well im giving this a try because it was cheaper then the tein dampers, ill post pics and other info when i get them,


SOKIE TECH GAS HOOD DAMPER KIT. Sokie Tech has over 20 years experience with pneumatic and hydraulic pressure technology. This highly durable hood damper kit enables you to open the hood without the hood rod

Curious... how many pounds are each strut rated for?

hmm it didnt say but anything will hold our hood up and everyone gave them a good review...
this is a test so i can let you guys know if they are worth it http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290332853406

Thats fine, just curious because I replace struts at work and depending on the pounds, could probably use the old ones on my car instead of throwing them out.
Most struts (at least the ones I work with) say the rating right on them.

Thanks for taking the plunge.

trust me i would get the tein ones any day but if i can spend alot less to do the same job in this time and day, why not

trust me i would get the tein ones any day but if i can spend alot less to do the same job in this time and day, why not


True dat.

^+1 good job taking one for the team let us know how it went

I saw their Carbon Fiber one on eBay for a while already but I'm not sure how would it fits.
Looks interesting.

Good luck and let us know the result.

Be sure that when you let up your hood, be sure too hold it on the corners/sides and do NOT just let go after it's popped, especially if you get a carbon fiber hood!

^ +1

Also be sure to not close your hood by pushing down from the very front of it on a hot day. Your hood will warp if you do because the gas struts are not easy to compress. Close it using two hands, one on the very front and the other on the middle of the hood.

well lets hope they are weaker then the tein ones so i dont have to push down or open any special way

Did they tell you how long it is going to take to ship? I am looking forward to your review.

This is the date that was shipped.Wed 8/19/2009 3:55 AM. its coming from Taiwan so give it time. ill be doing a video.

USPS came Today. I already installed them, They seem like a good build so here is some photos you guys can look at, Ill make a video when i can. not bad for $60

http://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll336/michaeferguson/P1020454.jpg
http://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll336/michaeferguson/P1020455.jpg
http://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll336/michaeferguson/P1020456.jpg
http://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll336/michaeferguson/P1020457.jpg
http://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll336/michaeferguson/P1020458.jpg
http://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll336/michaeferguson/P1020461.jpg
http://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll336/michaeferguson/P1020462.jpghttp://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll336/michaeferguson/P1020462.jpg
http://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll336/michaeferguson/P1020464.jpg

Sweet, so how do they operate?

perfect! i looked at the Tein ones a few days ago and i didn't think the green would look that well under the hood. its a little scary how strong the dampers are you really have to be easy when you try to close the hood. but when you open it, it works nice and slow by its self. it gives it the cleaner look, no gaps

Pics with the hood closed please! I'd like to see if they add any gap.

With the Tein's there is gap with the stock hood. You wouldn't know unless you bought them, it's written on the instructions that there will be a gap with RX-8's. The top mounting hardware goes between the hood and the arm. Thats why. I a little less than 1/4 inch, I might try to mount it like you did to see if they still work.

yeah i didnt get a gap with mine, ill take some pics when i can

These wouldn't create any gaps like the tein's by the way they are mounted because it isn't mounted between the hood and the hinge.

so really this is a good setup. good thing i didn't go with tein

THink I'm going to have to give these a try

the only mod that you have to do is cut a seal off where the damper lays down when the hood in down, that's all, its a little spot that your not going to care to much

i got the same ones. bought them a year back and they still work like new. well worth the money

Is it hard trying to work on your engine bay with these in your way? or does it still give pretty easy clearance when leaning over the fender?

No drilling needed?

Is it hard trying to work on your engine bay with these in your way? or does it still give pretty easy clearance when leaning over the fender?

plenty of clearance.. I do most of my own work and had no problems with clearance

No drilling needed?

No drilling..

Is there another source to buy these?

no love for ebay? HAHA.. you can always try googling

That ebay link expired...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-04-05-06-07-Mazda-RX8-Gas-Hood-Shock-Damper-Lift-Set_W0QQitemZ290340695243QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4399a76ccb&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14

Little over 4 days, should be enough time ;)

yeah thats the only place, but he ships same day

I just bought my set from Ebay, I am getting a new hood in a week or so courtesy of a gravel truck :( and will post my results as well.

Thanks - nabbed up a pair :)

I just bought my set from Ebay, I am getting a new hood in a week or so courtesy of a gravel truck :( and will post my results as well.

Please do :)

I'll get some as well when there's enough positive feedback :)

the only thing i would suggest is when you try to close it, just go slow at first

the only mod that you have to do is cut a seal off where the damper lays down when the hood in down, that's all, its a little spot that your not going to care to much


Yep - I just test fit mine to check it out. Did you just cut the soft rubber seal only?

both, but dont cut to much, its just on the grove spot of the plastic part that you have to trim off

I might just cut the hard plastic only. The softer rubber seal should just bend down out of the way.

i had a hard time putting the dampers in my self but i got it lol, lets see the photos of install please

I will post up pics when possible. I followed your advice and dropped the hood slow to see where the damper hit the plastic. Looks like an easy mod. I like the fact that these open the hood all the way, higher than the front brace did.

lol i bet when the first time you tried to close it from all the way up your thinking it was bending the hood right? when you open it. its nice and slow, if i was you i would not let anyone close your hood, so if you ever have to go to the dealer take them off maybe

^ Special instructions for closing the hood now? :dunno:

Dude my friend gave me the same ones like over 2 years ago and I have yet to install them. I need to dig them out and slap them bitches on. That looks killer! :smoker:

just close the hood slow thats all

Will this work good with a carbon fiber hood?

Can anyone post a picture of the cut off rubber seal? Thanks.

just installed those and i get hood gap, can someone help me? where do you actually cut the hard plastic? on top? on bottom? i trimmed the rubber but it seems its not enough. the rubber clip is right where the damper sits so i guess ill trim the bottom...help!

edit : after trimming the corner of the plastic right next to the clip of the rubber gasket, it's almost perfect, almost no hood gaps

I just tried putting this on my carbon fiber hood and I took them off. Was afraid of tearing up my carbon fiber hood. Just as an FYI to people, I really wouldn't recommend putting dampers on a CF hood.