I was just curious, based on the many posts that indicate most of us are spending additional money modifying our 8's, what is the average amount of money that is being spent adding mods?

We all liked the low entry price of the 8, but we're apparently spending thousands adding things. I wonder if the overall average, if added to the base cost, would create an opportunity for Mazda to build a special edition....?

What if Mazda: added a light flywheel, performance clutch, performance intake and exhaust, performance sway bars, lightweight rims and high performance tires, etc. and added the cost to the base price? If we're spending that money anyways doing those things ourselves, would we have bought the car already tricked out that way to begin with? As a "special edition" model with appropriate body panels and emblems? I know I would.

Just curious if people prefer to do this themselves and spend the money that way, or would buy the car already modded.

people have their own taste...
I wouldn't want to do same mods as everyone else does..

What if Mazda: added a light flywheel, performance clutch, performance intake and exhaust, performance sway bars, lightweight rims and high performance tires, etc. and added the cost to the base price?

That's almost exactly what they are doing. Mazdaspeed factory RX-8 has been released in Japan. It includes:
MS Lightweight flywheel
balanced eccentric rotor shaft (? aren't all of them?)
MS exhaust
MS sway bars
MS front and rear struts
"fine tuned dampers and springs with beefy anti-roll bars"
MS brake pads
full MS body kit
Optional MS lightweight alloy wheels (+$2400)
(AutoWeek May 3, 2004)

It's gone back and forth whether or not there are definite plans to release the factory MS RX-8 in the US or elsehwere outside of Japan. I'm sure Mazda will just decide based on JP sales and sales of post-production MS part sales elsewhere.

I think the truth of the matter is that we're all spending our money on all kinds of different mods because there are no real big performance mods available (thoroughly tested) yet. I would much rather see Mazda produce or at least warranty a FI kit (that we can add to our 2004's) than see the MS RX-8 hit the US. I can get all the MS parts one by one (expensively, granted) if I want them, but at this point in time I can't get forced air if I want to keep my warranty on most of the drive train.

3rd brake light mod 3.50!
CLear Corners 55$

those are like main hp getters LOL

o yah and the exhuast but we all know the 3rd brake lights gives me huge gains!

Had mine two weeks and have read this site and so far my desires are going to cost around 1500 includind install. so its time to get started..................
Rear Royeary accents-66.00
rear areo flares-216.00
Fender starkes-195.00
Front Splash Guards-74.10
exhaust finishers-195.00
Clear corners-70.00
Grill trim Ring-229.20
Full Bra-97.20
Windshield cover-31.20
paint center caps black
paint rear mesh yellow
paint starkes black

Its going to take me a while but this will be my 8 one day.

i am not touching the engine ...............with the new flash the automatic is much improved IMO