Autocrossing with my RX7

[Jims5543]

In the past I have trailered the car to events with everything and anything I could need in the tow vehicle.

Then I downsized and just towed a small trailer behind the RX7 to events, but I got tired of that as well. Plus the hitch weighs too much and I had to drive "nice" with a trailer behind me.

So I set out to see if I could fit all 4 slicks, my floor jack, assorted tools and a cooler in the RX7 and still have room for me.

Success!!




There is a Floor Jack under there somewhere...




How did the event go? I am getting better. After 2 years off with the worlds most expensive and detailed engine rebuild I had been using my 911 for AX duties. It was a blast to drive but to be honest, with Kumho MX tires and stock suspension it was a hand full, yet at the same time so much fun to push hard, but, I grew used to it and that was bad.

So when I got my RX7 back I was not pushing it nearly as hard. Its kind of hard to explain, I have autocrossed a few different cars, my '00 Mustang GT, a '03 Mini CooperS JCW, my Brothers Non-turbo RX7 as well as other cars people let me try. When I get in my RX7 to Autocross it, its like someone hit a fast forward button. That is the only way to describe it. My reaction time has to increase drastically.

Here is my first run on video, I attacked the course way too hard and did not account for the dips and rises in the pavement. After, I was asked how the course was and the best answer I could come up with was, this course is in 3D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXnH4yITv14

I started to get that my turn in points would be earlier for some turns considering the dips and rises and got a decent run in. At this point I had a passenger, his name is Steve Kidd and he drives a GT3, he wanted a high power car look at the course before he tried it and I was flattered he chose me to ride with. He ended up beating me by over 0.5 seconds, I would like to think I had a hand in that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-4buBU-7vU

Between runs I quickly moved the camera to the passenger door to see what my front tire was doing. Yup, it was rubbing. This course was murder on my car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4czTj7SlCI&feature=user


The beast, approx. 500HP and weighs in at approx 2500 lbs.



And if I hear or read one more 944 joke this badging is going on for the next PCA AX.



I know this is a Porsche forum but I thought some of you motorheads might like to see what some other cars are doing.

[LeeH]

The external video was very cool!

[gprsh924]

Looks like fun....hopefully I will get to start doing that this summer

[vash]

whoa! back the bus up! you have a 500 hp RX7? what is the story? did i miss it?

[Hugh R]

That's not a 944? Get the Eff out!

[Jims5543]

Originally Posted by vash

whoa! back the bus up! you have a 500 hp RX7? what is the story? did i miss it?

Never really told it here. Its a Porsche Forum. It WAS a 400HP car before I overheated it and killed it 2 years ago. The entire engine is new now, with tons of port work, huge fuel lines, rails and injectors (2x850cc and 2x1300cc) a duel ball bearing GT35R Turbo, 4" exhaust, Motec M4, 9# flywheel, oversize throttle body, and the list goes on.

I am running her a little fat right now and a more honest weight would be 2700lbs. I have the A/C back in. I also am not running my lexan rear window, or my tiny battery, I also take out the passenger seat when I am serious.

Plus for the last 2 years while I was buying parts and having custom work done there was not much to talk about, the mechanic I use is very funny about me putting pictures of his work on the internet. The inside of my engine and my intake have been worked over extensively.

In the videos I am running wastegate spring boost with no boost controller, so I am running 10 PSI or about 350RWHP if I turn on the boost controller, the turbo hits too hard for Autocrossing, track days its fine Autocorss its too violent. Then the HP starts to pour on, last time it dyno's with a smaller turbo, when we hit 15PSI it was at 380RWHP. We have enough fuel to run 18PSI and are pretty sure with this new turbo to be in the mid 400's to the wheels.

[onewhippedpuppy]

500 HP, 2500 lb SUV. I love it.