Thinking about getting an RX8 for B Stock autocross...
 

I'm thinking about getting an RX8 for B Stock autocross, but was wondering if there are any cars that are potentially going to be moved to B Stock next year that might unseed the RX8.

I happen to be one of the lucky ones who bought a 2003 MINI S and then the SCCA moved the newer MINI with LSD into GS and killed my car. Don't want that to happen again.

Any thoughts on the future of the RX8 in B Stock?

I don't see it getting any changes soon. (And by soon I mean for 2007). The only 'new' car coming out that would be a decent auto-xer is the GXP and I would be shocked if it went into BS. It's got AS written all over it.

So with that said....

Can I interest you in a low miles 2004 already set-up for BS, only driven on weekends? :) 14.5K miles on it now, bought in Oct '04. You can buy it after Nationals... heck, even AT nationals, you can drive it home. $21K with 18x8 SSRs with 245/35-18 V710s and 4 more Kumho Spares. (The spares will have to be mailed).

--kC

Keith, what are you getting next?

John V moving over to AS with Porsche Boxster S and now Keith too? Wow, I hope BS still have stars like you two by the time I'm ready to throw down the gauntlet in a few years...

As for STU, Sam Strano ran in Mike Neary's M3 this past weekend, crushing the field. http://www.phillyscca.com/solo2/resu...6/SO081206.TXT There is going to be firework at National in STU, with Mark going down fighting. The course wasn't RX-8 favoring, as seen here: http://www.stickypod.com/videos/data...8_12_Run_3.wmv.

Thanks, but I'll probably go with a new one. Some insane deals on these cars from what I can hear, even on leases.

Just curious, why are you moving on to a different class?

They did not "move" a new car into your class. They left that same car in there that was there it just got some new parts, happens all the time.

At this time there is no new BS cars for 2007, that does not mean that one of the current cars can not get better, just nothing new going in.

Agreed. But even though I think a new MINI would be faster, I think I want to switch to a RWD car like the RX8.

That Isley guy. Can't stand him. :bootyshak

Actually, I'm on the list for a Solstice GXP. Can't have both cars (wife said so).

--kC

ah yes. when the CFO speaks her commands must be obeyed. :0) which is why i don't have my p-car yet. ;)

Should be a fun car, can't argue with that power/weight for the price!

Have you driven one (hard) yet? I wonder how the chassis stiffness is on those. American 'verts tend to be pretty flexy. Reviews will be much appreciated :)

The Solstice is an amazing car...With respect to new BS cars, I wonder when the 350z is going to be remodeled and would they ever put the e46 M3 in BS? I could see the new twin turbo 3 series coupe getting put in BS too. Maybe the new Boss 302 Mustang as well.

Still, the RX8 is a great car, and it should be safe for one or two years I would think.

GXPs aren't out yet. I have yet to even see a Sol at an atuo-x around here.

--kC

Look at some of the recent national-level results -- the base Solstice is pretty much having its way with CS. The turbo car certainly looks promising for AS.

Edit: Looks like Mike got a way more detailed post in a minute before I did...

Ok... this made me chuckle.

I used to own an early 90's Z car, so the new 350Z is on my short list also. Seems like it would make for a faster BS car because of the additional 50-60hp and more torque. It probably weighs a little more though...anybody know by how much.

I just like the convenience of the 4 doors and rear seats that the RX8 has.

The difference is about 400lbs.

The rear-hatch on the Z isn't terribly usefull with the tower brace being in the way.

There's a kid in my local autocross group that drives a 350Z that spanks me regularly. It helps that he's got DOTR tires, a good alignment and, oh yah, he damn lot better driver than me.

The 350Z also has minimal, non-adjustable front camber.

Some people have asked that the 350Z be moved down to FS. I think that's excessive, but I don't know anyone who thinks it's the car to have in BS.

Actually it's true!

:yelrotflm Nice avatar.... EEHHMSTM.

While my STU RX-8 is not quite ready yet to take on Neary's M3 (only ran the 5th and 6th event in it this past weekend) I disagree with your statement above. :dunno:

Correct me if I'm wrong (wouldn't be 1st time), but uphill start combined with predominately sweeper elements as seen in the video is not a RX-8 course in my mind. Please do share your technical analysis of the course and where I lost time. I have much to learn of course. :kiss:

it can't be explained in text, you have to see and experience it in person to understand ... not to mention that I don't have any way to judge how you performed or why you didn't do any better :dunno:

LOL

I love the smell of sarcasim in the morning ;) Actually, thats just the info I was looking for. I haven't done any research on the solstice, and I, being an american, really want to see american carmakers remove the negative streotypes they've built up in the 80s and 90s. I think the solstice and sky are awesome looking little verts and as long as they go as good as they look (which your post indicates), I think its proof that GM is finally 'getting it' when it comes to making fun cars other than Corvettes.

Anyway, sorry for the OT... carry on :)

From an autocrosser in Northeastern FL
 

The RX does great in its class. With a few tweaks, it does just about the best in its class.

I am not the best of drivers, but as long as the competition is equipped the same, the RX does dandy.

In my neck of the woods, WhiteRex is (IMO) a great driver. His RX has a different front sway bar, runs on Kumho V710Rs, and has slighty agressive alignment settings (all allowed by BS rules). He will normally be seen taking down the WRXs in AS, and as the result of losing a bet, there were a few WRXs sporting 'zoom-zoom' stickers for a while.

My RX has stock EVERYTHING, including Bridgestone tires. I am not saying I am as good a driver as Whiterex, but his setup seems to be almost exactly 10% faster than mine, regardless of course layout or length. On a 45 second course, his BTOTD is usually 4 to 4.5 seconds faster than my BTOTD.

The RXs normally beat the 350Zs that are also equipped the same, in the same class. His beats the 350Z track models running R compounds, and I beat the regular 350Zs running stock tires.

Might be interesting to see a Mustang V8 running in our class, although that car does not handle or brake as well.

If you are thinking about getting one wait till October...... I would guess after the Natls there will be a number of well set up fast cars for sale.