Rallycross?
 

I'm going to a rallycross in a few weeks, and I would love to drive my RX-8, but having never done anything beyond autocross before, I'm wondering if the 8 will be good (acceptable) for this event. It's stock except for 225/40 Hankook snow tires on the stock wheels, which I think would be a whole lot better on dirt than they were at the last autocross I went to...

So, does anybody have any experience or advice with this kind of thing?

Thanks.

It will certainly be acceptable. If you wanted to get serious about it you'd want to get smaller wheels and rally tires which would require brake modifications (most likely major). But if you just want to go and have some fun you will be fine with what you have. Make sure you inflate your current tires to 40+ PSI.

If you're going to continue to rally I'd suggest getting a diff guard and some mudflaps, and maybe even a front skidplate (probably less important). If you find your local course is pretty smooth just some mudflaps would suffice.

As for driving... In rallyx the term "slower is faster" applys. Going sideways and drifting through turns may be fun but you're not going to be quicker around the course. Use a lot of partial throttle coming out of slower turns and drive it almost like you would with a little snow on the ground.

Have fun and good luck!

Here's a link that might help.

http://www.rallycabal.com/resources/faq.php

If anyone is interested, I competed in the Detroit SCCA Season Ender Rallycross. It took place at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds in Fowlerville, MI on their horse track. There was snow on the ground when we got there, and the modified class cars ran first to clean up the track. When I finally got out there, it was wet and soupy and the Hankooks didn't hook up too well, but the car was great in the firmer dirt. The second run group was in the opposite direction and I didn't get out on the track until after the sun went down, which was kind of an adventure on its own. The course was rerouted around the wetter stuff, so it was a lot faster and grippier. Overall, it was ridiculously fun. I ended up getting over six minutes of seat time for about the same price as an autocross entry. To anyone who is interested in racing off road or just wants to try something new, I highly recommend trying out a rallycross.

http://lh6.google.com/kenneth.tsang/...jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh3.google.com/kenneth.tsang/...jpg?imgmax=512

I liked it so much that I'm going to be entering in a TSD rally on January 5th. I actually fabbed up a quick release light bar with some Hella 500 driving lights too, which hopefully decreases my chances of driving off the road at night...

http://lh5.google.com/kenneth.tsang/...jpg?imgmax=512

Very cool, happy to hear you got out there and had fun.

sounds like a great way to ruin the rocker panel paint job ... :uhh:

Apologies for resurrecting this old thread; but I can't find a currently running one on rallycross, and I'm interested in giving it a try.

What's a good material for skidplates and differential guards? There seem to be plenty of off the shelf items for Subaru Imprezzas and Mitsubishi EVOs; but I've not found a single thing for a Mazda RX-8, so I am expecting to have to fabricate it myself. I just don't know what would be a sturdy enough material. Regrettably, in the two years since that post was made, that URL went the way of the Dodo.

I'm thinking that's the reason for the suggestion for the mudflaps; but I'm open to suggestions on other ways to protect the paint.

Thats nuts in an RX-8. Instead Buy and old impreza, Talon AWD, Eclipse AWD and go to town.

If I were going to get a car specifically for rallycross, I'd probably get an old FB rather than go the AWD route. It's just my personal preference.

longpath, I got your PM, but I figured I'd post here for the general public.

The biggest misconception (and deterrent for most people) about rallycross is that's it's going to hurt your car. I've been rallycrossing for 2 years (not seasons, because we keep going through the winter) with a pretty much stock car and not had any real damage. The worst that's happened is that I've lost some of those stupid exhaust shrouds, but I've had that problem with cones in Solo too. Stick to established organizations like SCCA because their rules won't allow a course that can really hurt your car. However, the car will get very dirty. It's a huge pain to clean up after a mucky rallycross event. You end up with crap in weird crevices between panels, in the fender liners (mine regularly bleeds mud out of the trunk gaps and taillight gaps) and stuck in and around control arms and pivots.

I made some mudflaps out of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to keep the car cleaner and the rockers safe, and the rockers are completely chip-free. I actually have a dent in my driver's side rocker panel from a really vicious cone at an autocross, but nothing from rallycross. Other than that, I don't have any protective stuff.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/...5622f26506.jpg

As far as tips for rallycrossing, you really just need to get out and do it. If you have snows or all-seasons, just bring your car as it is and go play around in the dirt. Here in the Detroit Region, most of our sites are very pretty smooth. You can see them on my Youtube channel Maybe you can ask local rallycrossers about the sites in your region and show up to one of the smoother ones for a start. Try to get rides and talk to your fellow racers. I've found that the rallycross scene is pretty laid-back and most people are out there to slide around and throw some dirt rather than to win $1 trophies.

If you are looking to win, you'll quickly discover that cars don't matter a whole lot in rallycross. Learn to be smooth and look ahead and you should do well. The RX-8 is not the best car for the sport because of its large wheels and limited tire selection, but I've had pretty good success in my region, and the car looks sweet in the dirt too!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WSiJNJb2i8E/Sq...0/DSC_2094.JPG

If you have specific questions about anything, just let me know. It's always cool to get more people into the sport.

Where did you get the polyurethane with the kick@$$ mazda logo on it for your mudflaps?

My current tires are 245/40R18 Pirelli P-Zero Nero RFT on the OEM rims. Do you think these would suffice for an initial attempt (there's an event in January that is close enough in Connecticut for me to make it)? I also have a set of Pirelli 240 Snowsports in the OE 225/45R18 but I'd have to have the swapped on as I only have the one set of rims.

Am I correct then that you do not use any additional shielding for the sump or rear differential?

What gauge/thickness did you use for your mudflaps?

Kennetht638, do you use a paper air filter like the OEM filter? I'm currently using a Green filter; but am not sure that's good for rallycross.

The plastic for my mudflaps is 1/16" LDPE and it's available at a lot of places that sell metals and plastics. If you can't find any local, you can try US Plastic. They have a bunch of other interesting materials, but I used the LDPE because it was just lying around the shop at school. It's really easy to cut with just some tin snips. I actually designed the decals myself (at least the "rally" part of it) and cut them on a vinyl router that I have access to. They take a bit of a beating, so there are bits and pieces missing from the stickers now.

The mudflaps are the only guarding that I have. I think any other guards would take me out of stock in solo anyway.

If you get snow where you are (and I imagine you do or you wouldn't even have snow tires), rallycrosses in the snow will be much more fun with the winter tires on. I've seen lots of FWD and even AWD cars really struggling in the snow with all-season tires, so I can only imagine the trouble that the RX-8 would have. If it's just dirt, all-seasons are fine. I personally use Yokohama IceGuard IG20's in the stock size and they are wildly inconsistent. They struggle in sloppy mud and really packed down snow, but they excel in loose over hardpack conditions as well as deep snow. I kind of wish I had just ponied up the cash for some Nokians.

The only mods to my car are the tires, Koni shocks, catback exhaust, mudflaps and a light bar for night events and TSD rallies. So I do use the OEM air filter.

I saw something in the rules about not allowing adjustable shocks in stock class; but I don't know if they meant adjustable in the usual sense or if they were referring to full coil overs. Are the Koni yellows allowed in stock class?

https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...37&postcount=6

You're correct that the Koni shocks are not legal for stock class because of their adjustability. I leave my rears on because they're not really externally adjustable, but the fronts will bump you out of stock.

Resurrecting an old thread...I am hoping to rallycross my rx8 (04 auto) this summer and would love to do do some ice racing if I can find some locally in PA this winter. Any advice?

Buy a Subaru.

Reach out to Kenneth directly, so the naysayers have less chance to drag you down because they don't share your dream.

I can't get an Impreza for the price I got my rx8 at, otherwise I would have. Always funny sometimes on car forums post count =/= snarkiness.

I bet for the price of a Subaru you can't have an exciting rx8 rallymobile either

Base model manual trans Imprezas are cheap. A 4 port Auto RX-8 might just be the worst choice I can think of for a rally racer.

Minus the auto, the 4 port will be fine, you don't need power in rallycross so focus more on skid plates and tires, learn the car and just have fun.

Other issues you may have to address are the abs and the traction control, don't go for FTD just be consistent and you might finish higher than you think.

It was sound advice, not to mention that your maintenance costs will dramatically increase operating a vehicle in the dirt. The better advice might be that you can't afford it at all.

Ps: this has been a paid message by your Mother ...

You seem to be the only one who gives a shit ;)

Any car you hoon the crap out of will be exciting on the dirt, there's a reason lots of guys run beater neons and stuff. Obviously a 4 port auto isn't going to beat a WRX or evo, it is just a bit of fun.

Best advice of thread, I am guessing the ride height is going to be one of the bigger issues, along with the traction control. Fabbing up a skidplate probably won't be too hard (anyone done this?)

LOL if maintenance was a concern at all I wouldn't be driving an rx8 in the first place. Not like I am going to be doing WRC stage rally with this thing.

:icon_tup: Good idea, thanks man. I have to imagine more than just you and Kenneth have done this in RX8s.

It seemed as though your concern was cost based on the earlier response. Maybe your labor is free, but all that dust & dirt will be hard on the mechanicals. There's a local autox site here that I dislike running on because of same due to heavy loose grit & gravel just tears everything up, and thats on pavement. I'm not sure everyone understands or appreciates the impact of running in dirt. Otherwise i get that you bought a dirt cheap 4-port auto RX8 just to dog in the dirt with.

Not sure that I sgree it being a better long term choice relative to the total long term cost, but it's no skin off my back. Just the same, it should be discussable for others to make their own educsted choice on without it being a constant tit for tat reply contest. If you're confident in your choice then more power to you.

I've always wanted to do rallycross so its more of a "why not" deal than any sort of dedicated rallyx car. The real reason I got the car was to be a winter DD, mechanically it is in excellent shape but cosmetically it has hail damage, other dings and paint delamination on the spoiler -- and of course as mentioned it was a great deal financially. Its a perfect NFG hoonmobile other than the auto trans and is already subject to Philly winter roads (road is a generous term...). Obviously I'm not trying to spend a ton of money on the car, but fabbing up a skidplate, a decent set of tires, etc. is pretty much a given cost IMO and is part of what I'd consider buy-in (no different than making sure your car is up to snuff for autox with good tires, wheel bearings, suspension rubber bits, etc).

I can certianly appreciate your comment about how dirty some of the autox courses are, ours are generally pretty good but occasionally you'll come back and wonder wtf you did to your car to get it so dirty :scared:. Labor is free to me, love wrenching and done plenty of significant work on other cars -- digging in and getting my hands dirty is part of the fun.

TBH I expected a lot of negative responses (flame suit's been on), I am aware I'll need to keep a close watch on suspension components and everything will get mucked with dirt. I'm more interested in anything specific to the RX8 when it comes to rallycross. Skidplate is a good call, issue of not being able to swap with smaller wheels is also one that I've gleaned on here. I'm also planning on taking off all of the "sport" body cladding since it does nothing but kill clearance.

In regards to "ruining" the vehicle, yes it is a bit rough on suspension, paint, and body panels but that's the beauty of taking an ugly car out there, just keep the drivetrain safe, 40+psi in the tires (suggest downsizing to 17" for more sidewall leeway) and watch for hard ruts in the course you will be alright.

Btw I rallycross my dd protege5 and aside from normally aging parts and the protege's normal week spots it's no worse for wear.

Last things I can tell you is make it reliable before go fast bits, take off your sway bar end links (you don't necessarily want to corner flat on a rutty course) after learning it off road, and have fun running 60+ second courses AND having reversed course runs for usually over 14 runs during the day.

Jesus Christ people, it's just a car and it's built to the same standards as any other car! I've done more damage to my RX-8 by hitting cones at cold autocrosses and running enormous R compounds on it than I ever did from rallycross.

Rockchops, if you want to do it, don't buy or build anything except for a set of snow tires or good all seasons if you're just going to be in the dirt. If it's going to be a sloppy mess, just wait until the next event because you'll have more fun in the dry and you won't have to clean up as much. You don't need a skidplate if your rallycross program isn't run by idiots (though rallycross nationals looked to be pretty unnecessarily rough). Speaking of which, where are you located? Is your local rallycross program pretty well established? If you want to see what the sites are like, check youtube or show up to an event and ride along with people first and make the call for yourself instead of listening to a bunch of people who have never done it before.

That said, I don't rallycross my RX-8 anymore because it's a dedicated autocrosser now, and the last car I rallycrossed a bunch was actually a stage rally car that I was navigating for. I also did quite well in a friend's lowered Saturn that used to be an autocross car too.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w...Rallycross.JPG

In conclusion, you'll survive. Have fun! Let me know if you have any specific questions.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N...0/DSC_3086.JPG

I've only done one rally cross but long ago in a galaxy far away I did a full season of SCCA Pro Rally (not in an RX8 or Mazda). I've never had more fun in a car and I was only the co-driver at that time!

:icon_tup::icon_tup::icon_tup::icon_tup: Thanks guys! Already have good snows and all seasons so sounds like it'll mainly be just making sure everything is in tip top shape mechanically.

Kenneth my local chapter is Philly which has sort of been on and off the last few years that I've been trying to follow it. Right now nobody is the head of rallyx and I do know that there is difficulty finding places around here to use. That said, there are some different chapters within reasonable driving distance, so I'll find something. Around here autocross reigns supreme, hopefully I'll be doing both (stock class in my sky redline for autox) but I'm sure the lovely lady will have something to say about that...

Either way thanks for the advice and encouragement!

Try and keep an eye on the WDCR region, they have a really strong program, only issue is the only site they have at the moment is out in Frostburg and though it's an enormous course it's rough gravel (in an old fema storage lot) and abut 3hrs away for me here in Baltimore.


Here is a link to the site,

http://www.wdcr-scca.org/RallyCross/tabid/88/Default.aspx

Well I found one...for this weekend! Hopefully the weather will cooperate as we are supposed to get snow Sunday and its a bit of a drive. Also fingers crossed that it doesn't fill up, it's a national qualifying round or something.

Well If you go, good luck and have fun

Awesome! I love winter rallycrosses with lots of snow. They tend to be easy on cars so long as you don't go head first into a giant snow bank, and cleanup is minimal, but there's still grip. Good luck and have fun! And definitely report back when you're done!

Just came back from my first rallycross! It was a blast and the rx8 performed really well. The biggest problem was ground clearance and the wrong tires. I went off in the parade lap (embarrassing) but that was it. Snows were on the rear and performance all seasons in the front. I expected mud rather than snow but whatever it was slow and slippery. The auto was actually perfect -- since the gears are so wide I could keep it in first the whole time and focus on lines. Among rwd cars I was among the top (took first in stock rwd but not many in it).

Only damage was I ripped an underbody panel off, no big deal. It was a ton of fun and I would absolutely recommend it for rx8 owners.

I got the detailed results today. Beat a couple imprezas and all of the rwd cars (including prepared) except for a prepared miata. I only hit one cone on the very first run and consistently improved from there every time out. I am pretty happy with that!

That's awesome, good for you and keep us posted on your progress

Good job sir, keep it up!!!!

RX8S ARE CHEAP and handle great, i think we're in the zone were they get used for many things original purchasers wouldn't dream of because they still look at their rx8 as a 20k car. its not, its a 5k car. or less. i just ordered a trailer hitch to use my rx8 taking my jetskis in to the beach, is the salt gonna hurt the back"? probably, but fuck it, its a 5k sweet ride, if i was to use a truck it would probably be a 5k truck, so what the difference how i spent it, or how well SOME BITCH thinks it will work. can't wait to build a drift rx8, and then a rally rx8. maybe even rally first.

weres the AWD rx8s at?? ;)

A little behind here but this is myself and my buddy who are building the car for stage rally up in Canada.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...fee04d4d93.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...a97099fc48.jpg

Being an 8 owner, a friend sent me this. Probably old news to you guys but I couldn't take the chance if it wasn't.

This. Was. Awesome.

I had a side bet going on whether the front or rear bumper would fall off first :lol:

Our local SCCA region is hosting its first ever rallycross event on Saturday. And im right in the middle of turboing my Impreza. if its not done by then I might tear the front and rear bumpers off the rx8 and just run modified class.. I wonder how the WedsSport wheels and lowered suspension will hold up.

Our season is starting up too, looking forward to more rallycross! I'd be wary of low ground clearance, even stock I was about as low as I felt comfortable since the track was pretty rutty. In 2 weeks, can't wait!!

Btw the pictures in this thread are awesome

Your wheels will probably hold up better than steelies, but I am concerned with your lowness. At stock height it was just shy of being too low. I guess it really depends on how smooth the field/track is.

This is my new height with new Flatout Rally suspension setup, still some more tweaking required.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCha...SUayt3yeSTmDGQ

Here is some of the footage I have from one of our event this year.

I didn't end up going. I heard from people that went that the lot was smooth. But, the daily driver has to get "Fixed" before you can go racing.

Meaning....? The only thing in concerned about is breaking the tire beads.