So, basically.. I'm thinking of doing FI sometime in the next year or two.... What should I do? I love the sound of the supercharged 8... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K-xzxDpNb8) sounds INSANE. But turbo puts down more horses to the pavement.. With my new 275's coming in, I was wondering what the opinions of the most educated people around would be saying.. I mean, I know the power flys with the esmeril kit, but BHR has some crazy tuners that I'd be willing to fly down here for an install, yet I still wonder about the reliability of everything... It's a tough call and I want to make this choice within the year... Let's hear what would be best?!?!

This is a question that borders on religion. Who worships the correct god.
There is no best. There is only, what is right for you. And you can best figure that out, since you have a one year time frame, by reading & analyzing the posts of people that did go FI.

I disagree. FI is all about getting more. If you get less, then it isn't as good.

It might be better than stock, but you can't consider it best if it makes less. But of course personal choice might make something more suitable for an individual than another...

Like alnielsen said.

+1 to Al's comments.

There's TONS of threads / posts on this. Time to start reading up and pick what you think is best for you

you have lots to do before you make a decision. choose wisely.

you have two of them rotor thingys right? so do both.

add a third rotor and then do both plus nos.

Whenever it is that you decide to contact an individual for advice keep note of how many questions he/she asks you regarding your desires and expectations and whether or not they actually listen to your responses. Next, gauge their answers for true objectivity or a veiled agenda.

yes research!! each system can be great--some different characteristics--and dont forget the support services that come with the kit.
olddragger

I've come to realize that every time someone asks that question, not only does god kill a kitten, but that individual will favor whatever flavor they get a taste of early on.

I'd say that of all the folks that have put an FI system on their car, very, very few of them ever got to see what an RX-8 with both possibilities yielded before making their decision.

I think the question would be moot were that to happen, but most people don't have the access or the desire to do that sort of homework.

I've come to realize that every time someone asks that question, not only does god kill a kitten, but that individual will favor whatever flavor they get a taste of early on.

I'd say that of all the folks that have put an FI system on their car, very, very few of them ever got to see what an RX-8 with both possibilities yielded before making their decision.

I think the question would be moot were that to happen, but most people don't have the access or the desire to do that sort of homework.

I don't know, its not like its hard to do research and compare other people's experiences, the numbers the systems put down and get to know the people on the forum who are involved in the various kits. For how much FI costs if it works well, let alone if you screw something up, from my perspective you had damn well better do your homework before you pull the trigger on a kit.

Canvassing other people's experience is not the same as actually driving in a variety of examples.
Once you have sat right seat (or left seat if you are fortunate) in a bunch of different examples, you come to understand how different the power delivery is from the different systems and also how people's perception colors the validity of the available data and "experiences".

It never ceases to amaze me how much crappy drivability some owners will put up with as "normal".
I've been in plenty of cars that have been described as "screamers" that were complete dogs.

Yeah, thanks for all the responses guys.. And I've been reading the FI threads IN and OUT for the last 6 months. I try to keep tuned to everything I can. Also, I know a guy locally that has the Mazsport Turbo (I believe type 1), and the power that ride has is quite impressive. Unfortunately, around here there arent many RX-8s STOCK, let alone FI, so it makes it tough to experience it firsthand.. I do agree with the "More is better" aspect of FI, but in that case at this current time it wold be turbo hands down.. Although, MM.. " I've come to realize that every time someone asks that question, not only does god kill a kitten, but that individual will favor whatever flavor they get a taste of early on." isn't exactly true, I tend to over analyze again and again before I make choices, and I've seen a Turbo 8, yet the SC is still very tempting and reasonable.. But I see where you are coming from.. The thing is, I'm also not much of a tech junkie.. So when i go FI I would be dropping some serious coin on a good tune and such, because drivability=#1... I don't want a 400RWHP 8 (well, I do, but I'd rather not try it ATM and have some ROTORGOBOOM on me) 300 is enough, but any number that can be achieved WITH reliability, is great... Ehh, everyone is right though, more research must be done!

with which ever one you get---get a water meth system also-------please.
olddragger

I would never want to go cheap on anything.. Everything I've bought so far is the real deal.. But ANY things that I can do preliminarily or during the FI install to increase reliability (I suppose COOLING is #1?) that you guys could tell me about would be awesome.

you are right--cooling (no other way but upgrade pump, lower thermostat and a secondary radiator) and detonation prevention water meth system is the top priorities with adding fi to this car. if you live in a part of the country that never sees 90F then your cooling needs would only need a minimal increase.
olddragger

my Axial Flow SC pwns all of you guys.

;)

my Axial Flow SC pwns all of you guys.

;)

Ok now! Be nice! lol

get the best of both worlds - a belt drive turbo :lol:

get the best of both worlds - a belt drive turbo :lol:

We already have that!

get the best of both worlds - a belt drive turbo :lol:

That would be the DNA kit.

I kid i kid

Thanks for the responses again,
I live in B.C. Canada (west coast) It never really gets TOO hot... but there are those few days in the summer when it hits 35-38 degrees.. I'd rather be on the safe and expensive side then on the cheap and detonated side... Water meth would for sure be a good idea, and a second rad wouldn't be a problem. I hear that there are sometimes issues with fuel pump upgrading and how it's a big pain in the ass, but once again if it ensures a safe F.I. upgrade, it's worth doing. Once again very helpful.. Now, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to grab a Cobb A.P. before going FI or wait a while until I know exactly what path I'm taking before making that choice?

No joke, educating yourself will save you more engines and headaches than any other step of the FI process. Read a simplistic book like Corky Bell's Turbocharging and get used to doing your own research on products both how they have performed on the 8 and how they have performed on other cars. Any FI solution is 100% capable of blowing your engine and sometimes you don't have time/the opportunity to post questions with a few days to shake out some answers. After install, you will be the only one watching your car and it helps a lot to be able to identify a problem/situation while driving before you pop an engine.

Now, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to grab a Cobb A.P. before going FI or wait a while until I know exactly what path I'm taking before making that choice?

I am still getting stuff set to go FI, but I got the Cobb AP from MM with his maps and it was worth every penny.

You know what.... i think i'm not going to be all quiet like and say 'choose for yourself' and say..... turbo. go with the turbo.
rotary= high rpm:)
sc= high rpm drain due to mechanical drive.... (yes yes in theory only and only on paper....)
i just think that the turbo when done right suits the rotary philosophy better. I'm not a super hater. Pettit makes a GREAT kit. does a quick fix on that low rpm tourqe issue. i just like turbos more. turbo turbo turbo. just not greddy. esmeril or ptp.

but then again i'm just a nub casuing controversy.

Haha, yeah I like the kit Esmeril has to offer.... Gotta say.. :) The Dynos from it so far look pretty good.... But it's more about the TUNE than the turbo.. And I know very little about tuning..

yea, your're right about that one. tuning maps if for the rich and the experienced. if you want to get into tuning your own maps though just ask to be with the guy when you're getting it dynoed for the first time; and ask LOTS of questions. 2 reasons

A you'll learn
B if he can't answer you're questions he shouldn't be tuning your car.:uhh:

i couldn't tell you squat about tuning. all i know is this... losts of smoke, to rich. (bad for the cat and the plugs amoung other things)

lots of heat, too lean. (bad for everything)

don't run a turbo without some kind of tune though. the increase air makes for a lean run right of the bat i'd think. but again. just a nub.

Well, since turbo incorporates the exhaust, I'd think it would be running rich off the bat... But yeah, I'm not sure either..

Well, since turbo incorporates the exhaust, I'd think it would be running rich off the bat... But yeah, I'm not sure either..

Um, no.

Do you know what a turbo does?

It increases airflow to the engine. You're basically adding more air. More air with the same amount of fuel means you have drastically fuel than air than before. That is lean.

The only way a turbo cares about exhaust is propulsion.

One thing not noted so far is that if you aren't very familiar with FI and you aren't experienced at tuning FI engines one factor that may be the most important is having a shop or friend nearby who has experience with the FI option you go with. There's no doubt that the region people live in greatly effects their choice.

If you are not looking for something specific in FI (ie. consistency across RPM, reliability, max HP, max torque, etc) and are only looking to upgrade your car for all the generic experiences 8 drivers have (track, strip, show, DD, autoX) then you are probably going to be happier getting something that either you or the people around you are familiar with. That will help you get the most out of your FI purchase regardless of what requirements for FI you want to emphasize.

Ah, so both FI options just bring more air? I had been under the impression that, since SC pulled more air into the car, then turbo must bring more exhaust in and re-ignite it.. Haha, I was wrong, and yeah.. I need to do alot more research before I make a choice. I do, however know a guy very locally that would probably give me a hand if something was up, or who could answer any questions I have. He installed his turbo kit on his own and is a member of the local 8 club here in B.C...

Once again thanks for your responses, each one is educating me a little more..

no problem tubingchamp, that's why we're all here. To learn and to discuss. :)

yup. difference between is that a sc is mechanically driven, usually with a belt or chain, turbo is exhaust driven. the exhaust only goes one way. out. what you may be thinking of is overlap in the older port designs where a small amout of exhaust carries to the next cycle. .... ithink.