The Ohio Random Thread... aka We Should Probably Be Working

[o0n8]

started my car for the first time since march, boost guage was reading about -16 and after a couple of revs it now sits at -30 like it's broken. AFR's were around 15 ish then went to unreadable in the red at idle.

also some smoke, can't tell if it's from the paint on the exhaust mani or the turbo

 

[LiquidMS3]

First time running my stock speed 14.5713 at 99.17. Im not to happy about it, spun till 3rd and didnt see I had my rear window half down. I realy need a rmm 3rd didnt like me. I think if I went to a better track and more practice it wouldnt be so bad. Everyone there said they were running .5 slower because of the bad weather. Does any one have there stock time so I know what to work for.

 

[thejeans]

well a professional in the same car runs a 13.7.... if it was your first time i dont think you did THAT badly

 

[LiquidMS3]

Good makes me feel better. Thanks

 

[rally2003]

Just got back from Pensecola, FL. Dam I hate Ohio Na it's good to be back I missed leaving the MSP behind. That is the longest time I haven't driven her besides there being snow on the ground and I know how much she loves the beach and all the bitches (I mean beaches).

 

[THE Phen]

First time running my stock speed 14.5713 at 99.17. Im not to happy about it, spun till 3rd and didnt see I had my rear window half down. I realy need a rmm 3rd didnt like me. I think if I went to a better track and more practice it wouldnt be so bad. Everyone there said they were running .5 slower because of the bad weather. Does any one have there stock time so I know what to work for.

Where did you run? I ran at Dragway 42 2 years ago in the MSM. It was a fun time...for what it is.

 

[Josue6WGN]

I, along with a lot of people I know, always ran slower at 42. You'd probably do better at Norwalk.

 

[THE Phen]

I ran a 13.73 @ 103.22 with the MSM the only time I ever went. At least... that was my fastest time before the gearbox went out...

 

[LiquidMS3]

At 42 with big truck with huge tires and oily p.o.s. cars going down the wavy track. I did have fun even so.

 

[Evan9999]

Good morning everyone!

I'm hunting around for another set of wheels for track days (preferably 17x8). What's everyone's opinion of Rota wheels? They seem pretty good, but they're pretty cheap. Thanks!


**Edit...seems to be mixed reviews on these, some people say they're fine, others say they crack easily.

 

[princess peach]

Good morning everyone!

I'm hunting around for another set of wheels for track days (preferably 17x8). What's everyone's opinion of Rota wheels? They seem pretty good, but they're pretty cheap. Thanks!

**Edit...seems to be mixed reviews on these, some people say they're fine, others say they crack easily.

if they're going to be track only then you should be OK with them since most of the tracks are smooth (unless the power from your car would crack them). Honestly I would look into the price and weight, I think some XXRs look really good and they're a good price. DD is a different issue, I paid more for my Grams and they've held very well considering I've run over a few potholes...

 

[Perro del Sol]

Good morning everyone!

I'm hunting around for another set of wheels for track days (preferably 17x8). What's everyone's opinion of Rota wheels? They seem pretty good, but they're pretty cheap. Thanks!


**Edit...seems to be mixed reviews on these, some people say they're fine, others say they crack easily.

Since they're track wheels, what does it matter as they'll be on a better surface that the streets of NE Ohio. I know Bill Brees is running them and he likes his. If they are truly dedicated track wheels, finad some that is affordable and that you like. Obviously, there is a lot to choose from, so go with what you like. Enkei, Kosei, Rota, Motegi, OZ's and so on......good luck

 

[thejeans]

the majority of busted rotas were from jackasses hitting curbs, huge potholes, and improperly powder coating them therefore weakening the wheels etc. and in those conditions almost any wheel is going to get ruined....

id buy rotas for DD wheels and had i not got such an awesome price on the OZ's i would be rocking a set of rotas... that being said i wouldn't hesitate to put them on a track either...

people dont realize that the majority of the wheels made in the world come out of only a few different factories in Japan, so you are going to have several wheels cheap and expensive being made side by side, thats one thing i NEVER got about people bashing the "quality" of wheels like xxr, rota etc

hell i remember when rob had his autocross wheels, stamped Konig on the front of the wheel and rota on the back of the wheel... that cracked me up cause people seem to think Konig wheels are better than rotas when they are in fact just re-stamped rotas hahaha

 

[Evan9999]

The one issue I'm going to have is that my track wheels will look better than my street wheels (RX8's), but my RX8's are too heavy to keep tracking LOL.

I found these: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123791563-OH-18x8-38-MSR-Black-Wheels

Are MSR wheels any good? The thing I'm worried about is the 35 tires, possibly too low profile for the track?

I'm going to look at some Rotas and maybe buy a new set, then put Pablo's Hoosiers on them lol

 

[rally2003]

I have 35 series profile on my Falken's. Just means less roll over in the sidewall of the tire. Mine run great. 35 profile isn't good on the roads of Ohio though. A couple "nice" pothole will destroy the rims.

 

[thejeans]

why not buy a set of wheels for DD and use the rx8's to track... you all crack me up... instead of focusing on getting as much track time as possible, you worry about stupid s*** like finding lighter wheels and stickier tires, learn to drive around a track, learn the lines THEN make upgrades to try to get faster

maybe im just crazy but i would want to learn as much about the handling dynamics of my car before upgrading that way if i upgrade something and its worse i can pinpoint why and where alot easier.... same with tires, poor driving and good tires is only going to develop poorer habits...

 

[Evan9999]

why not buy a set of wheels for DD and use the rx8's to track... you all crack me up... instead of focusing on getting as much track time as possible, you worry about stupid s*** like finding lighter wheels and stickier tires, learn to drive around a track, learn the lines THEN make upgrades to try to get faster

maybe im just crazy but i would want to learn as much about the handling dynamics of my car before upgrading that way if i upgrade something and its worse i can pinpoint why and where alot easier.... same with tires, poor driving and good tires is only going to develop poor habits...

The issue with the RX8 wheels is that the tires won't be usable after another Track day.

 

[thejeans]

personally id be buying whatever i can find cheapest for track wheels, so what if they weigh a lil more than youd like... unless you are planning on stripping the car and caging it, whats it matter if the wheels weigh 21lbs instead of 16lbs? seriously???

i dunno like i said, maybe im just crazy with thinking if i were going to do it, i want to learn the basics of driving on a track, developing proper techniques, getting as much seat time as possible and understanding how my car is going to handle/react under the forces im going to put it under before worrying about lighter wheels and things like that...

 

[Perro del Sol]

why not buy a set of wheels for DD and use the rx8's to track... you all crack me up... instead of focusing on getting as much track time as possible, you worry about stupid s*** like finding lighter wheels and stickier tires, learn to drive around a track, learn the lines THEN make upgrades to try to get faster

maybe im just crazy but i would want to learn as much about the handling dynamics of my car before upgrading that way if i upgrade something and its worse i can pinpoint why and where alot easier.... same with tires, poor driving and good tires is only going to develop poorer habits...

Good point professor!! It is best to gain as much experience as you can on street tires and push them to their limits, once you have them screaming for mercy, it is time to move on. I first started using slicks after a couple of years autocrossing, before I went on a road course with them. Once you find the limitations, I would look to move to R-comps, I woud then do a few auto-x's to get use to the feel and characteristics of the tire, it is a huge difference. Excellent point Levi!

 

[Evan9999]

Ya that's a good point about learning the basics first. Super light wheels aren't a high priority for me. If they're really light, then hell ya. What I'm really look for is a set of wheels that are 17x8 or 18x8. I also want wheels that already have decent tires on them. I could use the RX8 wheels, but the tires still have enough tread for daily driving the rest of the summer I hope. I don't really want to pay to take the tires off, put different track tires on, then put the old RX8 tires on another set of wheels. That will just cost me way too much (about 170-200 total).