Hi all,
I've owned my RXC 500r (MY2017) since 2022 and have run into a frustrating chain of issues on recent trackdays. Hoping someone here has seen similar.
For context: the car is in full stock/series configuration and, as far as I'm aware, saw no trackday use before I took ownership – so the recent sessions are essentially its first real track exposure. It has done 10.000 km, 4000 km are of my doing - road and track (track maybe 15%)
What happened:
- Trackday 1: Alternator overheated and failed towards the end of the day. Limped into the pits at 11V with the engine stumbling.
- Trackday 2 (after repair): During a tyre temp check I spotted smouldering wiring in the engine bay, right near the alternator. Root cause turned out to be a blown gasket between the manifold and downpipe – hot blow-by was cooking the loom. Car still ran, but the alternator gave up again near the end of the day and I just made it back to the pit lane.
What's been done so far:
- Rear Wiring in the engine bay is being inspected after it was being repaired
- Alternator replaced (No3 now)
- Crack found in the left downpipe – welded
- Manifold and downpipes are being wrapped/insulated in order to reduce heat in the engine bay
Where your help would be highly appreciated: The car is currently apart, so now is the ideal moment to chase any hidden electrical damage. Given the heat exposure near the alternator, which connectors, grounds, or wiring runs would you specifically check or replace? Any known weak spots on the RXC in this area? Or do I need to check the whole car?
Has anyone here dealt with something similar? Really keen to hear your experience.
Thank you,
Chris