Went to the track Saturday and my 8 seems to now have more “ZIPP” in normal driving. Just wondering if anyone else noticed if their 8 seems to ‘wake up” after a track day. I assume the ECU will calm things down after a few days of normal driving but it’s nice right now. I guess our cars really like driving over 6,000 RPM for prolong periods of time

 

Did you ever run with less than 1/4 tank of fuel on the track?

I noticed that mine would suffer fuel cutoff issues with less than 1/4 tank when I was doing 110 mph or so in 4th gear.

 

Yes, it happened to me last year at Watkins Glen.
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...2&postcount=45

I now bring 5 gallons of gas with me to stay over 1/4 tank. Tracks with big changes in elevation like Watkins Glen makes the issue more noticeable.

 

hmm...5 gallons...rx8...on the track... = 3 laps?

:D

 

Thanks, that's exactly what happenned to me. I was at Road America which has some evelavation changes but the issue was happenning to me mostly on the straights. Car is fine now though. Like you said, I'll just make sure and keep more fuel in it next time.

 

Italian tuneup

It could also be that your still in track mode after the track...running higher rpms prior to shifting, driving around in a lower gear, etc etc.

 

Hey now!

On a 3 miles course, I could get at least 10 laps from that! :D

 

note to self: bring extra gasoline to track in June :o

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by expo1

Went to the track Saturday and my 8 seems to now have more “ZIPP” in normal driving. Just wondering if anyone else noticed if their 8 seems to ‘wake up” after a track day. I assume the ECU will calm things down after a few days of normal driving but it’s nice right now. I guess our cars really like driving over 6,000 RPM for prolong periods of time

yes, I experienced this after 2 days at Watkins Glen. I'd swear my rotors got 'greased' cause afterwards the engine seemed just so much more free-reving....or was it my foot only knew on and off.


Sadly it did seem to fade... therefore the need to regularly return to said track or one that is similar to keep my rotary engine 'greased' correctly :D

 

Since we are on the subject, any of you guys who ran your car at the track hit the rev limiter hard?

 

I hit it several times, but I wouldn't say hard. I didn't money shift or anything. Each time I hit it was when I was on the upshift, not the downshift.

Most of the times I hit it was when I was either passing someone or letting up (and forgetting to shift) as I was being passed (after I waived someone by). Something about being in close proximity to another car at 80-100+ mph made me lose focus on the tach But I'll work on it for next time.

I've hit the rev limiter autocrossing a few times as well :o

 

No and it's not because I didn't try :D . Seriously there is better power to be had below redline, so hitting the limiter is a waste. It's easy to feel there's little to be had hanging around that area, it kind of goes limp. But in 3rd it is tempting to hang there - as that means no up-dwn shift on some track areas when you hang in there for a few extra mph.

 

The reason I ask, I whacked it pretty good on the kink at RA, the car kinda went wonky and wouldnt tach above 6k, i figured it was limp mode, but I wasnt sure. Any feedback on this?

 

How much gas did you have at the time? Could of had a high RPM misfire do to low fuel.

 

It was at least a half tank

 

I plan on getting a flywheel to solve the problem. Quicker acceration means you can shift into 3rd sooner. Many of the corners I've been in are just past the edge of second gear and 3rd is just too low.

When you push it too hard the fuel cuts off. A flywheel might prevent this situation from occuring.

 

The only advantage a lighter flywheel will give you is quicker response once on gas. It won't help with fuel issues. I always keep at least 1/2 tank before a session and more if possible. Part of the problem is pickup point in tank and lack of baffles. I have never had the problem in a straight, but coming out of a corner is a bitch if below 1/4 tank. If you want to see the problem at its worst, try running racing tires with increase speeds and loads.

I will also be interested to see what the oil pressure and temps are like on the track. Having two guages installed tomorrow before going to Sebring on Friday.

Jay Goldfarb
Instructor with : NASA, BMW CCA & PBOC