sup all, just testing.
hey, does anyone know if the renesis has turbo or supercharger options.. ?? or how many horses it can pump out when fully souped.. :confused: i've been lookin, but no luck

Another thing. i dont see too many bodykit options either, but i'm guessing they'll come later

It is too early still. Their will be plenty, hopefully no stillen style kits please. They might be developing on a prototype now but come on, give them a little time. As far as how much HP, it depends on if it is a daily driver or a track car. If abel ibarra makes 800 whp with his 1.3l It should be very doable with the right amount of $$. Expect about 300 BHP(flywheel) with intake, header, exhaust, ecu. I will be doing those and have a 60-75 shot of nos to take care of pesky v8's. I have a shop that is going to prototype the MS kit when they get a chance.

Kyle Lancaster--Double Agent Salesman

looking for aftermarket performance enhancing goods for auto tranny.

not that the auto is bad but ugh...... If you want to feel connected to the car, get the manual. City driving doesnt suk in a manual, you just need to get used to the motions. Moral of the story, autos are for grannies....hahaha j/k.

back to the subject.....you should be able to do anything (except anything like clutch, flywheel work) to the auto you can to the manual. Exhaust, intake, body kits, guages. Keep in mind that things like engine management or ecu piggybacks can be made for the auto as well, but the demand is always sooo pour for automatic parts such as this that they may not be made.

When ya pick out the car ask yourself what you want out of it. If you want to go mod crazy, then the manual will have many more mods availible. If you just want to be different and bolt on a few aftermarket parts, then manual or auto shouldnt make a difference, except in fun factor.

The problem you run into is no real high RPM's which is what makes a rotary fun. The torque converter can only hold so many RPM's and then it lets go. Just change your order, look at the FD rx7, the autos are worth 2-4k less in the same condition because nobody wants them.

Kyle Lancaster--Double Agent Salesman

campbell makes a nice set...

HKS already has a turbo kit for it and Mazdaspeed is currently making a supercharger for it which may make its way over here as the Mazdaspeed version.

Originally posted by ErnieT
...Mazdaspeed is currently making a supercharger for it which may make its way over here as the Mazdaspeed version. Sez who?

---jps

Originally posted by Sputnik
Sez who?

---jps

I read on Mazdaspeed's website. I'll find it and post it.

Kyle Lancaster shall now be referred to as 'friend of the rotary masses, double-agent extraordinaire, and secret weapon of the Brain's (His Royal Mousiness') plot to take over the world!'

Thanks for the info. Good work, Bond... uh, I mean Lancaster. Good work.

Now, let us all sing 'Secret Agent Man'


:D :D :D :D :D

LOL Kyle

Hey people on the "top" of the world.

As you lot are getting your cars a good 6 weeks before us I'd be "really" interested in hearing your exploits regarding improving things like:
- intake
- exhaust

and any other changes like fiddling the fuel / air map with an aftermarket chip.

We only get 177kw (was supposed to be 184kw) so I'm super keen to be able to get and stay in front of the everyday Australian family cars (GMH Commodore powered by 5.7 chev).

Anyone in Japan "fiddled" their car yet?

Dyno charts obviously an advantage...

hey everyone i'm supposed to be getting my 8 on monday 8/11 and was ondering what kind of performance mods can be made. Keep in mind that mine is an auto. Is there better exaust excetera.

there isn't much yet, as this car is so new.

if you want to know about mods, search through the Tech Section and learn more about your car, and how power is made (if that's the kind of performance you're after).

educate yourself first, then figure out what you want to do.

btw: remember that seldom there is a universally "better" solution, and that comprimise is often the order of the day.

Dave, you're going to get yourself in trouble...

Why?

Originally posted by david borla
Why?

advertising isn't allowed, my friend, unless you ante up. get in contact with member BOOSTD7 or member Jason for further details.

Sorry about that. This is the first of maybe 10 forums that has ever had a problem with my presence. Usually, so long as I don't mention price or a place of purchase it's not considered "advertising". However, I'd be more than happy to advertise with you guys anyway.

I just sent an email to JASON regarding advertising. Sorry if I offended anyone. This site has different rules than most of the others.

Originally posted by david borla
Sorry about that. This is the first of maybe 10 forums that has ever had a problem with my presence. Usually, so long as I don't mention price or a place of purchase it's not considered "advertising". However, I'd be more than happy to advertise with you guys anyway.

:D awesome, thanks a lot Dave. no harm done.

Originally posted by david borla
I just sent an email to JASON regarding advertising. Sorry if I offended anyone. This site has different rules than most of the others.

Thanks Dave,

I tried to send you a pm at first, but you aren't accepting them (hint, hint:)), and I can't send email from work, so I was stuck just removing your posts until I got home just now. We appreciate your understanding.

Originally posted by Elara


Thanks Dave,

I tried to send you a pm at first, but you aren't accepting them (hint, hint:)), and I can't send email from work, so I was stuck just removing your posts until I got home just now. We appreciate your understanding.

I enabled my private messaging. Please let me know about advertising. Thanks.

If you find anywhere in the Kansas City area taht has any mods - please notify me. I am looking to make some mods myself.

hi i am not a current owner of a rx-8
i actually havee a BMW 330ci hooked up...if you would like to see pictures let me know but i have about 10k in the car including performance mods

my car is a lease and when its up i am looking at a few cars
RIGHT NOW my choices are rx-8, m3, and r33 skyline gtr.

i not sure if i want the skyline becausee for a daily driver its not practical

the m3 is not completetly a tuners car

i want to get my car in the 12's in the 1/4

i like the styling of the rx-8 and would love to have 1 but as i have scanned there isnt much you can do to it
i want to know if there is or will be a turbo or sc kit coming out with a little more than 5.5 psi i am intrested in seeing close to 400 hp or close to it atleast are there gonna be any turbos or sc kits coming out within the next year or so and i also heard something about a rx-7 coming out also, is this true please inform me about this car it catches my eye alot and i would like to know more about it

the rx8 will have tons of mods but its brand new and it will take time before sc, turbos, bodykits

If I was you I'd get the skyline

Originally posted by mikeb
If I was you I'd get the skyline

Amen, brother. I am a VERY happy RX-8 owner, but would give it up TODAY (okay, maybe tomorrow) for a quality Skyline R34 GT-R (my personal favorite).

yes but its not practical
i get a dented fender because some jerk opened his door on my car i have to pay like $2000 to get it fixxed and order parts from japan or if it gets stuck in ahail storm
but also i like the rx-8 because its different
but like you said there will be a sc or turbo kit coming out?
and what about the rx-7 i heard?

the rx7 is meant to be released in 2006(correct me if im wrong!), but its just a concept right now, which means that all could change.... but it would be turbo, rotary, two seats etc... again..

aftermarket for the rx8 is going to be very very good, but the car has only been out a few months max, but hopefully by january febuary time aftermarket will be starting to break through, i think the car has a lot of potential to be in the 12 second range given the right time, parts, and love :D




andrew

Originally posted by panda
the rx7 is meant to be released in 2006(correct me if im wrong!), but its just a concept right now, which means that all could change.... but it would be turbo, rotary, two seats etc... again... Mazda hasn't even committed itself to anything yet, and noone but rumour mongers said anything about a turbo.

---jps

is the mazdaspeed kit a popular kit for the rx-8
if i was to get one and put it on would i be just another 1 around that everyone has.

Originally posted by Sputnik
Mazda hasn't even committed itself to anything yet, and noone but rumour mongers said anything about a turbo.

---jps


speakin of turbo, do you think that there will be a turbo model available?

Skylines are not "ALL that", trust me. I lived on the little island of Okinawa for a couple years. Skylines are a dime a dozen. Yes the GT-Rs are rare, but you can get better performance for the money.


I may be biased but the 8 is a better looking car by far. It's not in the same performance catagory, but for the money you'll get an incredible car.

What makes a BPU a BPU? Like what is the definition, and did the definition just evolve among the tuner community out of nowhere?

also, just to gratify my curiosity... what modifications were included in a BPU, and what performance increase was typical?

bpu=basic power upgrade, bpu's are basically, i/e/h

they are available for any car im thinking but most ppl say "a supra with bpu's will beat ..........(place car here)

im pretty sure thats what bpu means, unless im thinking of a completley different thing:)



andrew

Actually, BPU was coined by the Supra twin-turbo world. People discovered that some very reasonably priced and simple mods resulted in an astounding amount of horsepower.

On a Supra, BPU consists of a cat-back, downpipe, boost controller, and a boost cut controller of some type (to keep the ecu from cutting fuel due to higher boost). That's it. With that combo, 400-420 RWHP is EASY to obtain, and is still very solid, reliable, and easy to drive.

The twin turbo Supra is definitely a solid platform to build a LOT of power on - that engine is one strong bastard.

BTW, this is kind of off-topic...

Dale

that basic power increase list also includes turbocharged rx-7's.

i've done the same thing, 3" exhaust, intake, FCD, and gotten some great gains from it.

There will be a few turbo kits out soon (Single turbo and Twin Turbo) ;)

Along with exhaust systems, including turbo exhaust systems (3'') and NA 2.5''

The thing I anticipate the most are the results of the performance impact for combined intake and exhaust upgrades...

ie; gross improvement with K&N intake and a Borla exhaust, etc

I'd imagine there's potential for 20~25 rwhp gains if this is done right - but the impact on the cars everyday lower rev driving nature will be a big issue too. (You've got to live with the car!)

Any facts or theories out there on this and how it will impact or enhance the cars character?

Originally posted by Kev
the impact on the cars everyday lower rev driving nature will be a big issue. (You've got to live with the car!)
will impact or enhance the cars character?

...these are mild modifications. the impact on drivability and fuel economy should be very small, but noise on both ends will surely increase.

there is really no point having one without the other.
I want headers too
there are some headers on rotaryextreme.com but no price yet

Originally posted by mikeb
there is really no point having one without the other.
I want headers too
there are some headers on rotaryextreme.com but no price yet

I want headers too! How the heck can you mount them without tearing the eninge out??? Hmmmm

Yes, I think the installation of headers would be like building a ship in a bottle.

It'll be interesting to see what headers do to the low end of the torque curve too. I want the best of both worlds, more power up top and no loss of torque down low ... with the only cost being a little induction noise and a slightly louder exhaust. (oh, I want world peace too! )

:D

A header should be able to be installed from the bottom no problem.

Originally posted by Kev
I want the best of both worlds, more power up top and no loss of torque down low

yeah, noooooooo problem :rolleyes:

hahaha... :)

yea, im guna be interested in how much the headers are for one and secondly, what kinda performance gains they will give, i am going to try to get some when the price is released, i think they should be able to be installed from underneath??


andrew

Some good products here :

http://www.corksport.com/main.php3?primNavIndex=0&mainURL=%2Fstore%2Findex.php3%3Fcat%3D260821

intake and exhaust will actually help your fuel economy by presenting less of a restriction.
As long as you drive the same and don't use your extra power anyways.

your avatar makes me dizzy

Originally posted by Kev
I'd imagine there's potential for 20~25 rwhp gains if this is done right - but the impact on the cars everyday lower rev driving nature will be a big issue too. (You've got to live with the car!)
\

I want to know how he came to the conclusion that 20-25rwhp is waiting with an exhaust and an intake.

Oh yea, intake (15hp) and exhaust (10hp) = 25, rigght?

riiiiiight.

10 for intake and 10 for exhaust.

20 hp max.

I could see another 10hp for header and high flow cat.

Uhh, yeah, regular math does not apply here. A mod on one end can affect the results of the mod on the other - both positive AND negative. You don't really know until you do some dyno runs and try out different combinations. That's why I'll wait a while before purchasing these things. :)

Originally posted by colin204
10 for intake and 10 for exhaust.

20 hp max.

I could see another 10hp for header and high flow cat.

SIGH.

colin204, what B-Nez and Lee Chun are saying is the HP gains from common bolt-ons (I-H-E) is rarely cumulative. You also need to look at the actual dyno results from some independent testers. I would like to believe that a Borla exhaust makes 12-15HP at the wheels and a simple filter kit makes 8-10HP, but I really need some more proof than what the manufacturer claims--that RX tuner mag might be a good source;) .

The Dyno chart David Borla sent me showed 10HP on their test car with 5 or 6 on torque. Just email him and ask for it.

Think I'll probably just do an intake change first.

Is it "header" or "headers"?

header

What would be your approach? And how far would you go, realistically???

here's my plan

1. Wait for a recall ECU reprogramming will happen, mainly to address mpg and hp loss due to the lame "hack" job they did for us yanks...

2. lower the car 1"-1.5" with camber correction.

3. Replace current wheels with lighter titanium wheels and wider tires overall (Front 275/35/R18 & Rear 285/35/R18).

4. Add Mazda speed frontend kit for improved airflow.

5. Swap out intake/exhaust system with aftermarket high-flow exhaust and intake/filter. (requires additional ECU tuning, hopefully will be available).

Originally posted by Squidward
2. lower the car 1"-1.5" with camber correction.

Why camber correction? We ain't got no stinkin' struts - the RX-8 suspension is already fully adjustable. Since the limits of the front suspension are about -1.0 degrees right now, a bit of lowering will allow more negative camber at the limit of adjustment. However, you could still dial the camber back to a less extreme value with the normal adjustment range even with the car lowered.

Regards,
Gordon

Originally posted by Squidward
3. Replace current wheels with lighter titanium wheels and wider tires overall (Front 275/35/R18 & Rear 285/35/R18).


You know that this will NOT improve performace, and will drastically degrade fuel economy and acceleration, right?

errrr... okay well maybe there are a few things on this list I don't know much about ;)

I thought lighter wheels and thicker tires will not only reduce the overall weight, but gain some additional grip off the line...sounds only logical to me...

*BUT* I'm sure you guys will give me a more technical breakdown... :)

(Which, BTW, I certainly am interested in reading about)

I have no real experienced with souping up cars--I only make logical assumptions about these things...and of course I wouldn't actually go through with it unless I got some good opinions on it from this board.... that's why I threw it out here for discussion.

Originally posted by Squidward
errrr... okay well maybe there are a few things on this list I don't know much about ;)

I thought lighter wheels and thicker tires will not only reduce the overall weight, but gain some additional grip off the line...sounds only logical to me...

*BUT* I'm sure you guys will give me a more technical breakdown... :)

(Which, BTW, I certainly am interested in reading about)

I have no real experienced with souping up cars--I only make logical assumptions about these things...and of course I wouldn't actually go through with it unless I got some good opinions on it from this board.... that's why I threw it out here for discussion.

Well, as far as I'm concerned, the tire width could become helpful on a track situation -where handling is a 'must'

If you increase tire width, YES you will increase grip, but you'll also increase friction and therefore acceleration losses. The wheel & tire combo could be lighter than their OEM counterparts. However, an excess in patch area won't help you get better straight line performance. If you read some of the threads (sorry, its 2am and Im lazy to post them, maybe later!) you'll find that the 8 doesn't squeal its tires that much (even with DSC off.)

I agree that, according to some mags (take it from where it comes from) the best launch technique is a clutch dump at 8K rpm. I am pretty confident this will cause a huge amount of tire spin. But not necessarily beat up your 1/4th mile time...in other words I don't think the 8 has enough 'juice' to move its mass from a standstill that fast; it needs to get its tires spinning.

I guess I could get a bit more technical on it....but I would have to do some research to backup my (so called) theory.

I'll edit this post once I can keep my eyelids open!

Cheers!

i went to englishtown and raced my rx8 6 speed with a 8000clutch drop alot alot of wheel hop and spinning through 1st gear and i got 15.00 at best

My 60ft was 2.51 or something like that

TURBO
its just a matter of time

turbo... oh yeahhhhhhhh

how much would that typically cost to install on a car such as this one?

Installing a turbo setup on a naturally aspirated car usually ends up costing around $5500 once all things like proper engine management are taken into consideration.

Originally posted by Squidward
I thought lighter wheels and thicker tires will not only reduce the overall weight, but gain some additional grip off the line...sounds only logical to me...


The wider tires will increase your cornering grip, but it will reduce your off the line grip. Think about it for a minute ... the weight of the car remains the same. So that means that the tires still have the same load (ie: the same number of pounds per square inch). However, when you change the width of the tire, the shape of the tire that is actually contacting the surface of the road changes. A tire's contact patch always spans the width of the tire, which means the variable width is the front/back portion of the contact patch. Get a wider tire and keep everything else the same, and you reduce the front/back contact patch.

This is why people drop the pressure in their rear tires when at the track (unless the car is fwd, in which case they lower the pressure in front). The width remains the same, but the front/back portion of the contact patch increases.

Regarding weight ... the wider tires & rims will have more mass towards the outside of the wheel than the stock equipment. The mass at the outside is MUCH more important than the mass at the inside. With the wider rims, you'll be putting more mass towards the outside of the wheel, which will negatively impact acceleration.

Your option #2 will also not help acceleration. In fact, depending on how you set up the car when you lower it, you could hurt it. RWD cars hook up better than FWD cars because the weight of the car shifts back to the wheels putting the power to the ground, which increases traction. Reduce the weight shift, and you reduce traction on launch, hurting your overall acceleration.

I don't know about option #4, but I doubt it will make a measurable difference in 1/4mi times. Your money would be better spent on other upgrades if you are only interested in straightline performance.

For a good 1/4 mile time with the 8 this is what I'd do

1. Get the base or sport model

2. Remove anything simple. seats anything in the trunk

3. Put some R compound racing rubber on the rear end i would'nt go any larger than 235 width and maybe on some light weight 16in rims

4. Drop the clutch at 7250rpms to reduce wheelspin/hop and be ready for the shift to second

5. HANG ON TIGHT!!;)

Tha'ts great and all, but can you suggest some practical solutions instead, rather than ones specific only to drag racing...

I don't think I'll be taking mine to the track anytime soon.. (for at least my 7/100 warranty period, anyway)

edit: speaking of maximum wheel sizes, can someone elaborate on this? Such as the ranges of sizes the typical 18" rim can handle.. or more specifically, the RX-8's 18s. The 8 comes standard with 225/45s... you are suggesting that you can put a 235 on 16s??? How large can I go before I need to replace the wheel to something wider?

I'd only look into some kinda supercharger / intercooling type setup. I'd like to get faster linear speed, but I still want that 50/50 weight distribution for awesome handling so its a tossup. Adding a supercharger and intercooler will change the distribution though :\.

We're thinkin some light wieght 19x8.5 up front and 9.5 out back for starters. Full exhust, grounding kit, intake, lowered with coil overs probably, along with lots of suspension work. That should keep us busy till the body kit comes in and gets painted.

For tire and wheel combos it really depends on the width of the rim not the hieght. the rx-8 has 18x8s so i would guestimate that a 255/35 tire might fit on it. I know i've been looking at 245/35 and 245/40 for when the stock tires are worn out. It just depends. For my miata i put 225/35R18 tires on 18x7 rims and the whole thing(4) weighs about 20lbs less than stock. I looked at some tires online while posting this and i saw a 275/50R15 and a 245/50R16 so yes a 235 tire will go on a 16 rim.

To make the rx-8 faster overall i'll probaby put a slightly stiffer suspension on the car and sit back waiting for some upgrades like exhaust or intake. Maybe a turbo, or lighter flywheel? Or an aluminum radiator and higher output fans? One can only hope....

Id do full exhaust and suspension and ecu when it comes out. I would definately investigate grounding kits as well.

lighter wheels will improve acceleration (and braking, and to a lesser extent, cornering). lighter wheels are very important because they are rotating mass as well as unsprung weight. this is the same thing as why a lightweight flywheel improves acceleration.

bigger contact patch with low pressures is one reason its good for drag racing, the other reason is the sidewall can then absorb the shock of launch. smaller diameter wheels might help too.

of course, i think a 90's DOHC neon can remove the air filter and run a 15.0- the rx8 is no drag car. not until we fix the ecu.

i am an autocrosser, not a drag racer, but my other car is a 2100lb 360hp beast, so ive done some amount of tuning for hookup.

james
http://thevenom.net

your link didn't work for me

any chance the RX8 against the S2000 in 1/4 mile???

Hi, new to the board, read a lot of post about the problem and return blah blah blah.
I really love the rotary engine, even this car is not as fast or better handling than my other cars but I will still buy it becuase I love the face lift and is ROTARY!!
Is there anyone here that satisfied with what they got and planning to do some mod soon? I notice the car can seriously use a turbo kit.

p.s. those 350Z guys no need to post here, your 350Z is just another pos compare to other cars I have.

Originally posted by HKRX8
this car is not as fast or better handling than my other cars

What are your other cars?

Originally posted by HKRX8
I love the face lift

I'm guessing he's thinking of it not so much as a new model but rather as an RX-7 with a facelift.

yes from some angle, I can still see the shadow of a RX-7, or I should rephrase to "I love how it looks from the front".

my other cars (not something really hot, but are ok to drive)
2002 M3
2000 540 6-spd
1 big ass 94 2 dr coupe and a 94 van not worth to mention when tallking about performance.

I'm happy with my 8
I've added clear corners, tint, lojack,strakes, two 12inch subs
I'm waiting for performance mods to hit

It's amusing... he mentions that his car doesn't handle as well as other cars, yet the only concern he has is that the car 'can seriously use a turbo kit'.

Let's not mention any suspension changes because you know... you might even need to know how to drive to actually make use of them. Any idiot can slam on the gas or drop the clutch, which is why I'm assuming that the turbo kit is of all great importance to the street-racing attitudes thrown around so cavalierly.

Ah well.... c'est la vie. Turbo kit is coming out for the RX-8 so be patient and wait for it.

I don't want a damn turbo kit on this car.. However, I would love a ported NA engine that can rev to 12000 and put out 300hp ;)

I see the shadow of the 7 when I look at the corvette. Definitely not the 8 though.

IMO the Rx8 handles at High Speeds Just as well, if not very very close, to my NSX

you see the 7 in what generation vette

"It's amusing... he mentions that his car doesn't handle as well as other cars, yet the only concern he has is that the car 'can seriously use a turbo kit'.

Let's not mention any suspension changes because you know... you might even need to know how to drive to actually make use of them. Any idiot can slam on the gas or drop the clutch, which is why I'm assuming that the turbo kit is of all great importance to the street-racing attitudes thrown around so cavalierly.

Ah well.... c'est la vie. Turbo kit is coming out for the RX-8 so be patient and wait for it."

Is amusing becaue you don't understand. My M3 doing corner pretty well, so is my 540 6sp with 255 front 275 rear and full set of suspension. Why I want RS8? Because I want some thing to mod to play with. Why I am asking a turbo? becuase I have been driving N/A since my 94 Eclipse turbo 10yrs ago and i am looking for something that has high potential to mod and UNIQE. That's why I didn't even consider the 350Z.

Christ i hope english is your second language.

Originally posted by WTF no turbo
Christ i hope english is your second language.


ROFLMAO...Your to much WTF....

Well, let me tell you. I traded in my WRX for the 8. I've dealt with trubos, and yes, initially you notice the lack of the turbo around 3500 RPM. Your body and mind are used to the feel of the torque and compression into the back of the seat. But what you notice right away is the way the car handles. The smooth, stable acceleration. The prrrrr of the rotary. Then it hits you that this is truely a dynamic gelling of all its components combined. Refined and redefined. Absolutley a car for the true driving enthusiast.

First things first. TINT. It gets freakin hot here in the desert valley. The plan for us is to start with the wheels and tires. We're thinking 19s. Then move on to the suspension and exhaust. The rest of our dirty little mod list will be revieled soon enough.:D

"You see the RX7 in what generation vette?"


Many say the C5 Corvette took styling cues from the FD.

I'll be buying an automatic next year and it only has around 200 HP at it's peak and under really good conditions.

Of course I'm buying the car for other reasons but I would like to increase the HP even by around 20 HP....

what ways can I do it safely and naturally so it doesn't ruin engine life and/or other things. (By safe and natural I mean like, performance spark plugs or air filters etc.... or maybe even exhaust systems, would this fall under safe and natural? this is what I want to find out by this thread) by unnatural I mean things like NOS or a turbocharger..

so what I'd like to find out is what you would think would improve HP, how much it would cost and how hard it is to install

estimates

intake 250
exhaust 700
headers maybe 6 or 7 hundred

in other words its not cheap but those could add around 20hp

I would do an intake.. like that filter discussion goin on in another forum here.

I don't think exhaust right away cuz i don't want a loud whiney rice sound (shudders)

what about things like better parts, oils, plugs, wires, things like that... anything like that helps?

those parts help the car run longer and better but you wont get much hp out of them

Originally posted by BlueOakleyz
I'll be buying an automatic next year and it only has around 200 HP at it's peak and under really good conditions.

Of course I'm buying the car for other reasons but I would like to increase the HP even by around 20 HP....

what ways can I do it safely and naturally so it doesn't ruin engine life and/or other things. (By safe and natural I mean like, performance spark plugs or air filters etc.... or maybe even exhaust systems, would this fall under safe and natural? this is what I want to find out by this thread) by unnatural I mean things like NOS or a turbocharger..

so what I'd like to find out is what you would think would improve HP, how much it would cost and how hard it is to install

Someone tell me if I'm wrong but doean't the AT have less HP because Mazda didn't have a auto tranny at the time that could handle the "250" hp? So it may not be the best idea to get a AT and then mod it. Also it's hard to say how the 8 will react to certain mods some cars don't benefit from headers and intakes, and some will even perform worse. Right now it's wait and see, but MikeB's list will give you a decent idea and you can toss a ECU reflash of piggyback computer on the list for 400-1100. Removing cats will certainly help and you can get exhausts that keep the stock axleback so there change in sound will be minimal.
As far as plugs, wires, fluids, there really isn't much power to be had there maybe a few HP from better plugs, but nothing you will notice..

At the very least, I want my car to at least run at 200 HP like they said it would have (ok, 197..) but I know I will probably never ever get that under normal stock conditions

Want more horsepower? Why don't you buy a manual transmission? If you are any bit a car enthuasist, you will regret buying an AT

ike
I never heard auto tranny can't hold 250

Originally posted by mikeb
ike
I never heard auto tranny can't hold 250

Actually I believe that is the reason it's not 238. The auto only revs to around 7000 rpm (and hp = torq x rpm). If the transmission could handle the 9k rpm then it would produce the same amount of hp.

I think you might have better luck with Ecannaceia or Goldenseal...or maybe just learn to drive a stick.

Sorry but I think this is a lame thread.

Ways to get more power:

1) Buy the manual - instant 40 hp compared to the auto.

2) Wait one more year - Mazda will introduce a 5 speed automatic on the 2006 RX-8 that can handle the revs of the high-output engine, so you get a better auto trans with the 238 hp, 9K redline engine. There's no way you'll find 40 hp more from a 2004 or 2005 auto RX-8. Oh, they'll also introduce that year a 6 spd sequential (semi-manual) trans, for a bit more cost.

Regards,
Gordon

"Want more horsepower? Why don't you buy a manual transmission? If you are any bit a car enthuasist, you will regret buying an AT"
I don't know how to drive stick.. even if I did I'd imagine it to be quite a pain in the ass for how I drive/where I drive mostly.

So in 2006 the model will have a better automatic transmission?
Oo tough decision, I really don't want to wait two years tho

"Sorry but I think this is a lame thread."
Well you didn't have to read it so don't put smart ass comments like that. No one is making threads to please you.

I think if you're looking for some straightline performance there are a lot of better AT cars out there. If you just want the 8 for the package it offers and don't care much about not being faster than other cars on the road, then get the 8. Or stop all this nonsense and learn to drive a MT like a real man :p

i donno, seems like using my brain and not having to do something the computer will do for me makes me a bigger/smarter man hahaha jk no need to start a fight. lol

Yeah I love the 8 for everything in the package, don't care about speed... but who uh, well who doens't care about speeD? It can always be faster, just doesn't need to be

Ok......

I know what an intake is.

I know what an exaust is.

I think headers are for piston engines???


EDIT: Never mind..........brain fart.

Yeah I never thought of that
headers are usually for piston engines but i could see how they'd fit a rotary... just not very practical

Originally posted by BlueOakleyz
[BI don't know how to drive stick.. [/B]

Learn. I learned in about 2 hours. I promise you that you will regret the AT.

Originally posted by Kuf


Actually I believe that is the reason it's not 238. The auto only revs to around 7000 rpm (and hp = torq x rpm). If the transmission could handle the 9k rpm then it would produce the same amount of hp.

No the engine in the AT is different, it only has 4 input ports, rather than 6 in the HP engine. The lack of extra port per rotor means it develops its maximum power at a lower RPM, spinning it faster wont help.

Whether the 4 port or the 6 port is more suited to forced induction is another question, but academic if you have the AT tranny, as it cant cope with the power. Unlike in the UK you dont get the choise of the 4 port engine and 5 speed MT, so the higher power MT is the only real option if you find a way of substantially increasing power output.

Cheers
---Dave

thanks for the clarification dave

Guess I'll be sticking with a medium-powered auto

Originally posted by BlueOakleyz
Yeah I never thought of that
headers are usually for piston engines but i could see how they'd fit a rotary... just not very practical

On the contrary, previous rotaries have greatly benefited from free-flowing exhaust, complete with headers. My own RX-7 has the Racing Beat system, wich is rated for a 22% power increase at 7000rpm over stock. The later model 13B powered RX-7s have also benefited from a header system. The downside is that headers are not emissions legal, so depending on your locale, they may not be an option.

As for the power issue, I'm going to have to side with the 'learn to drive manual' crowd. I used to think that driving manual was silly in an age of automatic transmissions, but after I bought my first RX-7, my attitude changed. Now I can't stand automatic cars, mostly because you have little control over engine speed without manualy shifting the transmission, which defeats the purpose, IMHO.

willing to spend all that money and time to get 20 more HP, but not want to spend a few hours to learn how to drive MT for 40 more HP... just does not make sense.... are you handicaped?

bon9111
relax

very relaxed...
I just don't get the point. I know you are drving AT, but we are not talking about general AT drivers, so I think you need to relax.

I used to drive manual transmissions. After a couple knee surgeries, and a few thousand dollars in pain pills, I gave them up. My last MT car was an LT1 camaro, and I can truthfully say that I don't miss MTs at all (or the hp/tq much). I can say with absolute certainty that I do not regret buying the AT RX-8. It was either an AT or no RX-8, and there is no car available that fits with what I want in a car better than the 8. Besides the 6MT 8 is slower in general than all its competition in most situations, so no one bought this car solely because it is fast. So buy what you want and ignore all this "you're not a man unless you drive a manual" crap.

Find yourself a nice twisty road and enjoy the drive.

Originally posted by bon911
very relaxed...
I just don't get the point. I know you are drving AT, but we are not talking about general AT drivers, so I think you need to relax.
I thought this thread was about adding reliable HP to the RX-8.

"Sorry but I think this is a lame thread."
Well you didn't have to read it so don't put smart ass comments like that. No one is making threads to please you.



i agree

Go with the simple 3 item list that was given origionally.

-intake
-exhaust
-header

Those will increase hp & tq. You can add the smaller things like plugs, wires, grounding kit, and pullys. They don't make much power but add to efeciency and good smoother, more responsive throttle responce. Don't forget that the AT comes with the 16" wheels unless you option them to 18s. The 16s will help the AT feel a little more peppy.

6sp slower than most competition??..........what?.........have you looked at 8 different mags and reviews across North America...............the 8 ranged ffrom 0-60 5.9 - 6.3 secs........
G35 0-60 5.9 - 6.2secs
350Z 0-60 5.4secs

and the BMW 325 and even the 330i numbers are close 0-60 low 6's

so I can't believe you think it is slow compared to competitors..............it is still fast by modern sports car standards

Originally posted by Rick
I thought this thread was about adding reliable HP to the RX-8.

Yes it is and you can add 40HP by just getting MT without doing any extra mod. How hard is that??

Originally posted by VividRacing.com
You can add the smaller things like plugs, wires, grounding kit, and pullys.

Those are pretty generic recommendations, and I haven't read anything on this forum to suggest that the RX-8 would find any benefit from those items. In fact, discussions on spark plugs have suggested that the factory plugs are as good as they get, and that there's no power to be found in wires. Grounding kits are suspect at the best of time (just clean the grounds you already have, folks). With the marginal A/C that the RX-8 already has, I don't know why anyone would want to further compromise this by underdriving the compressor...

Regards,
Gordon

BlueOakleyz,

I have owned both AT and MT cars and they both have their pros and cons. So, you should buy what you want and what you are most comfortable with. I would never criticize a person for buying a car with an AT.

I just wonder if you've ever tried learning to drive stick? It is easy and really a lot of fun. I learned to drive manual tranny on a Miata, so I can't comment on how easy the '8' is to learn on, but it seems very easy to figure this clutch out. I never stalled it until I'd had mine for a couple weeks, so there wasn't much of a learning curve.

You alluded to where you have to drive being a reason you don't want an MT. I can understand if there's a lot of stop and go traffic. Personally, I don't mind frequent changing of gears that you can get in city/suburban driving. That's all part of the fun! BUT if you are sitting in a lot of stop and go traffic, that's when it can get to be a pain. But if you have a decent amount of your commute that is not stop and go, the MT is really a great choice.

Seriously, I would suggest you find a friend who has a stick and ask them to teach you. See how you like it. You might find it a blast! And unless your friend is teaching you on an S2000 or Miata, the RX-8 will be a lot more fun to drive than what your friend has. Anyway, that way you could make the best possible decision for you. :)

ATs can be made to handle any power.
Mazda didn't want to waste profit money on expensive components(torque converters blowing apart at high rpms). Didn't the FD3S or Cosmo20b come with automatics?
Headers can be made emissions legal. Headers aren't only for boingers.

Intake, exhaust, header, mid/center pipe, pulleys, synthetics everywhere, will give you a bump in power. I bet that there will also be a ton of power hidden in the ECU.

Catback/intake/fluids are available already.

Pictures of headers/midpipes have been posted. But, I haven't seen any imported or developed here yet.

Pulleys/ECU tuning--only time will tell.

Originally posted by deadrx7conv
Mazda didn't want to waste profit money on expensive components(torque converters blowing apart at high rpms). Didn't the FD3S or Cosmo20b come with automatics?

Those have significantly lower redlines - it isn't the power that was the problem with the hi-power engine and the AT, it was the 9000 rpm.

Further - it wasn't that Mazda didn't want to waste profit money - it was that Mazda didn't have the budgets or engineering staff to do the new AT transmission at the same time as the development of the new RX-8. Mazda IS engineering a new 5 speed auto transmission that can handle the hi-power engine's revs and output, and it should be available for the 2006 model year. Also to be released at that time will be a 6 speed SMG semi-manual transmission.

Regards,
Gordon

The Rx8 will have to sell like hot cakes for how many years in order to justify the staff/budget on a 5 speed auto or SMG semi manual.
Who are you kidding?
It won't sell if the price is too high. The local dealer here advertises the RX8 ever Sunday. The quantity in stock is always increasing. The dealer discounts are everywhere. The rebates are soon to follow. Once the fad wears off(complements of the ADD enhanced society), the cost cutters will move in.

Mazda outsources like many other automakers. All they have to do is call ZF/Aisinwarner/Jatco and say, "MAKE US A TRANNY" and charge the consumer.

Originally posted by loco4rx8
I would never criticize a person for buying a car with an AT.


I don't think people here are criticizing people who drive AT or buy AT. I believe it is the idea of getting AT, THEN look for more HP when more than he is looking for is already there with MT.
I mean would you do that??

"willing to spend all that money and time to get 20 more HP, but not want to spend a few hours to learn how to drive MT for 40 more HP... just does not make sense.... are you handicaped?"

First, yup I've learned driving stick.. I'd imagine that if I tried really hard I'd eventually get good at it. But yeah know what bon, I DONT WANT STICK... I love automatic. I love to able to just cruise.. I love the reliability and not have the need of shifting all the time, especially since all I do is drive in-town.
No I'm not handicapped... and no I'm not going to succumb to insults that lame asses have on so many car forums that automatics are dumb. I'm sorry I just don't see how they're dumb when they are doing the work for you that other people do manually in manual... Manuals are more fun,.... sure for racing and highways and stuff but that's not for me. Bottom line is, the automatic is a different car than the manual RX-8 and the automatic is the car I'm buying. With that as base, yes, I'm trying to add more power to it. Even if I did spend a few hours to drive MT (Which isn't the problem obviously)... I'd still want automatic.

"I don't think people here are criticizing people who drive AT or buy AT. I believe it is the idea of getting AT, THEN look for more HP when more than he is looking for is already there with MT.
I mean would you do that??"

Boy that sure is thick. Like I said, they're two different cars.. one is an automatic and one is a manual. Are you saying that I shouldn't look to add more power to my automatic just because there's a version out there that already has more power? Like just because a person has a mustang 6 cylinder they shouldn't try to upgrade it simply because there's a cobra already out there?

Originally posted by deadrx7conv
The Rx8 will have to sell like hot cakes for how many years in order to justify the staff/budget on a 5 speed auto or SMG semi manual.
Who are you kidding?

I'm not kidding anybody. Those are the facts - Mazda couldn't afford to implement the 5 speed auto or develop a SMG in time for the RX-8 release. It's also fact that those two will be in the car in 2006. Do you think that these will be exclusive to the RX-8? Think again. They'll also be in the Miata, and transverse versions will be used throughout the Mazda and Ford platforms. I heard this info from very reliable inside sources at Mazda (can't name names, or they will no longer be sources!). What's your source for doubting it will happen?

Regards,
Gordon

Originally posted by BlueOakleyz
[B automatic is the car I'm buying. With that as base, yes, I'm trying to add more power to it. Even if I did spend a few hours to drive MT (Which isn't the problem obviously)... I'd still want automatic. [/B]

I couldn't agree more. I drove a stick for so many years I just got tired of it. Yes..the easy thing to do for an additional 40 HP is get the manual, if you want to drive one.
What in the world is wrong with wanting to modify the AT if you do not care to drive a stick? It makes since to those that don't want the hassle of operating a manual.
To some, the better driving experience comes from shifting, that's great, to others, it is a burden.

Now, with that said, if you were going to spend an addtional $1000 on mods, what would you get?

I agree mplc
1k
I will get exhaust and hopefully intake

Originally posted by mplc
I couldn't agree more. I drove a stick for so many years I just got tired of it. Yes..the easy thing to do for an additional 40 HP is get the manual, if you want to drive one.
What in the world is wrong with wanting to modify the AT if you do not care to drive a stick? It makes since to those that don't want the hassle of operating a manual

That makes as much sense as dating a beautiful woman, and not wanting the hassle of making love, so you have a good wankel instead. :D

Cheers
---Dave

I disagree with your analogy

Originally posted by druck
That makes as much sense as dating a beautiful woman, and not wanting the hassle of making love, so you have a good wankel instead. :D

Cheers
---Dave

I disagree also, your seeing it from a very European point of view. AT would be ridiculous to most folk in the UK, I know for sure.

Nice quote though :-)

Originally posted by mikeb
I disagree with your analogy

..as for all the aftermarketi parts, my patience is thining, looks like theres gooing to be nothing good until the new year.

hmm.... get rid of the cat and we can have some good gas mileage... stupid detuning cat related problems!

I hv read before dat an auto car can be mod.......from an engineer who claimed he has tried on auto from abt 200hp to 400hp....

What is the best engine mod for the rx-8 that adds the most hp and torque?????

ACOSTARACING's 20b.... Realistically though, there's not much out yet.

Canzoomers plug in fuel controller, good for a minimum 20 hp for $750 US. It's in final development stages - see the thread in the Tech Garage section called "official word from Mazda about dyno'ing the RX-8". Amongst those many, many pages of posts, canzoomer has detailed his investigations and development efforts.

Regards,
Gordon

Thnx alot man. I was just wondering because you donot really see that many tuned rx-8s
-Ron

You will...

Just gotta give it some time, but I'm sure you'll see them from here til sunday.

what about intake,once the rice rocket companies make stuff for the rx-8 intake should be half off for 8+hp

but the most hp for price is a turbo system but u risk your engine life so thats on you people

Yeah, how much PSi can the rx-8 get from its engine?

Originally posted by Dookie_Rx-8
what about intake,once the rice rocket companies make stuff for the rx-8 intake should be half off for 8+hp
Nobody has made much headway with the intake so far. It's pretty sophisticated and pretty good, all told.

Originally posted by rx-8Chop88
Yeah, how much PSi can the rx-8 get from its engine?

you mean compression?? check a shop manual.

*rolleyes*

I meant PSi if it had a trubo in it, i didnt mean the compression ratio from the engine. thnx for the advice though!

Naaaaaaawzzzzzzzzzz!

nobody knows because no one has boosted the renesis yet.

Probable future H/E/I

there was a thread on the board about a option video which featured the feed sports rx-8. the owner of feed was talking and he suppousdely stated that turbo charging the 8 would not be good as it would make interior temps wayy too hot. probably under hood temps as well.

with its high compression rotors 10:1 the renesis will handle a safe 5PSI with huge results!!

I have been reading and browsing a lot of threads with subjects of mods. When I get back home to the states(currently in the middle east) I plan to apply the following mods. My 8 is sitting in my garage awaiting my return.

RX8store.com
HKS Legamax Exhaust 999.00$

RotaryExtreme.com
Rotary Extreme Cold Air Intake 260.00$

Canzoomer
Phase 1 MOD 500.00$

Feed Back on these intended MOD's from you fellow 8 owners would be greatly appreciated.

BTW. X-SIN-X, is my license plate.

Heh mines close i got 8th sin,but anyway i think those will be the 3 most common mods.Ecu upgrades will become more common and even mainstream once a couple different ones are released.

Same mods here 'x-sin-x', though exhaust may be different.

I'm heading over to see Jason at the RX8Store this weekend and will decide on the exhaust then. We will dyno his exhaust and run sound clips for the forum. Should be a fun Sat. morning!

Originally posted by X-SIN-X

BTW. X-SIN-X, is my license plate.

Who brought the cool kid
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/forumfun/whocares2.jpg

dont mind 350z driver, he is just jealous and immature

Is that you in the corner hiding with your Z? I think so. Go play in the nissan forum. BTW: Pistons are for Pussies. I think I read that in here.

Originally posted by X-SIN-X
BTW: Pistons are for Pussies.

So basically your calling 99.99% of the car driving world a pussey?

Well in my opinion I think that a car that puts down 175hp to the wheels and gets 15mpg and is claimed to be a "sports car" and can't break out of the 15's and break 92 mph in the 1/4 is for pussies, and most piston engine drivers would agree.

But most of the people on this site are living in a fantasy world so who knows..

Then why are you wasting your time (and ours) in our "fantasy world"?

If it is such a cut and dry issue then what is there to prove?

Originally posted by 350z Driver

Well in my opinion I think that a car that puts down 175hp to the wheels and gets 15mpg and is claimed to be a "sports car" and can't break out of the 15's and break 92 mph in the 1/4 is for pussies, and most piston engine drivers would agree.



Sounds like the original Lamborghini Countach. Are you calling that car a joke as well.

Why do owners of other makes insist on the "my penis is bigger then your's" arguement?

Are you really that insecure about yourself?

"pistons are for pussies" is a quote from a t-shirt. relax 350z guy. the renesis won international engine of the year for 03. It is not only the car it is the driver. I dusted a 350z on route 66 3 weeks ago. so hp is a factor but if you don't know how to use it stay in the right lane.

You know, 350z Driver, I think I've had just about enough of you. So what if he wants to explain his license plate? So what if he likes rotaries better than pistons? It doesn't affect you or your car, now does it? You're on an RX-8 Board- do you expect everyone here to hate them like you do? Nobody minds reading your opinon (in fact, it's welcomed when you're being rational), but you don't seem to be able to do it pleasantly- you have to bash everyone and everything. And for what? To make yourself feel better? Are you so insecure about your car that you have to make fun of someone else's? Asking you politely to be nice in pms apparently doesn't work, so I'll try this. One more even slightly obnoxious post and you're banned.

Sorry everyone. I hate doing this, but sometimes it's the only thing that works.

DING DING DING!!!....whaaaat do we got for him Johnny!!!...

well looks like for our friend 350Z Driver a bigger penis...

Originally posted by Elara
You know, 350z Driver, I think I've had just about enough of you. So what if he wants to explain his license plate? So what if you likes rotaries better than pistons? It doesn't affect you or your car, now does it? You're on an RX-8 Board- do you expect everyone here to hate them like you do? Nobody minds reading your opinon (in fact, it's welcomed when you're being rational), but you don't seem to be able to do it pleasantly- you have to bash everyone and everything. And for what? To make yourself feel better? Are you so insecure about your car that you have to make fun of someone else's? Asking you politely to be nice in pms apparently doesn't work, so I'll try this. One more even slightly obnoxious post and you're banned.

Sorry everyone. I hate doing this, but sometimes it's the only thing that works.

Your dreamy!

Will you marry me? I will drop my obsession for Danica Patrick if you will!

:)

Originally posted by Elara
Are you so insecure about your car that you have to make fun of someone else's?I'd be willing to bet he doesn't even OWN a 350Z. Just a 13 year old with a fantasy.

or it's his daddy's...

did daddy let you drive his Z...awww...that's so sweet..

Has my love for elara gone unnoticed with her? Alas I must return to Danica Partick to seek validation......

Oooh. Danica Patrick.

http://www.fhmus.com/images/girls/screensaver/800_600_danica.jpg

http://www.fhmus.com/images/girls/danicapatrick/2big.jpg

http://www.fhmus.com/images/girls/danicapatrick/3big.jpg

http://www.fhmus.com/images/girls/danicapatrick/4big.jpg

http://www.fhmus.com/images/girls/danicapatrick/5big.jpg

She is super yummy.

wow
this thread took a turn for the better

Originally posted by mikeb
wow
this thread took a turn for the better

No Mike, My love for Elara has gone unrequited.

:(

not to flame but i see no need for a thread listing your future modifcations with prices.

if you searched the board thoroughly you could find more than enough feedback to justify your purchasing decisions.

there must be at least 30+ pages on canzoomers mod, at least 10+ on the rotary extreme intake, the hks exhaust is the least discussed topic out of the three, but its just an exhaust and so far all the exhausts on the market for the 8 are doing about the same in terms of gains. its up to you what you want for looks/sounds/aesthetic purposes.

Originally posted by matt
No Mike, My love for Elara has gone unrequited.

:(

Sorry, I had a Christmas potluck I had to attend for lunch :p



djmano- it might not have significance for us, but for him, it did apparently- it's just one of those things. I assume he just wanted opinions on his choices, and was looking for validation.

Originally posted by Elara
Sorry, I had a Christmas potluck I had to attend for lunch :p



So, will you marry me? I think you are dreamy :)

ok...i think matt is lonely...lol...

Originally posted by XeRo
ok...i think matt is lonely...lol...

Oh now that hurts :)

I am just attracted to powerful, intellegent women. (point for me Elara? :) )

sorry to burst your bubble but she's married

when she first got her 8 she posted pics of the car and him in the backround

Originally posted by mikeb
sorry to burst your bubble but she's married

when she first got her 8 she posted pics of the car and him in the backround


I am still holding out hope!

danaica is always on speedvision

doesnt she race f1

Originally posted by matt
I am still holding out hope!

Buy me a Borla exhaust and maybe one of Canzoomer's ECU kits and we'll talk :D

Is it just me or is that Danica chick downright scary?

She's got some wicked eyes, and looks like she could whoop my ass!!!

Just thought I'd throw that in there.... yep, I'm an idiot.

Lata,

Brit

Originally posted by Elara
Buy me a Borla exhaust and maybe one of Canzoomer's ECU kits and we'll talk :D

So you are saying there's a chance ;)

Borla, HKS, B&B, I'll get them all for you. One for each day of the week.

Name your Mod and it will be on the next fedex truck :)

Originally posted by mikeb
sorry to burst your bubble but she's married

when she first got her 8 she posted pics of the car and him in the backround

LOL..."him" hahahaha.

elara, thanks.

Everyone has an opinion or idea of how this is all supposed to work. I have travelled to many places around the world and have met many different people and have enjoyed the different cultures. Through my travels and experiences I have learned many things. One of those lessons is that it is completely impossible to satisfy everyone one. I am not trying to satisfy anyone by my choices of "my intended MOD's" I truly wanted to read the opinions of others. I read through many threads and I picked and chose the mod's that I thought would be the best match. If there was something technically wrong with the choices of my intended mod's I would have loved to have heard them.

BTW. Elara where is your photo posted? Everyone is commenting on how attractive they find you to be. I think some proposed as well. Exciting.

I don't have one posted- wouldn't want to dissappoint anyone after all the hype! Maye I'll get braver after the holidays.

oh come on...now you got all of us wondering....i mean..Danicka picture is posted...hehehe

Originally posted by matt
So you are saying there's a chance ;)

Borla, HKS, B&B, I'll get them all for you. One for each day of the week.

Name your Mod and it will be on the next fedex truck :)

Hey Matt, I'll marry you if you give me some mods :eek:

I'LL SHOW YOU MINE IF YOU SHOW ME YOURS!

It would be nice to be able to purchase all of the mods I have listed at one place. Walk into the store and hand them 2 grand cash and say make it happen. Drive out with an awakened beast. MUch Fun to be had!!!

You know...I'm extremely cursious now as to why Mazda didn't have S-03's on the RX-8 in OE trim...by the specs from tirerack, the S-03's seem to outperform the RE040's in just about every category. They don't seem to cost that much more per tire either...

Those might be my first "mod"...which means I have...12250 - 17250 to go before anything gets changed.

Well ive been looking at the rx-8 alot, and the only thing i dont like about it is only 200hp (i want the automatic cuz its 2g cheaper, and that money can be put to use elsewhere). But after i get more money what parts could i put into it to increase the hp. I dont want to put any no2 into it cuz ive heard to many bad things about it, so im just gona forget all about that option. Any thoughts?

?

You spend 2g less and you will have to spend 2g to put it at the performance level of the manual.

I just found out we don't have the crappy emission law here in Hawaii. How do I get my horsepower back? Any way to reflash my baby?

Also, from where is the secondary shutter valve controlled? Can I have it open by default? Either by hacking into the "system" or my mechanical adjustment? If that's too much hassle, I'm shooting straight for the variable fresh air duct, same deal, open by default either electronically or mechanically.

What do you think? :p

I would jump under the hood but it's already dark outside and I can't see anything. I came up with this just an hour late :(

Go for Canzoomer's ECU piggyback mod (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14823), a high flow catalytic converter (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16228) (or none at all, aka a "B pipe") and a high flow cat-back muffler system, like the RotaryExtreme, Borla, or similar (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16442). Also consider a high flow intake, like the RotaryExtreme or K&N (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17333).

Hope this helps.

Originally posted by TrAsHeR
I just found out we don't have the crappy emission law here in Hawaii. How do I get my horsepower back? Any way to reflash my baby?

Also, from where is the secondary shutter valve controlled? Can I have it open by default? Either by hacking into the "system" or my mechanical adjustment? If that's too much hassle, I'm shooting straight for the variable fresh air duct, same deal, open by default either electronically or mechanically.

What do you think? :p

I would jump under the hood but it's already dark outside and I can't see anything. I came up with this just an hour late :(

Hi TrAsHeR,

I'm from Mililani, where are you from?

All 50 states have emissions laws under the federal government. Hawaii just doesn't have a mandated IM (Inspection and Maintenance) program to periodically measure emissions like some other states. I believe even the "safety checks" still have a visual inspection of emissions equipment though.

Easiest way to get the HP back would be a fuel-air mod like Canzoomer's. Replacing the cats with aftermarket ones will be expensive and will probably only yield small gains. It is also technically illegal unless the original cats failed. Forcing the shutter valve open will probably kill your hp/torque at lower rpms. At higher rpms, the valve is normally open so there would be no gain there either.

It would be interesting if you would try forcing the fresh air duct open and doing some testing to see what performance differences there are but I wouldn't expect too much.

How about that Hawaii bowl huh?

Brian

thx Omicron, I'm going to read into those.

Buger: I'm from Mililani as well, it's a small world, isn't it :)
I'll report progress on how well it's going with the VFAD, not sure if I can do it today tho, got too much work on my hands. I'll be back ;)

/Michael

Happy to help.

“Racing Beat is about to come out with a number of products for the new RX-8. Others have already brought products to the market with what we have found to be some rather exaggerated claims. Rather than echo these claims we prefer to report exactly and honestly the results we see. In the long run, the customer will appreciate dealing with reality, not a wish. In the past it was common to see improvements in the exhaust and intake systems of rotary engines in the 12-20 HP bracket, depending on the product. Headers in particular were a great source of power- this is no longer true. Although we are still working on a final header design, we have yet to observe more than a slight horsepower gain. Space is a limiting factor to becoming creative with a header design, and besides, the port configuration is fairly restrictive on the Renesis engine. We have found that Mazda’s exhaust manifold design is actually pretty good. Mazda has already wrung almost nearly everything they can from the engine. The are small improvements possible, but the days of the early rotaries when 10-20 horsepower gains could be realized fairly easily, those days appear to be over.”

The following table lists the measured power gains from various aftermarket components. Testing has been conducted on the Racing Beat engine dyno with both pre-production and production Renesis engines.

Intake – enlarging the oval inlet to the factory air box - +2 HP (this modification eliminates the VFAD intake duct.) Developmental work is still being undertaken.
Headers – approximately 4 HP peak power gain.
Mufflers – muffler & connecting pipe - 2-3 HP.
Removing the muffler from the car (engine) – about 4 HP.
Remove catalytic converter and resonator from the engine completely, and replacing with “cat” replacement tube – max benefit 8 HP – regardless of what muffler is used (or even no muffler).

“The muffler “off” will yield about 4 HP, with a very loud exhaust note. With it “off” the car, the noise is unbelievable! We find 2-3 HP peak RPM maximum improvement from our exhaust, or any competitive system that we have tested. So someone can see from these numbers, it is quite difficult to get a lot more HP from this engine. The max potential with a header and race exhaust would be around 10HP.”

Just got this, and thought I'd share it with you guys. :)

CJ

This makes me want to buy a RE intake, and have it tested...back to back on the dyno. If anyone wants to pay for the intake, I'll pay for the dyno time. :) CJ

PoMan Ferrari is getting his car dyno tested today after installing the RE intake. It will be interesting to see his results.

See this thread: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=206491#post206491

I wonder why they mentioned nothing about the results of the ECU/PCM mod they have in development.

Maybe each one of these mods when used by themselves produce insignificant power gains but complement each other when supplemented with other mods. It has been reported that the borla exhausts gains have been increased when used in combination with CZ's stage 1 mod.

Rotary Power NW is going to do a dyno day, and I was just hoping that somone would hook me up with a free intake. :p

Anouther mod I was wondering about was the Pineapple Racing sleeves (for the 6spds). Curious as to how much hp those would add. CJ

I just got that same Email from Racing Beat, that sucks that its only getting those gains, but they are very reputable in the rotary industry so I trust their results

They are also being honest in that they are not claiming 15hp like others out there are

...all this "honesty" is bringing me down...so basically I'm paying $600 for some sound? Bummer

I tried getting to the VFAD but it seems as you have to take the front off for that. I didn't have the time to do so, has anyone else messed with this yet?

Damn, those numbers seem low. I wonder if racing beat is running into the dreaded limp mode as all the others have done when dynoing? I can't say for certain what part can produce x H.P. untill someone cracks The RX8s computer, it's already been proven that the computer retards the cars H.P. via timing or wheel breaking by the ABS when trying to dyno the car. the best results would be a G-tech or some other onboard device to measure power, Canzoomer has already run a 13.7 1/4 mile using just his ecu mod and a Borla, with the use of a G-tech!

I dont know........it sucks but they seem to be pretty honest

yeah........you have to respect the honesty.

Its very reputable for them to do that, given thay are in the business to sell products.

All this tells me is that we have a very nicely engineered car out of the box. Our intakes were well engineered for performance, and thats the main reason an aftermarket design has not yielded significant HP gains. The stock RX8 exhaust is not terrible either. Its only downfall is Mazda attempting to appeal to the masses (and db restrictions) with a quite design. I for one like the sound just as it is. I would like slightly bigger tips however, and refuse to pay $600+ for bigger tips;)

Obviously a PCM mod will get you the best bang........and given that, a less restictive exhaust (starting from headers...not catback) would utilize it better.

In my opinion an aftermarket intake changes mostly sound characteristics on the RX8. When I use the world "intake" I refer to the designs we currently have seen. These are not new intakes at all, just new airbox designs. From the throttle body to the engine is left stock. There is a long way for that air to go after it leaves your aftermarket "intake". It enters the real intake manifold from the throttle body and into the engine.

The stock airbox is very dense. just compare the sound of tapping on it to the PCM cover. Its a very quiet design, but not really restrictive. Some may like the sound that a less dense airbox gives them, and for that reason it may be worth the money for that reason. Just dont expect much in the way of HP gains.

Racing Beat has shown this in their numbers. Now if RB quoted 30 HP gains from a PCM mod.....you would believe them because they have shown to be honest and accurate.

While I've allways loved RB, I've noticed that they are honest, but allways a little on the conservitive (I suck at spelling.) side. Take for instance the s4 and s5 n/a engines (86-91 13B.) They claimed that modifications to that motor did'nt yeild as much power as cars in the past, and they the engines where'nt worth modifing. With a exhaust, intake, s-afc, and some other little mods, my old 90 Rx-7 made 167rwhp on a mustang, or around 180ish rwhp on a dynojet. thats not bad considering they usually put down 115-125rwhp stock.

If you realy want do some searching on the rx7club forum, you'll also notice that RB has told people that a racepipe made right around the same hp as a header. One guy did some dyno'ing and found that there was like a 7-12(?)rwhp difference. Now thats quite a bit of difference if you ask me.

Rx-7.com, makes a mid pipe for the 8. Now they are very well known, and don't talk alot of BS, but here is their results.


http://www.rx7.com/RPGReddyRX8exhaust/images/rx8stockvsrpgreddy_dyno.gif

CJ

The truth is a good thing and I really respect Racing Beat for telling it.

Now will people that got ripped off buying 300.00 intakes send them back for a refund? I have a feeling that they wont...

Vince

Funny how you're so quick to believe RB because they say what you want to hear. I haven't seen any dyno charts (oops...gotta have raw data now, almost forgot) from them either. The cynical side of me says RB has something to gain from talking down the currently available set of mods since they seem to have a lot of products in development but nothing really available as yet.

Don't get me wrong....I think RB makes some nice stuff, and in general I don't view them as one of those companies with shoddy business practices...but I don't really view Borla, or K&N, or Rotary Extreme etc as disreputable companies either, and I'm not willing to declare them all liars just because RB insinuates it.

Also, keep in mind the power-adding performance mods RB is most known for in the aftermarket FD world: A relatively quiet exhaust and a modification to the stock intake duct that allows you to retain the stock box (and its inherent quietness) while giving you some of the benefits of a less restrictive intake. IMO these are not balls-to-the-wall, no-compromise mods, and so I wouldn't expect them to make as much power as those which are willing to trade some noise, etc. If their design considerations for the RX-8 are in a similar vein, then it wouldn't surprise me at all to see their parts put out a bit less power than some of those from other manufacturers.

jds

All I really want is the truth and everything starts and stops with that.

Vince

As I posted before - get the titanium cat back - for the weight savings and cool factor - only.

What RB say with regards to the intake only makes sense - if you look at the whole tract, from injectors back to snorkel, the smallest orifice is that oval hole thru the front bulkhead to the 'cold'side of the rad.
If you want more flow, you would start there. Since the hole is way smaller than the MAF itself, it is an obvious choke point.
.
.
.
doc

I applaud any Co. for being truthfull, but I believe everything has to start with the correct ecu programs to take advantage of any aftermatket part and the RX8 has not been figured out yet, I think we should wait. I believe RBs numbers, it makes sense considering the restrictions by the computer, I just think thier numbers would be higher if they tested with and onboard diagnostic tool!

Originally posted by bureau13
Funny how you're so quick to believe RB because they say what you want to hear. I haven't seen any dyno charts (oops...gotta have raw data now, almost forgot) from them either. The cynical side of me says RB has something to gain from talking down the currently available set of mods since they seem to have a lot of products in development but nothing really available as yet.

jds

We haven't seen any dyno charts from canzoomer yet (correct me if I'm wrong) and everyone seems to believe him. Now I dont doubt the claims that he is making but by your logic he should be doubted because he too is trying to sell a product

Originally posted by bureau13
...but I don't really view Borla, or K&N, or Rotary Extreme etc as disreputable companies either, and I'm not willing to declare them all liars just because RB insinuates it.

s

I don't think RB was pointing the finger at those firms specifically. However, K&N's ads on Speed Channel, comparing how much horsepower you get from one of their filters compared to say, a turbo, don't do much to dispel the image of overhype. I think the OEM guys have learned from the aftermarket, and their intakes and exhausts aren't nearly as restrictive as they used to be, narrowing the spread between them and the aftermarket considerably.

Does anyone really believe replacing a stock exhaust gives you an additional 20 HP. Or dropping in a new filter gives you 5?? You guys are more knowledgable than that!

All we can do is wait and see. But I too, will be doing a dyno session without a intake, then after a intake. Just need to finish my other money pit first. :) (See my sig.) CJ

It's cool that hawaii doesn't have the emission law but when I going to the university of hawaii I had to deal with hawaii's f--cked up safety check and recon laws. The safety check wasn't too bad for me cause my friend alway's hooked me up, cause he worked at Texaco but as for recon that's the stupidest law I ever heard of. In a 4 year period I racked up over $2000 in mod and recon tickets mainly because I lived in Waikiki and Ala Moana area. It got to the point where I just raised my car and took the tint and rims off. So in opinion if you start modding your rx-8 do something mild first to get that damm recon sticker it will save you alot of hassle and doe. Peace!

Originally posted by pp13bnos
Anouther mod I was wondering about was the Pineapple Racing sleeves (for the 6spds). Curious as to how much hp those would add. CJ Ok, I give up, what are "Pineapple Racing sleeves? Something you pin to your nomex racing suit to avoid carpel tunnel syndrome? :D (J/K)

Originally posted by bureau13
Funny how you're so quick to believe RB because they say what you want to hear. I haven't seen any dyno charts (oops...gotta have raw data now, almost forgot) from them either. The cynical side of me says RB has something to gain from talking down the currently available set of mods since they seem to have a lot of products in development but nothing really available as yet.

Don't get me wrong....I think RB makes some nice stuff, and in general I don't view them as one of those companies with shoddy business practices...but I don't really view Borla, or K&N, or Rotary Extreme etc as disreputable companies either, and I'm not willing to declare them all liars just because RB insinuates it.

Also, keep in mind the power-adding performance mods RB is most known for in the aftermarket FD world: A relatively quiet exhaust and a modification to the stock intake duct that allows you to retain the stock box (and its inherent quietness) while giving you some of the benefits of a less restrictive intake. IMO these are not balls-to-the-wall, no-compromise mods, and so I wouldn't expect them to make as much power as those which are willing to trade some noise, etc. If their design considerations for the RX-8 are in a similar vein, then it wouldn't surprise me at all to see their parts put out a bit less power than some of those from other manufacturers.

jds I agree with Bureau. While there is NO doubt in my mind that Racing Beat is as reputable as they come, it's also important to keep in mind that they are VERY tied in with Mazda corporate, and have been for years. As they're almost a part of Mazda, they have a vested interest in making the factory-stock RX-8 look good as is. They also have a vested interest casting doubt on how effective the current crop of aftermarket parts are, since they don't yet have any competing products.

I'm am NOT saying they are being dishonest, but I DO think they are being excessively conservative in the HP improvements mods can provide. Then in a few months, they will come out with a series of mods that magically get more horsepower than they have forcasted is possible, and the market will rush to buy their products.

I am just as skeptical of excessively LOW horsepower gain claims as I am of excessively HIGH horsepower gain claims, and I'm really surprised at the number of people who seem to think that if Racing Beat say it is so, then it must be true.

Originally posted by MP3Guy
Does anyone really believe replacing a stock exhaust gives you an additional 20 HP. Or dropping in a new filter gives you 5?? You guys are more knowledgable than that!

On the old school rotaries these kinds of gains were actually that easy to attain.

Interesting conclusion to draw from my post! I'm not the one making all these demands, although I'll reserve a healthy skepticism for any unproven claims. You missed my point though...there has been a lot of talk from a few people questioning power claims, even when dyno charts were posted....why then is everyone so eager to believe RB's claims of a lack of power improvements when they've provided nothing in the way of proof? Its a bit of a double standard, based IMO on whether or not the statements match one's preconceptions.

jds

Originally posted by kingcar
We haven't seen any dyno charts from canzoomer yet (correct me if I'm wrong) and everyone seems to believe him. Now I dont doubt the claims that he is making but by your logic he should be doubted because he too is trying to sell a product

I don't think anyone has noticed that Racing Beat uses Engine Dyno, not a wheel dyno such as DynoJet or Mustang dyno. Engine dyno should give out the true engine HP or flywheel HP without drivetrain loss.

The first thing I want to ask them is that if they get 238 HP from a complete stock setup as advertised by Mazda. I think we should start from there before we analyze anything else.

Another important question is that will the ECU run in normal mode with engine revving but none of the wheels turning? So pretty much it's like you are running the car with the speed sensor and abs sensor disconnected. Will the ECU behave the same under those conditions?

se3pmaniac,

Best post to this thread so far. You're exactly right that RB uses an engine Dyno for all their testing. Yes, Big Jim (RB founder and owner) has a reputation for being conservative, but I've found him to be as honest as the day is long over the years. He will not BS you, but he will quote VERY conservative numbers! That being said, you might see a few more ponies tacked on to each of their claims, but are they off by 50 percent... not likely!

They're a great company with probably the most extensive knowledge and experience in the U.S. with rotary engines. Also, an earlier poster was correct in mentioning that they have a very close working relationship with Mazda. Does that cause me to doubt their integrity? NO WAY! It's just not in Jim's straight-shooting style or RBs best interest to skew numbers for the sake of any relationship that they might have with Mazda.

Let's give automotive designers a little credit over the past 20 years huh? With CATIA and flow modeling and thermal imaging programs that are currently industry standard why shouldn't a company like Mazda be able to put out a product that's pretty darn good right out of the box. Sure in the past you were able to get pretty large increases with items like intakes, catbacks, and DPs but that was 70s, 80s and early 90s design technology. A lot has changed since the introduction of the Gen 3. Even 350Z aftermarket tuners had a difficult time improving on the stock intake and exhaust system.

Originally posted by inittab
On the old school rotaries these kinds of gains were actually that easy to attain.


That was then- this is now. Auto manufacturers have long borrowed from the aftermarket to design into their cars. Almost everything on a new sports car today: the wheels, 45 profile tires, sound system, short throw shifter, ground effects, tail lights etc., etc., etc. all were inspired by the aftermarket customizers. They set the pace, and the OEM follows.

Allright, I agree that RB is a reputable company. However, my question to them is this: If the gains are as low as they claim when it comes to an aftermarket exhaust, why are they bothering to still produce one? If they advertise that their exhaust will only make ~5HP, how can anyone justify shelling out 600 or so dollars to buy one? I, like everyone else, appreciates their honesty; but I want to know why their exhaust will be better than anyone elses if they say the gains will be so meager?

Originally posted by rxtreme
Allright, I agree that RB is a reputable company. However, my question to them is this: If the gains are as low as they claim when it comes to an aftermarket exhaust, why are they bothering to still produce one? If they advertise that their exhaust will only make ~5HP, how can anyone justify shelling out 600 or so dollars to buy one? I, like everyone else, appreciates their honesty; but I want to know why their exhaust will be better than anyone elses if they say the gains will be so meager?
No specific info to their system, but do remember that there can be a HUGE weight savings from one exhaust to another. A small HP increase may mean squat to you, but if it also shaves good deal of weight, then that raises the bar a little bit...We'll have to wait and see.

For some owners HP is not the end all reason for buying aftermarket parts. If everything needed to result in a HP gain no one would ever add accent painting or chrome plating to their engine bays. Items like larger aftermarket wheels are usually a HUGE drain on performance due to the USUAL additional weight over stock. Bottom line is that people want to individualize their vehicle. If a catback can give you a slight HP gain, save you 15 to 20 pounds, and make your car SOUND awesome, most will go for it.

When I added my RB dual tip to my Gen 3 I only noticed a little over 10 HP improvement, but for me I knew that adding a mid pipe or high flow cat down the road would bring me much greater benefits, so I bought it. It really comes down to who makes the part that YOU think gives YOUR car the individual look that you're trying to achieve. If RB says that you'll get a 5 HP improvement and you bolt it on and notice 8 to 10, then you're a happy customer. If they tell you you'll get 10 to 15 and all you see is 5 HP you'll be pissed. I think it's just a good business approach. Undercommitting and overdelivering is the key to customer satisfaction.

But I want more HP!... haha

No but really its true, I think about more then just performance when deciding which aftermarket parts to purchase. Getting a deeper meaner sound on a cat-back is almost as important as the amount of HP it gains me.

I hope you are not afraid of the clutch/gear box.

This is my first non-automatic vehicle...heck it's my first sports car (thought if I were to do it, I'd do it in fashion). I had a deposit down for an auto, but the dealer saw the fire in my eye and talked me into the standard on the lot already. It took me a good week to get totally comfortable with shifting, but only a day or two to get adjusted (I stalled a few times...kind of embarassing, but I flicked off all the people in their crappy cars honking at me). The feel of the clutch on the RX-8 is so much nicer than on the auto. That alone is worth the 2K. Good luck! The automatic is a nice car if you're not concerned too much about performance.

Alot right I have read most of the tech post about the 8, but just to be honest where am i going to get the most horse power for my money.I have had mu 8 for about a month and I am already looking to make so improvments to it. I love my car and am looking to smoke the pants off anything i meet on the road. My best competion had been a honda s200 and it was a close race but he had me and I am looking to meeting them agian soon with so mods that can push the rotary to its true limits.

A Trans-Am or a Camaro should fill your bill. Maybe a Lingenfellter Corvette.

You wont be de-pantsing anyone with an '8.

S

ok well what can an eight do against a two that will give the benefeit to me?

Originally posted by med_carlos507
ok well what can an eight do against a two that will give the benefeit to me?

In America, we speak ENGLISH. I'm not sure what the heck you just said here, little man. :eek:

Now that was comedy RX8 lover!!! ROFL I agree. Speak english!

and dont forget to poorf read your stuff

Easy guys, we need to remember that people from all over the world access this forum. Please do not disrespect someone just because their english is not as good as yours.

med_carlos507, please do not post stories of street racing on the board, they are not allowed here.

As for how to increase the performance of the RX-8, your choices are somewhat limited right now because the car is so new to the market. However, you do have a few options:

Better flowing intake, by Rotary Extreme (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13610) or K&N (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17756). Good for about 5-10 HP.
Better flowing exhaust. Lots of them available, look in this forum (http://www.rx8club.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=65) and pick out one you like. Good for about 5-15 HP.
ECU/PCM Mod: Look inthis thread (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14823) for info about it, and this thread (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16692) for info on availability. Good for about 20-30 HP.

That's it for now. In about 6 months or less there will undoubtedly be supercharger, turbocharger, and nitrous kits on the market.

Hope this helps... welcome to the board!

Thanks for the help. The stage 2 canzoomer sounds really nice, 45-55 hp! I dunno about getting a auto now. If i get a manual (which I do want, but I need to convince my parents to get me a manual when I get my car), with a stage 2 and better flowing exhuast then thats about 300 hp right there. That sounds really nice. And then if they come out with turbo/super chargers, my car will be awsome.

about the intakes, does K&N have a heat shield? looks like you can get the K&N Typhoon for $188 with no shield and the Roary Extreme with a shield for $260. Doesn't make much sense to me not to include a sheild.

Originally posted by Ft Liquordale
about the intakes, does K&N have a heat shield? looks like you can get the K&N Typhoon for $188 with no shield and the Roary Extreme with a shield for $260. Doesn't make much sense to me not to include a sheild. Nope, I agree that it should have been included, but K&N didn't for some reason. Go figure. I also feel the heat shielding is worth the trouble, so I'd suggest the RE intake.

You can't use canzoomer's kit on the auto.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14823&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

I remember back in the 60's and early 70's before we had catalytic converters and all that emissions crud on our cars, the first thing anybody would do is get rid of the stock muffler and put a glass pack on. Sure it would make a few more horsepower but the real reason? Sound. Sound was half the fun of performance. What fun would it be to have blistering 0-60 times if it was whisper quiet? It didn't matter if it wasn't the fastest thing around as long as it SOUNDED like it was the fastest thing around.

And after awhile when the glass started burning away and clearing out you'd be left with basically a hollow resonator and when you stepped on the gas it would sound just great!

If RB's exhaust SOUNDS better than anybody elses, a mild hp gain will just be a bonus....people will buy it.

Originally posted by Ole Spiff
I remember back in the 60's and early 70's before we had catalytic converters and all that emissions crud on our cars, the first thing anybody would do is get rid of the stock muffler and put a glass pack on. Sure it would make a few more horsepower but the real reason? Sound. Sound was half the fun of performance. What fun would it be to have blistering 0-60 times if it was whisper quiet? It didn't matter if it wasn't the fastest thing around as long as it SOUNDED like it was the fastest thing around.

And after awhile when the glass started burning away and clearing out you'd be left with basically a hollow resonator and when you stepped on the gas it would sound just great!

If RB's exhaust SOUNDS better than anybody elses, a mild hp gain will just be a bonus....people will buy it.
The problem with your theory is that a glasspack wouldn't last 5 blocks on the RX-8. By that time, the material will have melted into a solid block. Not exactly money well spent. Oops, I just re-read your post and realized that was not the point you were trying to make. Disregard. And yes, you are right - people would buy it. Just look at all the folks who buy those ridiculous grapefruit-shooters just because of the sound (shudder to think) and despite the performace hit.

I REALLY noticed a difference when i swaped out mine, my car wont get dyno'ed till spring while we're at Nürburg Ring but i can say its Way more than a mere 10 hp!!

If Racing Beat has been in bed with Mazda all of these years, why didn't they collaborate to make a Catalytic Converter that would meet EPA standards and last for 120,000 miles and have the car produce the 280HP's that was slated when the car (E-volve) was in concept stage? Or better yet, if Mazda wanted to leave room for future improvement by way of HP gains, say 280-300 which is what I understand the Renesis has potential for, why wouldn't they produce a better Cat so that the slated 250HP would be achieved as intended as opposed to the 238HP the 8 has now? I'm sure that with all of the metals out there a better/stronger materials to produce a better CAT. And of course they would have to reflash the PCM module to original specs to bring final resolution to this matter.

Talk to the salesman on the side... have him tell your parents that the only people he/she has sold the automatic to are 40-50 years+ old and he is surprised you are considering it. That might help.

It is also harder to find automatics with all the options you want. That made the choice easy for me... Either wait a few weeks till they find it or take the one already on the lot.

Im going to soon be buying an rx-8 and was wondering what should the first thang be to buy for hp ? I want to get it as fast as possible throughout time . I was thinking exaust ?

oh god....

Welcome to the board Gauge. There's a TON of information to be gained here for people who are willing to spend just a little bit of time reading first, then answering questions later. Not to slam you, but not even 10 threads below this question of yours was the SAME question, titled "What parts to get?" Pretty hard to miss. ;) In fact, if you look through the pages of this very forum, you'll find several instances of this same question. Regardless, here's my response:

Originally posted by Omicron
Your choices are somewhat limited right now because the car is so new to the market. However, you do have a few options:

Better flowing intake, by Rotary Extreme (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13610) or K&N (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17756). Good for about 5-10 HP.
Better flowing exhaust. Lots of them available, look in this forum (http://www.rx8club.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=65) and pick out one you like. Good for about 5-15 HP.
ECU/PCM Mod: Look inthis thread (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14823) for info about it, and this thread (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16692) for info on availability. Good for about 20-30 HP.

That's it for now. In about 6 months or less there will undoubtedly be supercharger, turbocharger, and nitrous kits on the market.

Hope this helps... welcome to the board!