Okay....I know you guys are out there but I have yet to see another RX in the Valley of the Sun besides mine!!! Beginning to feel a little like I'm in the twilight zone here.

Just looking for other owners in the area

J

Yeah, come on Phoneix RX-8 owners! Voice up! If theres enough of you, the there is a chance that one of you will be willing to take me for a ride in your 8 when I'm down there the week of Christmas! Of course, the offer stands for any Sacramento area 8 oweners as well!

I live in central Phoenix and have only seen a red one at Costco parking lot.

I have yet to see one on the road besides mine. I live in the Northwest part of the city and seems like most of the 8’s in AZ are on the east side of town.

I'm here in Tempe, stop by the shop some time or give me a call and we'll all hook up and hit the streets. 1-866-448-4843x229

Out here in East Mesa. Have seen only a few 8's on the way to the Scottsdale airpark. Only drive mine 2 days a week, to keep down the miles. How do you like yours? My toughest choice was the color. I got the winning blue. I thought there would be a ton of red ones and wanting to be different.

I look for any excuse to drive mine.....and I mean any excuse.....I was torn between Tit. Grey and Black...went with black. MAn I love this car.

I have only seen one RX8 on the road in the Phoenix area. Oddly enough, it happened while I was test driving a red 6-speed.

I have seen a few and spoken to a few folks. It is interesting that so may of us chose black for an AZ car. What a PITA to keep clean but it looks incredible after it has been washed.

Anyone started tinkering with mods on their car yet?

Also, I think there are 2 or 3 people signed up with the RCCAZ now that have 8's.

I heard that the difference in a black car is only around six degrees. And yeah....it just looks so good.

I am still stock but have a vast list of things that will probably be happening. The first thing that is *hopefully* going to be finished soon is a custom exhaust. After that I'm thinking K&N intake (go see the one down at vivid racing, WOW).

I am hoping to go out to the next RCCAZ get together but I havent heard anything yet as to when it is. Do they have a website btw?

Hmmm......looks like were kinda thin on forum members from Phoenix AZ.....

I would agree. I say we get to gether and take a treck out to Tortilla Flat. I hit that rout at least every other Sunday. I usually take the road till it turns to dirt and bust a U. Lets get together and go.

Vivid.

sounds like a great idea! Just a couple sundays ago I got bored and drove to Globe just for the drive....I posted pics on this thread.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18722

Besides then I can check out your new brakes.

Guys,

We've had a club for rotary vehicle owners for more than 3 years now in the Phoenix area. Check out www.rccaz.com
As always, everyone with a passion for rotary power is welcomed to be a member. In other words, enthusiasm is most important. If you're looking for or working on a project car you can still partake. We're especially interested in welcoming our newest members of the rotary community (RX-8s). PM me and I can send you more details on membership. We have about 35 members of which about 16 are Gen 3 owners, 12 Gen 2 owners, 2 or 3 Gen 1 owners, a rotary pickup, and 2 recent RX-8 additions.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone!!

Tim

Hi Tim!

I am up for a raod trip as well if I can make it! I travel a lot.

I am a member of the RCCAZ as well, you guys should join they have some great events. It is also very inexpensive, and a great way to set up group buys and get info.

As far as the road trip it would be really cool to see the 7's and the 8's together on the road in AZ. I have only seen that in CA at sevenstock.

I posted a couple of pics of my 8 on this thread:
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9915

Richard

Wow...another black 8 in the valley!!! Where and when did you purchase it Sunstroke...and yes I'd love to go for a drive. I usually go driving every other sunday or so. Check out this thread to see some of my trips...http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18722

Alright guys,

I'm planning an RCCAZ drive for Sunday, Feb 29th to Tortilla Flats and back. Meeting place will be determined, but will meet somewhere in the Central Phoenix or Mesa area. Drive out and back and wind up the event with lunch at a local resturaunt. Sound OK?

Richard (Sun stroke) is already an RCCAZ member, so he'll get my email. Vivid.... I'll add you to our list. Sanguine... please PM me your direct email address and I'll keep you in the loop. Details to come out in a day or two via email, then I'll post back to this thread. Please share your thoughts. Richard... hope you'll be in town and can join us. Vivid (Huffster).... can't wait to see that sweet ride again!!!

Tim

Oops.... Urchin, 56kb and RX GR8T, sorry for messing up on the mention guys. You are definitely welcomed to attend as well. Please PM me your emails to join in the fun and let me know if you know of any other RX owners who might be interested!

Tim

Sanguine_Dark, great pics!

I bought my 8 at Showcase in July after waiting 6 long months on the pre-order list.

I still look forward to driving it everyday!


Tim, I think I can go on Sunday so I will watch for the info.

Sunstroke....

I'm trying to figure out how many black 8's are out in the valley. I have been watching the inventories of the dealers since summer and I've only seen a few trickle through. When I bought mine in november there were only 2 black ones in dealerships in the whole valley and 2 on the way in mid december. Aparently those of us who bought up the black ones seem to frequent the forum a lot as there are three of use from the valley on here who drive black.

The first car sold in the valley was black according to Showcase who recieved the first. Mine came in a few days later. They had a depsoit for over a year I was told. I also ran into another one in Chandler at a Circle K. Some one had already run into it in a parking lot and dammaged the fender, painful to see!

I have seen one other black 8 on the freeway. I have seen 2 silver, 2 titanium, 1 red, 1 green, and a yellow one. That is not counting the cars Vivid and Yaw Power have.

It is still pretty cool that they are rare enought that you can remember pretty much eveyone you see. I see dozens of Z's everyday so they don't stand out as much anymore. I know the 8 will eventually be the same but for now prople still stop and stare to see what it is.

So far I've seen 2 yellows, 1 titanium and of course Vivid's monster...but that is all....What freeways do you frequently drive?

Hey, Sanquine- I think I saw you last saturday. You commented about the brakes. So lets get it together and do a group drive. We've been using our new camera system, so we can get some good footage.

Hey, let me know what's going on. I just picked up my 8 Monday so I'm ready to ride.

Vivid,

That was me on saturday. I'm planning on going out to Tortilla flats on sunday the 29th with the guys from RCCAZ like Tim mentioned above. Hopefully everyone can make it. I stopped into the shop a few months ago to look at your mods and listen to your exhaust.

Slick,

Congrats!! What did you get (color etc). Hope to see you on the road (maybe on sunday the 29th?)

If not, I go driving about every other sunday.

S_D

Green, Touring Package 6spd.

Yeah if you want to go riding let me know. Send me a PM or something and we can get together.

Sanguine - I usually drive on the 101, I-10, and the 202.

Since we have what is probably the worste commute in the valley coming in on the 101 there is plenty of time to check out the vehicles around you!

Sunstroke....

You may have seen my wife driving as she is on the 101 about 4 or 5 times a week. Agreed that we definately have the worst commute....sheesh

My wife and I would love to join the drive on the 29th. Will PM Tim for the details. Thanks

OK guys,

This is shaping up to be a great drive on the 29th. So far I have commitments from several RCCAZ members plus at least two black RX-8s and one red 8. Urchin... not sure what color your ride is, but let's see if we can't get a Blue, Yellow and Sunlight Silver participant. I think Vivid will have the Gunmetal covered. Let me know via PM if you want to go by providing me with your normal name and email address.

Looking forward to a great drive!!

Tim

Sorry, mine is another black one. Tim, hope you got my PM.

No need to apologize. Black is awesome!! Just trying to get a feel for everyone involved with this thread. My ride is a yellow '93 R1. Looking forward to meeting you and everyone else on the 29th!

Wow....going to be three black RX8's at the same drive...kinda cool actually....

I purchased a velocity red 8, 6MT, SP, AP, Spoiler at the beginning of December. Had a chance to run with the RCCAZ folks over the Christmas break and look forward to the Drive on the 29th. Sounds like a great time. First chance to meet other 8 drivers, I'm located in the South Chandler area but drive up to the airport most days for work.

We'll see you all here on Sunday. I just hope we don't do Mexican for lunch. I have a sissy stomach.

I guess that rules out Seranno's....darn. See you sunday.

What type radar detectors do the cops use in the PHX area? Anyone use laser?

Good question...I'm not really sure honestly.

For those of you who didn't get my email this afternoon (Thursday), here are the latest details. Hope everyone can make it. Looking forward to meeting more rotary enthusiasts!!!
********************

Hey everyone,
Sorry for being silent this week on our planned drive this coming Sunday, February 29th (Leap Day) to Tortilla Flats! I just finished up a huge proposal effort here at work that has totally consumed my time. However, it officially shipped today, so it's time to take the FD for a spin! Hope you can make it out for February "To the Flats and Back" drive. We'll be meeting around 11 a.m. at Vivid Racing 1745 S Holbrook Ln Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 966-3040. Following our drive to the 'Flats' we'll be wrapping up the event around 2 p.m. at Nello's Pizza, 2950 S Alma School Rd MESA, AZ 85210-4035. In addition to great sights, we'll also be welcoming a few new RX-8 owners to join us for the event. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Tim

P.S.: I will probably be out of the office tomorrow. If you need to reach me between now and Sunday PM me or send email to teull@cox.net

Thanx Tim!! I'll see you there.

Looks like I'll miss the drive, but wanted to post here since I just bought my RX8 1-1/2 weeks ago. Mine's sunlight silver with a spoiler. I live in Mesa - not too many RX8s around me since most of my neighbors are older than God.

Of course, the only other RX8 I've seen on the road so far was the exact same! As it roared past me on the 101 this past Thursday! :)

Just picked up my Silver 6 speed on friday night.

It goes along w/ my 93 FD in the garage. :)

I'll be there Sunday!

RXAnna & AZ_Lynx,

Welcome and Congratulations on your new cars!! RXAnna, too bad you cant make sunday. Maybe see you on another sunday drive. AZ Lynx. See you iSunday.

All I can say is WOW....

Thanks to everyone who made it out yesterday for our "To the Flats and Back" drive. For those of you who made it I think you'll agree that it was a great time. The weather was perfect and the drive is flat out one of the best in the Phoenix area. We had at least one of every RX-7 generation in attendance along with 7 RX-8s. Huff and the guys from Vividracing provided the launch point and door prizes at the end of the event, not to mention a very nice Evolution VII and a highly modded WRX that joined in the fun. It was impressive looking in my rear-view mirror on the highway and seeing a line of cars more than 100 yards long. Impressive... and a great way to spend a perfect Sunday afternoon in Arizona. I'll post pics in the next day or so and will copy everyone on the link!

Can't wait to do it again!!!

Tim & RCCAZ,

The drive on sunday was a blast! Thanx for getting it together so we could all have some serious fun. Unfortunately my camera died so no pictures but I can't wait to see the pics you guys took. I can't wait till the next drive.

Jesse

When is the next meet I'd love to show up and hang with you guys.

Are people still meeting at Scottsdale Pavillion?

Next time I'm going to go for a drive I'll post it here...as I'm sure the RCCAZ guys will too.

BTW...anyone who went on the sunday 'tortilla flats run' post your pictures!!!

I live in North Central Phoenix and work downtown. I see two other RX8s regularly - a red one near Dunlap and 7th Ave and a silver near Glendale or Bethany Home and 7th St.

Everyone,

Thanks again for making last Sunday a very memorable day. The weather was spectacular and the drive was incredible. Thanks again to everyone from Vivid Racing for providing a starting point and door prizes. I've posted a few pics at the following link with more shots to come early next week.

http://www.rccaz.com/gallery/

Thanks to those who provided me with pics from the event. If you still have shots and have not forwarded them to me, please do so and I'll get them posted early next week! Thanks again. Looking forward to our next drive sometime in March!

Tim

Everyone,

Here's some final pics. Thanks again to everyone for contributing photos to the cause. Once again, here are the links to all the photos.

http://www.rccaz.com/gallery/

Looking forward to our next drive sometime in March!

Tim

Looking at the pictures makes it hard to wait for the next drive. Hope we can get a blue and a green next time.

Tim -

Those pics are awesome. I can't wait to get together with you guys again!!

Let me know when the next one is. You'll have your green.

Hey Slick,

Great to hear from you. If you would, please PM me your personal email address and I'll make sure to keep you in the loop. Can't wait to see the green in person. Any Winning Blue RX-8s in the Phoenix area who want to join in the fun??

So when are we going to get together for another drive eh?

I'm ready for a drive as well... haven't put the 8 through the grinder yet.

Hi Everyone. I'm new here. I would *love* to participate in a drive; is there anything coming up this weekend in central AZ? I've checked out the pictures from RCCAZ on a Tortilla Flats drive here in AZ and would love to be a part of something like that :cool:

I ran into an RX8 owner (black RX8 with spoiler and personalized plate) at the Danny's Carwash today and he turned me onto your site here. Slick, you around? Thanks for the recommendation Man! What a cool group here. I'm 12 days into my new RX8 and I am on cloud 9!~ Looking forward to learning from the rest of you veterans.

RCCAZ (Tim) had sent this e-mail to club members

* * * * *

Everyone,

Just a quick note to inform you that we're planning our North Country cruise
for this coming Sunday, April 4th (weather permitting). Plans are to gather
at Chili's resturaunt across from Arrowhead Mall on Bell road (just West of
Bell and the Loop 101) and depart around 10 a.m. From there we'll head
North on Bell to Grand and will catch 89A up Yarnell hill into Prescott.
Depending on our arrival time in Prescott we'll either stop there for lunch
or head North over Mingus mountain into Jerome and onto Sedona.

Let me know if you can attend or if you plan on attending so I can get an
idea on how many to expect. If the forecast calls for rain, the fallback
date will be the Sunday after Easter (April 18th).

Let me know if you wanna GO!

* * * * *

Not sure why it has not been posted here yet, hope it was not a secret.

Hi Urchin. I'd like to join along on the Sunday drive for this weekend. How do I officially enter my name? Judging by the way this car is guzzling gas, I sure hope we get plenty of station stops. I'm so excited and thank you for posting about the drive! :D

Originally posted by poolsidenaz
Hi Everyone. I'm new here. I would *love* to participate in a drive; is there anything coming up this weekend in central AZ? I've checked out the pictures from RCCAZ on a Tortilla Flats drive here in AZ and would love to be a part of something like that :cool:

I ran into an RX8 owner (black RX8 with spoiler and personalized plate) at the Danny's Carwash today and he turned me onto your site here. Slick, you around? Thanks for the recommendation Man! What a cool group here. I'm 12 days into my new RX8 and I am on cloud 9!~ Looking forward to learning from the rest of you veterans.


Hey poolsidenaz it's me Slick and the jokes on you my car is actually green. I'm tentative on taking a ride this weekend but, I would say it 40% yes 60% no at this time.

Just wanted to say Hi! I'm a PHX RX-8 owner since Oct 31, 2003 and will be a member of RCCAZ by Sundays drive to Prescott.

Originally posted by Slick_Advanced
Hey poolsidenaz it's me Slick and the jokes on you my car is actually green. I'm tentative on taking a ride this weekend but, I would say it 40% yes 60% no at this time.

Hey ya Slick. Well I'll be...your car was green when I saw it yesterday? Not black? I guess you really did need that car wash 'eh? :D Or else I'm color blind and can't tell the difference :p

I'm definitely in for the Sunday drive; hopefully things work out and you can make it too.

When no light hits the car it looks black (as you saw it under the roof) but, when the light hits it you see the green.

Hey everyone,

Great to see that this thread is still alive and well. Thanks to Urchin for posting this info, and yes, all rotary owners are welcome to attend this Sunday. As the message says, if the forecast calls for RAIN well reschedule for Sunday, April 18th. Looking foward to seeing as many 7s and 8s as possible! PM me if you have any other questions regarding RCCAZ or you can always reach me at teull@cox.net. Hey, if we get enough 8s to attend we can possible rent a Mobil Tanker and have it follow our caravan J/K:D I should talk. Gen 3s drink it when you get in the boost, and we all know how hard it is to keep your foot out of these cars!!

Tim

RCCAZ e-mail to members:

* * * *

Everyone,

We're still ON for Sunday's drive to the Arizona North Country. The
forecast for Sunday calls for a slight chance of ISOLATED thunderstorms, so
we're going to do the drive. Unless you wake up Sunday morning and it's a
total washout, plan to meet at Chili's. My earlier directions said "West"
of the 101 North and Bell Road, however I realized that Chili's is EAST of
the off ramp about a half mile on the SOUTH side of the street. Departure
time is 10 a.m. Come gassed up and ready to roll!

Looking forward to seeing you there!!!

* * * *

Urchin,

Thanx for the update!!

S_D

Was that anyone here? Looks gorgeous; I am definitely adding the RA to mine. I wasn't sure initially, but now that I've had it a couple weeks I've decided I'm ready. I really that it would add to the front view and tie everything together with the head rests & hood. :cool:

Organized by RCCAZ was great. Met some new people, the club picked up a couple of new members and the drive was pure fun. Already anticipating the next one.

Originally posted by Urchin
Organized by RCCAZ was great. Met some new people, the club picked up a couple of new members and the drive was pure fun. Already anticipating the next one.

Urchin it was a pleasure to meet you and your wife. It was so fun to meet a few folks from here and I echo what you said: I can't wait for the next drive. WOW what an experience!

The drive sunday was a blast!! I can't wait to see the pictures. I'll be posting some info for my next 'informal' drive on here soon. Also I was considering an RX-8 photoshoot / lunch kinda thing. I think it would be neat if we could get a whole bunch of 8's together and take pics etc. Thoughts?

S_D

Thanks to everone who made it out yesterday. Other than a few showers, the drive was incredible, the views were awesome, and the twisties were downright white knuckling. Found myself several times thinking "Oh crap... sure hope the ABS is working." Seriously though, thanks to all who made it and look forward to our next outing (probably in late April or early May).

Yesterday's Gen 3 driver Quote of the day... "Hey... what's that stuck to my a$$. Oh... crap, it's an RX-8."

Until next time, keep it on the asphalt!:D :D

Tim

P.S. If you have pics from yesterday, please email them to me at teull@cox.net and I'll get them posted to RCCAZ.com

Thanks Tim - Thanks Everyone for getting their pics in so fast. I think I've finally settled down since our Sunday ride but I'm itchin to do another one soon.

Sanguine didn't you post a couple days back about a lunch and some cool photos? I'm in for that; no doubt. We can even hit your side of town for the next gathering :D

Hi, I bought a Winning Blue, TP, 6-speed in January. Just found out about this site from another RX-8 Web member. Thanks Sanguine_Dark

After buying, added front and rear RA's, MP3 to the CD player (to me much better than a non-MP3 changer), trunk mat and cargo tray. Love this baby. Started driving with a Fiat X1/9, then a TR-7, and finally this - WOW!

Blue-J

Welcome, and thanks to Sanguine_Dark for leading you to the Forum. I'll email you more information tomorrow about RCCAZ. Welcome and enjoy!!!

That's Right....Sanguine_Dark....Hard hitting recruiter for the RCCAZ / RX8club forum.....RESPECT!!! :D j/k

Blue-j welcome and and we'll do an informal drive in the next two weeks if the RCCAZ don't have anything until may. (Cause I know you have to be dying to drive your new baby!!)

Thanks RCCAZ 1 and Sanguine_Dark.

Actually the new baby is now almost three months old, and in its first two weeks, I high-tailed it from PHX to Palm Springs and back. Now has 2,800 miles on it between that trip and the commutes. But if that doesn't seem a lot it is because the RX shares the garage with my older 2-wheel buddy, a 105 HP, sit up straight, ABS-equipped, two wheeler of 1,200 cc's. The twisties in the RX are a blast, but on the bike -whoo hoo! The run to Jerome is blissful over-this-way-over-that-way at speeds the RX could not compare.

Don't get me wrong, the RX is a wonderful very capable car, but it is a car, after all. But I have been a motorcyclist for many years, and no car has compared as even, yet.

Nice to meet ya Blue-J and welcome! Nice work Sanguine ;) Sounds like you two should it it off well being motorcycle fans and all.

I know there's a place around this site to print up 'invitations' to introduce fellow 8 owners to RX8Club.com. I'm gonna search those out and keep a couple in my own car. Yeeee-Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw!

How much longer til the next gathering??

How about Sunday after next...(not easter but the 18th?)

Maybe meet up at a semi-central location...meet and greet kinda thing. Then for those that want to go we can take a little cruise out to Tortilla flats or something?

I should be able to join to meet there (Central Phx) but a long ride on that day I can't commit to yet. At X0,000 miles on the Suzuk it's time to do a chain and sprockets exchange and another Bandito (fellow Suzuki Bandit owner) he is going to show me how do this, saving about $200 to $300 in labor costs. Plus I am going to learn how to wrench off the wheels, so tire changes at the local tire shop will be 1/2 price. It may happen Saturday or Sunday. If it's Saturday, I can go Sunday.

I am also thinking about buying an RX-8 service manual. Where's the best place to get it, and the lowest price it is available at?

Hey Blue-J,

As far as the service manual goes, I'd wait until the factory Mazda Service Manual becomes available. As far as I know it's not out yet, but I may be wrong. Others like Hanes, Chiltons, etc. are often inaccurate. Just my 02!

Tim

P.S/

Oops... looks like there are a couple of threads out here on this topic. Use the search tool and search on "service manual."

I'd be in for a gathering Sunday after Easter ^..^

We need top take some cool pics! Sanguine I ran across your pics that you'd taken sometime prior out by Superstition - whoah gorgeous!

What would you guys think of meeting at the Denny's off the 101 East and indian bend? (is that the pavilions?) in scottsdale? then we could hang out...get some pictures and anyone who's up for can go out for a drive?

- Poolside, Thanx!! I loved those pictures too!

I got the manual for $90 from Trussville (check the vendors forum if you don't know who that is). Excellent service. Rosenthal has them, too. Your dealer can order it for more $.

Haven't dealt with Trussville, but don't forget... RCCAZ members get a discount through Mazdaformance (www.mazdaformance.com).

They are Jeff Haas Mazda in Texas. The same dealership provides a chase van that supports our group Caravan out to Sevenstock each of the past two years. Like Trussville, great prices and excellent customer service!

Just remember to ask for Shawn or Brian and tell them that you're with RCCAZ. If they quote a higher price than Trussville, just mention the price and I'm sure that they'll beat them.

Hey Tim...are there benefits to being an RCCAZ member I should be aware of? :cool:

Yes, I'll send out a detailed email to you RCCAZ "newbies" in the near future, but basically here's the breakdown:

Mazdaformance.com (Jeff Haas in Texas) - 10 to 20 percent off Mazda list price based on product and markup.

Vividracing.com - 10 percent off "nonsale" items. Ask for Huff and mention that you're an RCCAZ member.

Berge Mazda/Volkswagen (Mesa) - 20 percent off Mazda list price on parts, 10 percent off on any service charge. Make sure to mention that you're an RCCAZ member.

Earnhardts Mazda/Ford in Ahwatukee - 10 percent off on parts and service. Ask for Marlin and tell him you're an RCCAZ member.

Gothamracing.com (Texas) - 10 percent off of "non sale" items. Again, mention that you're with RCCAZ in Arizona to get the discount.

RX-7Store/RX-8 Store.com - Tell Jason you're with RCCAZ and receive a 10 percent discount off "non sale" items.

That's about it for now, however many members have mentioned that they received comparable discounts with other dealerships in the Valley (such as "Bell Road Mazda," "Showcase" and others) when mentioning our discounts with competing dealerships. I just haven't had a chance to get around and visit each and every one of them. If you can negotiate a discount with them, just have them contact me and I'll work to add them to our list!!:D :D

Tim (RCCAZ),

Thanx for the great info.

Just a little tidbit for those who are interested. I found out that Berge mazda is also going to be a Mazdaspeed dealer!! Woohoo.

Also, I've been cluing in various sales staff at the dealerships I've been to about rx8club.com and the RCCAZ so they can direct all their new RX8 customers in that direction. I figure it's a good way to get people together on the forum or in the club.