I run in NASA.

 

@speed7 what class and tires do you run?


In other news...
Dropped the car off at TC Design Fabrication today so he can give the car and cage a once over in preparation for annual tech. I'm going to have him remove the annoying bars that makes it near impossible for me to get in/out of the car with my helmet on. They are also going to remove the glass sunroof. No idea how that passed tech previously... Also, cut/clearance the transmission tunnel a bit to improve the seat mounting so it can be moved inbound a couple of inches.


If anyone has a source for a replacement fiberglass or carbon sunroof, please let me know ASAP. That would be nicer looking and potentially cheaper than the metal work. Thanks.

 

Just HPDE 3/4.. without the cage, I’ve not moved into ST like I was aiming for. Passed the required classes in 2014.. just need the hardware now.

 

Sharing some pics of the sunroof delete and a minor change to the roll cage that I had done at TC Design Fab in Dec.

Glass sunroofs are not allowed in various racing orgs so it had to go. Safety issue. Replaced with an aluminum panel.

The roll cage had a bar near the A pillar that made it impossible to get in/out of the car with a helmet with a halo seat installed so that had to go. Imagine being stuck in a burning car and having to remove your helmet to get out...

TC also added a seat mounting platform. Don't have pics for that yet. The floor is not flat so mounting the seat was a pita and placed the seat offset to the outside instead of straight with the steering wheel and pedals. That is resolved now. They also added some very sturdy harness mounts.

That's a few more things checked off the list of getting this car ready to race and passing the necessary Tech inspections.

To do list:
- get new harnesses. Current ones are expired.
- improve how the positive battery cable passes through the firewall.
- secure the battery cable to the tub.
- alignment
- re-bleed brakes, maybe get new pads that better fit my driving style
- 2 of the hubs / bearings need some love
- oil change
- better canister / bottle for the premix oil. Current one seaps a bit.






Progress

 

anyone is looking for a deal on race / track Raybestos ST43 brake pads?

 

The ST43 pads are gone. I have some new in box DTC 60s and Carbotech 12s. Need to figure out which ones to use. Will likely just switch to the Carbotechs but need new rotors to run those.

Also need a new front hub, a rear wheel bearing, alignment, etc...

 

I remember you from the rx7club forums. Nice pick up for the car. I own an rx8 as well.

 

I remember you too! I'm still on the rx7 forum.

 

That's an awesome car gracer7-rx7!!! I read through the build thread and really enjoyed everything you've done! Are you doing any more events with the car this year?

 

thank you!

this has not been a good year for cars or racing. Not enough time money or health. Looking forward to hopefully having enough of all 3 in 2026.


im selling the new in box Hawk DTC60s front and rear if anyone is interested. $260 shipped.

 

I'm very sorry to hear about that. I'm currently in the same boat. Not enough time, money or health to build the car that I want to build. I'm hoping 2026 will be much better for you on all fronts! It's nice to see another rx7club member here as well! Between the two of us, you and I have been booting a handful of scammers out of there for the last couple of weeks.

 

yes we have. they are getting ever more cleverer...

good luck on your build.

 

Just a PSA for anyone considering a Braille battery - mine is basically dead. Holds voltage but not amperage. Bought it at TireRack 11/21/2024. Checking on warranty now but not expecting much. Should have contacted them sooner.

 

If it’s in the engine bay still, that’s the issue. Too much heat killed my Braille 18 years ago and several subsequent Odyssey batteries before I figured it out.
.

 

Battery is approximately where the navigation systems DVD unit would be between the rear seats at the top of the transmission tunnel.

When the car was sitting, did you have the circuit breaker open or closed circuit? How long had it been sitting this time, and how long does it usually sit for?

I keep mine connected to a battery tender if its going to sit for 4 or more days at a time. Also if its going to be used less that 4 times in a 14 day window. These smaller batteries just dont like to sit unused.

 

The circuit breaker was open. Been sitting a good long time but I often attached a charger.

Update:
Got a very quick response from the warranty team at Braille. They asked me to get it tested at an auto parts store so I did. O'Rielly's tested it and said it was good but they didn't have any details on testing results. Going to try another store soon.

I should probably go and check for current draws from the car with the battery connected as that will impact battery life. Assumed there wasn't any but... you know what they say about *** U ME...

 

That lithiumax I got 2,5 years ago, still in the engine bay, stickers peeled off due to heat, battery good as new. Can leave the car for approximately 20-25 days not charging and it holds. Not racing though. Could be another option?

 

Could be but I don't want a lithium battery. I'm concerned about its behavior if a fire starts.

 

Get a Noco lifepo4 battery, best compromise for lightweight and safety. I personally use the NLP20.

 

I used to buy Braille but got tired of worrying about keeping it charged. Made the switch to anti-gravity some years ago and still going strong. I'd recommend one if it fits within your budget.

 

the Voltphreaks battery I bought 15 years ago still going strong. Granted it cost 10x-15x what these other batteries do, but 1000 CCA, 56 Ah, and only 9 lbs was well worth it imo given the end result.
.

 

Thanks fellas. I had the battery checked at Autozone this weekend and it also passed so must be something either with my car or charger. Just bought a new Battery Tender at Costco so going to see how this works out. I should have done this before posting **** about the Braille battery but here we are.

 

I like the cage and need to get mine done to.

 

try TC Design if you're up here in nor-cal.