Quote:
Originally Posted by RedR1
I've heard that the OEM FB brakes weren't up to the task of extended track days in heat. How were you going to tackle that in the long run? I saw in a previous post that you said pads and rotors. Did you ever think about the TII subframe swap to get the thicker and larger rotors/caliper? It's a somewhat economical (i'm a heap A$$  ) swap, and people that have done it said they'd never look back. i haven't done it personally, just looking for input from people that have done it, or are considering it.
One of these days, I will drive thunderhill. I've always heard a lot about that track from here in FL. Many enduro's run there. Maybe you can coach me if we ever meet up there  |
Yeah I don't doubt that FB brakes won't handle track days. It blew my mind when I learned (from this forum) that I could swap an FC subframe over. That's a good option because I looove FC brakes. The rack-and-pinion would be nice too.
Thing is I already got a full bushing kit, Illumina shocks and RB springs for the FB setup so I will use that for the time being. When I get ready to weld in a cage, that will probably be the time to pull the motor and do a more thorough suspension upgrade because I will want to tie the cage into reinforcements to the chassis under the hood.
I say this because the unibody frame-rails that run by the bottom of the front strut towers are usually pretty weak. When I flipped the RX3, the cage in that car didn't reinforce those areas and they cracked. I intend to design a much better cage for the FB.
I also have another Mazda in mind to borrow parts from. I think it might be neat to swap over the suspension off a Miata unto an FB. I'm sure a lot of custom fabrication would be required, but I think it would be worth it because I was very impressed after driving a Miata a bit recently. It would be nice to have some of the balance and grip inherent in that delightful little car.
Also, the Miata and its suspension are pretty compact so it should be easier to fit it in an FB.
As far as Thunderhill goes, I would be happy to give you some tips or even accompany you along on a track day to help you dial in your tire pressures and the like. None of my bum friends ever work up the nerve to actually go to the track so it'd be nice to get out there more often
I'm closer to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Sears Point now though. I have some ride-along experience on Laguna Seca because I was training to be a NASA instructor there. I would like to broaden my track experience as much as possible which also puts Willow Springs on my list of tracks I plan to use.