Hello all,
My first post on this site, but I hope to be speaking to you all quite a bit in the future.
After 3 1/2 years in my SVT Focus and 2 G Stock regional championships I feel like I have accomplished pretty much everything I want to in the Focus and am looking for a different experience. After a lot of test driving, and experience from seeing them on course, I have decided on a used RX8.

Essentially, I would like to know what opitons/years/etc make for the best stock Autoxer out of the box. I know that I need a non-sunroof car to fit my 6'3" self, with helmet, comfortably and would not want one anyway (all I see is an extra 40-50 pounds in the worst possible place), but besides that are there any tips you can offer? IE with or without traction control (may be standard, don't know yet), a certain year getting an LSD or a different damper package, etc.

Also, if you know of any used RX8s with a good AutoX setup going for sale right now, that would be great too!

Thanks!

 

Any 2004-2007 6-speed base model is all you need. Some people like the Sport package
for the fog lights & xenon headlights but it adds DSC which you'll have to turn off for
autocrossing.

 

First thing I would do is go down to your local dealer and sit in one, with your helmet on. I hate to say it, but I'm 5'11" and barely can fit with helmet on...I don't like your chances

Other than that, base 6MT seems to be the ticket.

 

You'll probably want to go with the sport/performance package because that will add: Tochigi Fuji Limited Slip Differential, 18" alloy wheels and 225/45R18 tires, Larger brakes, and Sport Tuned suspension. I don't think that the base RX8 comes with those.

 

I really wouldn't mind a 17" rim for less weight/better gearing/cheaper tires, but the rest of that sounds awfully useful. Is there a spring difference with the Sport Package or is it just dampers? If I'm gonna get Koni adjustables anyway that really wouldn't be a factor.

I know the LSD and brakes wouldn't really do a ton for me at the AutoX, but as I am able to divert more $$$ to my racing addiction I would like to start the move to open track and that will come in useful there.

When I sat in a base model for the test drive, I knew that I would have a hard time with a Sunroof, but there's a 6'5" guy in our region who fits in his non-SR car with helmet...

 

unless it's changed since '05, I think rX8rider might be mistaken; *all* 6-speed RX8s come with the sport susp, 18", brakes, LSD. hence the other recommendations to look at the base model.
as far as the OP's question on 17"s; if you use 'em then you're out of Stock class, and into STU (?) at the very least.

 

6spd automatically comes with LSD/18'' wheel, just like Sport package. The only extras are Xenon headlight (auto-level adjusted)/fog lamps/TCS&DSC(life-savers on street in bad weather). Take your pick.

 

Is the TC completely defeatable at the track? On the SVT Focus the TC will still step in when it senses "imminent accident" behavior (IE any autocross run). To defeat it you have to pull a fuse which unfortunately also leaves you without ABS. Curable by tune, but then no stock class.

I was just asking about the 17's because it seemed by the previous post that the 18's might be optional equipment...

 

Um...you want the LSD for autox...no doubt about it.

Lucky for you, all of the manual RX-8's have it.

I'm thinking about selling mine (a base with nav system as the only option), but probably not until after nat'ls.

 

base model has all the autox goodies at the least weight and least cost, anything else is compromising performance, I've yet to drive a non-base model that feels as quick as a base model all else being equal

 

Every manual transmission RX-8, regardless of year model, comes standard with 18"x8" wheels, limited slip differential, the bigger brakes, and stiffer suspension. These parts were only optional on automatic transmission RX-8s.

To answer the OP's question, it doesn't matter what year or what option package, as long as you get a 6-speed car. From '04 to '07, the wheel sizes, spring rates, sway bar diameters, engine output, brake sizes, and limited slip are all the same.

In '04-'06, the Sport Package added the following: DSC (fully defeatable for autox, just hold the button down until you see the yellow "slippery when wet" icon light up in the tach cluster), foglights, and HID headlights.

For '07, the base 6-speed car was renamed the Sport, and the '04-'06 sport package was renamed the Performance Package. In other words, an '04 Base is identical to an '07 Sport, and an '04 Sport is identical to an '07 Sport with the Performance Package.

I've got an '04 Sport (HIDs, DSC, etc.). Great autocross car, and I really like having the DSC and HIDs on a daily driven car. Just don't forget to turn the traction control off before you start your run.

 

Have to disagree with you there, baggy. Aside from a button on the dash, DSC is just software, and the HID ballast and foglights add what... maybe five pounds? I seriously doubt you could tell the difference between a Base car and a Sport car, all else being equal.

 

base vs sport is about a 40 lbs difference from what I've seen

 

It's not a base model, but it's set up for Auto X

Cantact Kieth

Kwelscot is his hadle or something like that. he's in So. Calf.

 

Hmm... I"m curious where all that weight might have come from, considering the minimal amount of extra equipment the Sport comes with.

 

weighing comparatively setup cars and accounting for minor differences

traction control adds hardware that the base model is without, headlight leveling hardware, etc.

It adds up

 

I cant imangine how much weight my sunroof adds in the worst possible spot... anyone for a carbon fiber sunroof glass replacement?

 

^^^Yeah, they're heavier than most people think about. Glass + Motors + Railings + (importantly) heavy bracing for the roof so that it stays firmly in the roof in case of accident. I bet not having the sunroof drops center of gravity about a half inch or more. Yeah, doesn't sound like much, but when the difference at some divisionals/nationals are in the hundreths or thousandths...

I'm glad to hear that the base model will have all I need. Thanks for the help guys!
Next question. Is there any spec/pro series that's a good source of partially used and much cheaper R-comps?

 

Carrera, last year I went to ALMS weekend at Laguna Seca. the GT3 Cup competitors were all using 235/40/18 Michelin PS Cup in the front. Over in the World Challenge GT paddock, the Porsches *I think* were using the same size fronts, but in Toyo RA-1 spec tires. I didn't check out the WC-GT Vettes or Cadillacs, but their fronts may be a bit too wide (I assume you are planning to autoX in Stock class). but those would all be worth checking out. you may find yourself in "tweener" territory though....not as quick as those running on Hoosier/Kumho's best tires, yet not eligible for Street Tire classes. good luck!

 

I've got a base 6spd 05 advertised in the for sale section. Located in Marietta, GA and has konis, k+n plus rims and 710s. They aren't included in the asking price but I'd be willing to deal a bit.

 

^^^Looks like a really nice car, and exactly the right color too. I am trying to sell my SVT Focus right now, so a lot of this depends on how quick it sells. What's would be the premium for the wheels and tires?

 

According to mazda's website, the new 07 base model doesnt come with the 18" wheels anymore, even if you get the manual trans. It has the sport tuned suspension, but to get the larger wheels, you have to move up to the touring model.

 

The Mazda website is wrong. I have a prime example in a 2007 "sport" with a manual transmission and 18" wheels. The website made me nervous so I checked with each dealer I talked to and all manual transmissions have 18" wheels.

 

SVT Focus may actually fit my needs for an auto-x friendly car for my son and I to co-drive. Distance makes a trade complicated but who knows. The wheels, tires and konis probably add about $1,000. The shocks have VERY little use and the wheels/tires have approx 60 runs. Email me for more details if you'd like.

 

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