RK

iTrader: (1)

A lot of the rules -seem- retarded but I imagine they're there because when they didn't have them people took advantage of 'em. If they didn't have them in there people could probably make enough small changes (like light-weight appearance mods) that they might get that extra .05 of a second and in AutoX at the national level it really does seem to come down to those kinds of numbers.

Just do what I do. Say screw it, put the mods on you like, and run in whatever class that puts you in. If you're just running against other 8 drivers we all know what mods really help (full suspension, tires, MAYBE the midpipe, and of course FI) so as long as you're not doing that at least you can compare your unadjusted time to them.

Plus since apparantly no one but Tony (and now me) run in STU locally you have a good shot of winning when Tony isn't around!

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

The combined file size is 115MB... but here is the link I got them from:
http://smrmicro.com/rx8servicemanual/
Each section (electrical, brakes, suspension, etc) is a PDF file once you click on them.
Once they are opened, save each PDF file to your hard drive in case the site ever goes down.
You can also save it to a thumb/flash drive like I did to carry around with you.

I've also used this web-based link:
http://foxed.ca/rx7manual/2003mazdarx8/
Basically the same thing, but each section isn't a PDF so if you want to view it without downloading, its much quicker to open/view.
But I would recommend downloading the PDFs too!

Enjoy!

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Honestly... I feel (from dealing with new hires here) that the degree just gets you the interview, rather you got it online or in college.
It can ultimately come down to how well you interview.
There have been many people with degrees (and looked impressive on paper), but their interview went bad and it makes you question if they really understand what they've been taught and have any experience in the real world.
In our line of work when you are dealing with a 200+ volt 3-phase circuit or a mechanical/linear motor, you better have an understanding of whats going on for your own safety (and, of course, not ruin a $350,000 piece of equipment).
The interview helps weed these people out.

Anyway... I actually took an online class to get into my position.
I thought that it would be a breeze, but I was wrong!!!
They sent me bread-boards and PTH components to build simple circuits.
They offered projects like building your own power supply and testing various points throughout the circuit.
And the test (even though they were online too) were still VERY challenging!
So people shouldn't frown on someone doing online training.
They still receive workbooks, reading material, and various components to assist in the training program.
In some ways though... its sometimes better to have that classroom experience in case you have questions/issues and someone can show you in person instead of having to talk to you over the phone.
It all comes down to how well you pick up on it.

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

I think they need to make an F-UN class. Here is your times and cones thank you very much. Just for all those people that aren't into the actual competition part of it and just want a safe place to push their car. No restrictions on size, frame, weight, mods...nothing. Just bring your car...pay your money and get a time. Maybe even offer like $5 off for not making them keep track of your times other than on paper till the end of the event. If I end up STU because of my clear corners that offer an aero advantage or my shifter because it is lighter whatever. I just want to understand. Maybe I will go pester Eric at one of the events when he isn't busy so I can annoy other people with my stupid questions. :P Who knows...maybe I can convince someone out there in the world that putting someone with a lighter shifter into a category with someone with a CAI is just dumb.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

That would be a good idea!

msumlin

) See...and this is where I am thinking. If something like...ermmm...grip tape were applied to the pedal I would think it would be a help to performance over the slippery aluminum. That to me would make me think it would be a no go for BS...but it just seems like a retarded rule to have.






Just a little FYI when it comes to the rules

If the rule book does not say that you can do a specific thing to a car, that means you can not. You can only do to the car what the rules say you can do.

BUT that does not mean you can not get around the rules using the above quote as an example...

You may not be allowed to apply grip tape to a cars pedals, there is NO rules that says you can not apply it to your own shoes!

msumlin

Just wanted to add this to the conversation:

Tested an RX8 two years ago at both Nelson's and MidOhio. No brake problems at Nelson's because you only use the brake 1 time and they have plenty of time to cool down. OEM and HP+ failed at MidOhio because the brakes are used so much. Just FYI.


It is probably also worth mentioning that brakes DO NOT STOP a car - the tires do. So if you have upgraded your tires to something more sticky, then you probably need a better set of brakes to cope with the added heat dissipation.

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

And I guess that is where all my confusion comes in. The rules appear to be written in a manner of "I need this so I will get it added to the allowed list for my class." instead of "This change doesn't add enough of a competitive advantage for me to waste my time in talking about." I get what Mark was saying about the rules being written for the National level and nobody around here really cares. It just seems like those individuals writing the rules don't have common sense.

RK

iTrader: (1)

That's because it's rules by multiple committees and not rules by one sane person. They seem like they were written by a schitzo because they were.

msumlin

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

And when it isn't on the list at all you...?

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

Unless you are completely missing your break point or applying to much/little brake. Then it really doesn't matter how much heat you dissipate which is what Mark's original point was. If I drive around the track in such a manner I never apply the brake...I will never be "fast" like everyone else. No piece of equipment is going to help me become a better driver if I don't use the parts I have already effectively. So can we please put the parts down now and go back to be a fun loving group of guys that enjoys their cars?

tony_673

That's exactly what it is to me, every single time. I'm out there to have fun, not go win Nationals. I may fake a competitive spirit on here with Mark because it makes for fun conversation, but honestly I really don't care what the end result is as long as I had fun in the process.

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

So it is official. I am back in my 8. $570 later ($250 deductable & $320 in tires) I can finally go back to Zooming around. I plan on taking my car to a Mazda dealer hopefully on Monday for a final once over to make sure the body shop fixed all of the mechanical things that might have been damaged but it should be ok. Paint & Body work was near perfect...as it should be in that amount of time...and everything seems in good working order. w00t w00t

BTW...I saw a Red 8 coming North on 91 today near 90 around 230. Didn't look like Doc so was it anyone else or am I just going blind?

RK

iTrader: (1)

Nice! Welcome back to the RX8 Club.

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

I spotted a Winning Blue RX8 today parked at Microcenter when I went in to pick up my free jump drive. God did it remind me how much I hate that color. First Winning Blue I have seen around here though. I waited around for a bit to see if they came out but no dice. Ah well...I guess I am going to have to print up some chunks of paper to leave on peoples windshields.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

You should write it in crayon... seems to work too

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

Yea...unfortunately for me I don't have kids with crayons. Wait a minute...no...that should be "Fortunately for me I don't have kids." I prefer to keep it that way too so I guess I will have to just come up with something.

RK

iTrader: (1)

Swaybars are officially on. Feels great. Used the softest of two settings on the rears and the middle setting of 3 on the front. The rear was a piece of cake even w/o an impact wrench but using PB Blaster. Took a conservative hour.

The front, otoh, sucked flaming *****. Not only do you have to take more off (including the tires) to get to it but the damn thing is so freakin' jammed in there it's nearly impossible to get it in position. DEFINITELY requires 2 people and they should both be patient and somewhat mechanically inclined. Took us probably 2 1/2 hours to get the front and to be honest if we did it again I think it would still take us almost that long.

Like I said it feels really good. Actually takes a little getting used to and I was taking it easy until my final exit ramp. I'll probably run on it for a month or so and then adjust it to the higher stiffness setting.

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

Cool Deal. Glad you are happy Ryan

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Hey John,
I finally had it with my CDs skipping from these Akron roads (you would think that the HU would still be a little more forgiving)!
I was just reading a thread on MP3 integration you were involved in last year.
I only read the first 4 pages, but how is it working out for you?

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

I haven't had a single problem with my unit this year. I don't know what it was last year with that stupid thing.

msumlin

Nelson Ledges n e 1? Seeing that the date is 8/8/08, there should be nothing but 8's on the track,

may have to borrow one for that day......from the dealership......hmmmmm

RK

iTrader: (1)

Don't get one with a sunroof. And you may need to talk to John about a seat adjustment...

vb

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

OK... lets see who the real internet geeks are!

Who is enjoying another Woot-Off and anxiously awaiting the bag-of-crap?
Only those who know the site understand what I'm talking about.
Everyone else... I'm sure has a real confused look on their face now (which I would love to see)
Its 10am and I'm been with it since the beginning (1am). Luckily Firefox has a "refresh every..." add-on!
Hopefully it'll continue tonight so I have something to watch at work!