How many of you are actually tired of the performance of your stock or mildly modded RX8?

I love rotary cars now, ever since 1998 when I drove my neighbors TKT FD3S RX-7. That chassis and the boost, and the rotary sound just felt so racey! So, eventually after I was feeling all VTECed-out, I got ahold of my own 1993 FD3S Rx-7 and did a few bolt-ons plus reliability mods. I had an absolute blast driving that car, and can't wait to own one again (that's driveable, I do own a shell). I have owned my RX8 for a year now and put 21k miles on it. It is bone stock. I enjoy the car, and love it's ease of use. I do however, no longer like the weakness in performance compared to all other "Sports" cars of today.

My main rant here is about how since the release of the RX-8 5-years ago, that mazda has released 2 other 4-door models that have much more useable power and greatly out accelerate their "sports" car. Then, we get a revised version update after 5 years, and the only car it MIGHT out accelerate is an MX-5 and an RSX-S. The RX-8 is just really lacking, and i'm tired of trying to convince myself and other people that it is really a neat car and it's performance is actually good. IT'S NOT, actually, other than the way I can toss it into a corner, and rev match to the moon while braking hard, it really sucks in the performance department. When i think of a true sports car, and the raw adreneline igniting power, quirkyness of a featherweight chassis, and dead sex appeal; I just can't help thinking about how nice it was driving my RX-7 twin turbo. It's too bad the FD3S is becoming even more scarce, they are racking up miles, and the parts are so damn exspensive and sometimes hard to find.

Lets face the facts... The S2000 has had many updates and the new CR model will no doubt kill the R3 on the track (while stopping less at the pump). The 350z now has over 300hp and has various Nismo packages that will beat even the S2K CR. Shoot, next year they will introduce the 370z and it will be pushing about 335hp stock! Then, look at the mazdaspeed 3 and 6, both those cars will wow your friends with boost and power as you zip off to lunch, don't foget your bolt-on options that actually produce power! haha The Lancer models now offer 2 boosted models.... should we even go there, or to Subaru offerings?? We can get spanked all day long by a wagon STi both on and off the track, or even some models of legacy wagons! SHEESH The new camaro is coming out with 422 hp, IRS, and better gas mileage than any other previous camaro. The mustang is just retarded still (from my standpoint) but it does go pretty fast now and have a strong dealer-backed perfomance assortment. BMW has a 330i with twin turbos and an M3 with a 480hp V8 engine that probably gets better gas mileage than an RX8. I dont pay attention to audi, but I know their turbo awd cars get more power all the time and even their diesel cars are fast now, arent they?




I'm not saying that i don't like my RX-8 any longer, but I am seriously considering ripping out my renesis drivetrain, even with my 3000 mile warranty engine, and fabbing a 13B RE or 13B REW into my RX8. I am just really stuck on how I wont have a nice stock exhaust tone, and oem fitting parts, and the re-sale value of my car will be about destroyed. I just really need to feel the joy of rolling on the throttle and having to drive the rear of the car. That is the kind of ZOOM-ZOOM feeling that I bought into with the RX-7. WAKE UP Mazda, I am alive and ready for some rear drive action with some balls. Build a hydro/E85 3-rotor car, or something with a "working" turbo rotary. Make it about as light as an S2000, but with the horsepower of a 370z. Make even C6 Corvettes run back to the pits for more tweaks when we're on the track!


I have yet to see any spy shots of test beds, or anything saying that we are getting anything more than a hydro/petrol RX model to improve mileage. That's nice and all, but it's also weak. I hope you guys are doing something with those 3-Rotor GT cars that are winning Grand Am! We all know that rotaries are able to make power reliably, but i want that kind of technology fresh, and well, and sitting in my garage. it doesn't matter to me if it costs $38,000-$43,000 and gets 15 miles per gallon ( I only get 16-17.8 now anyways), i just am tired of waiting, and tired of hoping that there is more to come.:confused:



END RANT!:Peace:

Have a nice day! :grouphug:

Good rant :wink2:

good job,

yawn.

beers :beer:

good job,

yawn.

beers :beer:




Does that mean your tired too? :) LOL

Does that mean your tired too? :) LOL

nope.

crap like this bores me..

if you want to reinvent the wheel, well do it. the car is what it is.

make a choice, mod it or go away.

simple. duh..

or is your way to large sig. just an add? lame, very lame...

beers :beer:

Take a deep breath and then go for a drive on a nice twisty road :)

You know, this might shock some of you, but I agree with Swoope.

I have a 2008 350Z. And I am getting rid of it. Why? Because how much power do you f-ing need? It gets old.. quick. Its hell to drive in traffic and its way uncomfortable for any length of time.

You don't need to wonder about the comparison between the RX-8 and a high power car such as the 350Z. Im here to tell you.. There is NO comparison. On a day to day basis, too much power sucks and is a royal pain to deal with.. from traffic, to parking lots, to stoplight to stopsign.. Not only does it GO fast, it gets OLD fast.


I have test driven enough RX'8's right after I pulled into the dealership in my 350Z You would think I notice the lack of power but honestly I will tell you, I prefer the RX8 every stinking time

The RX8 may not have double D's like the 350Z does or the rx7 turbo but by god, the C cups it DOES have are awfully nice to handle and get the job done just nicely.

You know, this might shock some of you, but I agree with Swoope.

I have a 2008 350Z. And I am getting rid of it. Why? Because how much power do you f-ing need? It gets old.. quick. Its hell to drive in traffic and its way uncomfortable for any length of time.

You don't need to wonder about the comparison between the RX-8 and a high power car such as the 350Z. Im here to tell you.. There is NO comparison. On a day to day basis, too much power sucks and is a royal pain to deal with.. from traffic, to parking lots, to stoplight to stopsign.. Not only does it GO fast, it gets OLD fast.


I have test driven enough RX'8's right after I pulled into the dealership in my 350Z You would think I notice the lack of power but honestly I will tell you, I prefer the RX8 every stinking time

The RX8 may not have double D's like the 350Z does or the rx7 turbo but by god, the C cups it DOES have are awfully nice to handle and get the job done just nicely.

odd,

last i heard you could not get financed for a rx8. which is really sad, as they are giving away the 08s. or are you so upside down in the z you just spend your time here?

just wondering.

beers :beer:

I honestly have no complaints about the RX-8's power.

It provides plenty for day-to-day driving. I've never had any trouble accelerating to pass another car, even on the freeway.

Plus, the power you do have is so smooth. I test drove the Mazdaspeed6 and, yeah, it was faster in a straight line, but the turbo seemed very peaky and rough after driving the RX-8.

Maybe if I was tracking the car or if my previous car had more power I would think otherwise, but, so far, there's nothing that I have asked my RX-8 to do that it hasn't done with grace and agility.

nope.

crap like this bores me..

if you want to reinvent the wheel, well do it. the car is what it is.

make a choice, mod it or go away.

simple. duh..

or is your way to large sig. just an add? lame, very lame...

beers :beer:



Good job captain negativity! I was actually being nice. Now that I know that "Swoope" "does not play well with others", i'll stock up on some enema products, some giftwrap, and some shipping labels..... no, really, I insist. What's your address?:)

why swap engines...you can just go FI with yours

just my 2 cents if you are unhappy with the power of the RX8 then get rid of it buy something with more power. Turboing the RX8 is very expensive and often the returns are frankly not worth it. Either enjoy the RX for what it is or move on to another ride.
D.

the 8 is not about power or drag racing. it is about balance and fun.

the other day i borrowed a relatives 1999 Porsche 911 coupe. 6 speed. it's rated at 300 hp, but it honestly did not feel all that fast. quick...not corvette Z06 in your face fast... BUT, man was it fun. it handled great, sounded amazing...

it, like the 8, is about the whole experience. if someone just want sto go fast, get a big v8 muscle car...it's no fun.

balance = fun. combine the rx8s balanced chassis, with it's high revving motor and amzing transmission and you have a VERY fun car. and I don't even own an 8...i'm shoppng for one.

i'm probably goin to wind up buying a boxster...but the rx8 is on my list of cars i'm considering. i have test driven a few and realy really like it. i would take an 8 over a Z anyday. i drove one of those and it was awful. cheapy, sounded horrible... yuck.

go drive a "regular" car for a few days then get back in your 8. you'll appreciate it.

^^^I agree. I have been away from my 8 for almost 3 months now and my rental is a found on road dead (FORD) focus. I miss my 8 every single day I drive this thing.

anytime I'm stuck with a rental I miss the 8.

Swap in a 13B-REW and call it a day.

I got tired of 386 to the wheels. A friend of mine got tired with 600awhp in his 3000GT (running two 16G turbos from an Evo III) and is now doing a 1000awhp build using two stock turbos from a diesel Dodge Ram (HX35). When you can annihilate Evo's and 350Z's you don't even bother flooring it unless it's a 911 Turbo or a Z06. Same old shit.

As for a 13B REW (or RE, I recommend the RE as the mounting will be easier)... you better figure out how to mate the an Rx-8 dash harness and interior wiring/switches with a Haltech E8 flying lead engine harness, then do a throttle cable and return fuel system conversion, then fabricate engine mounts, then figure out how to put an FD shifter into the stock Rx-8 location... the list goes on...

I hate the gas mileage. I love everything else about it.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=132628 <--- read here.

I got tired of 386 to the wheels. A friend of mine got tired with 600awhp in his 3000GT (running two 16G turbos from an Evo III) and is now doing a 1000awhp build using two stock turbos from a diesel Dodge Ram (HX35). When you can annihilate Evo's and 350Z's you don't even bother flooring it unless it's a 911 Turbo or a Z06. Same old shit.

As for a 13B REW (or RE, I recommend the RE as the mounting will be easier)... you better figure out how to mate the an Rx-8 dash harness and interior wiring/switches with a Haltech E8 flying lead engine harness, then do a throttle cable and return fuel system conversion, then fabricate engine mounts, then figure out how to put an FD shifter into the stock Rx-8 location... the list goes on...

I never said it was a breeze, it was just a suggestion for the guy if he really likes his 8 but hates the 8's performance.

i think most of you speed junkies are just that.. dangerously addicted to something that will never satisfy you until you either die in a horrible accident or kill yourself over depression.

When does it end? When will you be satisfied? Will you ever be happy with what you have or will you turn into an old man like sw**pe who sits and criticises others all day long because he has nothing to find joy in anymore in his car so he figures to make others miserable :icon_no2: ( ain't working by the way so go home little boy and play with your sister)

Be happy with what you have.. some of us are struggling just to even get one of these awesome machines..

it never ends... it NEVER ends.

.....You don't need to wonder about the comparison between the RX-8 and a high power car such as the 350Z. Im here to tell you.. There is NO comparison. On a day to day basis, too much power sucks and is a royal pain to deal with.. from traffic, to parking lots, to stoplight to stopsign.. Not only does it GO fast, it gets OLD fast.

I have driven both the G35 and Z and didnt think either of them were overpowering at all. On the contrary they were quite easy to drive around. They are 220-230 whp at 3,300 pounds.....I would hardly call them "high power" cars that are hard to DD. More power than the 8, for sure, but not nearly enough power to be considered as a "pain":dunno:

i think most of you speed junkies are just that.. dangerously addicted to something that will never satisfy you until you either die in a horrible accident or kill yourself over depression.

When does it end? When will you be satisfied? Will you ever be happy with what you have or will you turn into an old man like sw**pe who sits and criticises others all day long because he has nothing to find joy in anymore in his car so he figures to make others miserable :icon_no2: ( ain't working by the way so go home little boy and play with your sister)

Be happy with what you have.. some of us are struggling just to even get one of these awesome machines..

funny,

my little sister has an rx8 also..

beers :beer:

You guys confuse power with torque.

An 8 daily driving in the city is WORSE than driving a Z or G35 whatever.

For one, i wont want to be revving to the sky just to keep up with traffic.

I have opposite experience. Rx8 has more power than I know what to do with. All those other driver on the street cannot anticipate a sudden burst of acceleration from another vehicle, especially when changing lane. Any more power, and the rx8 and I would have been toast long ago.

Rx8 just not for all you "hardcore" type, whatever those people are into.

^ you must've not driven the rx-8 from your post.

Anyhoo, it's always greener at the other side of the fence. Maybe there's just more poo there. ;)
OP, get the car you want. Bye bye now.

^ you must've not driven the rx-8 from your post.

Anyhoo, it's always greener at the other side of the fence. Maybe there's just more poo there. ;)
OP, get the car you want. Bye bye now.

I have driven MANY cars in my day. I used to intern at audi and a luxury auto group.

Which is why i made the post i made. Fast pace traffic and you're gonna have to beat the shit out of the 8. With like 150ft lbs of torque, is self explanatory.

I don't have an 8, but an integra type-r with a whopping 130 lb-ft. I have never had to beat the shit out of it to keep up with traffic. I don't know, maybe your traffic is comprised exclusively of AMGs and Lamborghinis.

"I work for Ferarri, I know what fast cars feel like"

lmao at 1QWIK7

torque is nice isnt it

I don't have an 8, but an integra type-r with a whopping 130 lb-ft. I have never had to beat the shit out of it to keep up with traffic. I don't know, maybe your traffic is comprised exclusively of AMGs and Lamborghinis.

He's a tard. I've never had to go beyond 4K to keep up with traffic. I often find myself shifting below 3K so I don't jump out in front.

OP:

You bought the wrong car. Sorry! The RX-8 has plenty of power for daily driving, even for sporty driving for that matter. Even my 2.7 liter Charger I drive for work with a whopping 170hp can keep up in traffic without wringing the hell out of it.

Maybe you're engine is busted?

I got tired of 386 to the wheels. A friend of mine got tired with 600awhp in his 3000GT (running two 16G turbos from an Evo III) and is now doing a 1000awhp build using two stock turbos from a diesel Dodge Ram (HX35). When you can annihilate Evo's and 350Z's you don't even bother flooring it unless it's a 911 Turbo or a Z06. Same old shit.

As for a 13B REW (or RE, I recommend the RE as the mounting will be easier)... you better figure out how to mate the an Rx-8 dash harness and interior wiring/switches with a Haltech E8 flying lead engine harness, then do a throttle cable and return fuel system conversion, then fabricate engine mounts, then figure out how to put an FD shifter into the stock Rx-8 location... the list goes on...



After doing numerous honda swaps, a miata 1.8 conversion, multiple BMW swaps, turbo installations, and megasquirt installs.... I think I won't have too much a problem converting an RX-8 to a turbo drivetrain. Plus, it will probably help that I know how to weld and do metal fabricating. Wiring comes pretty easy for me too.

Shoot, maybe if I do this, others might want to try the same path also. I will be shure to do a write-up, and also may be able to do it for other RX-8 owners. I really do agree that the RX-8 is a great car ( I have two young kids that ride in the back), it's east to drive, and feels much more luxurious than an S2000. I just think it needs a more powerful rotary to keep up with todays sports cars. That's all.

He's a tard. I've never had to go beyond 4K to keep up with traffic. I often find myself shifting below 3K so I don't jump out in front.

OP:

You bought the wrong car. Sorry! The RX-8 has plenty of power for daily driving, even for sporty driving for that matter. Even my 2.7 liter Charger I drive for work with a whopping 170hp can keep up in traffic without wringing the hell out of it.

Maybe you're engine is busted?



HEHE, it has 3,000 miles on it from the new warranty. It feels a tad bit better than the original engine.


Oh, and as for traffic, it will definately keep up, but it just does'nt go much faster when I give it 3/4 more throttle than that.:)

torque is nice isnt it

Dont pick on the 8s anymore man. We know you have more torque than them lol

After doing numerous honda swaps, a miata 1.8 conversion, multiple BMW swaps, turbo installations, and megasquirt installs.... I think I won't have too much a problem converting an RX-8 to a turbo drivetrain. Plus, it will probably help that I know how to weld and do metal fabricating. Wiring comes pretty easy for me too.

Shoot, maybe if I do this, others might want to try the same path also. I will be shure to do a write-up, and also may be able to do it for other RX-8 owners. I really do agree that the RX-8 is a great car ( I have two young kids that ride in the back), it's east to drive, and feels much more luxurious than an S2000. I just think it needs a more powerful rotary to keep up with todays sports cars. That's all.

wow,

convert the rx8 to a turbo. no one has ever thought of that!

beers :beer:

Dont pick on the 8s anymore man. We know you have more torque than them lol


but its so much fun:)

After doing numerous honda swaps, a miata 1.8 conversion, multiple BMW swaps, turbo installations, and megasquirt installs.... I think I won't have too much a problem converting an RX-8 to a turbo drivetrain. Plus, it will probably help that I know how to weld and do metal fabricating. Wiring comes pretty easy for me too.

Shoot, maybe if I do this, others might want to try the same path also. I will be shure to do a write-up, and also may be able to do it for other RX-8 owners. I really do agree that the RX-8 is a great car ( I have two young kids that ride in the back), it's east to drive, and feels much more luxurious than an S2000. I just think it needs a more powerful rotary to keep up with todays sports cars. That's all.


You realize there are "lots" of FI 8's on this forum, right?

HEHE, it has 3,000 miles on it from the new warranty. It feels a tad bit better than the original engine.


Oh, and as for traffic, it will definately keep up, but it just does'nt go much faster when I give it 3/4 more throttle than that.:)

You're obviously in the wrong car. If you're disappointed in the speed, you're barking up the wrong tree. This car is high and above the pissing contest that is the 1/4. If you want punch-and-go cheap thrills than go with a car with big magazine numbers. If you want a truly great driving experience, you stick with an RX-8.

In short, you made a mistake buying the 8. You're never going to be satisfied with it. The 8 is one of the slowest cars I've owned, but it's also one of the most fun to drive on the street or the track.

Good luck with your next car. You're going to be hard pressed to find another car with as much balance and poise.

How many of you are actually tired of the performance of your stock or mildly modded RX8?

....My main rant here is about how since the release of the RX-8 5-years ago, that mazda has released 2 other 4-door models that have much more useable power and greatly out accelerate their "sports" car. Then, we get a revised version update after 5 years, and the only car it MIGHT out accelerate is an MX-5 and an RSX-S.

....I have yet to see any spy shots of test beds, or anything saying that we are getting anything more than a hydro/petrol RX model to improve mileage. That's nice and all, but it's also weak.

....but i want that kind of technology fresh, and well, and sitting in my garage. it doesn't matter to me if it costs $38,000-$43,000 and gets 15 miles per gallon ( I only get 16-17.8 now anyways), i just am tired of waiting, and tired of hoping that there is more to come.:confused:

END RANT!:Peace:

Rants being what they are, you do have some good points in there that I tend to agree with. Yea disappointed that the '09 was nothing really, and more disappointed that there has been nada about anything new that possibly could happen since last year's concepts.

The Evolve was out and about years before the 8, but that was a brand new car. Currently, I'm undecided as to whether Mazda is going to surprise us in '10, '11, or '12 (yawn by then) with a new car (engine really) sight unseen, or that the world at large has killed or at least indefinitely delayed any new rotary investment or a new rotary car for the time being.

The last real gas crisis in the '70s killed off Mazda as a multi-rotary car marque. Back then there were sedans, station wagons, sports cars. How hard is it to kill the last remaining rotary? Mazda will always say never...it's in our DNA, etc....but it's the consumer and gas prices that rule that decision really.

And yea the power thing. I know it's been beaten to death in this forum, but facts is facts, past 3rd the NA car is a dud. There I said it, and it is so true. Once in 4th I'm forced to wave on so many cars - sadly it's just a fact of life. They simply punch it an go...I've already floored it and am waiting for some speed to gather.

Love the RX-8 to death for what it is, but say, have you seen the pics & writeups about the possible R3 turbo 4 cyl based on the R8 to replace the TT :)

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-mid-engine-audi-r3-to-replace-tt/ <---yummie

While I have a pretty modded RX8, my last competitive race on a road course I was much faster in lap times than a S2000, and also seconds faster than a 350z and even a 2003 Cobra Terminator. Fact is, power and performance do not mean anything if you can't drive it.

Rants like this are old and just shows a lack of understanding as to the whole picture of performance. The RX8 is not the fastest car, but complaining cause it won't "out accelerate" other vehicles in it's price range is pretty short sighted.

I must say though. While there is plenty of power for me being that I'm 18 and still in highschool (dont need trouble now do we?) and the handling makes me smile every time I see a turn that seys "25" and continue to go 60 the transmission is absolute trash. I cant believe that mazda would do this to me haha.

The transmission is trash? It's one of the best feeling transmissions I've ever used...

well-oiled bolt-action rifle comes to mind...

RenesisX-8: What are you putting megasquirts into?

I'm one of the 2 ms2/extra developers, so always interested in finding out what people are doing with the MS!

Ken

Ha ha it feels great. But is garbage in the reliability. But I do autocross.. so I guess I'm asking for it.

Just do what I did. I wanted more power so I installed a turbo kit on my car. Now I have torque hp and way more fun.

I want a supercharger.. but Im poor..

While I have a pretty modded RX8, my last competitive race on a road course I was much faster in lap times than a S2000, and also seconds faster than a 350z and even a 2003 Cobra Terminator. Fact is, power and performance do not mean anything if you can't drive it.

Rants like this are old and just shows a lack of understanding as to the whole picture of performance. The RX8 is not the fastest car, but complaining cause it won't "out accelerate" other vehicles in it's price range is pretty short sighted.

I think the original rant is exactly about "the whole picture of performance" not the lack of understanding it. And the fact that these rants ARE old is telling..nothing has changed in 5 yrs!

You're right if you can't drive up to the car's capability, power won't help you. But if you can use power... and there is none to be had, it tends to get a bit boring sitting there, foot on the floorboards - ergo, the rant IMHO.

In my run groups, (mostly) people know how to drive ok....but with the range still I am able to pass some machines I really shouldn't, mostly as I come out of the twisties much faster and on their tail going onto a straight - so much fun :lol:

On the other hand the cars that are flying by (on the straights) are typically GT2s, GT3s, Cayman S, and 911 Turbos, and various stripped out Club racer BMWs. Of course they are faster, typically more expensive, but that's the point - I want it all - I want more power please - and I want rotary power, not piston power.

I agree with the OP that it's time we had that performance and yea it is old.

I am still happy with the same car I bought 4 years ago. Why would I not be? I was the one that test drove it. I was the one that made the decision to plunk down the cash. I knew what I was getting and I got what I knew. Would I like more power? Sure. Can I buy more power? Yep. Have I done so? Nope. I love the car I bought.... on purpose.

i agree with the OP, it's sad that mazda didn't try to increase the power for the '09 MY. the econobox MS3 will kick the crap out of an rx-8 in a straight line, and isn't that much slower on a road course from what i've read.

i knew these cars were slow from the factory and hard/expensive to modify so i'm not complaining... but i am suprised that mazda didn't do anything for power in the new cars.

There will always be something faster, and something that handles better. Be happy with what you've got, a miracle in a box 1.3L engine that does 230+hp and can be FI to do 300+ for a few grand. Think about the few grand difference between 350Z and a RX-8 - you'd spank the Z and feel good about it.

Or you can just type up a rant, not doing anything and go on living your life hating your car.

Don't get me wrong, I realize a Mazda speed 3 and 6 will beat me, but sometimes it's not about being beat. Do you get looks from people if you have an everyday 3 or 6? No... but now tell me if you had a badass body kit and didn't drive it like you stole it, and you let people actually pass you while you're just enjoying some nice cool weather & not WOT, you'd feel like you're worth a million bucks. People come talk to me at the gas station probably 1 out of 3 or 4 times I fill up. The conversation doesn't go, "shit man you got ripped off, anything can beat your ass", it normally goes something like "man that's a sick car", "I've been thinking about getting one of those", "how much did all that cost you?".

Like it's been said a hundred THOUSAND times before, if you want a fast car get something else, but really if you want it for the fun and excitement - you need an attitude adjustment.

You realize there are "lots" of FI 8's on this forum, right?




You're obviously in the wrong car. If you're disappointed in the speed, you're barking up the wrong tree. This car is high and above the pissing contest that is the 1/4. If you want punch-and-go cheap thrills than go with a car with big magazine numbers. If you want a truly great driving experience, you stick with an RX-8.

In short, you made a mistake buying the 8. You're never going to be satisfied with it. The 8 is one of the slowest cars I've owned, but it's also one of the most fun to drive on the street or the track.

Good luck with your next car. You're going to be hard pressed to find another car with as much balance and poise.






Yes, for about $5500 out of pocket, I could do a nice turbo kit to the Renesis, but I prefer not to boost engines that were'nt designed for it in the first place (trust me, I've turboed quite a few N/A cars in my day... in the end, most had cooling issues, low reliability, and sometimes were very quirky.)


I also am very able to use the most out of my RX-8 in handling and braking, etc. I want to keep all of that and just have some extra 100-150 or so HP in that package. It would be nice for Mazda to bring us something similar so that I don't have to go in my garage and make it myself. I really have no problem with converting my car to a older turbo 13B, returning the fuel system, wiring up a MegaSquirt standalone, fabbing a new exhaust system, and dissecting the gauge cluster wiring to make my tach and speedo work. I just know how much time it will involve to get it done... LOTS.


I could start with a 13B RE Cosmo (i've got a cheap source on that) and do an ebay front mount, boost controller, injectors, and 3" turbo-back exhaust for close to what I could sell all my renesis stuff for. Later on, I could upgrade to a BB turbo and make about 360+ whp with an engine not living on the ragg-ed edge.

The transmission is trash? It's one of the best feeling transmissions I've ever used...

well-oiled bolt-action rifle comes to mind...

RenesisX-8: What are you putting megasquirts into?

I'm one of the 2 ms2/extra developers, so always interested in finding out what people are doing with the MS!

Ken


I worked on a couple of BMW E30 cars with installed turbos, and a 80's BMW M6 that had a turbo kit with a RRFPR and piggyback. We removed that junk, then installed a Megasquirt onto that car too.

I really am very impressed by the megasquirts constant development and mltiple options. Even if i had the money, I may never buy a haltech or motech type system in my lifetime. I working next door to Jerry of DIY auttune for about 8 months... great guy, great company. I learned alot about the systems and how to use the software.

Moral of the story is, the 8 does have power, if it doesn't have ENOUGH for you, then turbo it or something, or sell it... or you can always go to some other country where 98% of the cars are all 50bhp and then come back and find your 8 is a godsend.

Some of you guys are really myopic in your scope of thinking. How and why are you giving this man such a hard time for wanting more power (read: torque) out of his car. Please forgive his mis-blatant-use of the word "performance." As patrons of this site, most of you understand that performance isn't as linear as straight line acceleration. So why is it, that you people choose to bash him for wanting more than a car that is "king of the twisties."

Why shouldn't this car have both the power of a Goat with the gracefulness of porshe? What the hell has crawled up your collective butts and died?

Are you bashers so bitter that your car can't beat civic or s2k in a foot race that it's backed you into an egotistical corner where the only thing you can take pride in is the road holding capabilities with this car and death to all those that seek to change it?

It's so often that you smart-asses say "you bought the wrong car." Can you come up with a more effective argument. Fact is, there's not many cars out there that offer the comfort, styling, and "performance for the dollar. It's a small sect of cars to choose from. It's practically a system of false choices which is why people mod their cars, seeking to improve upon what they feel is lacking.

Let us examine this issue from another angle.

THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT!
(not really, but it's a point worth noting)

How many fuggin times has some made a post on this site or other sites about the slowness of this car? HOW MANY? If so many of us feel this way, then could it be possible that Mazda has issued an incomplete product. Albeit in it's current form is still good enough to make sales. Why shouldn't Mazda man-up and put some ballz on this car? Why is it the buyer the one that got it wrong?

Another issue that I have with this bullshit.

The OP put out a well thought opinion. It wasn't some stereotypical juvenile bashing. Come on people, think outside of the box. You're being so offensively defensive about this car that you're being dicks for the sake of a company that decided that your survey results needed to be dropped from their aggregate of total satisfaction surveys and wanted to keep it secret. Who benefits from your retaliations of those that don't feel the way that you do?

Shall you attack those owners that have turbo'd their cars? Surely they felt it was lacking....did they buy the wrong car? What about the companies that are providing these modifications for this car. Are they making stupid mods for the wrong car? Surely they don't know what their doing by investing so many man-hours and dollars of other people's money.

Some of you guys are really myopic in your scope of thinking. How and why are you giving this man such a hard time for wanting more power (read: torque) out of his car. Please forgive his mis-blatant-use of the word "performance." As patrons of this site, most of you understand that performance isn't as linear as straight line acceleration. So why is it, that you people choose to bash him for wanting more than a car that is "king of the twisties."

Why shouldn't this car have both the power of a Goat with the gracefulness of porshe? What the hell has crawled up your collective butts and died?

Are you bashers so bitter that your car can't beat civic or s2k in a foot race that it's backed you into an egotistical corner where the only thing you can take pride in is the road holding capabilities with this car and death to all those that seek to change it?

It's so often that you smart-asses say "you bought the wrong car." Can you come up with a more effective argument. Fact is, there's not many cars out there that offer the comfort, styling, and "performance for the dollar. It's a small sect of cars to choose from. It's practically a system of false choices which is why people mod their cars, seeking to improve upon what they feel is lacking.

Let us examine this issue from another angle.

THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT!
(not really, but it's a point worth noting)

How many fuggin times has some made a post on this site or other sites about the slowness of this car? HOW MANY? If so many of us feel this way, then could it be possible that Mazda has issued an incomplete product. Albeit in it's current form is still good enough to make sales. Why shouldn't Mazda man-up and put some ballz on this car? Why is it the buyer the one that got it wrong?

Another issue that I have with this bullshit.

The OP put out a well thought opinion. It wasn't some stereotypical juvenile bashing. Come on people, think outside of the box. You're being so offensively defensive about this car that you're being dicks for the sake of a company that decided that your survey results needed to be dropped from their aggregate of total satisfaction surveys and wanted to keep it secret. Who benefits from your retaliations of those that don't feel the way that you do?

Shall you attack those owners that have turbo'd their cars? Surely they felt it was lacking....did they buy the wrong car? What about the companies that are providing these modifications for this car. Are they making stupid mods for the wrong car? Surely they don't know what their doing by investing so many man-hours and dollars of other people's money.

Don't like the power? Then don't buy the car anyway and then bitch about how you don't like the power.

We should be lucky that the rotary is even still available. And there is still bitching about how it isn't powerful enough. There's plenty of nice cars out there with more power and good handling. But he didn't buy any of those cars. He didn't buy a powerful car and bitch about handling.

If people feel that the RX-8 is an incomplete product, then they shouldn't buy one. And if they do buy one, there's no reason to cry about how unsatisfying it is. It's the car buyer's responsibility to buy the right car for them. That's what I didn't. I didn't buy something that was sort of what I wanted and then try to gain sympathy because I realized my car was too slow, or didn't handle well enough, or the interior wasn't good enough, or had an ugly body etc.

It's funny how magazine editors can rave about how great this car is after driving it for free. Yet there's so many people who paid hard earned money for the same car and start bitching about how they don't like the performance.

It's a sports car and it does what a sports car is supposed to do. This should have been apparent during the test drive. This is not something you finally realize a year later then try to blame Mazda for the poor decision you made by purchasing the car. Or maybe it is something you realize a year later, indicating you realy don't know what you want. Again, don't transfer the blame over to Mazda for not building your dream car. If the performance is so disappointing, then I would imagine that there are plenty of other cars out there with better performance. I'm sure one of the other dealers will be happy to sell you one of those "better" cars.

Myopic nothing. If you buy a car your not happy with, guess who's fault that is?

If all he wants to do is turbo it, then turbo it and don't complain about how you don't like the car you just bought. Can't afford a turbo kit, maybe that should have been something to consider when buying the car. Again, nobody else's fault. So no need to rant to everyone about how it's not your fault. :doh:

Yes, for about $5500 out of pocket, I could do a nice turbo kit to the Renesis, but I prefer not to boost engines that were'nt designed for it in the first place (trust me, I've turboed quite a few N/A cars in my day... in the end, most had cooling issues, low reliability, and sometimes were very quirky.)


I also am very able to use the most out of my RX-8 in handling and braking, etc. I want to keep all of that and just have some extra 100-150 or so HP in that package. It would be nice for Mazda to bring us something similar so that I don't have to go in my garage and make it myself. I really have no problem with converting my car to a older turbo 13B, returning the fuel system, wiring up a MegaSquirt standalone, fabbing a new exhaust system, and dissecting the gauge cluster wiring to make my tach and speedo work. I just know how much time it will involve to get it done... LOTS.


I could start with a 13B RE Cosmo (i've got a cheap source on that) and do an ebay front mount, boost controller, injectors, and 3" turbo-back exhaust for close to what I could sell all my renesis stuff for. Later on, I could upgrade to a BB turbo and make about 360+ whp with an engine not living on the ragg-ed edge.

I don't care if your experience includes engine-swapping the space shuttle- you will not get a 13B-REW into an RX8 for less money with greater reliability than you would just putting a turbo on the Renesis, and you're going against all the accumulated experience and knowledge of the real know-hows here by trying. Seriously, it's been done. Jesus, the 13B-REW is unreliable enough in the car it was designed for. You're welcome to try, but don't say no one warned you.

Anyway, if you don't like the 8, sell it and buy a 7. Or anything else, really- if the market is ripe with superior cars, go buy them and quit annoying everyone.

Numbers don't tell the whole story, either. In every quantitative measurement, my RX8 soundly outperforms my airplane. And yet, my car still can't fly.

Damn, I knew something was wrong withmy 8!

Thanks, Rootski. Now I know my car can't fly.

why are people so obsessed with the 13B-REW, it doesn't make much more HP than ours does NA (the version we got)?

Also, I think a lot of people perceive our cars low on power bc there is no kick like you get with VTAK at a certain RPM, its just smooth power delivery.

now just grow up and stop bitchin', the 8 is what it is...pure fun!

Damn, I knew something was wrong withmy 8!

Thanks, Rootski. Now I know my car can't fly.

It still might. Maybe you just put the wings on upside down? :)

why are people so obsessed with the 13B-REW, it doesn't make much more HP than ours does NA (the version we got)?

Also, I think a lot of people perceive our cars low on power bc there is no kick like you get with VTAK at a certain RPM, its just smooth power delivery.

now just grow up and stop bitchin', the 8 is what it is...pure fun!

VTAK is overrated. It always feels like it's going to blow up compared to the ROTARY power delivery across the RPM range. :Eyecrazy:

I worked on a couple of BMW E30 cars with installed turbos, and a 80's BMW M6 that had a turbo kit with a RRFPR and piggyback. We removed that junk, then installed a Megasquirt onto that car too.

I really am very impressed by the megasquirts constant development and mltiple options. Even if i had the money, I may never buy a haltech or motech type system in my lifetime. I working next door to Jerry of DIY auttune for about 8 months... great guy, great company. I learned alot about the systems and how to use the software.

and megaspuirt is true to the rx8 how..

people have been there. let us know when you get it under you well modded belt..

you got lots of background facts. but a big bunch of nothing in the long run..

you claim to be able to build what ever you want. that was the point of my first post.

jump up to you words, cowboy..

beers :beer:

Dont forget the 8 was designed to be both a 4 door sedan and a sports car with reliablility and drivability in its mind, meaning anybody can drive it ( I saw a granny driving one!). It was never built to be like the FD with 100% performance in mind, where the market is limited to car enthusiests. So theres no point in comparing the 2.
Dont forget it wasnt mazdas idea to make it a 4 door family sedan, I'm sure they would of went for a full blown performance rx if the company was up and running at the time...

Some of you guys are really myopic in your scope of thinking. How and why are you giving this man such a hard time for wanting more power (read: torque) out of his car.

There's nothing myopic with anyone's feelings here. It's the case of wanting your cake and eating it too. It's simply not realistic.

The design of the rotary to date doesn't allot for high HP or torque numbers because mazda has to operate within the restraints of emissions, cost, fuel mileage and a target audiance.

The whole point of modifying a vehicle is to shape the car to perform the way YOU want it to. If you want more power or torque then there are plenty of FI options from superchargers, nitrous, and even turbos.

Yes, for about $5500 out of pocket, I could do a nice turbo kit to the Renesis, but I prefer not to boost engines that were'nt designed for it in the first place (trust me, I've turboed quite a few N/A cars in my day... in the end, most had cooling issues, low reliability, and sometimes were very quirky.)

With sub 10 second 1/4 mile rotary engines being out there, I'm certain these motors can handle boost. How reliable the engine is depends on how realistic you are with your power goals.

Hell a few weeks ago I almost got beat by a V8 Tundra on a highway onramp. You'd think I'd be pissed cause a pickup truck with a V8 was roasting me on acceleration.

I'm sure he was laughing till he hit that ramp...then it was my turn to laugh.

Dont forget the 8 was designed to be both a 4 door sedan and a sports car with reliablility and drivability in its mind, meaning anybody can drive it ( I saw a granny driving one!). It was never built to be like the FD with 100% performance in mind, where the market is limited to car enthusiests. So theres no point in comparing the 2.
Dont forget it wasnt mazdas idea to make it a 4 door family sedan, I'm sure they would of went for a full blown performance rx if the company was up and running at the time...



I know what the RX-8 was designed as and what it's initial intention was to be. Hell, at the time it came out it was dead-even with it's direct competition... the 350Z. Nowadays though, the 350Z has long surpassed the RX-8 in performance.... pretty much everything has. I remember reading about the RX-8 in 2003 before it hit shores and I thought that it was really cool and the low power didn't bother me so much becaus the chassis was stiffer than the previous RX models, it had a 6 speed, and it revved to 9,000 rpm. The thing I didn't pay attention to back then though, was that my cousin had purchased an 04' accord 6 speed and it was actually faster in a straight line than my RX-8 sports car.... yeah, 14.4 @ 99mph!!



The whole point of my OP was that the RX-8 is not getting any faster and still has the same brakes and suspension. All the other cars in it's class are getting faster and perfoming better, while also getting better gas mileage. THAT is what I am getting at, that is why I feel that the RX-8 is lacking. In a couple more years, the new toyota sports car will probably be out, and Acura is supposed to have a new sports/supercar. What is Mazda going to have? What will they be bringing to the table, some old dirty dishes? When the 3rd gen RX-7 was out, nothing in it's price range (or out of) could really touch it.... not the evo, not the 300zxTT, not the corvette, not the camaro, not the mustang, not the 911 carrera, not the nsx. For the money, it would basically hang with or beat all those cars on the proper circuit. Is mazda going to try and clean house again, or just sit around, WTF MATE!


Show the world again that less displacement still can mean more. Make it a 2800-3000lb, 350-400hp 3-rotor, with an amazing chassis, and huge brakes. Then Mazda can rear it's ugly head right up corvettes, evo's, sti's, 370z's, and S2k's arses! Look at what Nissan did, they went fully global with the GTR and I bet it will sell out every year it's in production (unless they royaly engineered something wrong). That car took the world by storm, and now toyota and acura are trying to follow-up with some thing equal or greater... If the corvette wasn't such a global icon, then I bet it would plumet in sales in the next few years to come. I believe that the RX series has a strong enough following that there is a void in the market just sitting there waiting to be fulfilled. I know i'm waiting, and i'm getting tired of waiting. Yes, the RX-8 curbed the hunger for most of us for awhile, but the Rx-8 is proving to not be as filling as it looked. I would love to dig into something meaty again, the RX-7 twin turbo was just a major tease for us americans.


You know, maybe a lot of you on here are just soft, and maybe i'm just talking to the wrong crowd. I should just go back to RX7club, where the men hang out. You all probably couldn't tame a beast like a modified FD. Maybe that's why your RX-8 is so satisfying and feels PLENTY FAST ENOUGH. hehehe:)


Seriously, I'm fucking with you all.... lighten up!:lol2:

and megaspuirt is true to the rx8 how..

people have been there. let us know when you get it under you well modded belt..

you got lots of background facts. but a big bunch of nothing in the long run..

you claim to be able to build what ever you want. that was the point of my first post.

jump up to you words, cowboy..

beers :beer:

Post removed by Moderator

The thing I didn't pay attention to back then though, was that my cousin had purchased an 04' accord 6 speed and it was actually faster in a straight line than my RX-8 sports car.... yeah, 14.4 @ 99mph!!


When I start seeing accords racing on the race track then I'll bow down to their performance. Till then I'm sure they will get groceries much faster than the RX8.

The whole point of my OP was that the RX-8 is not getting any faster and still has the same brakes and suspension.

Ever heard of not fixing it if it's not broken? The suspension and brakes on the RX8 are pretty good.

When the 3rd gen RX-7 was out, nothing in it's price range (or out of) could really touch it....

Wasn't it priced around $40,000 at the time too? I'm sure if people were willing to pay $40,000 - $50,000 for a RX8 that mazda would make something to fit into that price range. One great part about this car is all the fantastic stuff it does and all much less than an Evo, 350z, or a vette.

I should just go back to RX7club, where the men hang out.

Plenty of time to hang out cause their 7's are not running...

I think you Americans are too used to Mustangs and Corvettes with 6 litre engines. People come in here and say the RX-8 is slow. Now I agree that off the line it's not that fast, but compared to price and usability... if driven right it's a fast car, say what you want. Keeping it in the right range and such.

But sure, I'd love to have a 20B engine in it tuned just lovely.

The 350Z has nothing on the RX8... ok maybe torque but thats its. I should know, I have 2008 350Z 6 speed.

The RX-8 does feel and perform like wings welded to your arms. The Z feels like you are clopping around in cement buckets.

The RX-8 feels refined. Like someone developed it to be its own car, share nothing with lesser cars and designed to compete from the get go.

The Z feels like an afterthought with cramped seats, cheapo interior that has no space to put anything. Even cupholders they couldn't get right. They put a glove box BEHIND the passenger seat??

The RX-8 gets side curtain and seat airbags.

The Z? you get the front and thats it... unless you are lucky enough to find one that has the side curtain airbags. Cost? $620.00 The fact that Nissan doesn't make them standard is in my opinion, a crime.

Who the hell cares about horsepower?? The fact that you all gloss over it like a 12 year old looking at his first playboy, tells me you have no idea what you are talking about.

Its all about torque. Period. You couldn't even use 200 horsepower on the street. You wouldnt be able to get up the actual mph that would get you too..

Its all about the torque.

And a rotary WILL NOT have that kind a force that a piston does since it operates completely differently.
It operates in an rpm range that most cars can't. It has no valves to float, no rockers to break and no camshaft to go flat. No timing chain. No timing belt. No pistons etc..

It already sucks in fuel on every rotation, do you really think that Mazda couldn't make it way faster and more powerful?? Of course they can! But at what cost? 10 Mpg?

I drive a 350Z. And Im getting rid of it. To get a RX8. all 159 ft.lbs of torque of it. Which is over 100 less than the 350Z.. And I can't wait! To get my hands on one of the best shifting transmissions I have ever used.. For the silky delivery of the rotary engine... for the comfort, and usability of 4 seats without looking like a Camry. For 9K rpm redline...

But mostly because I love the concept of a rotary.. its what it is..

And a rotary WILL NOT have that kind a force that a piston does since it operates completely differently.
It operates in an rpm range that most cars can't. It has no valves to float, no rockers to break and no camshaft to go flat. No timing chain. No timing belt. No pistons etc..

The 20B in the Eunos Cosmo gives about 300nm from 2250rpms...

Plenty of time to hang out cause their 7's are not running...


You're comparing an old turbo car at least 15 years versus a car that has been debuted just a handful years ago.

Are you forgetting you own an RX as well?

This section of the forum is no different than the tech section of the 7 forum. It shares the SAME amount of problems.

AND your cars are newer than theirs.

lol Nice aimless stab.

Seriously, I'm fucking with you all.... lighten up!:lol2:

Look everyone, it's the distinct mating call of the North American Loserus Backing-out-erus Argumentorus. :lol2:

Go buy an RX-7 and quit crying. The RX-8 never was and never will be an RX-7. Something that's very apparent to everyone here but you. Let all the other cars get more power bumps and watch them go up in price, and watch them still not be as fun to drive.

We all understand that you don't understand, we're waiting for you to realize that you don't get it. Horsepower and 1/4 times are top priority for children. Let the children have their toys, I'll keep my no torques RX-8 and have more fun than any of them.

Once again, you don't understand what a true sports car is. Some of the best sports cars ever made were slow in a strait line and made little power. Power doesn't make the car. Horsepower isn't relevant to what year it is or how much power the other cars have. That's why the original RX-7, 240Z, 510, etc. are still a blast to drive. You don't design a car by trying to make it better than something else, you design it to be as fun to drive as possible for as little as possible. The RX-8 isn't in competition with the Z or the S2K, it's simply just in a similar category. Mazda hit the mark with this car, you're the one that missed.

If Mazda did improve the car year after year after year.... that would affect YOUR individual car how exactly? They won't send techs around to install the new features for you. Trust me, I asked.

:nopity:

May I point out the lotus? Its faster, but more about handling than anything. But the lotus probably doesn't have glass tranny (sorry guys, I love the feel, but come on! I'm on number 2...).

how dare the OP have an OPINION. he must be a crybaby for having a flipping opinion. :lol2:

May I point out the lotus? Its faster, but more about handling than anything. But the lotus probably doesn't have glass tranny (sorry guys, I love the feel, but come on! I'm on number 2...).The Lotus also has a top end lower than an AT RX8. It's geared to be quick. It's not meant for touring.

I currently own 2007 Mx5. I have previously owned a 2004 Rx8, 2005 RSX type-S and 1998 WRX. Having tracked these cars, all but the Rx8 performed as one would expect and in that sense were comfortable and fun on road and track. The Rx8 IMHO was extremely different. As beautiful and smooth as it is, on the street, it does tend to feel a bit underpowered. On the track however it is phenomenal. It is like a totally different car, the handling is unfailing and grip levels terrific. In short, the car needs to come alive once you’re revving onwards and upwards in 3rd gear and beyond. So I feel the car comes alive from 120kph (or 75mph). But, and it's a big but, you simply can't do this on the street. So for that reason, as much as I do love the car, I feel it is incredibly wasted on the street. It also doesn't help that you pay big time for fuel usage when the results aren’t there. This also explains why so many people say that other sports cars perform better and more efficiently on the street.
If I could have 2 cars, I’d have my Mx5 as a daily driver and an Rx8 as a track beast.

This is my first post on this forum. I am currently considering purchasing an RX-8 and this thread is a winner for me. Lots of pros and cons, and I learn more about the car from them all. Still haven't made up my mind about whether to go for a used 8 sooner or whether to wait for the new CR-Z in 2010. It will be interesting to see how the CR-Z compares to the 8 for hp and ft-lbs. and handling ability. The Honda may be the closest competitor for the 8--I'm guessing the power numbers will be in the same ballpark.

I drove an 8 for the first time on Saturday and loved it. I'll need to drive them some more to see how it feels on the street. It's interesting that some folks think it's a gas of a challenge to keep the car jumping in traffic by gearing it appropriately while others just wish there was more 'gas' to play with.

It's good to be on board (well, on-line anyway!).

In short, the car needs to come alive once you’re revving onwards and upwards in 3rd gear and beyond. So I feel the car comes alive from 120kph (or 75mph). But, and it's a big but, you simply can't do this on the street. So for that reason, as much as I do love the car, I feel it is incredibly wasted on the street. It also doesn't help that you pay big time for fuel usage when the results aren’t there. This also explains why so many people say that other sports cars perform better and more efficiently on the street.
If I could have 2 cars, I’d have my Mx5 as a daily driver and an Rx8 as a track beast.

I don't know where you live, but here 75mph is well above the speed limit on the streets. So as far as street driving is concerned, fast acceleration past 75mph is unimportant. If you need to haul ass past 75mph because you're a bad ass street racer or want to show off to the girlies, again, wrong car.

Lets also not forget that all of the other piston powered cars have 100 years worth of engineering, testing, and redesigning. It's easy to stand on the shoulder of giants to get a few more hp out of a piston engine. Mazda has to rely on their own engineering and their own designing. Improvements are expected to be few and far between. Mazda is not hiding performance from us, they're doing the best they can with what they know. The 16X will hopefully come in the next few years w/o increasing the cost of the car by much. So there will be a better powerband and hopefully better fuel economy. If that wait is too long for you, I don't see any other automakers with a better rotary engine, so I don't know know what to tell you.

lol Nice aimless stab.

I aim to please!

That's my whole point. OMG. You can't do 75mph on the street, but you can do it on the track. And unfortunately that's where the car comes alive.

I don't know where you live, but here 75mph is well above the speed limit on the streets. So as far as street driving is concerned, fast acceleration past 75mph is unimportant. If you need to haul ass past 75mph because you're a bad ass street racer or want to show off to the girlies, again, wrong car.

Lets also not forget that all of the other piston powered cars have 100 years worth of engineering, testing, and redesigning. It's easy to stand on the shoulder of giants to get a few more hp out of a piston engine. Mazda has to rely on their own engineering and their own designing. Improvements are expected to be few and far between. Mazda is not hiding performance from us, they're doing the best they can with what they know. The 16X will hopefully come in the next few years w/o increasing the cost of the car by much. So there will be a better powerband and hopefully better fuel economy. If that wait is too long for you, I don't see any other automakers with a better rotary engine, so I don't know know what to tell you.

I don't know where you live, but here 75mph is well above the speed limit on the streets. So as far as street driving is concerned, fast acceleration past 75mph is unimportant. If you need to haul ass past 75mph because you're a bad ass street racer or want to show off to the girlies, again, wrong car.



Not in Colorado!

its all about ying and yang.. balance and the need to remember that you do not need to use an AX to remove a fly from an opponents head....

The RX8 is like a fine martial arts black belt. He/She knows that its not how hard you can hit a person but where and the most efficient way to achieve the desired results.

The RX8 truly subscribes to the saying The end justifies the means...

Why are we comparing the 8 with the Z?, totally different weights. I though the sole competition was the s2k. Handling, power, displacement, crazy revs, rear drive, similar design, minus the passenger cap and convertable.
Both cars are going through the market at the same pace with similar minor changes, no major tweeks in the powertrains, have introduced a track ready car for its final year(s), the only thing difference is that the s2k is 3,4 years ahead, so its not like the 8 is the only car thats left behind in the market.
Its like a yin yang between car makers theres balance between competition... if that makes any sense.

and another thing that is similar about these 2 cars, both of the forums, rx8 and s2k have the ranters ranting about the exact same thing:)

peace

how many threads like this are there? 5 years later, people still dont get it... Either you like the car or dont, Im glad not all cars are the same, i like this one, im keeping it till i blow it up and then ill see what else is available whenever that is.

Unsubscribed.

I agree with the OP to an extent. It's been 5 years and still no increase in power, hell there was even a decrease in power due to their overstatement. Yes, the car is light on it's feet and a blast to drive but it is lacking in the power department. Yes, you can boost it but why risk it. The 8 will never have the level of HP that these other sports cars have, but it doesn't need it due to it's low weight. I wrecked my car last month and I can honestly say I hate my drive to work now that I'm in an A4, not a boring car but just not an 8. I was contemplating buying a new one but opted to wait to see what happens in the next three years. I think in the next three years two things will happen, either Mazda will scrap the rotary or they will come out with a more powerful version. I hope for the latter.

how many threads like this are there? 5 years later, people still dont get it... Either you like the car or dont, Im glad not all cars are the same, i like this one, im keeping it till i blow it up and then ill see what else is available whenever that is.

Unsubscribed.

Almost...but it goes like this "how many threads like this are there? 5 yrs later Mazda still doesn't get it..."

The automotive community at large, many on this this forum, and basically every review for 5 yrs has said the same thing...the handling/utility is great fun but power (torque) is lacking.

And it's not as simple as saying "You like the car or you don't.." We wouldn't own the car if we didn't like it. However that's not to say (nay...we have a right and duty to say) that we are aware of it's lackings and would appreciate them rectified.

The 5 yr record shows, as far as the vehicle made available to purchase, Mazda has little interest/won't muster the engineers/doesn't see the business case for doing much to increase the overall performance of the car.

Notice the "overall performance" metric. Simplist solution would be lowering the weight. Have they tried that? Not an ounce, when 100kgs less is what's needed and Mazda is one of the leaders in vehicle weight reduction.

Ok for '09 they changed the gearbox & axle ratio :icon_tup: That's quite the engineering accomplishment. Meanwhile over the model years we've had no end of leather choices, dress-up items, and "special editions" (but never a MS edition that's graced almost everything else Mazda has made).

Loving the car and bitching about the fact Mazda has left the car's performance to languish at '03 levels are two entirely different topics.

Loving the car and bitching about the fact Mazda has left the car's performance to languish at '03 levels are two entirely different topics.

We didn't languish we actually lost 18 HP :icon_no2:

We didn't languish we actually lost 18 HP :icon_no2:

can you lose something that was never there? :lol:

Almost...but it goes like this "how many threads like this are there? 5 yrs later Mazda still doesn't get it..."

The automotive community at large, many on this this forum, and basically every review for 5 yrs has said the same thing...the handling/utility is great fun but power (torque) is lacking.

And it's not as simple as saying "You like the car or you don't.." We wouldn't own the car if we didn't like it. However that's not to say (nay...we have a right and duty to say) that we are aware of it's lackings and would appreciate them rectified.

The 5 yr record shows, as far as the vehicle made available to purchase, Mazda has little interest/won't muster the engineers/doesn't see the business case for doing much to increase the overall performance of the car.

Notice the "overall performance" metric. Simplist solution would be lowering the weight. Have they tried that? Not an ounce, when 100kgs less is what's needed and Mazda is one of the leaders in vehicle weight reduction.

Ok for '09 they changed the gearbox & axle ratio :icon_tup: That's quite the engineering accomplishment. Meanwhile over the model years we've had no end of leather choices, dress-up items, and "special editions" (but never a MS edition that's graced almost everything else Mazda has made).

Loving the car and bitching about the fact Mazda has left the car's performance to languish at '03 levels are two entirely different topics.

Did people already forget the development of the 16X?

How easy is it Nissan or Honda to add 5 or 6 hp to a piston engine shared by several other cars? Compare that to increasing power in one engine solely made for one car by one company. Give them a break. Look how long it took for them to put out the RENESIS. It took them the better half of a decade to develop that.

It is that simple, you like the car or you don't. If you have a concern about the power, then you don't like the entire car. Maybe go find another one. If powerful cars are so abundant it shouldn't be that hard. This car is not about power, obviously. You either get over that, or you don't and you start threads like this.

The car is what it is. Take it or leave it.

I'll ask again. Who cares if Mazda makes it better or not? Once you drive YOUR car off the lot, it is what it is and it doesn't matter what Mazda does to the model line after that. If they bumped it up 10hp every year, no one would ever buy one, we'd always be waiting for next year.

lol superglue... I see where you got your name... you really know how to debate a topic.. everything is either yes or no...black or white... love or hate.. take it or leave it.

FYI the 16X is only a housing and some words at an auto show ... far from reality.

FYI HP and power aren't the issues ...performance is.

FYI if you think everthing has a simple answer... you haven't lived very long.

lol superglue... I see where you got your name... you really know how to debate a topic.. everything is either yes or no...black or white... love or hate.. take it or leave it.

FYI the 16X is only a housing and some words at an auto show ... far from reality.

FYI HP and power aren't the issues ...performance is.

FYI if you think everthing has a simple answer... you haven't lived very long.

Weren't they driving a 16x around the streets not too long ago?

Reality has changed since I went to sleep last night, I guess.

FYI the 16X is only a housing and some words at an auto show ... far from reality

I dont understand you ask them to develop something, and when they do you criticize their efforts? What else do you expect them to do to the renesis, everyone knows there is not much gains except from FI. Then if they did that cost would rise for development, tooling, more parts in the car, less fuel efficient, etc. and people would complain about not being able to afford it.

If your unhappy with the car, its your fault you test drove it (i hope).

Superglue had a great point, its one car company working solely on a specialty engine.

The car is what it is. Take it or leave it.

no.

if everyone "took it or left it" there would be no aftermarket turbos, etc. and manufacturers wouldn't ever have to improve their products.

taking it or leaving it is not captialism, is it? if there is enough demand, things will change. how does demand occur? people voicing their opinions.

lol superglue... I see where you got your name... you really know how to debate a topic.. everything is either yes or no...black or white... love or hate.. take it or leave it.

FYI the 16X is only a housing and some words at an auto show ... far from reality.

FYI HP and power aren't the issues ...performance is.

FYI if you think everthing has a simple answer... you haven't lived very long.

Until Mazda kills the rumors of the 16X I think it's safe to say development is in progress. The rotary engine may very well depend on this developement to stay alive with so much push on better mileage.

Performance, hp, whatever it is, the complaints are still the same. "Why isn't Mazda making this car do xxxx feature better"... or more accurately "Why doesn't Mazda change xxxx feature so I will like it more". Sports car performance doesn't change every 5 years. If a car was really fun to drive in 2003, it's still really fun to drive today.

My 95 year old grandfather thinks everything has a simple answer, he's been round for a little while. This however is a simple answer, either you're happy with what the car does, or your not. If not, maybe this isn't the best car for you. If it's performance is so lacking, then I'm sure there's plenty of other cars in the same price range to drool all over.

no.

if everyone "took it or left it" there would be no aftermarket turbos, etc. and manufacturers wouldn't ever have to improve their products.

taking it or leaving it is not captialism, is it? if there is enough demand, things will change. how does demand occur? people voicing their opinions.

People always demand. that's what we do. The demanding never stops.

If you wanted aftermarket parts for the car, great. Doesn't mean Mazda can use the same modifications and keep the reliability, price, target market, gas mileage, etc. in line.

Mazda has a hard enough time trying to convince people that the stock engine will last and the gas mileage isn't that terrible, yet alone under boost.

I'll ask again. Who cares if Mazda makes it better or not? Once you drive YOUR car off the lot, it is what it is and it doesn't matter what Mazda does to the model line after that. If they bumped it up 10hp every year, no one would ever buy one, we'd always be waiting for next year.

We're talking about repeat buyers and people who will only care about the 8 when it turns into an RX-7 (i.e. becomes lighter and more powerful).

the RX8 is not a rocket ship. One test drive and you know that. It is very fun and a great handling car.

There's nothign wrong with ranting about wanting more power. In general, I think that MOST car enthusiats, who are initially ecstatic with their cars, start to hunger for more power.

Go to a Viper or Z06 forum, and you will find guys complaining that they got beat by some guy in a modded 997TT Porsche with big turbos....and now they want to get MORE POWER out of their 505hp monster... power corrupts... :) there is never enough. I've never had a Z06, but I've had some "fast" cars...and aftera while, even those fast cars started to feel slow. I'd mod them, make them "fast" again..and then somehow, over time, they seemed to get slower again.

the cars don't get slower. people just get used to the power. you want more.

ever wonder why guys with supermodel wives/girlfriends cheat on them? you think "how could that guy cheat on her she's so hot"... but THAT guy has had THAT hottie a million times and he's sick of her, he's used to her, and wants something new. some people take nice things (and nice women) for granted, and hunger for something more.

it's no diferent with cars and horsepower.

go rent a kia sophia at enterprise, and drive it a few days. then get back in your 8. you'll feel like you gained hp. :)

next time you think you've driven a FAST car - go borrow someone's crotch rocket superbike. drive that around for a few hours. get back into your "fast" car and suddenly it feels like a slouch.

it's all relative.

^ funny funny post there lol and so true!

Just a question...

I'd mod them, make them "fast" again..and then somehow, over time, they seemed to get slower again.

Any suggestions on wife mods :lol: ?

go rent a kia sophia at enterprise, and drive it a few days. then get back in your 8. you'll feel like you gained hp. :)

.

So true. Had a 330i for a month not long ago. Coming from the rx-8, the bimmer felt like a truck. Directional change, dynamics felt lazier.... even the rev needle was on slow-mo. :icon_no2: then jumping back into the 8, and it felt like a sports bike. :)

I totally agree with the power issues related to cars. Whatever you own, it's human nature to hunger for more. Further, no matter what you upgrade to you always want more.

I'll leave the wives/cheating isse well alone tho.

the RX8 is not a rocket ship. One test drive and you know that. It is very fun and a great handling car.

There's nothign wrong with ranting about wanting more power. In general, I think that MOST car enthusiats, who are initially ecstatic with their cars, start to hunger for more power.

Go to a Viper or Z06 forum, and you will find guys complaining that they got beat by some guy in a modded 997TT Porsche with big turbos....and now they want to get MORE POWER out of their 505hp monster... power corrupts... :) there is never enough. I've never had a Z06, but I've had some "fast" cars...and aftera while, even those fast cars started to feel slow. I'd mod them, make them "fast" again..and then somehow, over time, they seemed to get slower again.

the cars don't get slower. people just get used to the power. you want more.

ever wonder why guys with supermodel wives/girlfriends cheat on them? you think "how could that guy cheat on her she's so hot"... but THAT guy has had THAT hottie a million times and he's sick of her, he's used to her, and wants something new. some people take nice things (and nice women) for granted, and hunger for something more.

it's no diferent with cars and horsepower.

go rent a kia sophia at enterprise, and drive it a few days. then get back in your 8. you'll feel like you gained hp. :)

next time you think you've driven a FAST car - go borrow someone's crotch rocket superbike. drive that around for a few hours. get back into your "fast" car and suddenly it feels like a slouch.

it's all relative.

Yeah, my boss has had many cars but even though everyone is a dream car to me (911TT, CL65, NSX, SL55, to name a few) he gets bored of them usually in about a year or less and several times he doesn't even get rid of one to get another.

Man..I'm tired of hearing people complaining about their 8 but refuse to move on.

If you're that insecure, go buy a Dodge Charger SRT8 and be done with it.

IT's big and manly, has 425Hp and plenty of torque and affordable! And it's very fast in straight line. You can beat a stock 350Z with it anyday!

Just sell your 8 and move on already, whinners!

This is a really stupid thread.

If you don't like it, don't read it. It's that simple.

Dont forget the 8 was designed to be both a 4 door sedan and a sports car with reliablility and drivability in its mind, meaning anybody can drive it ( I saw a granny driving one!). It was never built to be like the FD with 100% performance in mind, where the market is limited to car enthusiests. So theres no point in comparing the 2.
Dont forget it wasnt mazdas idea to make it a 4 door family sedan, I'm sure they would of went for a full blown performance rx if the company was up and running at the time...

Actually the RX-8 started out as the Project 007 back in '92 when they saw that the FD was going to be a flop.

There were two different projects at the time with rotary power... the American designed P007 and the Japanese P701 (which became the RX-01 show car).

Both were designed to replace the flop called the P767 or the FD. Both used MSP-RE engines without turbos to limit production cost and increase reliability.

I personally think that if the market didn't collapse back then, then both cars would have made production. But both were shelved when the market plunged into the recession of the early 90's. We would have seen a two door RX-7 and a 4 door RX-8 or a RX-7 coupe and RX-7 sports sedan.

When the projects were re-opened 10 years later, the P007 (which had the rear half doors since day one) got the go ahead to finish... creating the RX-Evolve and eventually the RX-8 from it.

go drive a "regular" car for a few days then get back in your 8. you'll appreciate it.

Yup after a day or 2 of driving my civic i start to fiend for the 8. Quit bitching and appreciate what u have or go buy a fu**ing STI

well i had a short drive in the r3.

it was very quiet inside. very tall.. dampend very nice.

but, OMG THE TRANSMISSION WAS SWEET!!!!!!!

but what do i know..

beers :beer:

im pretty sure the turbo option was mentioned. i just didnt want to read 5 pages.

seriously, if its that much of an issue. spend $15k and have mazsport put in a 380whp turbo.

well i had a short drive in the r3.

it was very quiet inside. very tall.. dampend very nice.

but, OMG THE TRANSMISSION WAS SWEET!!!!!!!

but what do i know..

beers :beer:


what was so sweet about the transmission?

what was so sweet about the transmission?

would be hard to explain to one that might have 40 or 50 miles on some 04 to 08..

but if you have put 95k miles on a transmission that has been good, then you drive something smoother you will know...

it is an old age experience thing. you would not understand..

hope someday soon your mommy can buy you a car!!!

note i have your pms saved.

beers :beer:

The RX8 may not have double D's like the 350Z does or the rx7 turbo but by god, the C cups it DOES have are awfully nice to handle and get the job done just nicely.

RX-8 + boobs = you are genius. Bravo sir! :ylsuper:

All the cars in your rant are'nt as much fun or as versitle as the rx8 and probably more expensive to buy and own. I like the 8 best for sportscar value. It suits me fine.

Ive been happy with the handling and durability of the RX-8 untill recent recall(s) and engine flash. The flash smoothed out idle and drivability(good) ,but my top speed is limited to 180 klm and loss of power at high rpm's 7500-9000 rpm. I called local dealership with issue and they responded by telling me that the new flash has changed this and that it is what it is (nothing can be done). I called a out of town dealership here in Alberta and they confirmed it. Wow! I cant believe that ! I spent 45 grand on a (sports car) that can be passed by a Hyundai Pony. It wasnt always like this. When I first got it I was able to hit 220-230klm at the track. Now its useless as a track car and has no umph at top rpms.
:banghead:
Anyone have any suggestions or experience with this particular situation?

Sorry started new thread.