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I could still see plenty of detail on Mars just 3 days ago in my 8", in average seeing conditions. But cooling the mirror is very important, as is collimation. So don't be lazy with collimation and crank those fans! Greyish blue "seas" on the red surface and the polar cap (on top when viewed in the EP) are easily seen. Even a complete newbie could see them after I explained what to look for (and I'm pretty sure they weren't just being polite).
Details are easiest to see with my UO HD orthos or TV Plossl. It seems that the warmer colour tone of the TV plossl (15mm barlowed) actually enhances contrast of the Martian surface compared with the more colour-neutral HD orthos. But just about any old plossl should be fine.
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