next car thoughts
 

Have had my 8 for about two year and am starting to get the itch. Should I keep my current 8 and do suspension mods (probably swift springs and d-spec shocks), and then wait for a faster 8 in a couple of years and move my aftermarket parts over? Or keep the 8 as it is for now and get a track car like a birkin of ariel atom? Or pick up a 80's 911 carrera. I would really like to increase my speed at the track - would a carrera be quicker or slower than an 8? Will suspension mods get me much? I would really like more torque for getting of slower corners? Anyone with any experience?

I would go with some suspension upgrades. That will drastically help you around the track as it will help you corner harder and faster even in the slower corners. If you want more torque I would go with a turbo/supercharger.

Or you could get a Lotus Elise!

I think that you would be happy with the solution proposed above ^^^

Whats your budget...

The new Toyata replacement for the Supra, Mustang Cobra, new Camaro or wait for Z version or a new Vette.

Kepp it for 2 years or more. Ummm... Challenger

Or a lotus exige, even better than the elise...

but if you're looking for a great handling car that isn't as spartan as a lotus then the 911 does it, one of the best handling cars there is, but I wouldn't go for a 911 that is anything over 5 years old

as for the ariel atom... it's probably the most impractical car in existence, but GODDAMN it's fast and fun, there's probably nothing can keep up with it on a track.

Keep the 8, and get the suspension upgrade you will be shocked on how much it will help on the track. An 80's Carrera is a death machine, unless you are a pro driver.

I'm still learning to drive my RX8 fast on a race track. Maybe you should consider improving your driving style to gain better on limit feel on the RX8 before getting something more powerful. RX8 has a nice chassis to learn... don't blame the car for not keeping up with a 911 on a racetrack... you should look at yourself and see what your weaknesses are. If you cannot be fast in this RX8 of yours... do you think you can be any faster in a 911?

I have seen first hand how well an RX8 can move on a race track compared to a 911. One member that I know of always swear whenever a 911 gets in his way on a hot lap... :mdrmed: . Videos to prove it as well. If you are a fast and very skillful driver... there is more pleasure in knowing that your speed comes from your very own talent.

Think about it... make yourself a fast driver first! I am still pathetic... and I am being honest. However... I am still having fun!

If you don't mind the looks and want something with some practicality that you can turn into a trackday monster the Evo is a good choice. If you have the means an Atom or a Raptor would also be great choices then you can keep the 8 for a daily driver.

Also a nice set of tires for better traction will do wonders.

first - thanks for the responses, I will try to reply in the order they were received;

suspension would be my first choice - I figure I can do springs, shocks, and a rear strut tower bar for about $1k

I am kind of wary(?) of porced induction at the moment, now if mazda came out with a kit that would be different.

an elise would be an option, and possibly the new supra when the come out. mustang, camaro etc. are too heavy in my opinion, I would like to stay as light as possible.

I like to think I am a little better than pathetic - I was running solo in one of the advanced groups at the last track day I was at. It is just sad when an evo blasts past - not sure I could live with an evo though. Maybe the new evo x would be an option.

Although not an r compund tire, I am currently running Dunlop Supersports on the track (other upgrades include tanabe sway bars and porterfield brake pads - which I rate highly)

Thanks for the advice. 911's being death machines mad me laugh.