To All - Just asking for some advise. I will be autocrossing my 2005 GT in BS and plan on getting of course some Hoosiers. Since this will eat up my budget for this year, I wasn't planning on adding struts. Some people who run others cars have told me this is not a good idea to use R-Comps on stock struts. Some others even said the chance of rolling is a possibility. Is this true? Or will I be okay. Thanks for anyone's imput.

 

I can't address this situation exactly, but at one time, I ran a CP car with mostly stock suspension on formula ford racing slicks. I even slid the car sideways once trying to go through a chicane too fast.
I would say, you have no safety issue.

 

We did our first event in the RX-8 on V710s and stock struts, no problem - other than motion sickness.

If you are on that tight of a budget you should think about Kumhos instead, they will last longer.

 

No problem running R comps and stock dampers. I'd suggest the Kumho V710 rather than the Hoosier, if you're just getting into sticky tires. The Kumhos will last longer and also have more forgiving break away characteristics, I'd say.

Make sure to get an autocross alignment.

There's also nothing wrong with just aligning the car and running on the oem tires, at first. Many experienced autocrossers and instructors like the idea of starting on street tires...I started on DOT R's and have never looked back...

 

Thanks, I appreciate the feed back. I will look into the Kumhos!

 

Thanks for the info!

Actually I have been auto-x for five seasons now but in STS (Protege5). I ran the RX-8 a couple of times after I bought it on all seasons at the final events just for fun. What a difference!!!!

I will look into the Kumhos but might hold off on the alignment because I do daily drive alot. If I do a performance alignment any suggestions on settings, I am assuming I need the R-Comp and wheels on. thanks again

 

I drive my car every day with its race alignment, and so do a lot of other RX-8 drivers. You can get an alignment done with your street tires/wheels.

 

Thanks again for the info, sorry for being such a beginner on this. Could I impose on you what type of alignment settings I use.

 

+12345 I daily drive on my race alignment as well. No issues.

 

i daily drive on a race alignment and did stock struts on advan a048s in autox lots of body roll lol passangers in the car feel like its going to roll but i feel secure with it and it makes for some nice pics. there was one time i did tripod the car but the tire was bairly off the ground nothing like it was about t roll

 

Nitto NT01

 

If you're on a budget. How about the $85 Hancooks and the struts. My math is that's cheaper than the Kuhmo's and you won't have to relearn the handling when you if you put the struts on later.. (shocks capitol investment, tires expendable)

 

Great idea...good dampers really wake up the RX8.

 

$85 ea , I would buy some , but my nitto's have at least one more ax season left(used them this season).............. I have been contemplating koni yellow's , or a new gun..............

 

Go for the yellows, and get rid of the Nittos and get some better tires on there. You'll notice a huge improvement.

--kC

 

You are correct Sir, but they have sold out of the 245s & 225s at the discount rate. I checked both Frisby & Sierra Tire. Unless there is another outlet.