Snox801

Ok so I ya e a low mileage s2 and tracked it this year. It went ok and I love the car. But of course I want. A bit more power.
So I’m having some tuning done this spring. Looking for a list of mods you would recommend in a good order of bang for buck. I’ve got the cooler tstat, panel filter and bhr coils. Cat delete. Other than that stock.
Looking to do the fan setting and oil pump adjustments with the tune along with rev limit and raising the idle. I premix amsoil 100:1 8oz bottles with each tank and planned to turn down the oil pump a bit and rely more on the 2 storm for obvious reasons.
So I’m thinking header, and bhr midpipe. Where does should I look? Thanks

Shaozhou Zhang

FI if you want big power
If you want to stay NA, I have a list of mod, never dynoed, butt dyno tells no difference.
AEM CAI
Midpipe and Catback, if you can fabricate then Teamrx8’s header theory is a go, otherwise BHR long tube header is a nice choice)
LW flywheel
BHR coil ( not a power adder, but a hassle saver, BHR does not list this as a HP upgrade)
These does not provide a lot of gains compare to FI.
so if you are staying NA, weight reduction is another way to go along with these mods.

Snox801

I was thinking turbo at first but don’t wanna really get into that as my other cars are turbo and I’ve told myself I’m gonna keep a low key in this car. That being said I love the car past 6k and just wanted more trq. Was thinking nitrous and having it spray from 3k to 5500 or so if I could figure out how to get that signal correct. Which is the worst part for me as I’m terrible at anything involving wiring.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Shaozhou has good suggestions. Cat delete will get you a small bump.
​​​There is just not that much you can do to add power without boost. The engine is maxed out. Keeping everything healthy and strong, especially ignition, will ensure you're getting the most out of it. Lightweight flywheel will help as well.
​​​​​​

Nitrous in a track car is not a great idea, you should never be in that rev range for one, and for two the last thing you want is unpredictable power output. Or, to start spraying under partial throttle.

There are things you can do to get faster laptimes that don't add power. You already have a cornering advantage over most cars, you can dial it in even more with coilovers and a selection of swaybars.

Snox801

Sport I should have stated that the nitrous would only be spraying at wide open throttle while between a certain rpm not exactly what I stated. Second i should have said that would be for the street having fun part except for one track where I end up in that rev range no matter what coming up a hill going into a stray. So one track really mostly for street. Sorry guess I worded it like a dummy the first time.
I’m not dead set in anything and really. I may go the other route and just drive the crap out of it and see how long a well taken care of rx8 will really last. Granted mine had low mile so I can’t say it’s perfect but it seems the past owner was into the Mazda club in his area so I’m sure it was well taken care of based on the rest of the car so at 13k the compression was good. I premixed before I even put it on trailer to head home.
Thanks guys

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

i ran n02 for many years. its fun and cool but not movie fun/cool. it also has a short rpm range to be used in

Snox801

you sir are correct I’ve run it a decent amount and I’ve always found it to be exactly what you are saying. I never even noticed the difference at higher rpm but amazing trq. So that was my plan to get it to the power faster. Not a huge shot to try and drag race just a small shot to get things rolling faster just never had it on a wankle.

speed7

Before going crazy with chasing HP.. why not focus on suspension, wheels, brakes, and tires. My non tuned S2 does just fine at the track.

Snox801

I have already done suspension and brakes. So that leads me wanting a bit more power. Because no matter how good it handles it’s still a very underpowered car. I also drive in the street more than track so it can of course use more power.
So to answer your question if I’ve already done the things you suggest why not add more power? You can’t honestly say you don’t want more.
Again I know this car is limited but I’m seeing very little out of the box thinking with these cars. It’s very much follow the leader. Don’t try anything g new cause we heard on the internet it doesn’t help.
I can tell you from my vast experience with building g ecoboost stuff it’s the same way and a lot can be gained by trying things.
Since this is a new platform to me I was just Looki g for directions where to go not what not to do.

Snox801

Sorry I may have read into your post a little more than I should and realized you gave solid advise. It’s my fault I didn’t state that I already have done all the things listed but rims. Car does handle great which is what led me to wanting just a bit more power pulling a few up hill spots out of corners.
Sorry if it came off as jerky.

speed7

yes we’re very limited on our thinking here on rx8club. Since this car was released in 2004 there has been very little knowledge posted on this site.

if you’re truly looking for help, it’s nice to know where you’ve been so we can help make suggestions. Also when talking about “tracking”, it’s also important that you specify like you did that this is more of a street car, and not a track dedicated car.

speed7

yeah then you’ll like my last post.

List your updates / mods. Not just “suspension”, “tires”. So we can help make suggestions. But an FYI, this is not a follow the leader comment, there isn’t much power to be gained from an NA motor on these cars. If you’re looking for power, you can turbo. Again it’s not much power for what is spent.. plus like all racing you’re fighting heat. So the real option for “power” is an REW swap. Which will give you a lower compression engine needed to make use of a turbo. The renesis out of the box has too high of compression to really make use of a turbo.

And on top of all of that you’re also in a S2, which for awhile was limited on what you could do ECU wise for tuning. I personally have S2’s and for the track a “tune” is the last thing I’m chasing.. if ever. I personally don’t feel I need that extra power except on high speed tracks, like Cal Speedway, or willow springs. But even at Willow, I know I can do better simply by getting turn 9 dialed down. Or more importantly hitting each turn 100% not worrying about rocks on the driving line.

Snox801

All good thanks for the info. I realized after that i sounded like a dick.
I have tracing beat suspension, whatever shocks they recommended and springs, also currently have ps4’s on it for rubber.
I’ve had a extensive racing background at the professional level So staying smooth and carrying speed I understand and work on more than anything. This car is basically a toy I take and treat like a step child on the street and hit the take probably 10-12 times a year. Would be more except I still have to take my rs our also. Which is part of the problem when you are used to over 500 whp and a car that handles better than the rx8 it’s always leaving the rx feeling very slow. That being said it’s crazy fun to have a red car that is rotary powered.
What I was thinking was a bit of a boost in low end trq from the Nitrous not much but as light bump. Plus I like to try things that haven’t been done or or not as common. So to keep temps down I will be running a blended e30ish bone which has worked in the past for me on cars that are needing some slight cooling help. Next fall I think I’m gonna go with a full motor build.

Snox801

Sorry speed didn’t mean to come off like that. I understand the car had been out for a while but seems like no one has been trying much different. I ran into this with my focus. Every doing the same thing because one guy that really did know what he was doing said you can’t.
Example everyone said you could not do flex fuel on that car with no rail. No way no how. But I was able to which solved my heat issues when pushing g hard and was able to squeeze out a bunch of power.
I was very shocked no one has been trying meth injection or e85 to keep these cool. May not add power but if you can keep it cool hp stays longer.
I guess I assumed versa tune has been on these s2’s for much longer than they have

Loki

iTrader: (1)

There are e85 cars running around, mostly with turbos. There's little point in making small upgrades to a naturally aspirated renesis. There is no return there. If you're serious about power, look for a REW swap.

And as far as heat... it's just not that much of a problem on average, especially at speed. A radiator upgrade is never a bad idea especially as the cars age and in hotter climates, but that's a pretty straight forward fix.

Snox801

That makes sense. To be honest it’s a great car and I’m super happy with it. I was specifically trying to stay away from another turbo. So after the tune I’ll probably leave it along till something. Bad happens then get it ported and drive it. Well I do want exhaust ASAP just for the fact I like the sound of the wankle not bottled up so bad.

speed7

Random question, on your RS, what upgrades did you do to keep the RDC from overheating, same with the stock brakes. I’m assuming you upgraded the pads. If so to what brand / compound?

Snox801

I assume you mean the rdu? So they have no real temp sensor in them it’s a calculated set of tables. After seeing the the temp was indeed not going to high you are able to over ride the rdu by way of the tables that were built for the drift stick then made assemble a very easy tuning through the obd.
Now Keep in mind that on the rs the problems were very hit and miss based on cars. Many did not have the head gasket issues. Many never have the rdu turn off. Same with the brakes. Seems to be the very first released cars had non of those issues while the second shipments on sure did. So many guys were trying to add coolers to the car which in turn did nothing as it was a table of calculations that determines temp. So much like oil driving habits tend to make it worse. What the coolers did was make the car itself overheat. I have had no issues with my rdu or my engine heat. The engine I kinda knew wouldn’t running e85 most that do that don’t have any issue. The tables in my car for the rdu must have been way out of the park cause the only time it would turn off was 1-2nd gear launches after I broke the 450trq hold it had on it. I’ve fixed that with new rdu tuning.
Hopefully that keeps the front axles together better as it’s getting replacements now after some hard launches and some random donut sessions.

Snox801

Sorry I could not tell you which brakes are on it I left that stuff to Livernois as the have a very good working relationship with ford performance. So I let them choose that type of stuff along with the clutch after finding out what I thought would be best wasn’t.
I can find out though.

speed7

Well my suggestions are to focus on adding lightness, that's where the rx8 comes alive. I run MP 4's on the street, but a different wheel / tire all together on the track.. I would also reach out to Livernois and find out what compounds you used for tracking your RS. You'll know which you liked feel wise and be able to research that for the rx8. The secret for the RX8 is suspension, wheels, tires, and brakes.

Here is a URL to the racing section of rx8club that doesn't pertain to S1 or S2 specifically. For the most part they are the same when it comes to the basics.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-racing-25/

From what I'm kinda reading on your post.. you have a red s2. I suspect an R3, but you've not specified. So either you have the Stock R3 wheels or the non R3 wheels (sport or GT). So a starting range of 20lbs all the way up to 25lbs per wheel. Either way you need to drop wheel weight, so perhaps the Enkei racing RPF1's. I run a 17x9 w/ 45mm offset setup which comes in at about 16lbs per wheel. You can run a 255/40 tire with no issues rubbing at all. But you being the professional you also know what compounds to run I'm sure.

Suspension wise, If you are looking for a good track setup I'd get away from the standard setup you have and into a coilover setup. Personally I run MCS coilovers, they are 2 way adjustable with the remote reservoirs. If you're not doing longer than 20-30 minute stints... then the reservoirs aren't needed, and you can save yourself some money. Springs I chose are swift springs.. but I unfortunately lost the notes I had on them for their spring rates. I have a stiff setup you can't use on the street.. so no help to you anyways.

Brakes, you can use the OEM rotors and pair it with decent pads and do just fine with the car. Again I suggest contacting Livernois to see what compounds you were using. Everyone has a different style and preference for how they like their pedal feel to be.

Side note, my buddy who just started getting into racing did a bunch of schooling and really gets into the nitty gritty details of whatever hobby he's doing.. be it astronomy, target shooting, and now racing. Also has an RS, that's where the rear drive controller question came from. He bought an FRS / BRZ fully built track car and we did a few HPDE events together. Anyways.. he says the RS doesn't compare in handling to the FRS/BRZ .. and the RX8 is similar to the FRS. My Rx8 isn't even near being done yet I've managed to keep them (any FRS ) at bay any time I'm at the track. I'm sure driving skill sets has something to do with it. But what I'm getting at is the Rx8 with a decent driver and 1/2 way decent of a setup is just fine with the power it produces. Go and do some searching in the racing forum and you should be able to make the car do what you're looking with minor upgrades and tweaks. For me I never really rely on power at the track, its more about how much speed I'm able to maintain in the turns. Of course each track is different.. hence why I mentioned Willow Springs and Cal speedways. Those two are high speed tracks.. but Streets of Willow, Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, or Buttonwilow, even with my stock R3 suspension, I was running away from most anything.. even chasing down GTR's at the cost of my brakes (yes I was over driving my car). I literally only had the wheels mentioned above and upgraded pads and rubber.

Happy searching, the forum has what you're looking for.. especially in the racing section.

PS side note.. I actually view the Rx8 as the cheap mans Porsche. You literally wake these cars up by adding lightness. That is their secret... HP is great but useless in most cases. I daily an E63 AMG wagon with 507hp at the crank. It's useless since I barely use any of that power. I find myself enjoying the Rx8's more than even my Mercedes.

Snox801

Thanks for posting lighter wheels were next.
I have run the ps cup 2’s but have been back to ps4’s on my rs. Kinda crazy hearing your buddy doesn’t think it handles all that well. My buddy who’s main hobby is track days. Well gridlife has a gt350 all setup and absolutely hated my rx8 but loves my rs. Says it’s amazing how well the hatch handles. I think they both handle great just different. For sure my rs is faster as I’m more used to it and it’s got a ton or trq. With light weight rims and ps4’s currently.
This rx8 I’ve been trying to keep as a street and track car. Weekend warrior stuff.
That’s for the tips on rims and tires as that was my next move. Finding some light weight rims and was thinking of trying some falken’s the sti guys keep saying are great for the price. I don’t have the r3 so cutting weight is probably my best bet. I did shave off 33lbs by swapping battery for a shoria. Works great.
Trying to not get back into the super competitive stuff. Although I pick up racing stuff easy this new car stuff is much different. Raced karts growing up then went to atv’s and made the highest level at that. Some things transferred over but that may be just stuff from being a kid and racing karts.
Sure is a a great car. I got a invite this past fall to a lotus track day and boy I bet I hurt some feelings. Lol

speed7

I just looked at the gridlife page and my first impression is that's got to be a joke. "Vehicles with inflation adjusted MSRPs " wtf.. who grades car classes by MSRP?! Hopefully I'm wrong but my first impression of that org is it's not really that serious.

My suggestion.. look into NASA for track days. https://www.nasaproracing.com/

Snox801

I don’t do the grid life but I think that was for classes that were meant to keep cost down.
At one point we were gonna do a class that the car had to cost less than x amount and couldn’t be some great car being sold to you cheap to win.
Most the classes seemed to be normal when I went. But boy those guys can spend some money it seems.
I almost felt bad when driving my friends Shelby gt 350 for a track day knowing he had cup 2’s and knowing how often he has to replace them and what they cost.

Snox801

Have you run with chin before? Seems a lot of guys do those also.

Snox801

Funny you say you enjoy the rx8 more.
I’m at 518awhp on my rs and I love it but boy do I tend to have more fun in the rx.