After lurking here for a year, and researching all aspects of the car I finally caved in and bought one... I've managed to meet Darkbrew, Neo, and that QTRWE guy once (i can't spell his name right)...

So I'm expecting the car on Thursday. I'm aware of all the news lately with the update of the RX-8 and such, but frankly, it doesn't matter to me cause I need a car now, and no one can wait forever, cause there is always new stuff on the horizon.

I have a few questions I would like to ask about.

1) Should I claybar and wax the car first time as soon as I pick it up? I have Meguiars 3 step system. Should I use the clay and then skip to step 3, because I heard that step 1 and step 2 will strip the clearcoat? Is that true?

2) JDM clear corners... any local companies in Ontario selling them around GTA? Khanmotorsports ignored me when I emailed them. Ebay, couldn't find one that ships to Canada. Mazdaparts online has them for like $90 with stealth bulbs but are in the states.

3) Fender strakes - Seems like I'm down to the two best options: Rotary13B1's aluminum ones or the stainless steel chrome ones from some guy in UK going for 73 BRP. What's your take people?

See you guys soon...

After lurking here for a year, and researching all aspects of the car I finally caved in and bought one... I've managed to meet Darkbrew, Neo, and that QTRWE guy once (i can't spell his name right)...

So I'm expecting the car on Thursday. I'm aware of all the news lately with the update of the RX-8 and such, but frankly, it doesn't matter to me cause I need a car now, and no one can wait forever, cause there is always new stuff on the horizon.

I have a few questions I would like to ask about.

1) Should I claybar and wax the car first time as soon as I pick it up? I have Meguiars 3 step system. Should I use the clay and then skip to step 3, because I heard that step 1 and step 2 will strip the clearcoat? Is that true?

2) JDM clear corners... any local companies in Ontario selling them around GTA? Khanmotorsports ignored me when I emailed them. Ebay, couldn't find one that ships to Canada. Mazdaparts online has them for like $90 with stealth bulbs but are in the states.

3) Fender strakes - Seems like I'm down to the two best options: Rotary13B1's aluminum ones or the stainless steel chrome ones from some guy in UK going for 73 BRP. What's your take people?

See you guys soon...

-clay bar a new car? hmmm... why? save yourself the work and wait until you need to. you'll know when the surface of your paint is a bit rough and sandpaperlike. I just claybarred my 04 today for the first time and I don't really think I needed it. the clay bar wasn't as dirty as I thought it would have been.

-there are a number of our bcrx8 club members here in BC who have bought clear corners from the japanese supplier on ebay. so keep looking because they do ship to canada

-are you sure you want strakes? be unique and go strakeless! haha :) wait a bit, or spend the money on other stuff

I have yet to meet any members from here and I've had my 8 for over a year now haha...I'm sure you won't regret your decision

I have yet to meet any members from here and I've had my 8 for over a year now haha...I'm sure you won't regret your decision

Try coming to a meet!

After lurking here for a year, and researching all aspects of the car I finally caved in and bought one... I've managed to meet Darkbrew, Neo, and that QTRWE guy once (i can't spell his name right)...

So I'm expecting the car on Thursday. I'm aware of all the news lately with the update of the RX-8 and such, but frankly, it doesn't matter to me cause I need a car now, and no one can wait forever, cause there is always new stuff on the horizon.

I have a few questions I would like to ask about.

1) Should I claybar and wax the car first time as soon as I pick it up? I have Meguiars 3 step system. Should I use the clay and then skip to step 3, because I heard that step 1 and step 2 will strip the clearcoat? Is that true?

2) JDM clear corners... any local companies in Ontario selling them around GTA? Khanmotorsports ignored me when I emailed them. Ebay, couldn't find one that ships to Canada. Mazdaparts online has them for like $90 with stealth bulbs but are in the states.

3) Fender strakes - Seems like I'm down to the two best options: Rotary13B1's aluminum ones or the stainless steel chrome ones from some guy in UK going for 73 BRP. What's your take people?

See you guys soon...

Congrats on the car! Let's see.
Leave the claybar till next summer but you should wax (step 3)before winter, get some winter wheels and tires, buy clear corners from the USA and get the Chrome strakes from Rotary13B1 on the group buy deal.

Right on! Great decision.

What colour is your car? Strakes are okay in my opinion but I prefer not, at least on a black car. So I think it depends on the colour to some extent.

As for clear corners, I'm in London and a few shops around here couldn't get them (or wouldn't try), I was too lazy to do serious shopping around so I just ordered them from Corksports which is in Vancouver, I think. Canada, at least. They cost me just over $100 all in. It took two weeks to get them in the mail and thanks to the detailed installation text and photos on this website, 10 minutes to put them in. :)

Good luck with your new 8!

After lurking here for a year, and researching all aspects of the car I finally caved in and bought one... I've managed to meet Darkbrew, Neo, and that QTRWE guy once (i can't spell his name right)...

So I'm expecting the car on Thursday. I'm aware of all the news lately with the update of the RX-8 and such, but frankly, it doesn't matter to me cause I need a car now, and no one can wait forever, cause there is always new stuff on the horizon.

I have a few questions I would like to ask about.

1) Should I claybar and wax the car first time as soon as I pick it up? I have Meguiars 3 step system. Should I use the clay and then skip to step 3, because I heard that step 1 and step 2 will strip the clearcoat? Is that true?

2) JDM clear corners... any local companies in Ontario selling them around GTA? Khanmotorsports ignored me when I emailed them. Ebay, couldn't find one that ships to Canada. Mazdaparts online has them for like $90 with stealth bulbs but are in the states.

3) Fender strakes - Seems like I'm down to the two best options: Rotary13B1's aluminum ones or the stainless steel chrome ones from some guy in UK going for 73 BRP. What's your take people?

See you guys soon...


Pm-ed you regarding the JDM corners=)

TurboEight,

I didn't get any PM's in my mailbox about them.

Zerobio,

I got the 2007 VR, also with the performance package and moon roof. I also added the front, side and rear underdeflectors. I skipped the front mudguard, cause I decided that it ruins the lines a bit.

Darkbrew,

Since I got the perf. package, I'm going to use the OEM rims as winter rims. I"m now in the market for Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 225/45/R18 tires now for a set of 4.

So are you saying that step 1 and 2 indeed does strip the clear coat? In that case, I will just wash the car, dry and then apply step 3?


To all,

Is there anything you guys recommend that is just a one-step application after a clean wash? I.e. Meguiars NXT? I am aware of Zaino, but I think I'll wait till next summer to start the Zaino thing.

Darkbrew,
So are you saying that step 1 and 2 indeed does strip the clear coat? In that case, I will just wash the car, dry and then apply step 3?



No. You just don't really need to do any prep since the paint is new.

Steps one and two do not hurt the clear coat; they just buffs off the oxidation and prep the surface for the wax.

TurboEight,

I didn't get any PM's in my mailbox about them.

Zerobio,

I got the 2007 VR, also with the performance package and moon roof. I also added the front, side and rear underdeflectors. I skipped the front mudguard, cause I decided that it ruins the lines a bit.

Darkbrew,

Since I got the perf. package, I'm going to use the OEM rims as winter rims. I"m now in the market for Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 225/45/R18 tires now for a set of 4.

So are you saying that step 1 and 2 indeed does strip the clear coat? In that case, I will just wash the car, dry and then apply step 3?


To all,

Is there anything you guys recommend that is just a one-step application after a clean wash? I.e. Meguiars NXT? I am aware of Zaino, but I think I'll wait till next summer to start the Zaino thing.

I used to use the Meguirs 3 step system. The end result is absolutely beautiful but it's also a whole lot of work. I've also used Nufinish and that lasts a pretty long time. It's a 1 step product and really easy to apply and buff off. You continue to see water bead off your car months after too. Not as spectacular as the Meguirs 3 step, but great protection for the winter months.

Congrats Footman! Hope to you see you soon.

As for the car, follow these guys advice. The car is new so you shouldn't worry about waxing her until the end of fall. The car should be allowed to be exposed to the elements for a month or 2.
Then you can go crazy with the wax application. There are a variety of products people use. Suffice to say, the more work you put into it, the better the results.
I personally use Zymol. You know the saying, if it's good enough for Ferrari... ;)

See you soon!

Lates,

Do you guys apply wax with applicator and buff off with cloth (no random orbit polishers or any machines)??? Will that create swirl marks?

Excellent choice!!
Congrats!!


After lurking here for a year, and researching all aspects of the car I finally caved in and bought one... I've managed to meet Darkbrew, Neo, and that QTRWE guy once (i can't spell his name right)...

So I'm expecting the car on Thursday. I'm aware of all the news lately with the update of the RX-8 and such, but frankly, it doesn't matter to me cause I need a car now, and no one can wait forever, cause there is always new stuff on the horizon.

I have a few questions I would like to ask about.

1) Should I claybar and wax the car first time as soon as I pick it up? I have Meguiars 3 step system. Should I use the clay and then skip to step 3, because I heard that step 1 and step 2 will strip the clearcoat? Is that true?

2) JDM clear corners... any local companies in Ontario selling them around GTA? Khanmotorsports ignored me when I emailed them. Ebay, couldn't find one that ships to Canada. Mazdaparts online has them for like $90 with stealth bulbs but are in the states.

3) Fender strakes - Seems like I'm down to the two best options: Rotary13B1's aluminum ones or the stainless steel chrome ones from some guy in UK going for 73 BRP. What's your take people?

See you guys soon...

Use NXT for an easy all around EXcellent shine and quick wax job...

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=126138

You guys apply this stuff by hand with no machine and it's fine? doesn't leave swirls?

Congrats on the purchase.

I apply and buff by hand. Have you never waxed a car before? I would also suggest the NXT. Maybe you should ask your dealer if you can apply wax in the delivery room before you even drive it out. It will never be cleaner. :)

TurboEight,

I didn't get any PM's in my mailbox about them.

Zerobio,

I got the 2007 VR, also with the performance package and moon roof. I also added the front, side and rear underdeflectors. I skipped the front mudguard, cause I decided that it ruins the lines a bit.

Darkbrew,

Since I got the perf. package, I'm going to use the OEM rims as winter rims. I"m now in the market for Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 225/45/R18 tires now for a set of 4.

So are you saying that step 1 and 2 indeed does strip the clear coat? In that case, I will just wash the car, dry and then apply step 3?


To all,

Is there anything you guys recommend that is just a one-step application after a clean wash? I.e. Meguiars NXT? I am aware of Zaino, but I think I'll wait till next summer to start the Zaino thing.

Footman,

Great colour. I might remove the front deflectors also. A number of people have commented on whether they think the appearance components ruin the lines. So far, I like mine.

I clay bared mine when I first got it and it made a huge difference.

Rube your hand along the car when you get it, and if it feels rough, then clay bar it.

Clay bar only removes impurities on the surface, it won't ruin the clear coat unless you do it improperly.

It can always be cleaner! ;)

Footman,

Yep, apply by hand. No machine. Leave the machine to the professionals. You don't want to be taking off clear coat.
We all know it's painful to do by hand, but it's the safer way to go.

Take a look at the man who does this for a living! This is the man every body calls up when they want their car to look absolutely prestine!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkli4tQ3kRs

Here's a thread of the same guy but he details a run-of-the-mill car as opposed to an exotic.

http://www.corsasport.co.uk/board/viewthread.php?tid=347865&page=1

What we do to clean our cars fails by comparison to what that guy does!

Lates,

Congrats on the purchase.

I apply and buff by hand. Have you never waxed a car before? I would also suggest the NXT. Maybe you should ask your dealer if you can apply wax in the delivery room before you even drive it out. It will never be cleaner. :)

QTWRE,

I wax my car all the time, I have done it by hand. but afterwards, I always end up seeing circular marks on the car. The old car was 10 years old, and when I got it, it had never been waxed, so I might have been seeing the swirl marks before instead of the wax swirls. Or am I not rubbing hard enough?

I do apply the wax in circular motion. Is that incorrect?

After lurking here for a year, and researching all aspects of the car I finally caved in and bought one... I've managed to meet Darkbrew, Neo, and that QTRWE guy once (i can't spell his name right)...

So I'm expecting the car on Thursday. I'm aware of all the news lately with the update of the RX-8 and such, but frankly, it doesn't matter to me cause I need a car now, and no one can wait forever, cause there is always new stuff on the horizon.

I have a few questions I would like to ask about.

1) Should I claybar and wax the car first time as soon as I pick it up? I have Meguiars 3 step system. Should I use the clay and then skip to step 3, because I heard that step 1 and step 2 will strip the clearcoat? Is that true?

2) JDM clear corners... any local companies in Ontario selling them around GTA? Khanmotorsports ignored me when I emailed them. Ebay, couldn't find one that ships to Canada. Mazdaparts online has them for like $90 with stealth bulbs but are in the states.

3) Fender strakes - Seems like I'm down to the two best options: Rotary13B1's aluminum ones or the stainless steel chrome ones from some guy in UK going for 73 BRP. What's your take people?

See you guys soon...

Welcome to the club! and congratulations on the purchase of this great car! I hope you enjoy your car for a long long time.

The clay bar is mostly useful when your paint has accumulated grime build up. (Usually from trees or just road grime) I would apply NuFinish at some point as a base protector on your car, after this, I'd suggest the Mcguiars NX TechWax, or the 3step method, they will both prove excellent.

I apply the wax by hand and use my cordless buffer to remove it after it dries. I don't apply pressure. Just uses lightly...

QTWRE,

I wax my car all the time, I have done it by hand. but afterwards, I always end up seeing circular marks on the car. The old car was 10 years old, and when I got it, it had never been waxed, so I might have been seeing the swirl marks before instead of the wax swirls. Or am I not rubbing hard enough?

I do apply the wax in circular motion. Is that incorrect?

Try some Zaino wax. It lasts a lot longer than NXT and is really easy to apply and wipe off. It doesn't look as nice as a real carnauba wax, but it's a lot less work.

You guys are so lazy! lol :)

Congrats on the purchase footman!

Try some Zaino wax. It lasts a lot longer than NXT and is really easy to apply and wipe off. It doesn't look as nice as a real carnauba wax, but it's a lot less work.

Depends which product you use. After years of using the 3-step Meguire's system, I switched to Zaino's sealant system (not a wax), and I can tell you it is -not- any less work. Handcoating one coat of Z5 followed by two coats of Z2, with Z6 in between each, that's still a lot of work. But you can't beat the reflective shine:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/leungyunching/rx8/trunklid.jpg

It may not have the warmth of carnuba wax, but it is much more durable.

The Z-AIO is much quicker and simpler, but I doubt the results will be the same.

holy crap.. I honestly cannot tell which part of the car you took that reflection of?
I'm confused by what I"m looking at!!! :)

holy crap.. I honestly cannot tell which part of the car you took that reflection of?
I'm confused by what I"m looking at!!! :)

It's my trunk :)

I heard somewhere that if you always wax in the same direction as the air flow, you won't get circular swirls and any marks you do get will be far less noticeable.

Any truth to that?

That is some mean shine!!!!

Handcoating one coat of Z5 followed by two coats of Z2, with Z6 in between each, that's still a lot of work.

There's your problem. I just slap on a coat of Z2 and call it a day. :spank: :lol2:

It's a losing battle to keep a car squeaky clean, so I just do the bare minimum waxing, mainly to get up close to the paint to spot any early rust spot. After every wax job, take a bunch of pictures of your pristine car so you can use them as wallpapers. But forget about keeping the real thing clean, it's just too painful.

There's your problem. I just slap on a coat of Z2 and call it a day. :spank: :lol2:

It's a losing battle to keep a car squeaky clean, so I just do the bare minimum waxing, mainly to get up close to the paint to spot any early rust spot. After every wax job, take a bunch of pictures of your pristine car so you can use them as wallpapers. But forget about keeping the real thing clean, it's just too painful.

True enough. And black is the worst to keep clean. I treat it more as a protecting job than to keep show-car looks.

It does keep the water beading for several months though, whenever I do get a chance to wash the car. Which I'm thinking will be a lot more than I planned on this winter: my place in the nation's capital has a heated garage. i.e. bad news for all that salty slushy snow sticking to the car. At least there's an indoor wash bay.

-clay bar a new car? hmmm... why? save yourself the work and wait until you need to. you'll know when the surface of your paint is a bit rough and sandpaperlike. I just claybarred my 04 today for the first time and I don't really think I needed it. the clay bar wasn't as dirty as I thought it would have been.


YES! Clay bar the car IMMEDIATELY! It will pick up a lot of "rail dust" on its trip from the factory.

What Eug said about more for protection than show. Somebody commented on a picture of mine that I hadn't even fully cleaned out the wax between the hood and headlight.

While I really admire you guys with zaino'd appearance and I understand you have to care for your paint ... I kind of like my car to not stand out TOO much in the parking lot at school. Been vandalized there with a different car. I LOVE all the VR's and other colours but to me, I want my car to blend a bit, to be a bit hard to see maybe, but still a batmobile. So even when it's a bit dirty, I don't mind ... although not enough to damage paint.

I heard somewhere that if you always wax in the same direction as the air flow, you won't get circular swirls and any marks you do get will be far less noticeable.

Any truth to that?


Almost....that is correct on the hood, roof and trunk. But on sides of car stright up and down is best.

Steer clear of circular motions.

damn so much excitement...

The dealer is suggesting an extended warranty of 2 more years comprehensive to make it 5 years/100,000km in total.

What do you guys think about extended warranties?

I have the one that's 160,000km and I plan on keeping my car. If its a lease don't even bother unless you are planning to buy the car after.

damn so much excitement...

The dealer is suggesting an extended warranty of 2 more years comprehensive to make it 5 years/100,000km in total.

What do you guys think about extended warranties?

I have the one that's 160,000km and I plan on keeping my car. If its a lease don't even bother unless you are planning to buy the car after.

I bought the car. I'm planning to keep it forever (until it runs down into the ground).
They're offering the 2 extra years (up to 5yr/100,000km) for $1524.

How much is the 7 year one? (adding another 4 years)

no extended warrenty...

some people sorta wish their warrenty is over just so they can mod their cars more hardcore...

well, think about this, lower the car, your suspension warrenty is gone...

if you decide to do any engine mods, I know, you havea CAi already...but yea...any troubles, You MIGHT be able to fight with them, but its just a hassle, they will throw all sorts if excuses at you wasting your time.

or maybe later you want more power and decide to go FI..

then your warrenty is done for sure....no questions there.

so i wouldn't and your already so excited about the car.!

MOD AWAY!!

well the first mod I'll be doing for sure is the clear corners and the fender strakes. Next spring when weather warms up. I'll be doing the brake caliper red paint. And then in the summer, I am considering the Mazdaspeed dual-canister exhaust...

ahaha, see how much thought I've gone into it already in the past year of lurking here?

Welcome to 8 ownership. Good thing you got a VR, you don't have to worry about you car getting in an accident.

I claybar my car every spring (preference) using the Mothers 3 step. I think what type of wax you use is totally personal preference. The end results are very similar. Instead of getting Gay-DM clear corners why not get the RP supercar instead. You will like the results much more.

Juergen

Do you mean RP supercat? That's an exhaust though.. what does that have to do with JDM clear corners?

Do you mean RP supercat? That's an exhaust though.. what does that have to do with JDM clear corners?

I guess what he means is think about mods that will give you much more utility and tangible benefit to the driving experience, as opposed to just cosmetic add-ons. For instance, I would whole-heartedly recommend saving for an upgraded suspension instead throwing a hundred here, a hundred there for 'little things' that don't do much (i.e. corners, strakes). It'll give you some time to learn how the car feels before you change things, so you can judge better afterwards.

Of course, it's all your own preference from here on in, people will give you all sorts of varying opinions.

What's wrong with the mazdaspeed dual-can exhaust?

Choose your Coverage - This is for an 2008 {May be cheaper for '07}
36 MONTHS / 80,000 KM $529.00
42 MONTHS / 100,000 KM $629.00
48 MONTHS / 100,000 KM $720.00
60 MONTHS / 100,000 KM $1,624.00
72 MONTHS / 120,000 KM $2,224.00 72 MONTHS / 160,000 KM $2,474.00
84 MONTHS / 160,000 KM $2,674.00

http://www.mazda.ca/eng/getin/mazdamaker/engnchoose.asp?CustID=0&ModelID=12&ModelName=RX8

http://www.mazda.ca/files/rx8_experience.pdf

I have the 72mo/160 000. Can't believe you haven't checked this site out and built your own car??


I have the one that's 160,000km and I plan on keeping my car. If its a lease don't even bother unless you are planning to buy the car after.

I paid....Canadian$$

April 30, 2007 - New 2006 GT, Velocity Red with sunroof...

List - $41,400
Dealer Discount - $4000 (+520 Pre Delivery Expense)
_______________________

MSRP $37,920
Freight $755
Air Tax $100
Fuel $75
Theft Pkg $299
Ext. Warr.(72/160km) $2349
Other(upgrades/MSKit)$6884 [All upgrades listed in sig.]
Gold Pkg. $895
__________________________

$49,277
License Fee $75
Tax(7%gst,8%pst) $7400
_______________________

TOTAL: $56,754

MINUS (-$4000 Dealer)
-$7400 No Tax
-$1000 Cash Back
- $700 Sold OEM Rims
-$5055 No payments for 5 Months plus no service fee
___________

Total Savings $ 14,155 ($18,155 total with 4000 already subtracted above. Also forgot to add the $3500 in free upgrades, totalling $21,655)


TOTAL: $56,754
SAVINGS: $14,155 { $9,100 (not including free payments)}
_________
$42,599 In reality really paid... [$39,099 with $3500 Performance Pkg.]


I got don't pay for 5 months, 1000 cash back $13, 500 down, $3500 Free Performance Pkg. and free oil changes for 1 year! No installation charges on my upgrades- (Paid for - Full MS bumper and spoiler). Also got $4000 off the list price for the 2006 which I purchased in April and picked up in May. Almost forgot 0.9% Financing!!3yrs.

That is a ridiculous amount of savings!!!
Finally the 2008 catalog is out on Mazda CAnada website.

NO CHANGES AT ALL except for colors from 2007, but they want $100 more! LOL

Hey Leesha,

From the time you made the deal complete to the actual time you picked up your car. How long did it take?

I could have had my car in a week but all the accessories had to be ordered and my car came from Quebec. No more were available in Ontario. Plus I didn't want mine until June but picked it up at the end of April.

Hey Leesha,

From the time you made the deal complete to the actual time you picked up your car. How long did it take?

I just thin personally that doing cosmetic upgrades on a car that is a) heavy already (3000lbs) and b) race track orientated is a waste of time and money. You want to improve what the car is already good at like turning and stopping, and leave the rest as is. I still think the essesence of modding is personalizing your ride, but I realize everyone has different tastes. Maybe what I am saying is don't forget to stay true to the roots of the car.

holy crap that was the LONGEST downtime ever for the site...

BTW, anyone have 1st gear hesitations with the MS CAI installed?

Maybe if by hesitation you mean DSC kicking in because there's so much power. :)

When do we get to see your new whip?

very soon... my family took some half-ass pictures of me at the dealer driving away... hahaha at least I didn't stall in the photo. They even took a home video of me driving away, cause it's my first car ever.

I still have to go back to the dealer to install the front crest, and after that, give her a wash and as per the people's suggestion here, do the NXT TECH wax once over.

I have the MS CAI, maybe I'm not driving the manual correctly at the moment since I'm not very smooth, but once in awhile, when I start rolling in 1st gear, the car hesitates like crazy, so I switch to 2nd gear and everything is okay.

Has anyone ever gotten that? and I granny shift terribly from 2 --> 3. I'm not fast enough yet fearing that I'd go from 2 back to 1 by accident.

Don't worry about accidentally going from 2nd to 1st. Once you've got some speed it becomes extremely difficult to force it into 1st. I don't know if it's even possible. I've never wanted to try. 3rd is about the easiest gear to go in. just push up with no lateral movement. :)

I don't know if this will make sense... but I find 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gear are all really smooth to slide into but 5th and 6th seem a bit stiffer. I haven't used them much, little highway driving so far, do they get smoother with use? There's nothing mechanically wrong just a slightly different feeling getting into those gears. Did I explain that ok?

Don't worry about accidentally going from 2nd to 1st. Once you've got some speed it becomes extremely difficult to force it into 1st. I don't know if it's even possible. I've never wanted to try. 3rd is about the easiest gear to go in. just push up with no lateral movement. :)

If you just "push up with no lateral movement".. that goes from 2nd to 1st doesn't it?
I find that I have to nudge it to the right a little bit to make sure it goes into 3rd instead of 1st, that's why I shift so slowly...
and by then, since my clutch is out.. the RPM has dropped, and when I pop it back in and release the clutch, it lunges forward a bit :(

not smooth...

mmmno. Think about it... in neutral, the stick is between 3 and 4. you have to push it left to go into 1 and 2, and right to go into 5 and 6. Sit in your car in the driveway and go through the gears. It'll be pretty obvious.

I know, but if you're in 2... then you're directly in the same plane as 1 and 2.. so if you move up, it'lll go into 1. Don't you need to nudge it slightly to the right to enter the pathway to 3.

No, you don't need to nudge it slightly to the right. It wants to go slightly to the right. Just ease off the kung-fu grip and let it center itself as you push up.

hahah yeah.... how did you know I have the kung fu grip! LOL!..
it's all sweaty afterwards too, cause I'm all nervous when driving manual new now

I find the metal on the shifter is slippery when my hand sweats, which is basically every time I get in the 8!

Okay thanks guys,

I got the shift from 2 --> 3 smoothly now.. and 3 --> 4 is no problem..

But now it's bad from 1 --> 2...

I get the car rolling in 1st gear.. it goes up to about 4000 rpm (I'm still in break in period)...
then I:

1) get off gas
2) push clutch in
3) move lever to 2nd (straight down)
4) let clutch back in

Now as soon as I let clutch back in.. it isn't smooth, it goes BANG in, and jerks the car..

5) I resume the gas and drive normally.

I do the same for 2nd to 3rd, and from 3rd to 4th and it's fine.

Something I need to do especially for 1 --> 2?

Practice makes perfect. The rpms are probably dropping too much or you're kind of dumping the clutch. There is more room for error as you go up the gears because of the longer gearing. 1-2 takes time to do smoothly. Kind makes you respect the friends you ride with that make the shifting seem super easy. :)

You'll get used to it Footman. A good way to practice and learn the clutch take up is the following:

With the car on relatively flat ground sit in neutral. Put it into first and try to get the car going just by letting the clutch out slowly. Don't give it any gas. You will be able to feel where the clutch starts to engage, and it will give your foot/brain a nice memory of what to do.

It will be hard at first as the 8 has a soft engagement point, but it is worth the effort. Also sit with the car off and practice going up and down through the box.

Juergen

Okay, i'm going to do that tonight late at night and practice for several hours overnight in an empty parking lot. What a great way to spend thanksgiving.

Alright, after spending 2 hours on empty roads just starting stopping, starting stopping with no gas, and clutch only... and then add gas when it starts to engage... and all that exercise... I have noted the following.

As you go up in gears, i.e. from 1 --> 2... from 2 --> 3..... from 3 --> 4, it requires DECREASINGLY SLOWLY letting out the clutch after the shift to ensure smoothness. What I Mean is from going 1 to 2.. I atually have to give it a little gas, and let out the clutch slowly after the shift for a smooth shift. Then from 2 --> 3 I can let out the clutch a little faster... and etc... etc... as you go up in gears.

There is a sock that is currently wrapped around my MS CAI (I looked under). Should I remove that sock or not? Will it affect low-RPM hesitation and hiccup?

This hesitation and hiccuping happens ONLY at certain times during launch... I still don't believe it is normal. Or am I just too used to the smoothness of low-rpm driving on automatic transmissions?

Does anyone else get hiccuping/hesitation with MS CAI (with sock on) and low RPMs? It's not all the time, but it just jerks you forward and back consistently.

Leave the sock alone! The last thing you want to do is to start tinkering with your car. The sock protects the filter from water. Don't you have a friend who drives standard that can drive your car? You need a second opinion.

You guys apply this stuff by hand with no machine and it's fine? doesn't leave swirls?

Hey Footman congrats on your purchase i know you were in the market for a while....Anyway when i wax i do it by hand nothing gets the wax worked in like a good handjob ;p sorry had to say it

About your shifting problems going from 1st to 2nd....your not used to driving manual 1st gear is a real heavy gear to get out of smoothly but you will get used to it i had the same issue but after a few weeks i was fine

Any knowledgable drivers out there near Scarborough or Richmond Hill that wants to check out this hesitation problem I'm talking about? I'll come meet you around your area for some coffee/?

I remember way back when I was first learning to drive a standard. My dad took me out in our old Volkswagen Beetle and we drove to a long street that was uphill all the way. Starting at the bottom, my dad made me put it in first gear and then start from a stop without stalling, lurching or rolling backwards. Then stop. Start again. Stop. Start. Stop. Over and over, all the way up the hill. Talk about frustrating!:banghead: The neighbours probably thought we were looney, but I sure learned how to drive a stick shift. Not until I was able to go all the way up the hill starting and stopping, was I allowed to take the car out on my own.

That was a cool story, Julica. Makes sense.

When I got my first manual (but not my first car), my dad drove it home from the dealer and it sat in his garage (I had moved out) and I would go over there every day, take the car out and practice, then back into his garage. When I was finally confident enough, I took the car home and never looked back. Every other car since then has been MT.

Good luck Footman and congratulations on having an 8 for a first car! :)

seriously man... at low speeds the hesitation bothers me.... are you guys rolling along "smoothly" in 1st gear, clutch engaged... ??? same with 2nd gear at low speeds.

seriously man... at low speeds the hesitation bothers me.... are you guys rolling along "smoothly" in 1st gear, clutch engaged... ??? same with 2nd gear at low speeds.

If you need I can meet you on a weeknight this week or something to show you the car and give it a test (no racing I promise ~wink~). MY car rolls smoothly along at idle with the clutch out at 7km/h in 1st, and 12km/h in 2nd gear. I don't get any hesitation.

Juergen

If you need I can meet you on a weeknight this week or something to show you the car and give it a test (no racing I promise ~wink~). MY car rolls smoothly along at idle with the clutch out at 7km/h in 1st, and 12km/h in 2nd gear. I don't get any hesitation.

Juergen

That means there's something wrong with my NEW car you're saying.

I get off work in Vaughan area at around 5pm. Incidentally, I work 1 minute away from Dooley's where a lot of RX-8 people like Darkbrew and Neo go shoot pool at.

I live in Scarborough, where would you like to meet?

Well it turns out I can't meet anymore during the week here. I picked up a new receivership at work and I am going to be putting in some late hours. I will probably be at Dooley's on Saturday night though if you want to pop by there for a bit. Sorry.

J

That means there's something wrong with my NEW car you're saying.

I get off work in Vaughan area at around 5pm. Incidentally, I work 1 minute away from Dooley's where a lot of RX-8 people like Darkbrew and Neo go shoot pool at.

I live in Scarborough, where would you like to meet?

So it doesn't roll smoothly at all? Mine does a few jerks and feels like it's gonna stall but then rolls smoothly after.

it jerks, and feelsl ike it's going to stall, but it doesn't stall, but yet it continues to jerk along at the SLIGHTEST of resistance. This resistance could be (steering, changing direction), bumps, or minor inclines, even sewer grates and manhole covers.... it'll jerk back and forth at the SLIGHTEST road imperfection.

hahaha, holy batman thread revival. Reading this OLD thread that I posted is making myself laugh...

I feel such a noob re-reading what I wrote when I first got my car... Oh man, those were the days.

Yet, I'm still a noob somewhat, since I've owned it for less than 1 year. :)