My family and I own two rx-8's (parents had a their midlife crisis) anyways...We had been l almost the only ones we ever saw for a while but now they are popping up everywhere! Nice to see ya'll! But I guess Ferman (the dealership) is buying everyone they can get their hands on so...and other places are doing really extreme mark ups so if you are looking to get one I suggest you head over to Ferman on Florida Ave. I think just south of Fowler. tell them the Morris family sent you!

Which color 8's do you guys have? Maybe we'll have to set up a meet between 8 owners in the bay area. When did you guys buy yours? I have a yellow 1. I bought mine from Courtesy Mazda. I got a discount because I still own an RX7.

im in clearwater i got mine at ed howard in sarasota. i got mine marked down a lot cause i was a hard player:) well good to see more around my area:) laters

hey, we have blue and black. yah my dad owned a first gen. rx7 in hawaii he loved that too (lost it in divorce:( ) but sure it would be cool to set up a meet. we need ideas for the twins...we wanna do stuff but my dad is not really one for modifying the body (he believes that body kits are a waste b/c they really only add weight) but he wants to do stuff to the engine but hasn't found products or brands that meet his HIGH standards so...input is appreciated:D

Canzoomer's Stage 1 mod is the way to go for the 1st thing to put in. Borla exhaust is probably the favorite here. I think that the air intake is a waste of money, plus you'll void your warranty for a couple HP.

yah we have been talking about the stage 1 and he's even been talking about stage 2 and exhoust he is still looking at and I feel the same way about cold air intake I didn't put my AEM on until my warranty was out already.

AEM ( I am talking about my acura integra)

If you replace the cat with a straight pipe. Go to RX7.com and get theirs. It won't be too loud. They did a great job on my RX7.

Hey! Post pics here since we are all online! I'll start!

Me in Antarctica

What ya'll afraid to post pics? Post atleast your cars.

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to say Hi.. Got my 8 here at Russell mazda back in September.. Titanium Gray.. I've only seen 2 so far. A black one parked at Park Place Tavern, and a Blue one on Mcmullen booth..

I should be getting my Stage I today.. It's sitting in Duneden waiting to be delivered to my apartment.. maybe I'll have it by lunch if I'm lucky..


SO, does anyone here happen to play poker ? Just asking because I frequent the tracks and Seminole alot.

I'll go with you when I get home in a couple weeks from the south pole. I never been. Its nice a to see a few people got 8's around my area.

Awesome, bring me a snowcone... Whats the weather like? There's been a cold spell here... down in the 40's!


Fedex messed up my Stage I shipment, now I have to go pick it up after the driver gets back to the station... The anticipation is killing me.. I hope it wont be too dark to install the darn thing.

When do you get back?

LOL! I bet you are going crazy!!!! I know I will be when mine gets shipped. Canzoomer's cool because he honored the price because I emailed him on the 31st.

The weather is OK. Right now its like 20 degrees with a wind chill of about -10. But, the weather is already starting to turn. In 2 weeks, it should go below zero with wind chills down to -30 or -40. And thats the END of summer!!! I get back on the 16th FEB

You crazy man! Floridian blood here it hits 20 I'm in bed praying not to have to get out from under the covers b/c it's too cold lol!

Oh believed me I agree! This job is too good though. I only work like 5 months a year. The rest, I am off and just chill on the beach and travel.

tru I would do it then too lol I don't have job yet so all I have to worry about it getting into college so....

But, when I get home its all Margaritas, 420's, and the beach!!!

420's lol oh man! anyways! yah I have lived in Florida all my life and I really haven't been to the beach all that much considering I'm spent almost 18 yrs. here. My parents hate the beach I freakin' love it.

Grab your mom's 8 and lets all meet at the beach! (when it gets warmer)

Definitly when I get back on the 16th of Feb. That would be sweet because I think we all have diff colors!

Guy321,

I noticed you are a systems engineer. What kind of equipment do you work with?

Twin8babygirl,

I freakin love the beach too! Can't wait for waverunning, beaches, and of course the good ole sessions!

Where is the other girl?

Sun/Solaris...

But I actually do security, so I deal with IDS and Cisco devices. I work for a very large corporation.

Cool Cool!

I mainly work on Radars, Satellite comms, Automated Weather Systems, HF..etc I work for Scientific Research Corporation and they work for Space and Naval Warfare and they work for National Science Foundation.! LOL Government. Go Figure!

oh buddy got some smart asses in the house!

How am I a smart ass? I admit I am, but, I don't see it here.

If we have to be asses, better to be smart ones!

We can't be the only 4 people from the Tampa area?? Anyone else want to reply to this thread? All are welcome!

Oh... any of you know any straight, deserted roads in the area a 1/4 mile long?

I live in Bradenton, but I'm in college in Winter Park.

I've been down to Bradenton a few times. Some friends of my family live down there.

I've been to Ellenton a few times with the 8 to buy clothes.

I know a couple straight ways 1/4 mile long. Wait till I get back on the 16th

Originally posted by guy321
I've been to Ellenton a few times with the 8 to buy clothes.

Ellenton Outlets are sweet.

Originally posted by noahprtlnd
Ellenton Outlets are sweet.

Parking SUCKS on a Saturday.. I wish I had a inflateable car armor to keep people from dinging my doors!

I've never been there. Why is it so good a place to shop?

It's an outlet mall. Good prices... Good selection.. Nice looking women.. and food.

Hey.. I have my Stage I, RE Intake and Borla Exhaust installed on my car.. anyone know where I can go to get this thing dyno'd?

How do you like that intake? Does it make a difference?

So far, I think I like the stock box better.. It runs OK with Stage I.. doesnt stall or anything. I seem to get worse gas mileage.. Im going to try to build a custom airbox for it.. maybe that will help. I dont know about performance gains until I get a dyno.

Yeah. I think I am going to stick with the stock box. I believe it is a waste of money. Until it is proven it will give me atleast a 10+HP gain, I'll stay away.

Anybody from further South. I'm here in the Palm Beach area. Seeing a lot more cars on the road-- I knew it couldn't take long!

Dude. This is the Tampa Bay Thread. Start another one to find people from your area. It will be much easier. Welcome to the RX8Club

"Dude. This is the Tampa Bay Thread. Start another one to find people from your area. It will be much easier. Welcome to the RX8Club"

HAHHAHAA************HHAAHAH!

owned

Que? Where are you from? We all need to hold some kind of get together soon.

When, and Where??!

Well, I come back on the 16th from the pole. So, may we can get a few together for a local car show or the beach? I'll be doing alot of maods when I come back so it should be pretty cool

Anything sounds cool to me..

What mods are you going to do?

I've done :

2 10" Kicker Solo L5 install
RE Intake
Ground Wire kit..
Stage I
Borla Exhaust
I had started making molds to do CF replacement pieces for the interior.. but it might be cheaper to buy them from Trussville now that they have them.

Based Rotarygod's thread(s) on intakes.. and personal prefrence, I think I'm going to stick with the stock intake.. so if any of you guys want to buy the RE intake at a good price let me know.

Originally posted by Jeff_pap31s
Well, I come back on the 16th from the pole. So, may we can get a few together for a local car show or the beach? I'll be doing alot of maods when I come back so it should be pretty cool

I am in Clearwater but don't have an 8 yet. I am waiting onthe 05 model. Waiting isn't too easy though.

www.streetknights.com is a good TB area forum. They have lots of get togethers and outings. A nice group of guys and gals. motorcycles, cares, everything. If it has wheels, it is welcome there.

How have the dealers been with you on maintenance? Have any of you gotten the run around that it seems like a lot of other 8 owners get?

greese

I havent been to the dealer for maintenence yet. I haven't realy seen any problems. I do my own oil changes and I did my own Gearbox oil changes.

I forgot to mention before that I switched to Royal Purple GL 75-90.. Seems to make a noticeable difference.. or it could have been the fact that I drained out all the metal shavings in my tranny :!

It's funny how Russel Mazda keeps sending me reminders to get my oil change at 3.5k miles.. when the manual says 7k or 5k .. They have sent me 2 reminders already .. I bought the car on Sept 22 .. I have 8500 miles on my car.. SHould I have changed my oil 3 times already?????

ANyone ever been to the Bradenton Motorsports park? THey have a Saturday Test & Tune open to everyone.. I was thinking of heading down that way either tommorrow, or one upcoming Sat..


ANyone else up for it?

Originally posted by guy321
Anything sounds cool to me..

What mods are you going to do?

I've done :

2 10" Kicker Solo L5 install
RE Intake
Ground Wire kit..
Stage I
Borla Exhaust
I had started making molds to do CF replacement pieces for the interior.. but it might be cheaper to buy them from Trussville now that they have them.

Based Rotarygod's thread(s) on intakes.. and personal prefrence, I think I'm going to stick with the stock intake.. so if any of you guys want to buy the RE intake at a good price let me know.

OK you did the same thing I am doing. It would have already been done, but being stuck here at the sout hpole for more then 5 months sucked!

I am going to add Polk MOMO 6.5 component and 6x9's and 2 subs. I am building the box. How did you go about doing this since there are no preouts. The threads here don't help. Can I hook up 2 amps or should I go with 1. Who did it for you?

I just ordered the Borla after debating which 1 to go with. I didn't want to take a chance on the others since I heard good things about Borla. How is the butt dyno? Sound?


I am awaiting my stage 1. It should go out next week just in time for me to get home. We should do a little race while my car is still stock and compare. You up for it?

I am not sure about the ground wire kit. What do you think since you already have it? Any difference?

What is CF replacment ?

Thanks,
Jeff
:cool:

Originally posted by greese
I am in Clearwater but don't have an 8 yet. I am waiting onthe 05 model. Waiting isn't too easy though.

www.streetknights.com is a good TB area forum. They have lots of get togethers and outings. A nice group of guys and gals. motorcycles, cares, everything. If it has wheels, it is welcome there.

How have the dealers been with you on maintenance? Have any of you gotten the run around that it seems like a lot of other 8 owners get?

greese

I'll have to check out streetknights. The dealers are very good on maintenance! I negotiated from Courtesy Mazda free tires and service when I bought it. I brought it in for warranty work. My roof was falling off slightly. When Mazda built the car, they put the screws that hold it up backwards.LOL And the dead battery issue. They replaced it. I am now waiting to see if it happens again. If it does, then there is a draw somewhere and they will fix it. After that. Mazda called and wrote to make sure I was happy multiple times. The service dept around our area is excellent.

Originally posted by guy321
ANyone ever been to the Bradenton Motorsports park? THey have a Saturday Test & Tune open to everyone.. I was thinking of heading down that way either tommorrow, or one upcoming Sat..
ANyone else up for it?

Brandon area here.

They also have a Thursday night Test and Tune. Usually less crowded than Sat.

Originally posted by Jeff_pap31s
[B
I am going to add Polk MOMO 6.5 component and 6x9's and 2 subs. I am building the box. How did you go about doing this since there are no preouts. The threads here don't help. Can I hook up 2 amps or should I go with 1. Who did it for you?
[/B]

I did the Install myself back in September. I ran the 4 guage power cable through the wrong grommet.. made it more difficult but it still works. I used la line output converter hooked up to the rear speakers. I think there's a thread now about how to get preamp signals from the bose amp in the trunk. As for 1 or 2 amps, it really depends on the kind of box and power rating of your speakers.. I have one 1200 watt amp.. and a sealed box.
Let me know when you get back if you need help with the interior panels.. I've had almost everything apart already..

I like the Borla ALOT.. makes it sound mean.. I feel a little power though the butt dyno.. Canzoomer mentioned once that it makes a difference with Stage 1..

We should definately run sometime.. maybe down at Bradenton motorsports.. I've never drag raced before so you'd probably kick my butt..

CF is carbon fiber.. I was going to make my own replacement parts but it's cheaper to buy the mazdaspeed ones.. (not talkling about the stick-on things)

Ground wire.. I don't think there's anything TOO noticeable but the throttle seems to be tiny bit more responsive. I just made my own out of speaker wires and connectors.

I seen a black RX8 at the Woodlands theater on tampa road sunday

It would be cool to meet up at the beach one weekend night and have all the colors there lined up. Shibby!!!

Originally posted by Jeff_pap31s
It would be cool to meet up at the beach one weekend night and have all the colors there lined up. Shibby!!!

Sounds good, lets get lots of people!

SPeaking of which, I just saw a Silver 8 with the appearance package,.. seems like everyone has that but me around here! ANyway, Hi to the driver that was on 580 and on 19 in clearwater..

LOL Guy321! I don't either, but I just ordered the wing and fender strakes, exhaust finishers and rotary accents. Still waiting on the Borla and Stage 1. I think I am going to get the Mazdaspeed flywheel. What do you think?????

Borla and stage I are GOOD together..

Mazdaspeed flywheel.. I was thinking of that but I think i'll just keep the stock for increased driveability (for now..)

Are you a mechanic? are you going to install the flywheel yourself? Or are you getting someone to install it? While you are doing the flywheel, I would go ahead and get a performance clutch too.. It's cheaper than the flywheel and since the tranny has to be pulled anyway..

your ride should be soo sweeet.

6speed8,

I see you have a silver 8 and live in Palm Harbor.. I saw one yesterday around Mcmullen booth going down to 19 on 580.. There was a young woman driving (teens/20's). Was that your car?

Originally posted by guy321
Borla and stage I are GOOD together..

Mazdaspeed flywheel.. I was thinking of that but I think i'll just keep the stock for increased driveability (for now..)

Are you a mechanic? are you going to install the flywheel yourself? Or are you getting someone to install it? While you are doing the flywheel, I would go ahead and get a performance clutch too.. It's cheaper than the flywheel and since the tranny has to be pulled anyway..

your ride should be soo sweeet.

Well, besides what I told you I would put in, I also have not decided on a body kit yet. Mazdaspeed or OEM? HMMM

I am not a mechanic, but I help out my mechanics putting stuff in to learn. They are new to rotaries too. So, I let them use my RX7 to gain experience and they do a GREAT JOB. Plus, they are cheap because I've known them for 12 years. I will also let them work on my 8 to gain practice. YES! I have lots of faith in them! :eek: :D

Where do I get a racing clutch from?????

Well, I know there are clutches coming out.. I don't know where to get them yet.. and actually a racing clutch is more than the flywheel heh.. Ogura was making one though..


Who are your mechanics? that would be a good thing to know! I'm looking for rotary mechanics to do a project on my car..

I may get a bodykit.. maybe the autoexe .. I've already damaged my rear bumper by backing into a pole, and a BMW.. well the BMW and I backed into eachother..

LOL. That sucks but its funny.

My mechanics are not rotary mechanics but can figure out anything. They are smart as hell. Just 2 peruvian guys that own a little shop. Its called Express Auto Service. They are in Palm Harbor on Alt 19.

I may take you up on the offer to put the speaks in. I just don't want to screw up the door or seats.

The plastic panels in this car are a breeze. The only part I havent done is access to the rubber gromet behind the winshield washer bottle. I don't think that it would be that difficult. Everything else just pops out.

I have also wired my radar detector to the homelink power. That's one of the best things I could have done, it's so clean.

Have you bought your stereo components yet?

No I have not. Don't get home from the south pole till Monday. PM me with your # and I'll give ya a buzz. Mine is 727-459-4534. Not activated till monday though.

I sent you my #.. So give me a ring..

Anyone wanna do some kind of meet soon? I know there's the rotary cluub thing coming up soon.

my name is Allen, BTW.. not Guy

LOL I was going to ask that I swear! LOL

I posted before in this thread that i was going to wait for the 05 was out before i got an RX-8.

My Birthday was yesterday and my wife surprised me with one :)

Red with the GT package, Red and black seats.

I would post a pic but i haven't figured out how to do it yet. I doubt there is anyone here who doesn't know what a red one looks like though.

My three year old keeps asking to ride in Daddy's "Red fast car"

there is now one more 8 on the loose in Clearwater!

greese

Did you drive down Gulf to Bay yesterday afternoon, near the Super Target?

Originally posted by greese
I posted before in this thread that i was going to wait for the 05 was out before i got an RX-8.

My Birthday was yesterday and my wife surprised me with one :)

Red with the GT package, Red and black seats.

I would post a pic but i haven't figured out how to do it yet. I doubt there is anyone here who doesn't know what a red one looks like though.

My three year old keeps asking to ride in Daddy's "Red fast car"

there is now one more 8 on the loose in Clearwater!

greese

yes. We bought it from Russel then went to Sams Club then back up 19 to NPR where we live. It was mid to late afternoon.

greese

Conmgrats.

I saw your car yesterday. I was coming up a side street. I dont think you could have seen me. I wanted to honk at yoiu but You wouldnt have seen me anyway. I noticed how nice and shiney the car was.

Originally posted by greese
yes. We bought it from Russel then went to Sams Club then back up 19 to NPR where we live. It was mid to late afternoon.

greese

Originally posted by guy321
Conmgrats.

I saw your car yesterday. I was coming up a side street. I dont think you could have seen me. I wanted to honk at yoiu but You wouldnt have seen me anyway. I noticed how nice and shiney the car was.

it is very shiny :D

Under the hood is coated in dust and dirt from all the construction at Russel though. I need to get it cleaned out. Normally i would just blast it with the hose but the manual said to never let the engine get wet.

On my accord I would wet down the engine and then spay on a bunch of simple green, let it sit, then rinse it off.

What is the recommended way to clean up under the hood.?

If you have pic on your computer that you can file attach by clicking on the browser button below. Then select pic (if pic is too big, right click on pic and open with the paint option.Then go to the scew size and reduce it from 100% to about 75% if pic is too big) save pic, x out then hit browser again find pic double click on it then send. Hope this works for you. mxmedina

OK. Hopefully i won't butcher this up too bad.

greese

That's the car I saw!!

Originally posted by greese
OK. Hopefully i won't butcher this up too bad.

greese

I'm moving down to the Tampa area shortly (new job). I've got a Lightening Yellow 6sp. that I bought in August '03.

Who is the best dealer in the area for service? I've seen Russell's name listed in this thread. Opinions / Input?

Thanks!

From what i can tell so far Russell knows their stuff. according to my salesperson, they are the dealership that others in the area call when they have questions.

I asked their service guy about working on Rotaries and he said they never stopped. People bring their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen rotaries to them for service.

could all be a crock of lies but i bought mine from them on the 22nd and BOTH recalls had already been fixed.

greese

Did you ask them about the ECU reflash and the recalls?

I live about 1 minute from them. But I haven't taken my car to them for service yet. Maybe for the 30k service. But I might have to take it in for the recalls.

Originally posted by greese
From what i can tell so far Russell knows their stuff. according to my salesperson, they are the dealership that others in the area call when they have questions.

I asked their service guy about working on Rotaries and he said they never stopped. People bring their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen rotaries to them for service.

could all be a crock of lies but i bought mine from them on the 22nd and BOTH recalls had already been fixed.

greese

i didn't first hear about the ECU reflash until about Wednesday so i didn't know to ask. I am kind of in a weird spot with it because i don't know any better one way or the other since i have only had it week. I have no basis for comparison. I'm not complaining either. This has been a fun week. What a car this is!

Hey Jeff,

What ever happened to you? Thought you were going to call, or arange a meet when you got back to Fl?

I think there's some kind of test to see if you have it.. I forgot the thread though. HAs something to do with sweeping needles or something.

Originally posted by greese
i didn't first hear about the ECU reflash until about Wednesday so i didn't know to ask. I am kind of in a weird spot with it because i don't know any better one way or the other since i have only had it week. I have no basis for comparison. I'm not complaining either. This has been a fun week. What a car this is!

Well I ordered the Stage One....

There is an approximately three week wait... and ....

I WANT IT NOW!!!

Check out the new numbers! CZ has really done a good job.

please post how it goes with the stage 1. I have been debating on getting one. I like the power but mileage is my big thing. This is my daily driver and i drive from New Port Richey to Clearwater every day. I'll take any mileage help i can get.

I wonder if we can get our own central florida topic so we can get out of this thread?

greese

I ordered my Stage 1 Dec 31st and still waiting because of the reflash Mazda has. So, 3 weeks will actually be like 5-6.

Tampa area resident, and I love my 8.

I have stage 1. I take mostly short trips. The mileage is about the same, maybe 1 or 2 mpg better, but this is offset by driving faster, because it's alot more fun above 5000 rpm.

I think with the new "L" PCM and Stage 1.1, Canzoomer said you can get 19mpg. You should have the L code, and if you buy a unit it should be 1.1 now..

I need to get mine upgraded

Originally posted by greese
please post how it goes with the stage 1. I have been debating on getting one. I like the power but mileage is my big thing. This is my daily driver and i drive from New Port Richey to Clearwater every day. I'll take any mileage help i can get.

I wonder if we can get our own central florida topic so we can get out of this thread?

greese

Well, what part of tampa? What color 8? Greene?

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your 8.

Originally posted by greene76
Tampa area resident, and I love my 8.

Are you back in FL yet?

Originally posted by Jeff_pap31s
I ordered my Stage 1 Dec 31st and still waiting because of the reflash Mazda has. So, 3 weeks will actually be like 5-6.

Originally posted by guy321
Are you back in FL yet?

YEP! Just got back. We should all meet up sometime somewhere. You know there is a car show I will be bringing my 8 and 7 to on Thursday. Let me know.:D

When/where is the car show?

Originally posted by Jeff_pap31s
YEP! Just got back. We should all meet up sometime somewhere. You know there is a car show I will be bringing my 8 and 7 to on Thursday. Let me know.:D

Originally posted by Jeff_pap31s
We should all meet up sometime somewhere. You know there is a car show I will be bringing my 8 and 7 to on Thursday. Let me know.:D

I will be Zaino'ing this weekend. But i am up for meeting up with everyone whenever (especially if you want to help). I just need lots of notice so i can either arrange to bring the kids and wife, or to prepare them that I will be gone for a bit.

I alos have to get it in for service. Took two highway trips this week and today, the oil warning light came on while on 75. I'm not worried about it. I know about the history of this happening to people on the highway but i still want to get it fixed.

greese

Um. Next Thrusday. So, I hope that is plenty of notice. :)
Or we can meet at the beach on the weekend.

Just got my 8 back from service at Russell for the oil light coming on during highway driving. I also asked them to look at the squeaky brakes.

the did re-flash the ECU with version N3H6-1888L

They gave it back to me in great shape. Even washed it. I was also surprised they checked the tires, fluid levels etc all the way around. He said they do that on all service visits.

greese

Was that you I saw this morning at 7??

Originally posted by greese
Just got my 8 back from service at Russell for the oil light coming on during highway driving. I also asked them to look at the squeaky brakes.

the did re-flash the ECU with version N3H6-1888L

They gave it back to me in great shape. Even washed it. I was also surprised they checked the tires, fluid levels etc all the way around. He said they do that on all service visits.

greese

if you were dropping off a Tit gray with a nasty scratch on the back bumper, then yeah, that was me in the red.

Ugh, you noticed the scratch?? yeah that was me.. I would have said hi, but I was in a hurry to get to work.

That scratch is pretty hard to miss. What happened?

That had you parked next to me when i picked mine up. They washed it for you. Looks really good. That Titanium really looks good in the sun. Of course if you haven't picked it up yet, it is probably covered in dirt by now.

A bmw and I both backed up into each other.. we were parked on either side of a large van, and visibility was really bad..

I'll get it fixed eventually, but I didn't think it was THAT noticeable, heh.

I got the reflash too. Did you notice any differences? I'm picking mine up later. The pollen is crazy out here. My titanium turns green.

Greese,

What kind of car did they give you?

I have not noticed a difference with the flash yet but my office is in the Harbourside Building next to Sam Seltzer's so I didn't really have enough of a drive to tell. I think i may have already had the L flash. They didn't say whether or not I needed a flash. Just that they flashed it.

They didn't give me a loaner. They offered me a choice between a loaner or a ride to work. They seemed to prefer i take the ride. It didn't matter too much to me so i took the ride.

That sucks on the scratch. I already have a ding in mine that my wife got at church.

That's cool that they did it for you..

I complained about a CEL and bad gas mileage.. I used to get around 16/17mpg, lately I've been getting 14/15. Oddly enough, they actually found a code and tracked it down to a loose oxygen sensor wire.

So, I'm anxious to see how my milage turns out!

They loaned me a 626, didnt seem to mind at all. They were probably better off not having to drive me to Oldsmar... Hey, I think my AMEX financial advisor used to work in your building?

WHat are your impressions of that dealer's service department?

I think they did a good job, and jose was very good at calling to update me, alot of dealerships i've delt with never updated the customer.. I also like the fact that they didnt feel the need to re-apply any dealer stickers and the zoom-zoom sticker..

My only complaint was that.. Well I broke down and let them do the oil change out of convienience.. and on theinvoice, it doesnt say what weight oil they use.

AMEX used to be on the first floor here. They vacated about a year ago.

Their service department seems pretty good. The only reason i have an 8 now is because i took my wife's Honda Passport there for service last month. They gave us an MPV as a loaner. I was impressed. I didn't even buy that car from they but they gave me a loaner anyway. It was when we were picking it up that my wife test drove the 8 and struck a deal behind my back.

they were extrememly thorough with the Passport and were cheaper than Autoway and my regular Honda mechanic.

I see a lot of stories on here about people getting the run around from the dealers on service. I have not felt like that dealing with Russell. I think because they are small and the construction is hurting business, the last thing they want to do is piss off the customers they do have.

and i have been getting about 19 mpg around town and around 22-24 on the highway. I'll see how it goes after the flash.

19 in town?? and you drive up and down HWY 19 ??? It took me 45 minutes to go from sunset point to Russel yeterday.. for people who dont know.. that's about 1/2 a mile maybe...

yep. 19mpg in town. I checked it over two tanks. I am only using 93 octane. Right now I have a little over 1/4 tank left and have gone 180 miles. Some of that was highway though. I had to go to Brandon yesterday.

In town, i try to shift around 3500-4000 RPM. In stop and go traffic it's not too tough.

I also find that i rarely use fifth gear. I'll shift straight from 4th to 6th.

Well, my gas mileage is better than it was.. I think it's back to normal.. 17/18 in the city

Greese,

You said you went in for break squeal? Is that fixed? What did they do?

they did nothing on the brake squeal. I only noticed it under light braking. They said that is expected and normal with the semi-metallic brake pads that are on the car.

Lots of 8's at the Rockaway grill on Clearwater Beach lastnight. I saw a guy with a silver 8 and was over checking out his car when a blue one drove by.

I told the driver of the silver car about the forum, so we should be getting a new member here soon.

3 cars in the same lot at the same time, I hope there aren't TOO many!

Also, yesterdayI saw a red 8 driving down Gulf to Bay at around 1:00. The driver was a blonde woman. I felt bad for her because she was going west and the traffic was horrible.

Too Many....

Heck, the more they sell, the more likely we will see better aftermarket support.

As far as multiples in the same lot, I have a lot of fun when my wife and I pull in a park beside each other...

Must be pretty neat!! I would have pulled my car up next to the other one, but I had already paid the meter. I don't want to see TOO many though.. Although, I actually notice more RX7's now than ever before too.

Originally posted by Twin 8s!
Too Many....

Heck, the more they sell, the more likely we will see better aftermarket support.

As far as multiples in the same lot, I have a lot of fun when my wife and I pull in a park beside each other...

Yup....

Were are luv'in it.....

And I just love to read all the whiners on other threads cause I guess.... they are just not Rotor people.

Next comes my Stage One. When that is in place I intend to put up a regular update on performance, gas mileage, and driving impressions.

But I digress....

Here's my stage1 impressions so far:


http://www.maximumfluoride.com/images/rat.jpg

True it's my first sports car and all, but everyday I look forward to driving it as much as possible. Cant get any better than that.

hello all Tampa area members!

im new and will have my black 8 on sat (if not earlier). i am getting it from a dealer in Lake CIty. i live about half a mile from the oldsmar flea market. i would love to plan a get together at the beach one sat (or friday) night in the next week or two.

looking forward to driving the 8....this week will never end!

I work at Nielsen Media. Around the corner from you. You may see my Titanium 8 from time to time.

Originally posted by Pinhy
hello all Tampa area members!

im new and will have my black 8 on sat (if not earlier). i am getting it from a dealer in Lake CIty. i live about half a mile from the oldsmar flea market. i would love to plan a get together at the beach one sat (or friday) night in the next week or two.

looking forward to driving the 8....this week will never end!

I'd be up for that... Anyone else wanna meet up? Jeff.. haven't heard from you in a while..

Originally posted by Pinhy
hello all Tampa area members!

im new and will have my black 8 on sat (if not earlier). i am getting it from a dealer in Lake CIty. i live about half a mile from the oldsmar flea market. i would love to plan a get together at the beach one sat (or friday) night in the next week or two.

looking forward to driving the 8....this week will never end!

I got my sunlight silver RX8 Feb. 13. Haven't stopped smile'in since. I was looking into exhaust for it, has anyone heard the Greddy on the car? I saw guy321, at rockaways on the beach. He has the Borla kit on his and sounds great.

Hey everyone I just got my 8 3 days ago and love it so far and can't wait to get cracking on a bit of aftermarket stuff. I'm 22 and live in the seminole area (st.pete beach) If any other owners are in the area and wanna get in contact sometime let me know I'd love to meet up with other 8 owners.

Hey, welcome..

We already have a thread for the tampa area if you want to check it out.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19157&highlight=tampa


We'll probably do something soon.. I just ran into another 8 owner at clearwater beach sunday night.

guy321...not sure where Nielson media is, but im in the apt complex right on hillsborough just east of the flea market.

just got my black 8 last night....i LOVE THIS FRIKKEN CAR!!!!

so youll see me around i am sure. there is also another black on that works at some warehouse on tampa road about half a mile west of the flea market....ive seen it out sunning itself there since about october.


hope we can all get together soon

The Arbors or whatever??

I i;ve never seen that black one..

I work on Brooker creek.. between forest lakes and Racetrack road..


Hope you're loving your 8! Do you work in this area too?

Originally posted by Pinhy
guy321...not sure where Nielson media is, but im in the apt complex right on hillsborough just east of the flea market.

just got my black 8 last night....i LOVE THIS FRIKKEN CAR!!!!

so youll see me around i am sure. there is also another black on that works at some warehouse on tampa road about half a mile west of the flea market....ive seen it out sunning itself there since about october.


hope we can all get together soon

I'm thinking of going to Ellenton tommorrow to get some spring clothes, anyone want to drive down there and have lunch?

Sorry I haven't been on in awile guy321. We should meet up this weekend. My car won a trophy at a car show last night. YeHaw! It won best foreign car. Considering my RX7 and 8 were the only ones there (all the rest american), mustard beat ketchup. The 8 is yellow and the 7 is red. You should come so I have some competition!

How many car shows do you go to, when/where.. im sure yours would win mine's titanium grey!


Did you get your stereo setup yet? Still need help?

Hey. Umm You should come one week. There is 1 coming up that will have like 200 cars there. Yes. I got my stuff done through circuit city because it was free. But, I built a box to replace the Circuit city box because it don't fit right. Then, just extend the wiring for the amps and mount them somewhere in the back. This is the easy part. I felt sorry for the Circuit city guys. It took them 8 hours to do it. I don't think they realized what they where getting themselves into. LOL Let me know.

Jeff

Hey. do you have a black one?! If so, then were you on McMullen today?!?! If so, then nice to meet you!

God Damn it! I forgot yours was silver. Sorry bout that!

Hey guys im in the seminole/largo area. Just thought I'd say hi to the fellow 8 owners. Im titanium gray and just ordered my springs and exhaust. Hope to se ya guys around and hesitate to wave =). BTW i look like a punk but im not! just young with big spikey hair LoL.

i got my 5% tint done today...so now my whole car is just BLACK as BLACK can be!!!

be sure to "say hello" if you see me around....saw a grey one today on Sheldon road near Linebaugh....anyone here??

When is the car show?

It shouldn't have taken them 8 hours.. It only took me about 2 hours to do it myself, and I didnt even know what I was doing then.. Hope they didn't charge you by the hour!!

Originally posted by Jeff_pap31s
Hey. Umm You should come one week. There is 1 coming up that will have like 200 cars there. Yes. I got my stuff done through circuit city because it was free. But, I built a box to replace the Circuit city box because it don't fit right. Then, just extend the wiring for the amps and mount them somewhere in the back. This is the easy part. I felt sorry for the Circuit city guys. It took them 8 hours to do it. I don't think they realized what they where getting themselves into. LOL Let me know.

Jeff

Hi everyone! I was surprised to see all of these posts from Tampa! I live in Tampa and have been a proud owner of a Titanium w/black/red interior RX-8 since August of last year. Love the car more than I ever thought I could love a car! I have seen only 2 or 3 around (another Titanium in the Westchase area, a Sunlight silver, and a black one). I've noticed that a lot of other people have been having the same problems with theirs that I have been having with mine....squeeling brakes (@6000 miles), oil light coming on when over 90 mph....but i was wondering about the clunking noise that my front brake makes when I back up out of my driveway, put it into 1st and release the brake??? I talked to the mechanic at the dealership and they said it was normal and it was just the brake releasing. I never heard of that before.....is it happening on any of yours? [By the way, i had to go to Fort Myers, FL (Scanlon) to get a good deal on my 8]......

Originally posted by krit138
Hi everyone! I was surprised to see all of these posts from Tampa! I live in Tampa and have been a proud owner of a Titanium w/black/red interior RX-8 since August of last year. Love the car more than I ever thought I could love a car! I have seen only 2 or 3 around (another Titanium in the Westchase area, a Sunlight silver, and a black one). I've noticed that a lot of other people have been having the same problems with theirs that I have been having with mine....squeeling brakes (@6000 miles), oil light coming on when over 90 mph....but i was wondering about the clunking noise that my front brake makes when I back up out of my driveway, put it into 1st and release the brake??? I talked to the mechanic at the dealership and they said it was normal and it was just the brake releasing. I never heard of that before.....is it happening on any of yours? [By the way, i had to go to Fort Myers, FL (Scanlon) to get a good deal on my 8]......

Titanium might have been mine.. I work in Oldsmar..


I havent head any clunk... I don't think that's normal and I got my car about the same time as you did.. Sept.. Did you get the recalls, and the L flash yet? Russell Mazda has a good service dept.. you could have them look at your car.

I will definitely have the mechanics check out that clunking noise! It was just weird that even before really describing the problem he seemed to know exactly what I was talking about! I was thinking of taking it in to Courtesy....close to my house (even though they tried to screw me over when I went there originally to purchase one).....I don't want to take it to where i bought it since it is 2 1/2 hours away!
You work in Oldsmar?....Are you living in Safety Harbor? I work in Safety Harbor and thought that I saw a Titanium one coming out of one of the neighborhoods there.

There's a silver one in Saftey Harbor. I was in Saftey Harbor a few saturdays ago for the Seafood fest. I live on Gulf to Bay right now but I'm moving to oldsmar next month. I also see a silver one every now and then driving down 580 to 19 about 4:30pm on weekdays

Originally posted by krit138
I will definitely have the mechanics check out that clunking noise! It was just weird that even before really describing the problem he seemed to know exactly what I was talking about! I was thinking of taking it in to Courtesy....close to my house (even though they tried to screw me over when I went there originally to purchase one).....I don't want to take it to where i bought it since it is 2 1/2 hours away!
You work in Oldsmar?....Are you living in Safety Harbor? I work in Safety Harbor and thought that I saw a Titanium one coming out of one of the neighborhoods there.

yeah, I see the silver one heading down 580 once in a while.....i go down 580 also, that is also where i caught a glimpse of the black one for the first time.....the one i see in Westchase is usually pulling into the parking lot of that new little village with the Starbucks (Westpark or something)......a red one just pulled up into our parking lot a little while ago.....they are just popping up everywhere! kind of sad actually.....didn't buy the Mustang because they are EVERYWHERE! (I am from a Ford family:)).....I guess that it was just a matter of time!

Sorry folks -

But, I've just added to the "belly-button car" pool. I brought my yellow one down from St. Louis. I've got an apartment in Palm Harbor while the family relocates. I'm hoping to move out to the New Tampa area.

It still has Illinois plates, but that will change soon enough...

I may have seen your car once.. going west on 580 like at 8 in the morning?
Originally posted by ObjeX
Sorry folks -

But, I've just added to the "belly-button car" pool. I brought my yellow one down from St. Louis. I've got an apartment in Palm Harbor while the family relocates. I'm hoping to move out to the New Tampa area.

It still has Illinois plates, but that will change soon enough...

Yup,

That'd be me. My new job is on US19 & Republic, so I'm usually driving in about that time from my apartment in Boot Ranch.

I haven't seen any other yellow ones in town & Russell doesn't have any on the lot (I checked :D ). Not alot of folks seem to like the color. Has anyone seen any others around?

Me, I had a yellow 1998 RX7 in Japan while stationed there. I'm reliving an my early years....My wife calls it a mid-life crisis. I tell her she is the only blonde I'll bring home.

I have a black one and live about half a mile east of the oldsmar flea market. i saw a titanium on sheldon this weekend and i waved, no response though. mines the one with the limo tint (though i am sure there are more people with that)

there is another black one that works just WEST of the flea market. he got that back in Oct some time i believe.

It may have been me on Sheldon but there is another woman driving around that area in a Titanium.....if I would have seen you I definitely would have waved back!!!

You guys going to the meet in orlando on april 24??

Also, We're trying to get a local thing going, anyone interested?

on my way there...might be a little late.

Anyone have a problem with a bit of rough idling while sitting? Feels like a strange vibration that travels the length of the car....boy these mechanics are going to have their hands full when i take my baby in!:)

Hey if anyone's interested, a few of us are meeting this weekend at the beach. Check out the thread Tampa Area Meet 4-26 4-27.. that was actually ment for this weekend so drop by and let us know!

on a tampa related note, i was at 93.3's car show tonight....my two friends in cougars won best paint and best domestic...was awesome!

the girls from THEE DOLL HOUSE were there and did a bikini contest...wow!

all i got was a 93.3 T-shirt...haha.

I know a girl that works there.. I forgot her stage name though..
She's blonde...

Originally posted by Pinhy
on a tampa related note, i was at 93.3's car show tonight....my two friends in cougars won best paint and best domestic...was awesome!

the girls from THEE DOLL HOUSE were there and did a bikini contest...wow!

all i got was a 93.3 T-shirt...haha.

I was leaving my local hangout tonight, and I see this young lady trying to get in my car.... HER titanium rx8 was 2 spaces over.. LOL.. well. I had a headache or I would have told her about this place.. Maybe next time.b

what a stud....haha

She was actually pretty cute too. AND over 14

hahaha.......then you were doing better than we did at the beach!

maybe sat night will be better

Spring break sat night at clearwater beach should be pretty hoppin

sheesh. I go out of town for a week and then you guys organize a meet. :) Just my luck. We'll just have to have another one. How about somewhere other than Clearwater Beach though. That place it just too big a pain to get in and out of.

greese

Greese, be sure to check out the thread on the big meet in Orlando, a bunch of us here are going... April 24th I think..

We're going to do another local one between now and then also. Any suggestions on location?

Sat was pretty cool, a bunch of rx-7 guys showed up, they don't even log on here.

Originally posted by greese
sheesh. I go out of town for a week and then you guys organize a meet. :) Just my luck. We'll just have to have another one. How about somewhere other than Clearwater Beach though. That place it just too big a pain to get in and out of.

greese

Originally posted by guy321
Greese, be sure to check out the thread on the big meet in Orlando, a bunch of us here are going... April 24th I think..

We're going to do another local one between now and then also. Any suggestions on location?



I don't think I am going to make it to Orlando. If i do it will be a last minute thing.

I'm not sure about other locations. I will start keeping my eyes open though. There is a shopping center by me that has lots of open parking and decent access but Trinity may be a little far for a lot of people.

What would everyone think about inviting one of the Mazda dealers? It would be good for their sales people to learn more about the car from actual owners and give them a chance to market to us a little. Maybe we can get the to spring for some refreshments or something or they can bring a service tech that can answer questions in an informal setting.

greese

i think getting a dealer to sponsor something would be cool...on a sat afternoon it would be great publicity for them to have 6-10 of us hanging out while people are car shopping...

we should all do a car show together too...like the honda dealer one up in New Port Richey. even if we dont have the cars all hooked up like some ricey hondas, we'd look good!!

hmmm...I may know just the person for this. Give me a day or two and I will post back.

greese

Are we going to do another local meet before Orlando?

Anyone with a Titanium 8 got to the Burger King on Gulf to Bay today? A friend of mine saw your car and honked at you. She thought it was me and called me to see why I didnt go to work. lol

my plan to organize a meet with a dealer did not work out. Maybe later this summer.

How would everyone feel about meeting up in New Port Richey? There is a Sonic on Little Road just north of 54 that would be good.

It's easy to get to from Tampa also. Just take the veterans to 54 and go over. It's new pavement and a blast to drive.

greese

I'm up with that

Originally posted by greese
my plan to organize a meet with a dealer did not work out. Maybe later this summer.

How would everyone feel about meeting up in New Port Richey? There is a Sonic on Little Road just north of 54 that would be good.

It's easy to get to from Tampa also. Just take the veterans to 54 and go over. It's new pavement and a blast to drive.

greese

The south florida guys are doing a meet at Bahama Breeze.. We shoudl do something like that!

I got my Stage 1...

we doing a meet soon?b

Im game for meeting up Sunday if anyone else is up for it. Im off work so anytime would be good. We could maybe do like lunch at wing house or hooters or something. Im getting my springs in tomorrow finally and gonna have my RB cooler screens, tint, sidemarkers and all my front bulbs replaced by then too hopefully. I'd like to see what the stage 1 feels like since it seems to be next on my list. Whatcha guys think of a sunday meet? 4/18.

Sounds good to me.. i just put my side markers on too.

How about hooters on gulf to bay, then we can take drives over the causeway.

Im in. Im still waiting on the markers and bulbs. Fedex should get them here friday at the latest and if worse comes to worse I'll just get up early sunday morning and install the stuff. Think we should make a new thread to see who wants to come?