Solidtrance

iTrader: (2)

As falling temps usher in the off season here in Maryland I plan to take care of some preventive maintenance. This car is new to me and although I purchased from a very good friend who I trust, I want to establish a good baseline.

I have already replaced both front lower control arms and all the associated hardware due to the typical stuck camber bolt. I have also installed a new set of coilovers from Shaftworks and replaced the brake pads with Hawk HPS. The car came with a Racing Beat Intake and Cat back, BHR ignition coils, and a Mazdaedit tune.

I plan to flush all fluids, inspect and replace any worn rubber suspension parts, and do plugs/wires. I plan to use ATE 200 for the brake fluid since I already have 2 unopened bottles. I have used Redline and Ford transmission oil in the past. The Ford stuff was really good from what I remember so I will probably go that route. I have used redline in the read diff with good results in past.

To Do List:
· Coolant: Nothing special planned.
· Transmission Oil: Ford (XT-M5-QS Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid)
· Differential Oil: Redline
· Flush Brake Fluid
· Plugs/Wires

So this is my plan, what is everyone else is working on this off season?

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

is it part of your plan for us to guess what class your plan to compete in is?
.

Solidtrance

iTrader: (2)

LOL, good point. I would like to keep the car legal in STX. I will need a lot of seat time before I am even remotely competitive in any class, and the extended seat time is what I really liked about my first HPDE. The Shaftworks coilovers (12k/9K) were very consistent and predictable. I may need to add a sway bar at some point, but I really have not given that much thought yet. My goal is to get as much seat time as possible so to that end I am looking to address potential problems before they occur. I do have a set of 17x9 +45 RPF1 wrapped in RT 660s that are living under my staircase through the winter for autocross duty. I wrapped the EOM wheels in 'kook RS4 which I used for the HPDE. They felt fine and I didn't really feel like I need more rubber to enjoy the learning experience.

yardy8301

You are in the DC region, correct? If so, check out trackcross events during the winter. Good way to get a little (and yes, it is not that much seat time, but better than nothing) seat time in the winter. The December event is already sold out I believe. They are hosted at Summit Point, usually once a month through the winter months. There is also virtual racing via iracing, which the region has a league for.

For me, at this point, I'm committed to just maintaining, unless an opportunity arises for a base model for cheapish. Already have a fresh set of Yoko's, thank you Black Friday, for next season. Need a once over on all suspension to make sure nothing is binding, brakes will also get some maintenance. Other than that, just looking to keep the rust off the driver.

BTW, I did what you did with two sets of wheels, with rs4s for track days initially. Really didn't like the RS4s. After a season, them not wearing quickly was just not enough of a trade off.

Solidtrance

iTrader: (2)

Yes I am in the DC region. I made it to two events at FedEx earlier int he year, but I didn't get any full runs at either event due to suspension and new (to me) car issues. I just did a search for "trackcross" and I found the events you are talking about, thanks for the suggestion! Indeed the first event is sold out, Summit is a bit of a haul, but the HPDE I did there convinced me it is possible.

The RS4s were really intended to be my daily tires, I just elected to leave them on for the HPDE. Hey were fine for me, maybe I will outgrow them at some point?

Snox801

I’m just now getting to my off season list. I just do hpde.
Mine only has 20k miles so no major repairs.
New calipers, rotors, pads.
Flush fluids. New tires and ready to rock.

FYI you may want to try out engine ice if flushing coolant. That stuff does a vastly better job at cooling than fl22. I used the lower tstat and eco ice and have had zero heating issues.
It does need to be replaced more often I do mine every spring. I’ve had it in for 3 years now going on fourth zero issues so far.