wet ;).
It's hard to find a quiet track worthy pad. Put the shims back on with some silicone brake grease. Eventually, the silicone will burn off and the noise will come back. You just can't avoid the noise and dust.

Since it isnt hard to swap pads, you are better off swapping the pads before each event so you can get long life from both your rotors and pads.

I'm a Carbotech fan, and that's what I have the most experience with. I do not recommend the XP8 on the street for daily driving. They're loud and they wear quickly on the street. I think the XP10-XP8 combo would be very good on track, but if you're looking to minimize track prep, I'd suggest my setup. Carbotech Bobcats at all 4 corners for street and swap the front for XP8's for track. The car is light enough for an XP8 to be very effective.

I've run Hawk Blues on another car and while excellent on track, they're downright frightening on the street, even just for the drive to and from the track. The just don't work when cold. The other unfortunate by-product of the Blues is the corrosive brake dust. If you don't wash the dust off your wheels within a day or two, it will rust and start to take a serious toll on the finish of your wheels. A friend and I absolutely ruined the clearcoat on a set of track wheels after one weekend. Good thing they were ugly track wheels to start with.

I would second the vote on Bobcats all around for daily driving and XP8s on the front for the track. I was starting to push my 8 pretty hard this fall after a summer of fun and never felt like this combination with ATE Blue held me back. I have two years of HPDE events and am not an SCCA license holder so maybe you can push harder but this is a nice combo and changing the front pads takes 10 minutes. I have also driven home with the XP8s on the front and changed them the next morning after every thing had a chance to cool off.

Good luck

This pic pretty much summarizes this entire thread (that's me lapping at Moroso last weekend).

Thanks all for praticipating in my inquiries. Cheers.

http://home.att.net/~carlos.ramirez1/wsb/media/116212/site1130.jpg

This pic pretty much summarizes this entire thread (that's me lapping at Moroso last weekend).

Thanks all for praticipating in my inquiries. Cheers.

http://home.att.net/~carlos.ramirez1/wsb/media/116212/site1130.jpg


i can see the smile behind the helmet.. :ylsuper:

beers :beer: