Buying an RX-8 in 2 weeks - couple questions (B-stock related)
 

I'll be picking up a new 2007 Mazda RX-8 Sport w/ the Performance Package to run in B-Stock next season along with a dedicated co-driver. We plan on attending a few National Tours/ Pro Solos and making the trip to Topeka in September.

I've been searching these forums high and low, and have a few lingering questions:

1) How good are the factory brake pads? If they need to be replaced, what are you guys getting?

2) Aftermarket "stock legal" light weight wheels for this car are pretty costly. What wheel offers the best bang-for-your-buck in terms of light weight and reasonable price?

Thanks in advance folks. I'm sure I'll have more questions in the coming weeks/months. My co-driver (moxnix) may also chime in with a few.

-Chike

1) No need to change your brake pads....No Need.

2) OZ ultralegerra wheels are probably the best right now, as for pricing and performance gains. Check Tirerack, they have them available in silver, black and gold.
...too bad you guys weren't considering BSP....as I have two sets of Enkei RPF1's with 285 Kuhmos to get rid of shortly. Good luck with your build and competitions...you've entered one of the most competitive classes with some very good drivers with well prepped cars.

^actually, that should be "Ultraleggera", the other ones are $$$

The Ultraleggera's are about $1300/set.

thank you...editted.

Stock brake pads are excellent.
I think the Enkei RPF1 are of better value than the OZ's

The RPF1 does not come in a stock legal offset.

Like the others have said, OZ is the way to go.

We got about 30k miles out of our stock pads, they are great. We tried some race pads, like we used on our Vette, but they just made the ABS go into ice-mode so we went back to stock for autox.

Checked tirerack and Enkei and the only 18x8 5x114.3 RPF1 is a 35 offset. Are they available in higher offsets that would be stock legal?

Edit - Beaten by ULLLOSE by 1 min I hope this is not the same way my autox season will go.

I can give you tips all year long on how to cone 5 runs and dnf a sixth in Topeka...

With deals like that how can I lose?

Think of the RX-8 as a big fat Miata, once you get over the underwhelming torque you will see why the brakes are not important. :lol:

Hey, that's not fair...to the Miata. :lol:

LOL! Looking forward to co-driving with you in '08.
Thanks Jason. I'll be driving moxnix's STS2 miata at a couple winter events, so hopefully I'll be able to make a smooth transition to the RX-8 in the Spring.

I went through the dilemma of getting lightweight wheels for my car in B-Stock as well. If I recall, there are 3 wheels from The TireRack available;

SSR Comp-H - $469 -> $1876 @ 17.5 lbs.
OZ Ultraleggera - $325 -> $1300 @ 18.4 lbs.
OZ Chrono HT - $325 -> $1300 @ 19.0 lbs.

I splurged and went with the SSRs myself. I was new to autocross, so I don't think I noticed a performance difference so much with the lighter wheels. I decided on aesthetics and getting the lightest ones after limiting my choices to those 3 wheels. Based on what you're going for, I would have to agree on the Ultraleggeras.

Good list - thanks! I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything.

We'll be starting out with a set of stock RX-8 wheels, but I'm hoping we'll be able to get a set of lighter wheels before Nats.

I thought I would jump in with one additional option that will become available late spring 08'. The SSR Type F-RS is the first new SSF hybrid wheel style that has been developed since Tanabe purchased the company in 2006.

The new wheel will be offered in a B-stock legal, 18"x8", et44 size. Bright Silver and Black will be available.

While we do not have an official weight for the wheel I would estimate it will be very comparable to the SSR Comp-H/ Type C RS weight (+/- .5 lbs). $447 ea.

A photo of the black wheel can be found here.

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...f_blk_1000.jpg

Chris Harvey
Trent@TireRack.com

06 RX8 Base
B-stock Prepped

Thanks Chris! Nice driving in Topeka!

Thanks- John and I will be back in B-stock next year. I can't wait for the Nat'l Tour and ProSolo schedules to be announced so we can start planning for 2008 :)

Chris

Shawn and I are also waiting for the NT & Pro Solo schedule as well to begin planning for 2008. If I see your red RX-8 at an event, I'll be sure to come over and introduce myself. We'll be in a Galaxy Grey RX-8 (#70/170).

Chike

I was going to say that I heard Chris Harvey had a set of wheels for sale (OZ's) for a discount, but I think he might have brought that up if it were the case...

Great - It was fun meeting a number of the B-stock guys at the Finale & Championships this year for the first time. I have a feeling we are going to see some nice growth in the B-stock numbers this year which should make for some great competition across the country.

Chris

One more question...
 

My co-driver and I probably won't have the funds in '08 to get a dedicated autocross rain tire (W710) and will probably use a good Kumho summer tire (SPT's) as a dual street/autocross wet tire.

What size would you guys recommend for the SPT's - 245/40/18 or 225/45/18?

There is one bargain wheel available. Rota F45's 18x8 5x144.3 e 48 73 hb $187.50. They are between the ultraleggers and stocks for weight IIRC ~19#. There is a thread on the BS wheel options.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-25/bs-wheel-options-103241/

Do you mean the Rota P-45F's? If so thanks, I'll add it to our list of possible wheels.

Yes. Comes in lots of colors if you can find someone that stocks or will order the exact one. Watch the hub center dimenstions they come in a 56mm and 73mm. The 56 is too small.

what do you think you're doin chike?!?! looks like me you and Deady will have some fun next season.

SHHH, don't tell!