John Magnuson

I have done a lot of track days in my Miata. You never need to worry about that car. However, I am planning to take my '93 RX7 to a track day in a couple weeks. I have heard lots of stories about these things overheating and blowing up etc. at track days. I have done the following engine and brake mods that I hope will help it be reliable:

-M2 Stage 3 package which includes airbox, Large Intercooler, ECU, downpipe and catback. I will run 11 psi

- New silicone vacuum lines (that was fun!)

- Added Second oil cooler from R1 model

- Added Boost Gauge

- Larger KOYO Radiator. Carefully sealed all gaps around radiator.

- AST elimination

- Porterfield brake pads

- R1 model brake ducts

- New Castrol GTA brake fluid

- Mobil One 10W30

- Koni Shocks

- Kuhmo Victoracers

- Plan on using 100 octane unleaded at track

If anyone knows anything else I can easily do to increase track reliability please let me know! I'm new the the 3rd generation RX7s and rotary engines.

Thanks,

John Magnuson
rx73rdgen@aol.com

rynberg

Sounds like you are all set, although the addition of a water temp gauge might be a good idea, as the stock one does not give enough warning.

One thing I would advise is pulling the A/C relay before racing. This way, you can turn the A/C on without running the compressor. This will in turn make the radiator fans run continuously. I strongly recommend doing this to keep your temps in check on the track.

Other than that, sounds like you're ready to roll!

John Magnuson

Thanks for the tip about the AC Relay! I'll make sure I do that!

-John

alberto_mg

very complete list. how is your alignment?

1st to 3rd

Your list sounds pretty good. Plently of people track their cars with less...me included.
Water temp gauge or modify the stocker. The stock gauge doesn't move until you are in the danger zone. It's odd, some people run stock cooling systems with little overheating problems while others with upgraded systems still have issues. It's had to say what you'll end up with.
Use 20W50 for track duity. Keep it 1/4 to 1/2 quart low or it will travel up the filler tube and end up all over your engine compartment. Don't get excited if it does happen. A better solution would be an oil catch can. See Crispy's site for details.
The Castrol brake fluid you are using has a 490°F boiling point. You'll likely boil it if you push them hard. Get some speed bleeders incase you do.
The 100 octane is likely overkill, but I've never played with chipped ecu's. My PFC knock readings are usually lower on the track with 93 octane and insanely high intake temps then normal street driving .
Lastly, make sure you premix. Either Pettit's magic juice or regular old 2 cycle.

John Magnuson

Thanks for the input guys! My buddy tells me we actually used Castrol LMA when we bled the brakes last week so hopefully that will hold up better. He says it's much better than the GTA.

I have heard about the oil spilling... at least it's only a mess if I do right?

I keep hearing all kinds of different opinions on premixing. I know we don't want to go into this here. Can anyone direct me to someplace I can read up on it?

-John Magnuson

rynberg

I didn't have much of a mess without a catch can at the track, but I don't have race tires either....I did notice a little bit of oil seeping through the intake couplers after the track day -- lots of blow-by.

The debate on pre-mixing doesn't really include adding a little bit of oil to the car when you're still using the oil metering pump, although I have never done it. If you do add some pre-mix, I wouldn't add too much as you'll lower the octane in the gas.

As far as the 100 octane goes, try to go to the track with a half tank or so and then fill up when you get there. My car seemed to really like the 100 octane -- ran really smooth and pulled strong. More importantly, it provided a bit more of a safety cushion.

Have fun! I'm going to Buttonwillow in November and Thunderhill in December. There's a quote from Peter Egan -- "Road racing makes a heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty." Very true....

John Magnuson

Ha Ha... very true. Maybe I should have stayed with my Miata. It was cheap to take to track days. But I need more speed!

My buddy and I were on the SCCA Pro-Rally circuit for a year so this seems cheap in comparison I suppose.

Yes, I'm going to get the car aligned. I havn't decide quite what specs I want yet. I have read various specs people have posted on the web as good street/ track specs. Anyone have any favorite alignment specs?

-John Magnuson

rynberg

I'm using the Pettit "Long Track" specs as my car is a daily driver with less than a dozen auto-x/road race events a year. It seems to be feeling good so far with respect to a good balance between turn-in and straight-line/braking stability. If it was just a fun car, I would have gone for the "short track" specs most likely.

mazdized

Drove my car at Thunder HIll. All I can advice you is that FD is a very responsive car to input so you will feel in control even when you are approching the limit. Take it easy at first because FD is a fast car and it gave me a false sense of control at first because it is stable, responsive, and fast but unlike FC or SA it will not give you much warning before it breaks loose. So if you are not causious when it lets go it usaully will not come back.

John Magnuson

Ok... I looked up the Pettit "Long Track" alignment specs. I have an appointed with the local alignment shop to get it adjusted.

Guess I should be all set for now. I'll try to remember to pull my AC relay and keep the oil a little bit low to reduce spilling.

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll keep you posted as to how it goes.