There are no gravel tires available from any vendor I have been able to find above 16". Even at 16", the available options are meager. I am actually hoping to find 15" wheels that will clear the base AT brakes, as that opens up my options for gravel tires enormously.

 

Rally.Build | Indy Sport F Gravel Rally Tire

 

Thank you so much!!!! I've been looking for months for a gravel tire that wasn't just for Winter use!!!!

 

You must practice your Google-Fu, Grasshopper.

 

Great thread. I just read through all of it but still had a question...

How many variants of ABS were offered in the RX-8?

I understand S1 / S2 had different ABS. I was also under the impression that the ABS is different between DSC / non-DSC models as well.

Are there any OTHER variants? Do auto / manual share ABS? Are there multiple manufacturers of ABS units (Bosch, Hitachi, etc)?

Any ABS gurus out here?

Maybe I should start an ABS specific thread?


Cheers.

 

The link to the original list of brake fluids on the first page is broken, but I found a more up to date one:

https://www.lelandwest.com/brake-flu...ow=1&SF=8&ST=1

 

Castrol SRF is still king with a 518*F wet boiling point

 

But who would be using competition/track brake fluid and leaving it unchanged so long that it actually becomes "wet"?

 

^ My ducted Miata is so easy on brakes in terms of heat, that I only need to bleed twice a year, doing 10+ track days per bleed. Of course, I like my brake pedal to be a little soft, as it helps with heel-toe in that car.

Having said that, I use whatever 600 fluid is cheapest at the time. That seems to alternate between Wilwood EXP and Redline RL600 lately.

 

Probably somebody no different than the guy who changes it often because he otherwise has no clue if it needs to be changed or not.



.

 

In an intact brake system, I don't think the brake fluid is going to pick up enough moisture in six months to move more than a couple of degrees off the dry boiling point, if any. You'd have to leave the cap off, outdoors, hood open to get close to the wet point.

 

I still change my brake fluid in the reservoir every year. I posted a how to here using a modified syringe:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...-fluid-261823/

 

How do you know when it needs to be changed? Do you have a scientific test, or get it tested? Or do you just guess based on time and use?

For the record, I just guess based on time, use, research, and experience. I'm at 76000 miles, thousands of those on-track at speed, and still using the original factory calipers with no leaks or failures of any kind. Never used anything more sophisticated than Catrol LMA or Valvoline Synthetic.

 

Me too, and despite the cost difference I not only spend less than you do, I also don't have to be bothered with it as often. You think you can tell the difference between a 620*F brake fluid boiling point and a 520*F boiling point? Because you get to that point a lot quicker with the other fluids and probably don't even realize it. However, it's no skin off my back what you use. The thought never even entered my mind actually.

 

I think what you are saying, in your usual forthright way, is because you have no clue when to change it and don't change it often, you just use fluid with a high wet boiling point and forget about it? If so, that's a reasonable strategy. I find other advantages to bleeding brakes more often than once every year or two.

You made some assumptions about how often I bleed and how much I pay for brake fluid, neither of which I've mentioned. It's not a safe bet you spend less than I do. It's a strange assertion coming from you, and not a competition anyway.

Can I tell the difference between a 620ºF and a 520ºF brake fluid boiling point?
Only if the fluid gets to 520ºF.

 

I guess you're just too smart for me

 

Maybe not too smart for you, but certainly too friendly.

 

 

Any chance of an update to the product lists in the OP?

Ferodo pads and the Cobalt GT Sport pad no longer exist for the RX-8, unfortunately.

If we're mentioning Racing Brake rotors, it's probably worth noting the pad compatibility constraints (basically: track pads only, plus Hawk street pads, minus Carbotech).

If the StopTech and RB BBKs are worth mentioning, I'd think Brembo's deserves a mention as well.

 

Don't forget Wilwood.

 

Hey, a rear BBK with parking brake!

EDIT: Looks like the e-brake assembly adds back the weight saved in the caliper. The rotor might actually add inertia despite the lighter hat, because it's bigger. So the only argument is... heat capacity? Maybe?

 

Can I mix 2 different brands and DOT numbers at the same time? Does brake fluid have a shelf life? I have half of bottle of DOT 3, and half a bottle of DOT 3 and DOT 4, both different brands. They also are various ages, one is probably 5 years old and the other is probably 10+ years old. I don't see any dates listed on them.

 

i wouldnt chance it. fluid is cheap and it can attract water. buy some new stuff and avoid mixing dot

 

5 year old open brake fluid is full of water. 10 years even worse. I wouldn't put that in my car. Get some fresh DOT4.

 

Thanks! What can I do with the old stuff? My local auto place only takes used oil.