Zoom510

Greetings all, I plan on going to a open track event next month but need to know what I should bring.

I have a 44ft trailer so tools and jack are not a problem. I plan on taking plenty of brake fluid and a new set of pads. Ive never Open tracked the RX8 and still have stock brakes, How bad is fade ? Should I just put the race pads on before the event or will the stockers do ? Is there anything to be concerned with, will rearend oil boil over, will trans fluid boil, oil temp etc etc etc.... I have open tacked before and quickly realized power wasnt everything(450RWHP but in a 5000# truck) was a killer ob brakes. Can I easily make air ducts out of drier duct to help cool the brakes ?

Any tips from current owners will really help me to be more prepared. Ive always been a Drag racer but this car and the fun I had in my truck has changed me a little.


Thanks

Kurt Bob

Bring an air compressor, tire gauge, extra oil, rags, torque wrench and appropriate socket, thin-soled shoes, and helmet. Most organizations will also require long sleeve cotton shirt and long cotton pants. The RX-8 is trackable as it came from the factory. The factory pads are fine as long as there is enough pad left (1/4 inch or more). You can experiment with aftermarket pads after you have worn the stock ones out. I've gone to Hawk HPS after wearing out my stock set.

I hope this helps!

Razz1

Forget about the brake fluid. Change it to DOT 4 before you leave and you will be fine.

Get some advice about the track from instructors. Paying them to coach you a few laps while they're in your car helps alot.

Take your time, drive slow and have fun. Then next time you go you will be safer and faster.
Search the forum, lot's of answers here.

hogcar

What track?

The stock pads and fluid will not hold up if you are using them hard. On a budget,or not, Ford high performance fluid works very well if you keep fresh fluid ie bleed it often. Pads are a personal preference but they need updating. I use Hawk HT14 fronts and Ford fluid with ZERO problems.

Have a good time and be safe.

expo1

This thread might be of interest https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-25/my-first-time-race-track-what-should-i-expect-51061/

Zoom510

Thanks for all the tips now lemme answer a few questions for y'all.



I dont want to go to DOT 4 because the car is street driven, while DOT 4 has a higher boiling point that DOT 3, it also absorbs water faster than DOT 3 over time. I did plan on using Ford brake fluid, I do remember it being the choice of many the last time I Open tracked. Lucky for me the event I will be attending does come with a instructor, I do remember how much it has helped everytime I have been to a open track event. The event I plan on attending is put on by Driversedge and is at Motorsport Ranch near FT Worth,TX. Do you guys have any info on other events I can attend in TX ?

Again
Thanks

fizzer

I've only used DOT 4 on the track, so I can't comment on a difference, but my gut tells me that you'll be ok on DOT 3, depending on the track.

This past weekend I was at pocono raceway. VERY hard on brakes, but the 8 has plenty of brake for its weight. I was coming down from 130 to 60 and 115 to 50 (and some other minor braking zones) every lap for 5 sessions of 20 mins. The last session, where i finally got my braking points deep enough to make me feel like i was near the limit (actually having to trail brake a bit to make the turn-in) my rotors were 500 degrees after the cool down lap. I didn't temp the calipers, but that might have meant I would have boiled DOT3. Ambient temp was high though at 85 ish. I didn't have a hint of fade all day. I also run Carbotech bobcat pads.

It was so tough on brakes, that my dad in his 93 C4 vette burned through a set of almost new rear pads, the set of 1/4 used fronts, and melted the rubber in his calipers. However, the 8 is lighter and has bigger brakes with better cooling.

If the weather is a bit cooler and you'll be braking from lower speeds, you should be fine. Also, if its your first track day in the 8, it might take a while to really start pushing the brakes. It took me some time to understand how fast you can really decellerate in this thing.

Most importantly, have fun. I've never driven a car that is so easy to push right up to the limit and keep it there as the 8 is, its a blast

PS (I was able to keep up with good drivers in C5 Z06s in the infield... this car can handle its butt off)