Tuning Advice (S1 RX-7)

[Racecar Johnny]

Feel like I'm approaching the end of what I can do with the platform, but figured I'd seek other opinions:

587 429 633

I typically test for lap times on the Horizon Mexico Circuit, it's admittedly weaker than meta picks in the straights but can make up time in the corners, it's nest time being just under a minute at 59:8x. I have two previous builds of the car with different configurations, one being slightly different with 28 less HP but better braking, and another that uses the stock engine lacking 128 HP but handles but brakes better.

I can give more information as needed. Just really want to get this car to a place I feel like I can call done.

[loppantorkel]

Which RX-7 is it you're using?

[Racecar Johnny]

Originally posted by loppantorkel:

Which RX-7 is it you're using?

The 97 FD, it has more upgrade options than the Spirit.

[S5yn3T]

I might give it a shot after work.
Even tho rx7 in s1 is really pushing its limit.
Did you engine swap it tho?

[Racecar Johnny]

Originally posted by S5yn3T:

I might give it a shot after work.
Even tho rx7 in s1 is really pushing its limit.
Did you engine swap it tho?

Yeah 4 rotary setup.

[loppantorkel]

I gave it a shot, but getting that car below 1 min is beyond me. I've tried those RX-7s before and haven't gotten my head around them. Always lacking in some aspect. Need wings for cornering, which makes them too slow :(

[Racecar Johnny]

Originally posted by loppantorkel:

I gave it a shot, but getting that car below 1 min is beyond me. I've tried those RX-7s before and haven't gotten my head around them. Always lacking in some aspect. Need wings for cornering, which makes them too slow :(

I admittedly have to push it on a pretty good run to get it under a minute, I believe I;m at the point of shaving of milliseconds rather than seconds. I've completed 1818 laps in rivals, 90% of those being with the RX-7 at the Horizon Mexico circuit, so I have the car pretty much felt out to the point where I basically know what exactly will do however hard I brake or hit the throttle.

The problem I'm running into is finding a good car to transplant in its spot in S1. Cars that I can upgrade to be of an equivalent or better level are either AWD, which understeers like a ♥♥♥♥♥, or mid-engined, which while not as bad, tend to not want to turn in since all the weight is moved further back in the car, upsetting the 50/50 balance achievable in an FR layout.

Been trying to figure out what I want to do since this might be the best the RX-7 can do at this point. Might consider exploring A or B class builds and come back to this at some point.

[loppantorkel]

I find the cars in A-class more interesting. I tried tuning a few old Porshes (80's-90's) to S1, but none of them break that 1 minute mark. Not with me driving anyway. I'm sure there are some sub 1 minute cars that aren't 'meta' or AWD, but they're probably more modern or racier than those I usually use.

[Patroh]

Had that car tuned since the early days of FH5 and prior to better tuning understanding.
Swapped some parts, used more appropriate metrics and mustered up this:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2843370986

Features:
- TCP bodykit (w/ Forza wing)
- AWD drivetrain swap
- 6.2L V8 engine swap <- ~40kg heavier than 4 Rotor Racing but ~175 more hp
- Race (semi-slick) tires

I'd say it's a lost cause for S1. Stick to purist B class build, A class tops.

[loppantorkel]

Originally posted by Patroh:

Had that car tuned since the early days of FH5 and prior to better tuning understanding.
Swapped some parts, used more appropriate metrics and mustered up this:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2843370986

Features:
- TCP bodykit (w/ Forza wing)
- AWD drivetrain swap
- 6.2L V8 engine swap <- ~40kg heavier than 4 Rotor Racing but ~175 more hp
- Race (semi-slick) tires

I'd say it's a lost cause for S1. Stick to purist B class build, A class tops.

That's a very good time, albeit AWD. I'm going to try the V8 and AWD too, to see what I can do. I'll not keep it that way though. Not true to the spirit of the car :p

[Racecar Johnny]

Originally posted by Patroh:

Had that car tuned since the early days of FH5 and prior to better tuning understanding.
Swapped some parts, used more appropriate metrics and mustered up this:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2843370986

Features:
- TCP bodykit (w/ Forza wing)
- AWD drivetrain swap
- 6.2L V8 engine swap <- ~40kg heavier than 4 Rotor Racing but ~175 more hp
- Race (semi-slick) tires

I'd say it's a lost cause for S1. Stick to purist B class build, A class tops.

Admittedly, part of me is unwilling to change the drive train, let alone the engine type. Try t stay as much in the spirit of the car as I can even if it means being slower. Still, good information to know, so thank you.

[loppantorkel]

Still not getting sub 1 minute. 1:00.37 is the best time I'm able to produce in RWD, and it's when using the tune in the OP. Feels much better than my own. Not sure you'll get much further than that in this car.

I also got 1:00.36 in an AWD V8 Mazda that I now has to somehow eradicate :-/ Should be able to push sub 1 minute in some car, but which one...?

[Patroh]

I used to be all about AWD swapping in FH4 but that's no longer the case in FH5.
In order for this car to feel balanced, it had to have some corners cut. Without AWD swapping, the only way to bring this car to full S1 class was by applying slick tires, which is somewhat of an overkill for S1 and those also perform much worse on wet than semi-slicks.
The sinful V8 swap should perform even better in sprint/street races. It's a better bang for the buck but it kills the vibes, surely.

Build sharecode:
178 344 286

Metrics for anyone wanting to rebuild with different bodykit, wing, engine etc.: SCRATCH THAT!

Those are meant for AWD build only. Gearing should be ignored if going for a different engine. None of the values are perfect, not to my knowledge at least, so feel free to fiddle around with those settings.

[Patroh]

Thought like improving the tune since my understanding has gotten better. Here are new values:

Tires: | F: 1.8 | R: 1.8 |
Gearing: | Final: 2.20 | 1st: 3.70 | 2nd: 2.45 | 3rd: 1.80 | 4th: 1.42 | 5th: 1.21 | 6th: 1.07 |
Alignment: | Camber F: -1.5 | Camber R: -0.8 | Toe F: 0.0 | Toe R: 0.0 | Caster: 7 |
Antiroll Bars: | F: 1 | R: 65 |
Springs: | S. rate F: 95 (kgf/mm) | S. rate R: 100 | Ride Height F: 18.4 (cm) | Ride Height R: 17.6 |
Damping: | Rebound stiffness F: 11 | Rebound stiffness R: 13 | Bump stiffness F: 3.8 | Bump stiffness R: 4.8 |
Aero: | F: 96 (kgf) | | R: 96 |
Brake: | Balance: -% | Braking Force: -% |
Differential: | F: 50%;0% | R: 50%;15% | Center: 75% |

Sharecode:
112 569 476

The car's still composed of wacky parts like regular Forza wing and V8 swap, something many may find utterly disgusting, therefore here's a list of things to remember if you attempt to rebuild it yourself:

Apply the following:
285/40R16 front tires <- Uncommon for me to even include wider front tires but AWD swapping made the car particularly understeery
Widest rear tires.
Aero <- front aero is included in body kit. Unsure how it handles with just front and rear aero, however set front to max cornering and rear equal to whatever highest front aero value is. It'd be 96-96 with the included body kit.

If you swap the sinful V8 for angelic (but weaker, thanks PGG) 4 Rotor, you will need to re-adjust gearing. Make sure gears are evenly spaced out and the last gear never reaches the state where the speed needle jumps. Might as well try extending the first gear for the same purpose.

Hope you like it!

Kudos for Steam award!

[Mr Warrior]

I will try my best and tune this one next in a couple of hours - will sharecode with you if it's good (fingers crossed) "hitmancorp9415"

[Mr Warrior]

First I just want to say this car is delicious. The sound and feel is awesome.
Tested multiple engines and kits on circuit and open road. Personally found this to be my favourite setup.

Sharecode: 146 186 964

Feedback welcome!