Just curious if anyone from NM with a new RX-8. I just bought mine about 3 weeks ago and love it...can take the kid and have fun at same time. I am recent convert to rotary after being a vette man for so many years. Anyway, be cool to find out enthusiats in the area.

Hmmm. Well in this thread http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12618 here in the Mountain forum, Kewl spoke up from Albuquerque, and Ozbot87 weighed in from Socorro. That's all that have spoken up in this forum thus far, maybe you want to PM them?

Or, you guys are more than welcome to join us up here when we have our meet. Just kind of a long drive for ya, which is why I haven't been including you.

If you think you can make it, lemme know and I'll be sure to add y'all to the list of participants. :D

Thanks Omicron!

Apppreciate the invite too. I probably can't make it, but curious when you have your meet? Something I really enjoy about owning this car is the enthusiasm from the owners...much like my old vette days.

Anyway, thanks for telling me who else is from my neck of the woods.

:)

You bet. :)

Our meet will probably take place sometime in the spring, say April or May or so, when we have a good change of nice weather. We'll probably have an informal get together before then too to discuss the meet, roughly January or February.

Hmm...well, maybe that would make a great excuse to take the RX8 on a road trip. Been wanting to take the wife back to Boulder again as she enjoyed our last trip up there. I'll try and watch for your posts if you guys (and gals) decide on something for the spring.

Thanks again!:D

You betcha... we'd be glad to have you. I'll keep you in the loop best as I can.

Yeah I posted in a different thread a few months ago but cool welcome to the Rotary world, I share the same deal where I am new to the Rotary realm. What color is your 8? Maybe I have seen you around Albuquerque??:)

Thanks Bigcat44:

I haven't seen too many RX-8's around town myself, and two are located where I work since one my employees went out and bought a red one after she saw mine!

I bought a Nordic Green with the Grand Touring Package and rear spoiler.

What type are you driving? I live near the Cottonwood Mall area, so maybe you have seen me around there some?

I have the same thing you do now that you mention it. I work on base (USAF) but live off of Vista Del Norte by Osuna and I-25. I got everything for options except Nav and leather. We need to all head up to Colorado for this meet, I-25 gets pretty nice past Santa Fe!!!

So can we count you in for the meet too, Bigcat44? :) If so, please pop in to the "meet" thread and be counted.

Just spotted another 8 owner on I-25 heading north just before the San Mateo/Osuna exit. Car was blue no spoiler and the owner cruised up gave me a thumbs up and cruised on. We have more owners in the ABQ!!!:)

Hey guys. RX-8 from Alamogordo here. Didn't know about this portion of the forum until BigCat pointed it out to me. We are driving to Tucson for the NEw Year, but would love to meet up with people anytime they are in the are or when we drive around.

In Corrales, just North of ABQ. Got my RX8 over the Labor Day weekend. Only about 3500 miles on it so far, but have loved every mile!

I have seen very few RX8s on the road around ABQ. It would be fun to get together one day to meet other owners....maybe over a weekend.

Originally posted by Kewl
In Corrales, just North of ABQ. Got my RX8 over the Labor Day weekend. Only about 3500 miles on it so far, but have loved every mile!

I have seen very few RX8s on the road around ABQ. It would be fun to get together one day to meet other owners....maybe over a weekend. Well, we are having a meet in Colorado next spring/summer, and I know Switchbacker and Bigcat44 are both talking about coming up for it. Interested? If so, check out this thread: (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14603)

Welcome, regardless! :)

Kewl and Spacejunky:

Welcome! Good to know there are other enthusiats in the area.

Bigcat44:

Well, I am hoping to drive up to Colorado for the meet, but a lot depends on some things at home and work. So I won't know for sure until a few more weeks. But I think it would be a great trip to take.

Happy New Year to everyone!:)

Hi Guys!
As Omicron has said, we are working on a meet in Colorado for the spring sometime. We are also working on forming a regional club, if you would like to get involved, (and add your $0.02 to the list of possible dates), then send an e-mail to the e-mail address listed in either Omicrons' or my signature lines. Otherwise, we'll hope to see you in the spring!
Welcome!:D
-Doc:cool:

Spotted a Red 8 today on base with Nevada tags anybody here on Kirtland???

I am from ABQ and have a silver RX-8 loaded. I woulden't mind meeting other RX-8 owners in the area. Maybe at Garcia's on Central for breakfast some weekend. Just let me know.
-Ron

Hey Ron, welcome to the (Rocky) Mountain forum! Check the Rocky Mountain RX-8 Club link in my sig block for other NM members, and maybe you guys can work out your own mini-meet, as we're doing in CO on 2/1/04.

We're also having a "full" meet this June 5th up here, and a bunch of folks from NM, WY, and UT are planning on coming up for it. Probably be about 25 different folks with RX-8s there as well as a bunch of other people. We also think we'll get a Mazda factory rep, some sponsors, etc, etc. Should be a blast. Hope you'll join us!

Thanks Omicron,
I may join you June 5th. I will look forward to meeting you all and maybe I will setup a meet next year in New Mexico. I have connections to hotels and such and should be able to get the group good rates on hotel and food. I also have a place between Albuquerque and Santa Fe if we wanted to setup a car show and would like to include all rotary owners.
I will talk to you more about my ideas later.
-Ron

Sounds like a plan... drop me a PM and I'll give you my email and phone number. You can also talk with Doccable, he's the co-coordinator of all this.

Love your avatar, BTW. :D

Hi RonD,
If you like to join the local club, it's relatively painless... Just send an email to : rockymtnrx8@bresnan.net Please include your e-mail, phone, location, and color of your car. We'll add you to our e-mail list, as well as to our web site. :D We won't include any of your information beyond your forum name on the web site. We also will not sell your e-mail or any other information to anyone.
-Doccable

Thanks Doccable,
Sent my info and bookmarked the link to the Rocky Mtn. Club.
Talk to you soon,
-Ron

RonD -
Thanks for your information, I've added you to the e-mail list, and to the web site! If you have any pix of your car you like to see added to the site, please send them! I'm hopeful to see you in June at the 1st annual meet!
-Doc

Hey Ron,
Welcome to the Rocky mtn club. I would have posted earlier but work has been ridiculous. I think I may have seen you around town a few times but let me say first I am in for getting a meet here in ABQ. I am busy most weekend mornings (football) though come mid May we should definatley set something up locally then we can all head up to CO for the big meet. Again welcome to the club and drop me an email when you want to get together!!
Lee

Did I sell anyone here their RX-8?

I used to work at Rich Mazda. I'm Sein in case you don't remember.

Not sure if this is good or bad. Saw one of my first RX-8's around town this morning (Sunday). A silver one with spoiler. Actually he/she saw me first and honked the horn. I wasn't able to see them soon enough to reply. Actually it would have been rude of me to do so. I was parked at the Frontier Mart in Corrales. The people sitting on the bench out front would not have taken kindly to my use of the (RX-8 loud) horn.

Now is seeing them bad because there are so few RX-8's in ABQ?... ...we need more people out there buying the own share of the fun. Or is it bad because we don't drive them that much....local drivers can be a scare...wait I'm one of the local drivers..... It must, therefore, be good because we are finally getting out about town - Spring must be one the way. Who ever you were....HELLO!

We really do need to get together sometime soon....before the trip to CO in June.

Greetings to all NM owners!
Sorry I have been out of town/contact for a little while with work (usaf) but I am back (until 11 June) so yes we should get together sometime on a weekend and get some good pics before the full blown CO meet. Let me post some of my experiences with Rich Mazda as of late. Right now my car is there being worked on (recalls) and they have actually impressed me for the first time since I bought my car. Let me give you a run down of my experience with them. A few months ago I ran over a nail and had to replace a tire so I took it to them being they had the tire in stock and gave me a reasonable deal on it. Apparently the mech went a little hard prying the tire off the wheel and scoured the rim very bad. I did not notice this until I returned from my work trip and when I brought it in for the recall I showed them the damage. The service mngr was quick to say that they don't change tires there and they send them out. To his amazement I watched them replace the tire outside of the workbay!! So to make a short story long they called me today to say they replaced the rim!! WOW Mazda actually did something for someone? I am amazed by this because I have thought since day one that certain service advisors at Rich Mazda just plain suck. Thiks is reviving their credibility.

Another NMican here. went to University Mazda yesterday and talked to "Sal". Promised the guy I'd come back if I decide to buy the 8. Any experiences with University Mazda in ABQ?

Ozbot87,

I recommend that you go to Rich Mazda. They have treated me pretty good and fixed any problems without much of a hassle. It seems that Rich Mazda has a better relationship with Mazda then University Mazda. I worked with both of them and only Rich was able to deliver. If you want, PM me with your number and I can give you some more information. And if you buy make sure they reflash to the latest ECU Code for better gas milage and performance.
-Ron

Anyone from New Mexico, besides myself, planning on making the trip to Colorado in June for the RX-8 meet?

Well, last I heard, Bigcat44 and RonD-NM wwer both planning on coming...

Hi. Just got mine last week. Have owned lots of sports cars - grew up with them. I belonged to Pacific Sports Car Club out of Southern California as a kid. Have owned a "stage five" sprite, a Lotus Elan, a miata, the third gen. RX7, etc. Gave up sports cars when I moved to the East Mountains but the withdrawls finally took their toll and when I test drove the new 8 I was done for!

Would love to get together with some other owners, do something together, talk about maximizing the 8. IMO it's quite simply the perfection of the concept in an affordable price range - nothing near the range even comes close for me.

Where is everyone in NM who owns 8s?

Thanks!

Hi Barry, and Welcome!!! :D

You're right about the car, it is really something!

Sure hope you can make the pilgrimidge up to CO this June 5th-6th for the meet... if you want to get "member" access to our club website and get on the event mailing list, drop us a PM or email with your name, phone number, email, and color of your '8 and we'll get ya signed up. Site address and email are in my sig block:D

I'm in the East Mountain area, just East of Albuquerque. New lightning yellow 8. Love to get together with others from this area. And I'm seriously thinking of making the June 5-6 meet in the Denver area. Long drive but heck that's half the fun! Anyone else thinking of going up?

Got your PM Barry... as soon as I can get you added to the rolls, you're in! :D

As for who's coming to the meet from NM, I believe it's Kewl, Bigcat44 and RonD-NM so far, plus you, of course. :D

Only thing is - I'm planning on going and want all the information but we raise alpacas and we have a cria (baby) due about then. We expect and hope it will come a few days before but if it hasn't, I may not be able to make it at the last minute. They're expensive critters and the mother to be is a maiden - first cria - and a nervous type, so that could rain on my parade here. A different question, do you know of any spa in the area that won't absolutely bankrupt me so my wife can come up with me if things are okay here on our place? She could do the spa days and we could catch up with one another evenings or something like that. She's up for the ride, fully supportive, but her interests lie in other areas.... Thanks!

Would also love to get a chance to get together with Kewl, Bigcat44, and RonD-NM down here before we go up. Any of you want to meet somewhere one of these days? Maybe someplace for breakfast on a weekend? I don't know the places well in Corrales - what about the old Corrales Inn that Johnny Tapia was supposed to be taking over? Or there's the Owl Cafe not far from Rich Mazda - Eubank I think just north of I-40 - nice parking lot and decent breakfasts. Great breakfasts at the Cedar Point Grill on 14 (Turquoise Trail) just a few miles north of I-40 - great pancakes and really good omelets.... What do you think?

Barry, I have always wanted to try one of the restaurants in your area and what a great reason to do so now. I'd like to get together before the June meet; I have yet to meet any of the other RX8 owners. I've had mine since Sept so I don't have any good excuse.

The first weekend I can get there would be Sunday May 16th. Or tomorrow, but I don't think such short notice is fair to everyone. I'll keep an eye on this topic and see if anyone else can make it.

Fred

Fred, either way is fine with me! My home number is 286-3703. If you want to come up this way tomorrow, just give me a call. If I'm not in, leave a message. Cedar Point Grill is easy to find - I-40 to exit 175 (Tijeras) - take the left ramp onto 14 north (Cedar Crest) - up about two and a half or three miles on your right. Either Sunday works fine for me - or both of them LOL. If anyone else wants to make it, GREAT! Where did you get your 8? Got mine at Rich. If you want, after breakfast you can drop by and meet the alpacas....

Barry,

I think even for me tomorrow would be too short a notice. Travel for work coming up first plart of next week, so need to get ready for that. The 16th is still the best day for me. We'll talk on that some between now and then. Maybe we can get some of the other NM 8 owners to join us.

Fred

Sounds great! I'll write it down.

I am good for the 16th. Just PM me on the place.

Thanks,

Ron

Hello all, just like to add that I live in Albuquerque, near Cottonwood, and am driving the Black 8. I have only seen red ones around so have not ran into many of you that live around here. PM me if you guys do a meet, oh, and I will be in Denver this weekend, not sure about the June meet, but we will see.
One more thing, I don’t like being a hater, but I want to share that I would never buy a car from University, I did not enjoy the experience there and ended up going all the way to Wichita Falls Texas to get my car rather than buying from there.

Hi, tyrchon! Couple things - first, several of us (Kewl, RonD and I so far) are meeting for breakfast on Sunday the 16th at a nice little breakfast place on 14 (Turquoise Trail) called the Cedar Point Grill. It's about three miles or so north of I-40 on the right or east side of the road. We're shooting for ten am and would love to have you join us! Second, I went through the internet tracking prices, went in to Rich Mazda on Lomas just east of Wyoming, laid out what the car cost them, as equipped, and said I just wanted to talk about what a fair profit would be for them ... and a reasonable price for me. The sales manager listened, brought out the invoice, and negotiated in terms of his profit with none of that $875 dollar extra dealer profit on top of the MSRP, not to mention the $540 or so the dealer gets back from the manufacturer ased on number of cars sold in a year, etc. It was a fair and decent deal - no hassles. I was shocked - and just bought the car there. Interesting how that can work. More subject for conversation on the 16th if you can join us!

Nice, glad that Rich treated you well, another reason I went out of state was because I wanted my car the way I wanted it, and I wanted it now!!! lol, and after University, well, that just made me decied to do all the work (and travel) myself rather than deal with a 3rd party.
As for the 16th, that sounds good, I work nights, but i'm sure I can pull something off.

I was going to suggest this - we meet at the restaurant at 10 am on the 16th and have breakfast, get acquainted, share stories and such. Then, if anyone has a bit of extra time, why not climb the summit road up to Sandia Peak? Climb is about 3,500 feet in 14 miles, a lovely drive with nice turns and cutbacks - not fast but should be great fun in the 8s! Quick lookaround at the top and then down and away. Sounds like a great morning to me!

Sounds good to, me, i'm sending you a pm with some info.

Hey, well I tried to send you a pm, but my IP was messing up, so I think you got 3 copys, lol, sorry abou that.

About Sunday - anyone joining us at Cedar Point Grill (3 miles N of I-40 on the East side of Hwy 14) my cell phone number is 505.286.3703. I plan to be there at 10 and hope we can drive on up to Sandia Crest after breakfast.

Just an FYI to say that I'm planning on being at the grill at 10am...

Thanks - me too - see you there (and anyone else who shows up!) Hope you'll also have time for the drive up to the crest!

Just got off work, hope I wake up. :)

Sounds like this is gonna happen... be sure to let us know how it goes, and of course, post the obligatory mini-meet pics! :D

Will here is proof that there are some RX8s in New Mexico. A small number of owners from around Albuquerque got together for breakfast and a drive up to the Sandia Crest East of ABQ. Here is a picture of the drive to the crest. For other pictures go to http://home.flash.net/~fredp/rx8/rx8.html

Now for you Colorado folks...the crest is at 10,600+ feet. The drive up to the crest was great fun and the 8s handled the twisty two lane road just fine. I think I will be visiting the crest often.

It was nice to meet the other RX8 owners. Very nice folks...and nice cars too! Food was excellent....another place I think we will have to visit again. Hope to see many more New Mexico RX8 owners in Colorado this June 5th.

Very KEWL! (Pardon the pun!)

So who all showed? How many of you are planning on coming to the meet? And is this the only pic you've got? Do tell, do tell!

RonD-NM, Tyrchon and Barry Abel were the other owners that showed up. Tyrchon won't be able to make the June meet, but RonD-NM, and myself will. Barry is going to try.

I put a few more pictures at the URL shown in my first post on the Crest meet, but here is another....

Left to Right...Kewl, Trychon, Barry Abel and RonD-NM

Great fun! Terrific road up - too bad there are things like cops and such.... Still, enough hairpins and <180 degree turns to see that sway bars would help if you want to drive this thing more seriously.... :-) Really enjoyed meeting everyone and hope I can make it to Colorado for the gathering. Thinking it would also be fun one day to find a dry lake bed - perhaps in Utah? - where we could lay out a race course and have at it with little wear to rubber (the lake bed material gives way before the tires do) and no risk. PSCC used to do such a thing out at El Mirage Dry Lake Bed in SoCal.... Anyway, great to meet the others and looking forward to doing it again!

Hey guys! I've been checking out the Mountain Forum for a while now - checking to see how active the 8 owners are out there. I'm going to be moving to ABQ in the coming months to work for Sandia. I wanted to see if my "fraternity" had a chapter out there! :D

Glad to see you guys are in to mini-meets! We do a lot of that here in the Richmond / DC area. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you soon!

MadDog

Well, MD, you sure won't be the first member of the "local chapter" with Mid-Atlantic ties! We found out Sunday that several of us have lived in the area - DC, MD, VA. Be sure to let us know when you're getting here and we'll have a welcome get-together for sure!

Hey MD. We look forward to seeing ya in the NM area... Like Barry says let us know when you arrive so we can have a welcome meet. Any good excuse works! Excellent color selection for you're 8 if you don't mind my saying so....

Have a safe trip out.

Heh, like he said, I think that out of the 5 of us that where there, only one person had not lived in that area, give us a shout when you get here. Oh, and I did not say it before, but great fun last weekend guys. I will be making that trip again lol.

Terrific, Tony! Still now cria born - getting nervous about whether I can get away to Denver. Sure hope so! I'll let you know....

Hey guys! Thanks for the welcoming words. So, I've really enjoyed taking the 8 around the Appalachains here on the East coast. I hope the Sandias offer a similar selection of twisties...Are there any auto-x tracks out there?

I think that I'll be making the move in August / Sept. I'll surely let you all know. It'll be nice to meet some like-minded folks. I can't decide whether to drive out, or fly and have the car shipped on an enclosed carrier...hmmm...

well, we've got lots of mountains around here but you do need to go a ways. We drove up to Sandia Peak at our first local meet - nice twisty road, rises more than 3500 feet in about 14 miles. Fun!

When we moved out here, we rented an RV and drove out - it was a great drive - just 81 down to I-40 and then West til you get to where you're going (Albuquerque). Had two cars - shipped one (a Miata) in the moving van with the stuff and had the other brought out on an open truckload. It was far the cheapest and the thing is, it's a car - it's designed to get outdoors. Worked just fine and saved us some bucks.

Say, if everyone has the time, maybe when MD arrives we can do a meet anywhere for breakfast, then do the about four hour drive out 550 to 44 to 4 through the Jemez Rez (up the box canyon on 485, maybe to the lake) through Jemez Springs, and up through the Kit Carson National Forest, past Los Alamos and then maybe to Harry's Roadhouse for a mid-afternoon lunch.... Lovely drive and show off the state just a bit. (Am also looking forward to seeing that antiquities site we talked about over breakfast - maybe driving up to Chama one of these days.) What do you folks think?

hi, everyone! tell me how the meet went! I'm so sorry I couldn't make it. (still on "cria watch" waiting for the birth of the alpaca - mother couldn't be any larger - never seen anything like it - anyway, was it as much fun as it sounded like? How were Paul and the others? And when are we getting together again here?

- barry

Hey Barry! Sorry it took so long to respond to this... I was kinda hoping some of the NM folks would jump in.

Meet was AWESOME! Did you read about it on our club website? It's pretty well documented there.

And Paul was the coolest guy you'd ever want to meet. :D

Hey guys! I just got a contract on my house here in VA. It looks like I'll be in ABQ during the first week in September. It'd be great to get together with some fellow enthusiasts!

BTW, do you guys consider tinted windows a necessity out there in the desert?

-MD

Hey, great news, MD! We'll all look forward to seeing you. In fact, it will be a great excuse to have another get-together!

I don't know about window tints - don't have them. The sun's sure hot but remember we're up there in altitude as well so I use a sun screen when I leave the car to sit and haven't had a problem. Maybe someone who has tinted windows can tell us all how much better it is!

See you when you get here!

Hey MD....look forwarding to seeing ya in NM. Keep us posted and have a good trip. Congrats on the house contract.

I tinted my gray 8 first thing. I think it makes a huge difference. With the black seats I was worried they would burn my legs off during summer, but so far that has not been any kind of issue. If you decide to tint just remember what Barry said....at this altitude the UV is much stronger....be sure you get something with strong UV block....

See sy soon.

So Barry, what is the update on the little one - cria?

We need to get everyone together again soon....any ideas?

BTW the RX8 meeting in Denver was terrible. Just a bunch of 8 owners showed up and all they wanted to do was talk about their cars, and then, can you believe this, they wanted to drive up some narrow two lane mountain road! On the second day they wanted to drive the car on a race track. Of all places....a track!

I said hey enough is enough I didn't go to the track. Stupid me! I sure want to go next time. And you need to go to the next meet...what a bunch of fun people. And some of the mods they did to their cars were really neat.

Well, let me know what you think about us all getting together again....

Cria was finally born! June 16th. He was 8 days late by the calendar and probably three days premature in reality. (Alpacas and llamas are unique in that they will arrest development of the fetus if something is wrong with the mother - cure the mother - then the pregnancy picks up right where it left off! Amazing.) Anyway, after some sleepless nights he's doing just fine, looks great! Now to sell him.... We're away until the 20th but any time after that. We could meet in Madrid at the Mineshaft for a lunch if you'd like. Or up in Santa Fe area at Harry's Roadhouse for breakfast or lunch. Or someplace in Albuquerque - Garcia's? El Pinto?? (Pretty place, that.) Can't wait to hear all about the mods and how they work really! As to UV, I believe they say you get four times the UV rays penetrating every 1000 feet altitude! Hope to see you and all soon! I'll talk Holly into coming next time!

Hey guys! I just got a contract on my house here in VA. It looks like I'll be in ABQ during the first week in September. It'd be great to get together with some fellow enthusiasts!

BTW, do you guys consider tinted windows a necessity out there in the desert?

-MD

Welcome to NM MadDog, PM me when you are ready to get a tint job. I can hook you up for $120.oo with lifetime warranty. :cool:

Hey, great news, MD! We'll all look forward to seeing you. In fact, it will be a great excuse to have another get-together!

I don't know about window tints - don't have them. The sun's sure hot but remember we're up there in altitude as well so I use a sun screen when I leave the car to sit and haven't had a problem. Maybe someone who has tinted windows can tell us all how much better it is!

See you when you get here!

Barry..Barry..Barry… :eek: WHAT!!! no tint yet, are you East Mountain Loco or have you just been smellin the alpaca po-po to long. LOL

I can hook you up with tint too.

Ron :D

'K guys - you can hook me up too, then. PLS send recommendations and I'll consider the options and opt for something. Thanks!

K - let's get ourselves organized! I suggest we gather at either El Pinto in Albuquerque's north valley or motor up to Harry's Roadhouse in the Santa Fe area. (I-25 north to Old Pecos Trail. Left (W) across hwy to first signal - Rt (N) there onto the Old Las Vegas Hwy - about one mile up on the left. GREAT breakfasts and terrific lunches as well. As to the tinting, please send your recommendations. Thanks!

K - let's get ourselves organized! I suggest we gather at either El Pinto in Albuquerque's north valley or motor up to Harry's Roadhouse in the Santa Fe area. (I-25 north to Old Pecos Trail. Left (W) across hwy to first signal - Rt (N) there onto the Old Las Vegas Hwy - about one mile up on the left. GREAT breakfasts and terrific lunches as well. As to the tinting, please send your recommendations. Thanks!

Barry,
I will be in Santa Fe this Saturday for the Spanish Market to buy some retablos and some tin work. El Pinto is a good place to meet just let me know when. As far as the tint job I need to know when you want to setup the appointment so I can tell them to give you the discount. The name of the place is FERRARI at 1717 San Mateo NE Phone 875-0805. Let me know (PM Me) when a good time is to call you and we can set it up. I should have your number still.

Talk to ya soon,

-Ron :D

Hey guys. I'm back! I just returned to VA from my house hunting trip in ABQ. I have a contract on a place north of Paseo Del Norte in the heights! It feels good to have things settled and ready for my move out west in late August!

I must say, my girlfriend and I really enjoyed the area! The food is outstanding, the weather was great (minus a few showers), and you can't beat the scenery!

I stayed near a Mazda dealer at the intersection of I-25 and San Antonio. Is that the only one in town? How do you guys feel about their service dept.? I am planning on having the Mazdaspeed flywheel installed. I was thinking of having Rosenthal do it before I leave the DC area, but if those guys out there are competent, then I'd rather have them do it since I'll be A LOT closer to them should something go wrong!

Ron, I'll def. need that tint job when I get out there!

-MD

Excellent, MadDog! Now all you need to do to be set is to join the Rocky Mountain RX-8 Club! ;) Check out our website in my signature for info if you're interested...

MD

Please don't say anything negative about our rain....we need all we can get! Actually this is the monsoon season (that in itself is a real funny use of the term) so it does tend to rain about every day. This will continue, we hope, for another 4-6 weeks, then it nothing but sun (and moon at night).

You are in a great and growing part of town. I think you will really like it there. I'm in Corrales which is on the North Side of ABQ, just north of the Cottonwood Mall.

Rich Mazda is the second Mazda dealer in town. Rich is over by Kirtland AFB - on the SouthEast side of town. I have only dealt with University, which is the one you stayed by. Both dealers have been around for some time now. The Tech I have talked to at Univeristy seems to be very knowledgable on the Mazda. I haven't had any real problems to take to them, but when it came time to do the flash - L and M - I didn't get the slightest argument from them on doing it. The Recalls were done in a very short time....all parts were on hand within a few days. I have found nothing to compliant about in the work they have done.

You will want to tint soon after arriving....I think it really helps.

And don't forget to join the RockyMountain RX8 club....do it now!

We look forward to seeing you when you get into town. Be sure to keep us posted.

Oh, and BTW MadDog, welcome to the South West! :D

wow. sure is quiet in here...

So, I decided to ship the 8 out there and spare the 2000mi, 25hr drive. But once I get my baby back I'm gonna want to shred some rubber! So guys, tell me, where are the good twisties out there?

Oh wow MadDog didn't they tell you? All roads in New Mexico are straight as an arrow! There are no twisties in New Mexico. The closest twisty is in Virginia.

Actually, 337 (some people refer to it as 14 South) south from I40 (East of Albuquerque) is a fun road. Only goes for about 5 miles, but you can always drive it back to I40. The road to Sandia Crest is another good one. You have to be on the East side of the mountain (Sandia) at Cedar Crest to catch that one. The are others North of Albuquerque as well....so fear not there are plenty to drive.

Are you is ABQ now?

Alright...no straight road humor! Thats not funny! :)

I'm not in the ABQ quite yet. I'll be flying in on Tuesday the 24th for my closing....then sitting around an empty house waiting for my stuff and my 8 to arrive! I'm nervous about getting damage on the car during shipment, but the shipper is covering it up to full replacement value for any damage. I'm planning on taking LOTS of pics to document the "before" condition... Its going to be an excrutiating wait....

Kewl's right about those roads he mentioned - but we're mountain country, so....

We need to get together again as a group! Somebody pick a place! Maybe a lunch at County Line BBQ on Tramway (NE ABQ)? El Pinto (4th St pretty far north)? Harry's Roadhouse just outside Santa Fe? (My favorite. Great breakfasts and lunches - good dinners, too - easy to find and part of a loop drive that can take you RT from Albuquerque up 25 to Harry's (Old Pecos Trail exit, W over Hwy to 1st signal, Rt (Old Las Vegas Hwy) about 1 miles - it's on your left) then via St Francis to 285 W, left onto 4 past Los Alamos and the Valle Caldera Nat.Pk., thru the Carson Natl Forest, and down thru Jemez Springs and the Jemez Rez to 550 back thru Bernalillo to 25 again.

Finally, got my new tags for the 8 -- the screamin' yella fella now reads: GR8 - 8

See it, thass me!

barry

I like the Roadhouse suggestion. I'm always open to try a new place - for me anyway. Busy this weekend and Saturday nextweek, but otherwise I'm open! Sunday week? Or should we wait until MadDog gets here?

Roadhouse is great! But timing is going to take a bit of doing. Especially on weekends upcoming after Sunday this weekend. We have company - relatives staying with us - and are tied up or away every weekend through September 11 and 12! After that, any Sunday would be GREAT! (Or any weekday but I seem to remember that most folks have to work during the week.) I know - mea culpa - my schedule is screwing this up now and I posted wanting to make it happen! Forgive, please.

But we have a new member to welcome to the club so how's about shoot for mid-September - perhaps meet at Harry's around 10 am and then drive the circle through the mountains (Jemez) back to Albuquerque the round-about way - with stops at key spots, maybe 2 1/2 hours, maybe a bit less? (And how do you like my new tags?)

Sometime in mid-Sept is fine with me...That should give everyone time to work their schedule.

I like the tag you picked, but IGOZMZM from Utah has to be near the top....

Of course I shouldn't say much, mine is just a plain old NM tag...

Keep in touch!

Fred

I talked to FERRARI in Albuquerque the other day and negotiated a price for Tint on your RX-8. The new price is $110.00. I had paid $127.00 when I had my car done. PM me when you are ready and I will give you the process you need to follow.

Thank you,

Ron

Barry, MadDog,

Let us know how your tint job went and if your happy with it.

Ron

Hey Ron, sorry I was so slow to get back on this! Got the tint at Ferrari in Albuquerque. Great deal thanks to the discount you negotiated for club members there! VERY happy with it and at the low price they offered, silly not to do it! Thanks again.

On a different subject, I ordered my M&S tires from TireRack though I'm a bit concerned about the size. I ordered Pirelli P-Zero Nero M&S tires for $150 each, but they come in 245/40/18 size rather than 225 etc. Has anyone any experience with this size? The guy at tirerack told me the size would work - just keep a couple extra pounds airpressure in it. They're on backorder so it's not too late to cancel if I'm making a mistake with this. Omicron?? (They don't have the Pirellis in any other closer size in M&S version.)

Feedback anyone?

Hey Ron, sorry I was so slow to get back on this! Got the tint at Ferrari in Albuquerque. Great deal thanks to the discount you negotiated for club members there! VERY happy with it and at the low price they offered, silly not to do it! Thanks again.

On a different subject, I ordered my M&S tires from TireRack though I'm a bit concerned about the size. I ordered Pirelli P-Zero Nero M&S tires for $150 each, but they come in 245/40/18 size rather than 225 etc. Has anyone any experience with this size? The guy at tirerack told me the size would work - just keep a couple extra pounds airpressure in it. They're on backorder so it's not too late to cancel if I'm making a mistake with this. Omicron?? (They don't have the Pirellis in any other closer size in M&S version.)

Feedback anyone?Yes, I have those exact tires in that exact size, and they fit just fine. No clearance issues, even with my Tein H-Tech springs which give the car about a 1" drop.

Ad they look GOOD, if you're into that "fat tire" look (as I am ;)) There are some pics of them in my virtual garage... click on the pic in my sig to get to it. I also have a whole thread about these tires in the 245/40-18 size here (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21980).

:D

Hey Ron,
Thanks a lot for the deal at Ferrari! I got it done today and they did a great job! Highly reccomend.

So guys, now I'm all settled in ABQ and I'm ready to find the twisties! Any thoughts? I don't start work for a couple of weeks and I have time to kill. Anybody wanna get together?

MD

Hey Ron,
Thanks a lot for the deal at Ferrari! I got it done today and they did a great job! Highly reccomend.

So guys, now I'm all settled in ABQ and I'm ready to find the twisties! Any thoughts? I don't start work for a couple of weeks and I have time to kill. Anybody wanna get together?

MD

MadDog,

What part of town are you in. I am by CottonWood Mall on the North West side. Do you work in Rio Rancho by any chance?

Anyway, I had PM'ed you with my number so give me a call tomorrow.

-Ron

P.S. I am glad you and Barry are happy with your tint job. They will also install any mods you have for a good price, just follow the same instructions.

Mad Dog I'm not working Friday so if you want to try to meet or maybe Ron and a few others can swing some free time this weekend....even if to just meet the new 8's in town.

I'm up in the NE heights and I'll be working down south. I'd definitely be interested in a get together this weekend. When I was in Northern VA, there was a sports car meet every Friday at a local mall. It was awesome to see RX-8's, EVO's, WRX's, and Porsches all lined-up. After a Starbuck's and plenty of conversation about mods, we'd all cruise together to a different location for appetizers and drinks. I'll never forget my first night there - trying desparately to keep-up with the pack. They were all eager to flaunt and I was afraid of getting a ticket! What a sight it must have been for others on the road! wow...

Anyway, we should try to get together soon. How does the weekend look for folks?

Weekend is open for me. Ron's on the westside as am I...near Cottonwood Mall. If MadDog is in the heights somewhere in between might be fair...someplace MadDog can find easy enough. Unless he has the Nav sysem. MadDog are there any places you know how to get to easy that would a good place for breakfast perhaps....?

Well, I don't have the Nav, but I do have a good map! haha! I don't mind exploring the west side if you guys have a favorite place. I have had darn good breakfasts at both Weck's and at the Flying Star. Always open to new places though! Are you guys thinking Saturday or Sunday?

Sunday would be best for me. But, Let me know where and when.

-Ron

Sunday might be better for me as well. I have to take my folks to the airport Sat. a.m.

Well, looks like it will def. be Sunday and it could just be you and me Ron!

Well if it is breakfast we are shooting for on Sunday morning I have two NorthValley suggestions - Casa De Benavidez on 4th street, the coffee shop around back, for their burritos or pancakes if you must. Or on 2nd street the Mule Barn, for its......ah, food. The Barn is a down home rural kind of place. I don't go often, but I enjoy it when I do go. Both are local places - not chains or anything close to a chain. Something of a local flavor to say the least.

Of course on the South end of town there is always the K&I Diner on Broadway (just south of Gibson on Broadway). You will never ever leave there hungry.

Kewl,

Anywhere is fine with me. Just give me a time and I will be there. I am going to install my Tein-S springs today. Wish me luck!!

See you tomorrow,

Ron

Okay, how about Hello Deli on Jefferson - not far from the Journal Center - at 8:30a. Much later and the place gets way to packed...

Can you give me some directions from the NE?

Ron, good luck! Any plans to change the shocks at the same time? I'm anxious to see your ride after you're done.

THX

-MD

Sure can....or at least try. Start at I-25 and Paseo Del Norte. Paseo is the large East West road going over to the Westside....as I recall from previous post you know this road. Take Paseo West to Jefferson. Jefferson will be the first traffic light once you get away from I-25 - just a short distance (about a quarter mile) from I-25. Turn left onto Jefferson (South). Taking Jefferson from the South - like from I-25 and Jefferson is not a good idea just now....Jefferson is under construction between there (I-25/Jefferson) and Hello Deli.

Hello Deli will be about a mile or so down Jefferson on the Left (east) side of the street. It will be in a fairly large strip like shopping center. Hello Deli is in about the middle of the center. One of the end stores is Starbucks.

I will likely park back away from the stores...safer. Titanium color....

8:30a okay with everyone?

8:30 am is fine I will see you there and if anyone else in ABQ wants to join us please do. I didn’t get to install the springs today but I installed the CZ 1.1 I do notice a difference and took a short drive but will have to let it learn a little before I comment on it. I think I am going to spend the extra $130 to tweak it for the high altitude and lower rpms. Does any one in NM have the programming kit??

See you all tomorrow,

Ron

Great Ron....will you be coming by yourself....Jill is wondering if this is just the guys or is the gals coming too...

I have the CANScan tool, but no programming kit. I'll bring the scanner with me tomorrow....

We have the grand kids all weekend so it will just be me but, Jill is always welcome.

Ron, what's the status on the CZ? It should have a few days under its belt learning the car...working as you had hoped?

No not working like expected and wasting gas. I am in the process of buying the programming software and cable so I can retune. I may need to borrow or rent your CANScan if possible for a weekend. Maybe you can help me tune it!!

I did install the Borla and Green Air filter and noticed a perk at the lower end of the RPM range and it sound so nice. Not too loud at all and quiets down to a purr. I am happy with it even if I didn’t get much HP gain.

I am going to install the springs this Saturday after pulling my brothers transmission on his truck again; it looks like we missed something. What a bummer but he is helping me with the springs.

Hey Ron, sorry to hear it isn't working as hoped. I'll be glad to assist in the tuning...just give me a few days notice...

Good luck with the springs...and the transmission.

Ron, got your PM on the different mechanics shops to try for the flywheel install. I went to Made in Japan first. When I saw the 13B, with the front removed as a rotary demonstration, sitting on the front counter I knew I was in the right place! They seem pretty familiar with rotaries and say they specialize in Mazdas. Plus their per-hour rate is pretty low! When the flywheel comes in on Tuesday, that's where I'm takin' it! Thanks for the tip.

-MD

Time we start planning a meeting with all the local 8's now that MadDog has gotten into town. Barry had a few suggestions on places in Santa Fe and I think that would be a great idea. I can't handle the 25th of Sept, but I'm open for any other date. What's good for everyone?

Ron, got your PM on the different mechanics shops to try for the flywheel install. I went to Made in Japan first. When I saw the 13B, with the front removed as a rotary demonstration, sitting on the front counter I knew I was in the right place! They seem pretty familiar with rotaries and say they specialize in Mazdas. Plus their per-hour rate is pretty low! When the flywheel comes in on Tuesday, that's where I'm takin' it! Thanks for the tip.

-MD

Glad I could help :) , what is there rate? I think I might have them install my springs since something is always coming up. Installing the springs is becoming a lower priority for now I just hope I can install by the end of the month.

I may go talk to them and see if we can get a club discount of some kind. And we would help promote them.

Talk to you later,
Ron

Time we start planning a meeting with all the local 8's now that MadDog has gotten into town. Barry had a few suggestions on places in Santa Fe and I think that would be a great idea. I can't handle the 25th of Sept, but I'm open for any other date. What's good for everyone?

If we go to Santa Fe and want to hang out at the plaza, we can park at the Radisson Hotel and take the shuttle to the plaza. I think the van seats seven at a time and makes the rounds every hour. I do this all the time because I don’t like parking my car at the plaza.

Ron

The rate must be $75/hr. The guy said it might take them 5 hours and it would cost $375.

I'm definitely up for another meet. My schedule is wide open except the weekends of the balloon festival. Just let me know.

Incedentally, my new G-Tech Pro Competition should be
here in a day or so. I'll need suggestions for a good place to put the 8 through its paces - if you know what I mean! We should be able to generate HP and Torque vs RPM curves with this gadget (and a bunch of other cool measurements - 0-60, 1/4mi., breaking distance, skidpad, etc) Ron - might be a good way to test your CZ mod. I'm planning on doing some runs before and after the flywheel install.

-MD

Harry's Roadhouse in Santa Fe sounds like the place to eat. Perhaps a trip to the plaza afterwards. How does Sept 26 - Sunday lunch - sound for everyone? It is after the state fair and before the balloons...

MadDog I don't have any good ideas for a place to 'test'. Maybe Ron can suggest something....I'd like to see this gadget work.

One last thing....have a good week at the salt mines MadDog. First week can be the hardest.....

The rate must be $75/hr. The guy said it might take them 5 hours and it would cost $375.

I'm definitely up for another meet. My schedule is wide open except the weekends of the balloon festival. Just let me know.

Incedentally, my new G-Tech Pro Competition should be
here in a day or so. I'll need suggestions for a good place to put the 8 through its paces - if you know what I mean! We should be able to generate HP and Torque vs RPM curves with this gadget (and a bunch of other cool measurements - 0-60, 1/4mi., breaking distance, skidpad, etc) Ron - might be a good way to test your CZ mod. I'm planning on doing some runs before and after the flywheel install.

-MD
The ABQ Dragway has test and tune days on Friday and Saturday at $10.00 per person. Let me know when you are going.

http://www.abqdragway.com/

Once again Ron comes through with another great idea! You are certainly a welcome wealth of knowledge Ron....

I wouldn't mind tagging along MadDog if you decide to try the track Ron has suggested. It is certainly a more controlled area to work in.

Once again Ron comes through with another great idea! You are certainly a wlecome wealth of knowledge Ron....

I wouldn't mine tagging along MadDog if you decide to try the track Ron has suggested. It is certainly a more controlled area, albeit straight.

Thank you Kewl, BTW Tag alongs are $6 bucks at the track :D

Wow, Ron. Good find. I went to the webpage and there wasn't anything on the open track days... I guess I just have to call?

My flywheel arrived yesterday! Can't wait to get it installed! I'll probably try to have it done by the weekend. I'll keep you guys posted. Kewl-I'll let you know when I plan to do my pre-installation G-Tech runs!

I haven't seen any feedback from anyone on getting together Sunday in Santa Fe - or someplace else. Bad idea?

I haven't seen any feedback from anyone on getting together Sunday in Santa Fe - or someplace else. Bad idea?

I am still in for Santa Fe, what time are we planning to leave ABQ?

I'm kinda hoping to hear from Barry about what time he thinks is best for the restaurant - my guess is we do lunch there and get there via North 14 in the Canyon. The question will be is early lunch or late lunch best. Barry said it is a busy place.

Ron have you installed the springs yet? I also haven't heard anything from MadDog on the flywheel.

I'm also hoping Tony will check in this week too...although he has been real busy of late.

Keep checking in to see what the latest is.

Fred

Hey guys! Sorry I've been absent lately. The flywheel is here and scheduled to be installed on Monday over at Made in Japan. I wanted to do my G-Tech runs prior to the install but the dang piece of crap broke on the way to do my baseline runs! I decided that I didn't want to wait for them to fix the G-Tech to do my install, so I just won't do baseline runs. I also got my new Mazdaspeed gunmetal wheels in yesterday! Those are going on today! I'll post pics, but I guess you guys will see them on Sunday. Speaking of which, any idea what time we'll be leaving? Where should we meet-up beforehand?

The restaurant will be crowded - but turns over fairly quickly. There are about three parking lots. 'Most any time would do - depends on your pleasure. I am told the constuction is done on NM 14 so that road is open - or you can cruise up I-25 from Albuquerque. Either way you hop on 25 (in ABQ or at Corrales Rd off 14) N and exit at Old Pecos Trail. Go W (left if you're coming up from the south) across the highway to the signal that's right there. Turn right - you're on the Old Las Vegas Hwy - up about a mile or so on your left - Harry's Roadhouse.

Okay, what time is good for everyone?

OK Barry that sounds easy to get to. I suggest the NM 14 route from ABQ. If the ABQ group meets around 11am - say at Lowes at I25 and Paseo we can drive on up to NM14 and meet Barry at the grill on 14 (the one we had breakfast at - can't remember the name) say around noon (?) Barry and then head on up to SF via 14 from there. That should get us into SF around 1 or 1:30. Since the place is always busy the time we get there doesn't seem important.

How does that sound for everyone?

fine with me.

BTW...my new rims ROCK! I think the gunmetal looks perfect against my titanium! Gives it a real racing look! Can't wait to show you guys!

MD

Kewl, all - your timing's a bit off - it's not THAT far! Should take you no more than 40 minutes to reach the Cedar Point Grill from I-25 and Paseo (I-25 S to I-40 W to NM 14 N about three miles or so on the right). From there, shouldn't take any more than an hour to reach Harry's. So if you leave Lowe's just after 11 you ought to be at Cedar Point at 11:40. That puts us at Harry's at 12:40. You could adjust fifteen later if you wanted to, but I'll be at the Cedar Point parking lot ready to fall into line at 11:40 unless you tell me otherwise. Probably not a bad time for Harry's - we'll have missed some of the Sunday morning breakfast crowd. (And they do have a bar with a TV set if we have to wait a bit....) Let me know (and congrats on the rims, MD - can't wait to see your 8)

BTW, one other note - Holly's coming along this time. Hope we bring spouses, significant others, or women who own RX8s along to add to the "family" atmosphere we had the first time we met.

Yeah Barry I forget the 8 makes it everywhere faster. Actually I was thinking that we would allow about 10 minutes (after the 11am time) for anyone who might get caught up in traffic. There could even be someone who read the post but didn't respond so I wanted to give them a few minutes leyway to get to the meeting spot. I'll send you an email with my cell numbers so you can call if you think we are late or lost.

Jill might be coming too...she hasn't decide if she can take Sunday off yet.

Makes sense - and tell Jill she added a LOT last time and I'm really hoping she can make it. I'm sure Holly would enjoy meeting her as well.

Hey, for future consideration, I heard an ad on radio today for a New Orleans style restaurant at Cottonwood Mall (which appears to cover an area the size of Rhode Island when you include the outbuildings) - Topo's or something like that - that is starting up a Sunday Jazz Brunch starting October 2nd I think it is. A place to consider for next month's gathering! (Finding it can be part of the activity, a kind of treasure hunt as it were with breakfast/brunch and jazz - and terrific company - as a reward!) Just a thought.

We'll perch ourselves at the parking lot for Cedar Point Grill by 11:40 and wait for the glow of MD's new rims and all the rest of you. BTW, have you seen the "Sage Green" or whatever they call that color on the RX8s out at Rich's? Sure are pretty! (But I'll tell you, the yellow shows dust the very least of any color they offer, a great relief out here!)

barry

anyone else watching the weather? bummer...

no problem, MD - out here nobody complains about rain. 14 will still be a ball to drive and a warm lunch at the other end will be even better! We'll see you tomorrow!

Rain....who said that four letter word? Shame!

I think we'll be fine...think positive.

Jill will coming as well Barry.

Sunday at 11am meeting at the Lowes parking lot at I25 and Paseo. From there we will head out to NM14 and pickup Barry shortly before noon and then on to Santa Fe. Hope to see everyone there tomorrow. Can't wait to see MadDog's new wheels!

haha! You don't have to wait! Check out my thread on the "wheels, tires and suspension" page.

You're right, those look great! They compliment the car's color nicely.

Will you be bringing along the new flywheel for us to look at?

I certainly will. Its in the trunk awaiting installation. I wish that it were already installed so you guys could give it a run tomorrow. Oh well, I guess that just means we'll have to get together AGAIN so you can check it out! Haha!

this is going to happen quite regularly! See y'all later in the morning!

Sorry I didn’t make it to SF this time. I had a bad weekend and had to deal with some family stuff. I have my springs installed, the ride is a little stiffer then OEM but not bad. It took about 6 days for my springs to settle and now the car is noticeably lower. I had asked Paul from Colorado to send me his “high altitude” maps for the CZ 1.1 and installed the maps last night. This morning I could feel the difference at the lower RPMs more power and did not hesitate or act sluggish. I will let this learn for awhile before I do any fine tuning with the CANScan. Plus I need to understand how to tune first. I saw MD’s new wheels on the forum, very nice I think they go perfect. Now you need to add springs!!
I hope the flywheel install goes smooth for you MD, let us know how the car feels after install.

That’s all for now,

Ron

Sure missed you, Ron! You're right, MD's wheels look great, a perfect match for the titanium car, too. We had a great late breakfast and a good visit. We did discuss your idea about monthly meetings tied in with the dealer - help recruit more folks to RX8 ownership and all - and we all agreed it sounds terrific. Kewl and I both had suggestions for future locations to visit. Anyway, we missed you and hope you'll be there for sure next time! I'm okay for any Sunday in October EXCEPT the 24th - be driving back from Arizona and the football game we're attending there on the 23rd. Hope all turned out well with your family over the weekend and hope to see you soon!

What a great time we had yesterday! The drive was a little slow...Barry was leading the pack. Of course it was the traffic in front of Barry that made it slow. Neither Barry nor I have seen NM14 with so many cars on it. Even with that bright yellow 8 behind them it didn't seen to help get them out of the way. I guess we are just going to have to try that road again some time soon.

Ron, sorry you couldn't make it yesterday, but we understand that happens sometime. I'm up for some food down NM 337 most any weekend. 337 is another fun road to take...if we can find a time when there aren't many other cars on it.

MadDog.....how is the new flywheel? You know we are holding our breath to hear the results. And they are.....

Jill and I enjoyed the drive and visit yesterday. And the food was great! It was a special treat meeting Holly. Thanks for coming along Holly, I sure hope you will continue to put up with us RX8 owners....

I hope everyone has a great week and that we will be able to get back together again soon.

okay. here are the results of the flywheel install: AWESOME!

You really can feel a significant difference, especially in the high RPM (4k-9k). But, even in lower RPM there is more pull. In the low RPM I'd say it feels equivalent to loosing 300lbs or so from the vehicle weight. Very similar to driving with out 2 passengers after hauling them around for a few days. In the high RPM range it feels MUCH quicker! The opening of the secondary and tertiary ports gives a greal kick in the pants now. Redline comes much quicker and there is noticable improvment in acceleration. All in all, I'd reccomend it highly! I only wish I'd had the cahones to get a really light flywheel, like one of the aluminum ones. The MS one has reduced inertia, but is still made of moly steel, so its quite a bit heavier than some of those out there. But, I wanted to keep the warranty in tact and figured the MS part was probably of higher quality anyhow. But, once that warranty expires, I might have to get a Fidanza aluminum FW. I'd have to say that the really light ones would make a HUGE difference!

As far as drivability or re-learning the clutch, it does take more gas on take-off but it only took one start from a standstill to understand that. Drivability is not impared at all. Idle is still rock solid. I can't bark the tires going into second anymore, which makes sense. There's not as much energy stored in the FW to dump into the wheels. Thats perfectly fine with me though!! That means that all that energy that would have been stored in the FW in first gear and ready to dump into the wheels is now being stored by the vehicle in its kinetic energy - forward motion! So, I'm pretty pleased by that.

GO GET A REALLY LIGHT ONE!! YOU WON"T REGRET IT!! You can get a great ACT FW for ~$250.

BTW cost of install at Made in Japan: $365 and great service from a mechanic who is VERY knowlegible of rotaries. I'll only take my 8 there from now on!

Not what I wanted to hear! Now I will have to think about doing this. Did you have them change the fluid in the tranny as well?

MD,

We should install my CZ1.1 on your car I want to feel if there is a bigger performance boost with the combination. I have about 3 maps we can try.

Let me know what you think,

Ron

Did you ever get your G-Tech thingy to work??

They did change the fluid for me.

Ron, I might be game for an install - - if you think your new maps are doing the trick. Sounds like a fun weekend!

Haven't gotten the g-tech repaired. I'm working it....

Did you let them put in what they wanted or did you give them something to use? Any change you can notice in shifting - flywheel impacts aside. Any comments from them on the condition of the clutch itself? That last is not any attempt to reflect on ones driving, but rather the quality of the clutch Mazda installs....

All these questions!

Well, i thought about giving them redline to put in. But I just let them put in the regular stuff. But there is a noticible IMPROVEMENT in shifting with the new fluid in. It really glides between gears. I don't feel nearly as much "crunchy stuff" going between gears now.

No comments on the condition of the clutch.

Time we got back together again. Perhaps a run down South 14 (331) for lunch. Next weekend Barry is off to AZ....maybe the following weekend? Oct 30-31.

Be back that weekend (10/30,31) but can't make it on Saturday the 30th - dinner invite up to Santa Fe. Sunday's okay. But where in the world would we go for lunch down 331? Mountainaire??? (and this time YOU lead LOL)

MD's mods sound fantastic. After I just paid Rich $25 just to rotate the tires - which they didn't do at 6000 miles as it's supposed to be 7000 ... - I too will be taking the 8 to Made in Japan, at MD's suggestion. I went by and spoke with them today. Back to the mods, though - if I had any extra money, I think I'd imitate MD - and will, when and if. Right now I'm spending on animals - have one up for sale now and another in the spring I expect. So the flywheel's on my wish list....

Now, tires - tirerack has the Pirelli P-Neros on backorder and can't tell me when they might be coming in. Gill at Tirerack wrote me: <The Kumho ASX and the Yokohama AVS DB S2 remain the best alternatives to the Pirelli.> I've seen QUESTIONS about those tires posted on the website but no ANSWERS. I can wait for the Pirellis and be safe, but we've already had a 3-4" snowfall up here. (The 8 handled the roads well with the Bridgestone originals by the way, but I'll be happier here in the mtns with all seasons. Be nice if they were to get onto the car before next summer, though.... Any experience, thoughts, ideas, suggestions? Thanks!

Like you Barry I am considering the flywheel mod. It sounds like a good return on investment.

The Ponderosa Bar and Eatery is about 12 miles down 331 from I40. I've eaten there and the food was very good. Not the most modern place, but it was a fun evening when we went. And I'll be happy to lead, the road is a fun one to drive.

The 31st is good for me....anyone else?

I won't be available until 13NOV!! I'm in GA this weekend and FL next....

For you guys considering the flywheel: get the ACT!

I'm afraid I'm not going to be getting anything until I get some more money - after the M&S tires for both the 8 and my Tundra of course - but I AM interested - what is the ACT? Where do I read up on it?

Thanks. Safe travel MD, look to see you when you return

Well maybe we wait on the lunch until MadDog returns.

Barry, I looked up the ACT FW site. http://www.rx7.com/store/rx8/rx8drivetrain_flywheel.html

it looks interesting...the question would be which one although I think the first one - the $349 unit - is the one for around town use. I would be interested in knowing what reasons MadDog has for this suggesting this unit. I did research others..this one has about the right weight, the correct material and has the counterweight as part of the deal - some offers don't include weights.

I would be real interested in seeing the difference first hand between stock and MadDog's 8.

We shall await his return... Barry do you have the tires now. If so what do you think?

interested in hearing myself - why that one rather than the mazdaspeed he put in? (Do agree with your suggestion of choice there, however - don't like that phrase about a modest price to pay in engine response, at least if I don't have to pay a price, why pay it?) BTW installation is something like $365 at Made in Japan.

As to the tires - no, I don't. Pirelli seems backordered until December sometime. Drove in slush the other week when it snowed up here and the Bridgestones did fine. So I'm not really worried about the wait - and shouldn't be ANY problem to anyone in the valley or who doesn't have as steep a driveway as I do. After talking with Omicron (Paul) and revisiting the comments etc on the various tires, I'm sticking with my decision and waiting for the Pirelli P-Nero's - great price (comparitively speaking of course) and a superior tire. Ron has them and loves them, too. As does Paul. So, we wait (and wait and wait and wait).

Good idea to wait on the lunch til MD's back and try to get Ron etc to join us as well.

OK, time we all got together before the big day....and MadDog takes his two weeks off from work. I need to know more about MD's flywheel mod.....and Barry's tires and the CZ1 that Ron has.

The afternoon of the 12th is the only bad day for me. So what does everyone's schedule look like for getting together?

nope, they aren't in yet. And I had to fly to Portland OR to facilitate a meeting (team building retreat by an executive committee having trouble working together) so I took the 8. It's still down at the bottom of our hill waiting for a bit more road to show through the snow so it can complete the journey home. Hope those tires come in soon - I really don't want to have to settle for a second choice, especially as they cost MORE than my Pirelli's for which I'm waiting....

I'm pretty much okay to get together any day (after the 5th) until the 22nd (when we pilgrimage to my father in law's for the holiday - gone about a week is all.

Looking forward to seeing everyone. Still like the idea of that place you suggested down on 14 S

Hope everyone's well and doing well!

Hey Barry, good to hear from you.

I had my first flat tire with the 8 today. The warning light came and on my first look at the tires they all looked fine. However on pulling away from a light a few block later you could tell without a doubt you had a tire going down. I have the spare so changing it wasn't a big deal. Finding someone I trust to repair it...well that's another story. Not sure yet who I'll get to fix it.

I'm all for the place down South 14. Lets wait another couple of days to see who all is around before setting a date.

I'll be off to Colorado Springs on Monday for business...sorry taking the F150 Supercrew on this trip. Its 4WD and I know how Colorado can be in the winter....I still have the OEM tires on the 8. But I'll be checking in to the forums while on the road.

Everyone is well here and looking forward to Christmas...more for the time off work then anything else I'm afaird.

Take Care all....

It seems like a long way off, but how about the 18th?

Yes, the 18th is a long way off but right now, peering deeply into the future, I think it could work out.

Of almost equal importance, my tires are on their way! Tire Rack has gotten them in - at least back east working their way west. For 8 bucks more shipping, I got them out of Indiana. They are currently in UPS's "hands" on their way to Chuck's wheel alignment in Albuquerque. They will install them when they arrive. At last!

So, Ron, the originals with about 8,000 total miles on them, will be available, hopefully rather early next week! And I can get up snowy inclines again!

barry

18th is good for me. We planning on lunch there (south 14) or dinner? Or does someone have other ideas we haven't heard?

Back from Colorado today. Should have taken the 8. Weather was great the whole week. No threat of snow to worry about (those tires again). It would have been a far better trip with the 8.

The wind today coming down I25 was something. When it was a headwind the truck would have to downshift to hold speed!

Look forward to the 18th....hope to see everyone then.

midday - can see the scenery and don't risk a sudden snowstorm making it really hard to get up my hills in the dark on the way home afterwards.... Leisurely lunch of course. holiday and all.

And listen, about those tires, I asked lots of folks, our own Ron, Omicron, etc., and most all are happy with the Pirellis. They're $150 each at TireRack, compared with say Michelin Pilots which are about $219 in our size at CostCo no less. I'll be very relieved when I've got them on the car. But I still probably won't be taking it out if the snow is packed on the access road up our ridge....

So we are on for the 18th (Dec). Shall we meet at the bank on the south side of I-40 and 337 (south 14)? Say noon? Barry there is a bank on the south side where 337 and the old 66 meet, isn't there?

Wells Fargo Bank - on old rte 66 just West of I-14 South in Tijeras. Matter of fact, it's the bank we use. Noon it is. As they say, baby's got new shoes and she's ready to ramble. Put the Pirellis on this afternoon - at Chet's alignment. Saved three of the original issue tires (one had a cut in the sidewall - I tossed it) - 9000 miles on them. Ron spoke first if you're still interested, Ron! New one's are fine - different size - 245-40-18. That makes them slightly less tall but about an inch wider - half an inch on either side of the wheel, natch. Seem to grip really well.

Anyway, Holly's coming along, has been interested in trying that place anyway. See you Saturday!

Jill is planning on coming too, so it should be fun. I am hoping that we hear from some of the other local 8s tonight....Ron, MD? Anyone heard from tyrchon lately?

In any event see ya at the bank at high noon tomorrow.

New guy to the forum. Totally bummed out that I missed meeting all the rx8 guy in town. Oh well maybe next time. Did you guys know that there is rotary shop in town called rotaryrx. The guy that runs it name is tom and what a rotary head. Went over this last Friday and he is going to port the exhaust port and install a wet nitrous kit for me the guy seems to be very smart. I was wondering if any of guys have had or heard anybody getting work done by this guy. Buy the way you can catch me on the Westside of albq in my blue rx8 with all the options, and 18-inch custom rimes by American racing. Yes even some hail damage that I have not got a chance to fix.

Sorry we missed you today also. Not much turnout (maybe it's the season) but we had a terrific and fun lunch at Ponderosa as well as a great visit and fun drive down S14S (S337) by the ridges and all.

I hadn't heard of rotaryrx but look forward to talking with you about it. One of the guys had Made In Japan (Eubank, south of I40, between Karl Malone Toyota, Walmart, Sam's Club and farther south Home Despot and CostCo) install a custom lightweight flywheel to go along with his custom light wheels, and he liked them very much and said the combination made a nice difference.

Look forward to meeting you! I'm the one in the screamin' yellow 8 ("GR8-8").

barry

PS - tell us what this mod is going to do for you!

opening up the exhaust port will get those nasty hot gasses out a hell of allot quicker. i m not to good with the tech part of it but it looks to be a 20-30 hp gain allot of people online talk about it allot but no one shows any dynos of the mod. Along with this mod i will be getting canzoomer programmable ecu catered to the exhaust port which will also give the ability to have tom at roturyrx to tune the motor. It is my understanding that tom will have to rebuild the entire motor to complete the mod. He going to clean and polish rotor while he's at it. According to canzoomer programmable ecu I’m looking at a 20-30 hp gain there as well. Add that with my nitrous express wet system, which i think i will run a moderate 50 shot with. Well you can do the math, and yes this will destroy the manufacture warranty. But well worth it.

Barry,

Jill and I had a great time at lunch today. We really enjoy our chats. We must look into getting together on your return.

Reference our cache discussions. Go to: www.geocaching.com for more on the subject. Perhaps we can look for one on your side of the mountain.

Have a great holiday!

Fred/Jill

same here. we'll look for you when we get back - after the 27th! Have a terrific Christmas - looking forward to seeing you when we return

b and h

hey guys! Hows everything? Sorry for being so out of touch lately. New girlfriend + woodworking projects = neglecting the 8 :eek: I don't think she's ever been this dirty before.... the CAR! the CAR! not the GIRL you perverts! haha!

Anyhow, I've decided to indulge myself with 8 mods now to make-up for lost time. I've got a CZ stage1.1 on the way. I'm not expecting much out of the box, but I'm planning on tuning, so I should see some good HP gains.

We should get together soon for coffee and car talk!

MadDog

MadDog,

We were beginning to worry that you skipped town. Glad to hear that isn't the case. No comment on the dirty car...but I'm hurt that you would think that we did not believe you were talking about the car....at least for the first couple of seconds.

I still haven't had a chance to get some first hand feedback on your flywheel mod. I'm still thinking I might want to do that but now there is the Unorthodox Racing flywheel to consider. Darn!

I'm all for a coffee break and car talk. My schedule is flexable so throw out some times that are good for you (and others....Barry!...Ron! and....?) and lets see what we can do to get together.

Glad to hear the NM is offering up something other than little snow and cold weather. It is always good to have those wood...working hobbies to fall back on.

Hey all. I am stationed here in Texas with the USAF and will soon be moving to New Mexico. I should be there by July. Just wanted to drop a line to let you know I'll be moving to your neck of the woods. Anyone near Clovis/Cannon AFB area?? If so, I'll look you up when I get there.

Haven't heard from anyone in the Clovis area, but that doesn't mean much does it? Welcome to NM (when you finally do get here)....hope you enjoy your assignment at Cannon. Keep checking in to see what we might have going on here in the Albuquerque area, maybe we will have a chance to get some of the other 8's together for a visit and shop talk. If you're coming our way sometime let us know....we can always arrange something. We are always looking for an excuse...

somehow the board forgot my password - been working for several days trying to get back - Paul reset me a new password so here I am (so long as I can remember it of course) LOL. My schedule's pretty good when I'm here - have a show to attend in Ft Worth weekend after this then will be gone about six days in California. But back after that. Just got the 8 washed and waxed so at least there's something resembling the sun out here on the east side of the mountains.

Clovis is a bit under 4 hours from Albuquerque (bit less from here, natch) - I make it in 3 1/2 from my place when transporting alpacas back and forth to a friend whose ranch is there.

The Ribs place we talked about on 14 would be a nice gather I think. But I'm open to whatever. If there's any place between here and Clovis, that would be nice once Tex gets there - Moriarty would be fairly close to most of us and save him 45 minutes or so I think but I don't know what's there. Clines Corners is maybe an hour from ABQ and would save him a bit over an hour - there's a truck place there - don't recall if there's a sit down though.

looking forward to seeing everyone

Hey just wondering if the owner of a slow 8 AT can hang out too in the wonderful world of New Mexico. I usually spend my weekends between Albuqturkey and Denver. ( I promise not to give away any of the secert 6 speed handshakes or club rules)

Of course you can....but then again what color 8 are we talking about...?

Give us a heads up when you are in the area. Barry and I (and others) are always looking for an excuse to get together...

certainly - you're more than welcome! (not all of us with joy sticks drive the car to its limits anyway....) As Kewl said....

Sorry I should of said slower AT instead of slow AT.
Anyway its Titanium grey with the GT package. Just a single cd player and dvd nav system so I don't get to lost on my way to and from work.
I should be down this weekend.
So far my favorite places to hang out have been Oneil's uptown and Baggins off of lomas.

Thanks for the welcome and invite to hang out. and Drive

bummer life got a little strange tonight I wont be heading down after all this weekend. Maybe next one or sometime in March.


sorry

Haven't heard from anyone in the Clovis area, but that doesn't mean much does it? Welcome to NM (when you finally do get here)....hope you enjoy your assignment at Cannon. Keep checking in to see what we might have going on here in the Albuquerque area, maybe we will have a chance to get some of the other 8's together for a visit and shop talk. If you're coming our way sometime let us know....we can always arrange something. We are always looking for an excuse...

Thanx for the welcome. And when I do arrive and get settled I'll be sure to look you guys up. I don't think it's too far a drive to Albuquerque from Clovis. Even if it is, you're not the only one looking for excuses to make a drive... :D

Hey everyone this next weekend is the season openong for the albuquerque national dragway and would like to invite all the local rx8 guys to come for some hot dogs and beer on me. It will be sun the 20th at noon. Please give me a PM so i know how many are coming.

Thanks jason

I just tried to PM everyone but i can only make a PM every 60 seconds :confused:
So if you could let everyone you know.

Thanks jason

Hey all,
How was the meet yesterday? Sorry I missed it. Last minute drama put the kaibash on goint to the meet. Anybody got any good mods to talk about? I installed the CZ and I've got it tuned almost exactly how I want it. A pretty good mod if you can get one for about $300 used. I have the programming equip availble for folks to borrow, too. A real noticable gain in HP. I suspect that I've added close to 20HP with the CZ. A few more HP are possible with it.

-MD

Hi,

I am from El Paso. I have a ti grey. I went to Carlsbad last saturday and saw 1 red and 1 black. Both very nice. Are you guys here? There are not alot of 8 in El Paso, is any in Las Cruses?

Okay NM it is time to show up at the June RX8 rally in Colorado. RonD-NM and I went last year and had a great time. The dates are 4 and 5 June in the Denver area. The 5 June is a planned track day...you get a little education on track driving, spend some time drive on the track...and have lots of fun doing it. If you need more information send me a PM. I plan on driving up on June 3rd. It would be nice to go as a group....lets hear from you!!

I'm in! I can't wait! I was just looking at the Rocky Mnt. RX8 club page and the pics and description of last year's event look incredible! We should definitely plan on a caravan from NM.

Its been FOREVER since we got together! I know that's mostly my own fault, but lets see if we can get Ron and the boyz together soon. I've added a CZ, an RB intake and have a high-flow cat on the way. I am getting a lot of HP for a naturally asipirated motor! You guys need to take a spin and see what about $1k can get you in terms of N/A mods!

-MD

Hi guys! Lemme just quickly say that I'm looking forward to seeing everyone from last year, as well as meeting all the "newbies"!!! For all the newbies; last year was an absolute blast! I can hardly wait for this years event!

Buenos Dias! Picked up My Shinka from Santa Fe last Saturday. After a couple decades of only having SUV's, it's awesome to have a slick little road car again. Can't wait to to take it up north in the mountains.

Welcome! And congratulations on the Shinka 8. Can't wait to see it. Take a read on this forum on the RX8 rally being held in Denver CO on June 4 & 5. Several of us NM 8 owners are going and we would love to have you join us. It isn't too late to make the trip.

I can tell you that last years event was great fun and there were some really awesome mountain roads that we drove during the event...and there was a track day for those who wanted to try their hand with their RX8 on track.

I know you will love your 8, just be sure to read as much as you can on how to care for that new non-SUV engine. It is more understanding it then any extra or special work to maintain it. I'm coming up on two years with my 8 and I still love it.

Thanks Kewl, but next weekend is a planned relaxing camping weekend up in Bland Canyon and a weekend off for MyShinka) It's been a couple years since we've been able to camp after Memorial Day (due to fire restrictions) and ..well.. can't do everthing.

Cheers!

Understandable...maybe next time. In any event have a great time. I'm sure there will be plenty of pictures of this years rally so you're get to see what's in store for next year. Next time some of us local RX8 owners get together hopefully you can join us.

Keep me posted, kewl. I'll get my "Avatar" photo uploaded soon, I hope. took an awesome pic this past weekend.

Sorry this is so late guys, I had problems with registration. Anyway Rotary RX New Mexico's first real rotary shop is sponsering the first annual Rotorfest BBQ to be held on the 11th of this month at Rotary RX. We would really love to see some 8's there. We already have quite a few 7's of every generation coming from all over the state, but no 8's so far. It would be a great way to meet other rotor heads here in New Mexico along with some great food!
Hope to see some of you guys there ;)

Here is the link to the post on RX7club.com: http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=422791

Website is under contruction, but here is the number to Rotary RX:
922-1115, ask for Tom.

Hope to see some of you guys there.

I just returned from the RockyMountainRX8 Rally in Denver CO, but I will be there on Sat around noon..with my RX8. Hopefully not the only one. I hate being so badly outnumbered.

Fred

call or email some of your rx8 buddies.

I am.....honest

alright, hope to see you and your rx8 buddies there :)

Sounds like fun. I'll be there. :D

For New Mexico 8's (or any from surrounding states for that matter) we are looking at getting together the weekend of 25/26 June. We haven't set a location so we are open to suggestions/ideas. Even the weekend selected is just a suggestion.

It has been awhile since we have gotten together and there are several new 8's in the area. It seems like a good time (before the 4th) to meet the new folks and share with them some of our experiences. No reason for them to learn the hard way.

If you would like to participate please chime in and let me know what will work for you.

Fred

It's about the only weekend I personally have uncommited thru early August at this point. I beleive I have to make a run to the Airport mid Saturday afternoon, but otherwise, sure, I'd enjoy a brewski and an enchilada. Garduno's on the Green or El Pinto...or Hooter's works for me...hee-hee!

Brian

I'm in.

Man, it seems like I am seeing an 8 almost every day now! A year ago, I was lucky to see one a month! Where are these folks and why aren't they here!?


-MD

I dont know where they are, but they wernt at the rotaryrx bbq :( I only saw 1 rx8! :(

Hey! There were two of us there! You might have thought it was only one since we were both the same color! :p I was there starting at 1100!

-MD

Any update on this weekend? Jest to reiterate, I vote for Garduno's on the Green for Lunch on Saturday.

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=374965595

For this weekend we'll meet at Gardunos on the Green at noon. Gardunos on the Green is at the golf driving range, which acts as the launch site for the balloon fiesta in Sept/Oct each year. To get to Gardunos on the Green take Alameda West from I25 to Balloon Fiesta Park Blvd. The Balloon Fiesta Offices are on one corner of this intersection. If you find yourself at 2nd or 4th street, you've gone too far. Balloon Fiesta Park Blvd only goes North and at the end of this street will be the driving range and Gardunos on the Green.

I'll bring along my CANScan in case anyone wants to scan their computer and/or take a drive with realtime scanning.

Anyone with an RX8, or anyone who does not (yet) have one but would just like to talk with someone who does, to get some advice about the car, is more then welcome to join us.

I'll be there. Come one , come all.. the marguaritas are great at Gardunos.

Cheers! :D

Here is a suggestion: is anyone interested in doing a drive up to Santa Fe (up the back way perhaps?) and having breakfast at the Guadelupe Cafe on Sunday?

I'm probably going to do this anyway on Sunday morning, so this could be in lieu of, or in addition to, the Saturday thing.

-MD

No can do a SUnday thang. But next Friday, looking forward to a trip up to Raton via Taos and Cimmaron for the 4th of July Balloon Rally.

Come on all you Nuevo Mexicanos with the RX-8cent, stop by the Green on Saturday.

Sunday trip to Santa Fe sounds like a great idea. What time were you planning to leave?
Back road and Guadelupe sounds like a good plan.

I still plan on doing Gardunos on the Green on Saturday at noon. I hope others will be there to.

For Saturday, note that they have changed the name of the street from Balloon Fiesta Park Blvd to Balloon Museum.

See ya on Saturday!

Might be just you and I Fred..hope not! I'm planning to hit a few balls on the driving range before lunch...sorta work up a thirst! knowwhatimean?

Well hopefully MadDog will show up as well. It would be nice if we saw others there as well....we'll see. Perhaps I'll bring along a few clubs for the range as well.

You didn't drive that 8 of yours to work all week! Or maybe you park out back so as to not affect traffic along Corrales Road...in any event I was hoping to catch a look see while I was goofing off from work all this week - without success.

See ya tomorrow....

I don't drive the Mazda to work..I have a company vehicle. Not sure if I could keep from hitting those horses with the RX! lol

although since we got weathered out this morning ballooning, I'm in the office doing some catch-up stuff before heading up to the Greens.

Hey guys, the 7'ers are planning a cruise I think next weekend, I figured we should invite you guys along ;) So if you can make it that would be great, we'll love to have you there
http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?p=4569032&posted=1#post4569032 there is the thread.

We'll watch the 7 forum for details..and try to keep the weekend open.

Thanks for the heads-up...and inviting the 8's

just an update.. it looks like we may be getting together fridaynight. Still trying to get it together though.

Alright.. finally its been decided lol.
Saturday (the 23rd thats this saturday) at 9pm at hinkle.

Albuquerque and area...I have changed to Pirella P-Zero Nero tires, but kept the old Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tires that came on the car. About 18,000 on the OEM tires.

I kept them for only one reason. If you didn't get a spare with your 8 and you have to use the repair kit that came with the car to get going again I'm told you will not find anyone who will repair that tire...you have to replace it.

If you would like to take one of my old tires - only 3 of the 4 are available, the 4th took a good beating on track day - you need only let me know and arrange to pick up the tire.

Why would you want one? Keep it as a spare in case you have to use the repair kit on one of your tires. Depending on the miles you have on your car the tires you have might match fairly close to what I took off the car. What I took off really aren't that worn.

Why did I change tires? I wanted M&S tires, which the new ones are...and something that didn't make as much noise as the Potenza. I got the M&S part, not sure yet about less noise.

Anyway, if you might be interested let me know, I'm only asking that you pick up the tire.

I am the owner of a brand new Titanium Gray RX-8 with GT package. I live in Los Alamos, NM. Anybody from around here?

Csaba

Welcome Faffy; I'm also in Los Alamos with a TI gray RX-8. I've seen one silver rx-8 which hangs out near starbucks a bunch. (Dont know if the person is on here or not. As well as a blue and red RX driving around quite a bit.

Good to see more people in NM getting RX-8s.

Faffy,

Congrats on the new 8. Nice color too! I'm down in Corrales, just North of ABQ. Perhaps we can get some of the ABQ area 8's and the Los Alamos 8 together someplace in Santa Fe soon.

Enjoy your 8. You will find lots of useful information on the forum, but ask questions if you don't see it here.

Again welcome and congratulations on getting your 8.

Fred

I might have seen you on Thursday 10:30 am. I was driving through Bernalillo and saw another Titan RX-8 with a spoiler on the back. I only caught the car from the corner of my eye.

Csaba

How's it going fellow New Mexicans? I just joined and am from Gallup, NM, but i'll be moving to Las Cruces. Is anyone here from the Las Cruces area?

faffy....that might have been MadDog - although not likely at 10:30a. His is a TI with spoiler and Mazdaspeed wheels - very nice wheels. I don't have a spoiler on my 8. I do have the RX-8 emblem in the middle of the front grille if that helps ID me...

You down this way often?

Hello NiNjA99....welcome! Do you come up to ABQ often?

I go every once in a while when I have time. I have friends that live there. I always stop by when traveling between Las Cruces and Gallup. I was there recently to get the Squealing Brakes TSB done.

I took the family to the airport. I am not too often there. However, if we can arrange a meeting, I'd go there for sure.

Csaba

I'll see what we can do about a meeting soon....will get back to you.

Shop for tires! Please don't even think about using the bridgestones in the winter.

WOO HOO! My turbo kit has arrived! I installed the boost controller/data logger over this past weekend. I can't wait to get started with the turbo itself!

Pictures! Pictures! We want lots of pictures! I'm still waiting for my intake kit. Did you have to replace the REVi for the turbo?

WOO HOO! As MadDog says...I got my RB REVi Intake and Cold Air Duct last night. I've installed it, but have not finished re-installing the bumper so haven't tested in install yet.

Fairly easy install...more on that later.

Yeah, I'll have to loose the REVi once the turbo goes in. I -hate- the way the intake for the turbo looks so I plan on chopping the stock intake to make it work for the turbo.

I got the WB02 sensor bung installed at Speed Lab the other day. Now I plan on running an LC-1 WB02 to the profec e-01. It'll log the AFR, boost and RPM for up to 3 hours! And I can also use it instead of a laptop to program the e-manage. Plus, its got a nifty little 4x3 LCD screen with indiglo backlighting.

I can't wait to get started! but there's a family camping trip this weekend!! ARRGH!!

-MD

Well the good news is that you won't see the turbo intake unless you open the hood.

The profec sounds like a wonderful device, I wish they had something small that could do what the CANScan does without the need for the laptop. The interior of this car is just too small to be using a laptop.

The RB intake/RAM installed very nicely. Good instructions and it didn't take long to do. Actually I was surprised and very pleased at how easy the front bumper comes off and re-installs. I had not done that before. It is almost as easy as the Chrysler's bumper. Today was the first day driving the 8 with the new intake. The noise level isn't bad and the quality of the sound is most acceptable. It isn't really bad unless you are WOT. It is much different then what yours did. This one comes on strong at 3000 and increases slightly as you approach 5-6K and then is fairly steady to redline. It is the lower freq intake noise. I was a little concerned with the interface of the RAM and the filter box - I thought it might whistle, but so far it has not.

I did record some sensors driving to and from work today. Instead of a 30 degree increase in intake temp (in the PM) from outside air, it is now only about a 15 degree increase - as long as you are moving. I haven't studied airflow, or CAT Temp to see if there is any change, and frankly I don't expect to see any. Intake Temp was the one I was most interested in.

First look at MPG doesn't say much....miles to gauge position is about the same as before for what I've driven to date; but I have been doing a lot of WOT sound level testing.

Sorry to hear you won't be able to install the turbo this weekend. You plan on doing it at the house? Call if you want/need any help.

Fred

Yeah, I'll have to loose the REVi once the turbo goes in. I -hate- the way the intake for the turbo looks so I plan on chopping the stock intake to make it work for the turbo.

I got the WB02 sensor bung installed at Speed Lab the other day. Now I plan on running an LC-1 WB02 to the profec e-01. It'll log the AFR, boost and RPM for up to 3 hours! And I can also use it instead of a laptop to program the e-manage. Plus, its got a nifty little 4x3 LCD screen with indiglo backlighting.

I can't wait to get started! but there's a family camping trip this weekend!! ARRGH!!

-MD
congrats on the turbo. Maybe you'll be the 1st rx8 in town to give the rx7's a run for there money :p I cant wait to see the set-up keep us updated.

Haha! I know there is one RX-7 that would still blow all my 4 doors ;) off! I went down to Dyno Edge the other day to do a baseline. They had a 3rd gen there making 600HP!! :eek: :eek: :eek: unreal...

Anyhow, all my stuff is waiting in the garage for me... Every night I go in and just look longingly at the kit...

I'll definitely brng it by to show you guys. Actually, I might need to buy some time on the lift. I think I can do it on jack stands, but a lift sure would be nice! I hope to start installing the intercooler on Sunday. From there, the hardest part will be droping the engine mount to get at the manifold. You might be getting a call from me!!

:p


congrats on the turbo. Maybe you'll be the 1st rx8 in town to give the rx7's a run for there money :p I cant wait to see the set-up keep us updated.

Haha! I know there is one RX-7 that would still blow all my 4 doors ;) off! I went down to Dyno Edge the other day to do a baseline. They had a 3rd gen there making 600HP!! :eek: :eek: :eek: unreal...

Anyhow, all my stuff is waiting in the garage for me... Every night I go in and just look longingly at the kit...

I'll definitely brng it by to show you guys. Actually, I might need to buy some time on the lift. I think I can do it on jack stands, but a lift sure would be nice! I hope to start installing the intercooler on Sunday. From there, the hardest part will be droping the engine mount to get at the manifold. You might be getting a call from me!!

:p
was the 3rd gen at dyno edge yellow? If so thats the one w/ the ls1 in it. Good luck I hope everything goes smoothly

whats the news whats the news!!! Any updates on the car maddog?

there is a track day scheduled at the Sandia raceway west of ABQ on 27 August. I'm thinking about going....anyone else interested in going?

whats the news whats the news!!! Any updates on the car maddog?

Okay, here's the latest.

I spent a good portion of the day last Saturday (camping got rained-out) trying to extract the plug from my bung (sounds kinky!). It had seized in the bung and I totally stripped it out. Even an easy-out didn't work! I had to cut it off and weld in a new bung. I finally got the WB02 working.

So, as it stands now, I have the Profec e-01, WB02 (innovate LC-1), and the emanage installed. Its really a cool set-up. The WB02 runs to the e-01 so I can track all the info on one little slick package. The emanage is running the turbo maps right now, but since the turbine isn't installed yet, its not doing anything since its not detecting boost. I can trace the emanage as it tracks the RPM and vacuum, though. It seems to be working okay. I wanted to spend a week getting th bugs worked-out and making sure I really understood the fuel management before putting the turbine in.

I am planning on starting the turbine install tomorrow!! :D That is, if I get the turbine housing back from the shop today. I wanted the wastegate ported a little bit. At the very least, I'll install the intercooler and cold plugs tomorrow and get the housing back by the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

sounds awesome. your adventure with the stripped bolt sounds like mine 2 weekends ago. I was replacing a thermostat.. bolts were stripped by previous owners. he had a 8g coarse thread in with 2 other diff size bolts (not coarse threads on a rx7) so im trying to thread them back in hoping i dont have to tap and die the wholes but as im bolting one in the head of the bolt breaks off .. the easy out didnt get it out. ended up buying a whole new water pump housing from tom at rotaryrx. w00 what a mission. I hope you get things done soon sounds like it should be pretty fun.

I have a two part post. First off, I am going to be in New Mexico from this Thursday to sometime the next week to get my 8 registered. I wanted to see if anyone has any meets or anything setup this weekend (Labor Day Weekend). I would love to meet some of the 8 owners south of me.

Also, to any Shinka owners in New Mexico. Do you have personalized plates? if so what do you have? I want to save time by not requesting duplicate names.

Thanks everyone, hope to see some of you soon.

I went ahead and registered the car in Colorado since it was going to cost 1200 to do so in NM. $573 sounded a lot better. I'll be down there in my Buick Riviera now...lmao

anyone live in Los Alamos, i go there often to visit my nuclear scientist uncle also those two word combos in this sentence "Los Alamos"&"nuclear scientist" will b flagged by the NSA, so everybody wave to the spooks :D

Turbo update:

I have all the stock stuff off, and the turbo is going on first thing in the morning! After weeks of sitting on my shop table, that sucker is finally going in! I'll post more details tomorrow!

Prepare to eat rotary fumes, non-boosted 8's! :p (and you 7's lurking, too!) :D

-MD

Hey folks,

I'll be moving to NM (Los Alamos/Santa Fe area) from VA later this fall, and I have a few random questions about car-related stuff.

About how much is vehicle registration/plates in NM (per year)?
Do the individual cities/counties have their own personal property (car) tax? Is a decal required?
Is there a state inspection? How often? What's the cost?
What about emissions inspection?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

For the RX8 the tag registration is $62.

No city/country personal propery tax. Decal? no

Sales tax (called gross receipt tax in NM) for what it is worth and unrelated to this discussion does differ from county to county and city to city.

There is no state inspection.

Only Bernalillo county (Albuquerque) has an emissions test requirement if you live in the county.

MadDog, here in Albuquerque, is from your part of the country and there are several 8's in the Las Alamos/Santa Fe area.

Welcome to NM...if you have any other questions just post them here and we will do our best to answer them.

For the RX8 the tag registration is $62.

I assume by your answer it varies based on the vehicle -- is it weight-related?
VA registration is $34-39 per year, depending on vehicle weight ($34 under 4000 lbs., $39 over). Cheaper than NM, but then we have city/county personal property tax (which can be several hundred $), state inspection ($15/yr), and city/county decals (in most jurisdictions $20-25) which more than makes up the difference.


Welcome to NM...if you have any other questions just post them here and we will do our best to answer them.

Thanks -- we're moving probably in mid to late October (have to find a house, etc.)