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Currently working with SakeBomb to finalize custom Ohlins 'LongStroke' spring rates for HPDE r3. Standard DFV rates are 8k front / 4k rear. Most likely wlll purchase 2 sets of main / helper springs for experimenting / variance. I have seen that Rmagic offered a custom Ohlins set with Eibach springs at 8k front / 5k rear; although I've not come across any driving impressions about the product.
My goal is to eventually get the curb weight down around 2600 lbs but that will take some time and much effort. Hoping for 25-50 lb reduction right now with the few other mods being done during the downtime. Most weight loss I expect should come from removing the oem battery and relocating a lightweight one to the right rear trunk area, EWP conversion, etc. Also being fitted with SB front floating top hats, rear spring adaptors, rear spherical kit and lower cups during service.
2966 curb (1/2 tank, no ballast, I'm approx 185-190 lbs) full interior, A/C, stereo, etc)
Here's what's been suggested so far:
-Dedicated track: 16kg front (3kg helper), 9kg rear (.8kg helper)
-Streetable track setup: 14kg front (3kg helper), 8kg rear (.8kg helper)
I've seen awesome builds and great set-ups over the years. Any input is greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
edit- forgot to mention a couple things. I'm potentially picking up a Rays TE37 18x11 Mag set for track use only with plans to run 285/30's (recently realized that 9.5 is not a very wide track wheel, ha). Will upgrade current mid-height 1450mm GT wing for very tall 1700mm GT wing (considering APR GT-250 or Voltex type 2, 4 or 5)
Last edited by Federighi; 08-20-2020 at 02:36 PM.
Reason: forgot aero / wheel additions
800/550 (14k/10k) is streetable on florida roads and 285/30r18's. Feels about like what you would expect out of a Corvette suspension.
If you live somewhere like east tennessee where potholes on the interstate could swallow a Miata up, I imagine I would feel differently. A Corvette owner would end up with damaged wheels.
the rates noted are great for hpde.
Depending your rear damper travel and ride height choices the helper rates you note seem backwards. The rear is what tends to unload in droop and needs the stiffer helper/tender
Picking up a front tire isn't likely going to be an issue for you.
Take my advise with a grain of salt. I'm not an rx8 guru and am still dialing the car in.
it can be, just depends on several factors like valving, travel length, etc. I would have expected the rear rate to have been higher for that front rate, but that’s factor dependent too.
Thank you for your input guys! Received the updated kit. Will let you know my impressions after first track day. Should be ok, I know the DFV's are 'tuner' quality, not race.
So I have decided not to go through with the Rays Mag deal as 1 wheel from the set was damaged and later replaced. Condition was fair with signs of normal use on all but didn't want to repaint, etc for the price I was about to pay. Moving forward, I'm going to order a new set of ADVAN Racing wheels in their place. Hoping they'll arrive within 6 months for use next year.
I'm primarily interested in the R6 model, also considering RZ-F2 or RZ-DF.
Wondering if anyone has direct experience / knowledge regarding any of the aforementioned wheels as there's little information online other than the regular sales pitch.
i have set FTD at circuitcross sprint events, time attack records on the off-the-shelf ohlins DFVs. they are super comfy on the street, kick butt in rain/wet, and offer enough roll control with a big front swaybar for 255/40/17 RE71R on 17x10. i've been autocrossing since 2009 and doing competitve TT since 2014 with multiple track records and hillclimb hill records and feel the ohlins are pretty competitive. people like to run massive spring rates, but stiff springs reduce grip on anything but smooth surfaces. i like grip and i like compliance. and i like a car that rides nicely and can soak up mid-corner bumps and curbs without becoming unsettled. rx8 has a great suspension and i don't feel a need to tie it down. if you are just doing HPDE and not out to attack track records, the ohlins DFV off-the-shelf is a good starting point. BTW... my OTS ohlins DFV came with 8k/5k. the 8k/4k is a typo/mis-advertisement.
My tech is an Ohlins dealer and also has nothing but good things to say about the DFV's except for their limited design. My vehicle is primarily driven on track only; originally built for the 2020 time attack season but this year hasn't gone exactly as planned. Everything is literally bolted-down as tight as can be: RE-A solid engine mounts, Whiteline diff mounts, AE under chassis kit + AE 6pt front / 4pt rear strut bars, Laile trans and diff braces, etc. It's a solid ride to say the very least. At the shop we discussed some potential alternatives before going through with the Sake rebuild. He suggested I take a look at MCS if considering more cost-effective and serious set-up. I did end up passing on the Rays TE37 Mag deal and instead ordered a set of 18x11 +30 Advan R6's which should arrive stateside late Jan, early Feb. My plan is to run the A052 in 295/30.
In all honesty though, some things have recently been brought to my attention which have caused be to reconsider this whole thing and it completely escapes me why I didn't think of it sooner but I could've picked up a Star for probably half of what I've got into this build. It totally was not worth it imo and will most likely will be up for sale soon. I can chalk it up to another good learning experience I suppose.
My tech is an Ohlins dealer and also has nothing but good things to say about the DFV's except for their limited design. My vehicle is primarily driven on track only; originally built for the 2020 time attack season but this year hasn't gone exactly as planned. Everything is literally bolted-down as tight as can be: RE-A solid engine mounts, Whiteline diff mounts, AE under chassis kit + AE 6pt front / 4pt rear strut bars, Laile trans and diff braces, etc. It's a solid ride to say the very least. At the shop we discussed some potential alternatives before going through with the Sake rebuild. He suggested I take a look at MCS if considering more cost-effective and serious set-up. I did end up passing on the Rays TE37 Mag deal and instead ordered a set of 18x11 +30 Advan R6's which should arrive stateside late Jan, early Feb. My plan is to run the A052 in 295/30.
In all honesty though, some things have recently been brought to my attention which have caused be to reconsider this whole thing and it completely escapes me why I didn't think of it sooner but I could've picked up a Star for probably half of what I've got into this build. It totally was not worth it imo and will most likely will be up for sale soon. I can chalk it up to another good learning experience I suppose.
ftd = fastest time of day.
There's something to be said for a touring car in rain an d accidents versus a formula car.. rx8 can be competitive in multiple classes,, organizations,, and types of racing.
New curb- 2942 (1/2 tank, no ballast, I'm still approx 185-190 lbs) full interior, A/C, stereo, etc).
It's nice to see the balance even out a bit but is still extremely heavy for a 'track' car. I can say that my little drive home was a much livelier experience with the new additions of the LW flywheel, OSG 1.5 and 5.12 R&P. If Mazda offered a product of this nature I think they'd really have a desirable product / be in business within the 'sporting' world. Enthralling is a good word to describe it and the new mods really accentuate the vehicles inherent qualities.
Wow these arrived super fast! Mold-form forged; quality of this product is exceptionally high. I haven't gotten around to weighing it yet but it doesn't feel much heavier than a 18x9.5 RG3.
AFAIK, I'm the only person on the west coast with these. I've personally never seen them on road or track and if you do they're typically on a shop car, sponsored, etc. of which I am neither.
Enjoy!
ps- I'll be attending Sonoma 02/06, feel free to say hello. I always love meeting new people and sharing experience.
Last edited by Federighi; 01-20-2021 at 10:54 AM.
Reason: Added track info
Track day was awesome! Ambient temps were mid 60's throughout the day. Managed consistent sub 2:00 laps with some light traffic in open class although there were lots of very powerful cars with aggressive drivers, I opted to move out of their way. There was a ton of new Supra's and CTR's modded out (at least 5 of each) and man they were fast. Quite the turnout for this event.
And I was lucky to make another Rx8 friend! Already a rotary enthusiasts but recently picked up a fully prepped s1 off his buddy for a crazy (and I mean crazy) price. Very cool dude and definitely a competent driver. He said his car is set-up with a bunch of cameras so there should be some cool footage coming soon.
The Ohlins performed well. Cars' handling was very predictable and consistent, offered a decent amount of confidence given my first track day with the new set-up. Spent most of my time adjusting tire pressure(s) and clicks on the dampers. Around 26psi cold was a good place to start imo. Production date on the R888R's was in 2019 and they hung out all last year in storage; they worked reasonably well but I think their peak performance has passed. Grip offered was fair but did not give that supple / grippy connected feeling.
I'd say it was an overall successful day and a great time
Last edited by Federighi; 07-02-2022 at 01:14 PM.
Reason: typo
08-20-2020, 02:01 PM
