Any RX-8 owners in Calgary? I've had mine (Titanium Grey, MT) two months today, and still love it!

Lots of us! At least 5 forum members here from Calgary.

Check out the RX-8 Owners map for USA and Canada (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18382) from the Gallery forum section to see who's who.

Welcome to the forum! We really do need to do a Calgary or Alberta meet, maybe in August sometime...

Regards,
Gordon

An August meet? That'd be cool. A few months ago I saw an S2000 meet take place in Crowfoot.

Too bad that occurred before I got my 8, otherwise I could have parked next to them to outshine them! ;-)

Welcome Fritz.

I could be talked into a mid-summer meet.

Cheers,
BARK

...up to 18,000 km now...

Welcome! I, too have had my Lightning Yellow GT for almost 3 months now, but sad to say, I've only driven it for like 900 km. However, even with the limited driving I've done, I truly love the way it drives.

I'd also go for an August get together...

Regards

devon alberta here.10 min south of edmonton.interested in a met as well

Okay, somebody has to decide, so I'll take a stab at it.

How about Saturday, July 31, at 11:00 AM?

As for venue, I was thinking of somewhere in north Calgary, like the Crowfoot Village, or perhaps Airdrie (to make things easier for any 8 owners in Red Deer or Edmonton).

How's that sound?

Originally posted by Fritz the Cat
How about Saturday, July 31, at 11:00 AM?

Not for me! There's a reason I suggested August ;). I'm away in July for 3 weeks, returning Aug 1. (But the long weekend would be a bad time to plan a meet anyway!)

Regards,
Gordon

Ah, yes, the long weekend. Forgot about that.

Okay, how does August 14th suit everyone?

I'm in Calgary too.. Titanium Grey GT with spoiler. Had it for 2 months. Goes a treat down the #1

Originally posted by sleddog
I'm in Calgary too.. Titanium Grey GT with spoiler. Had it for 2 months.

Do you ever park at Eau Claire market underground (like, for example, yesterday)? In the past couple of months, I've seen a TiGray GT with spoiler parked there quite a few times. If I can (and if I'm driving the 8), I'll park beside it. ;)

Regards,
Gordon

Yep, that's me! And I was parked there for some time yesterday.

One time, I came out to my car and there was another Titanium 8 parked next to me. This would have been a week or so ago.

Was that you?

Originally posted by Fritz the Cat
Yep, that's me! And I was parked there for some time yesterday.

One time, I came out to my car and there was another Titanium 8 parked next to me. This would have been a week or so ago.

Was that you?

Yeah! My car is easy to spot - aside from being a TiGray GT with no sunroof, I've got the personalised plate "ZOOM 44" (my Miata wears "ZOOM 42"). We drive a green Audi allroad more than the RX-8 for commuting purposes, but one or two days a week we'll take the 8.

Right now, August 14 sounds good to me...

Regards,
Gordon

Ah, yes, I remember thinking that it was a cool license plate.

Well, so far, you and I are the only ones I've heard about that are okay for August 14th.

Hopefully that'll change!

I have a friend who drives another TitGrey 8, so I'll have to bug him to come out.

August 14th is good with me as well.

Cheers

Sorry guys,

I'm taking the 8 out to Winnipeg for a wedding that weekend.

Cheers,

Aug 14th sounds good to me :-)
I'm glad it's not July 31st, since I'll be in China.

Lenny

You guys gonna open your meet to other rotaries?

You gonna take a cruise?

Other rotaries? I don't see why not. We're a friendly bunch.

A cruise is a good idea, depending on the weather. We could meet in Crowfoot, and then head to Mackay's in your neck of the woods for ice cream. How's that sound?

hehe I've lived in Cochrane for 15 yrs and been to MacKay's like 3 times.
The RX-7 gang might be doing a mountain cruise / BBQ in August. I'll post here if plans firm up. A few of the project cars are not quite ready, apparently.

I'm also in Calgary...Titanium GT w/ moonroof. Live near 17th Ave.

Aug. 14 won't work for me :( going on a roadtrip to Vancouver Island.

hey, has anyone taken their 8 in to get the M Flash or the air conditioning amplifier yet?

Got the M flash two days ago. What's this about the A/C?

Got the M flash two days ago. What's this about the A/C?

A lot of people have had problems with weak air conditioning (myself included)...apparently mazda knows about it and there's some amplifier they can install. Kind of silly to worry about air conditioning in calgary, but it would be nice to know it's there if you ever need it ;)

Oh, about the M flash...how do you find out the build date of your car? I don't know how to decode my VIN.

My A/C's working fine, so I guess I'm not one of those people. And I have been using it a lot lately, because of this heat.

I've heard that can register at www.mymazda.com and it'll tell you all you need to know. Haven't tried it myself, though.

I took my car to North Hill Mazda (I've been dealing with them for years with my old MX-6) and asked them about it. They did all the recall work, including the M flash.

That's good to hear! I got mine at North Hill too...I guess I'll give them a call.

As far as I know, Canadians can't register at mymazda.com (even though it says ZIP/postal code, it only accepts 5 chars)...I tried and it said my VIN was invalid. :(

Oh...does anyone know of a good place to go for car audio installs in Calgary? I've only been here a couple months. I would *prefer* to do it myself (amp, sub) but also like the warranty coverage in case anything goes wrong and it's a professional install.

Oh, I didn't get the car there. I just get it serviced there.

By the way, I live up in Garrison Woods, so we're practically neighbors.

Hey guys, I've had my Red 8 w/ spoiler for about 2 months now. Im definatley up for a meet, it'll be fun.

Aug 14th is sounding good. Some of us RX-7 guys are keen to see an RX-8 up close, and you'll maybe get a chance to see some modified rotaries, too. Hell, Brett might even bring his air-cooled rotary snowmobile engine along!

Hi Folks, :rolleyes:

I am a new RX8 owner, Brilliant Blue with the Sunroof and tinted windows.... I would love to meet. Let us know when and where.... :confused:

Buddman

Hey There

Ya a few of us 7 owners would like to meet you 8 owners. August 14 seems to work for alot of people so lets keep that date.

How about a time and place?

Well I am going to throw my suggestion... Cochrane - McKay's Ice Cream - there is a parking lot across the street that has room.
August 14th, 1 pm.

Buddman

That works for me! Looking forward to meet all the 8 owners as well as see some of the modded 7's!

Well I am going to throw my suggestion... Cochrane - McKay's Ice Cream - there is a parking lot across the street that has room.
August 14th, 1 pm.

Buddman


Cool :D

Works for me too. I was going to suggest that we meet in Calgary and drive together to Mackay's, cuz that would look cool. But meeting at Mackay's works too.

See you then!

Add me to the list for Calgary. I live in the NW and work down around Chinook Centre.

Red MT GT

It would be nice to have a fall cruise.....somewhere with leaves on the road so you can re-create that Braun commercial with the Porsche from way back on TV.

Hi guys, I'm in the market now for an RX8 and I'd really appreciate your feedback on how the RX8 runs in the middle of winter (-30 degrees).

I've heard about flooding problems, stuck parking brake, etc. What has been your experience?

Thanks so much for your advice. Finally, am I better off waiting for the 2005, or should I get the 2004? Any tips on incentives, etc. in Calgary would be greatly appreciated.

Well, I already replied to your post in the RX-8 Discussion forum (and cross-posting, ie posting the same thing in multiple forum sections, is frowned upon), but since this is where the post really should be, I'll cut'n'paste my answer in here as well.

(Welcome to the forum, feel free to ask any questions you like!) :)

Aw come on, Winnipeg isn't that bad in the winter! I grew up near Winnipeg, got my mechanical engineering degree at U of Manitoba, then fled to the warmer climes of Calgary (at age 22, 23 years ago!)

You should browse the older posts from last winter in the Canada regional forum section (and maybe some of the other cold-winter region sections). Lots of us drove our RX-8s all year. Flooding is no longer an issue (it wasn't a cold-weather issue anyway), as it's been eliminated by a recalibration of the ECU (Even then, it was easily avoided - my RX-8 never flooded). Parking brake won't stick any more than it would on any other car (I've never heard of this being an RX-8 problem). The only winter concern is that Mazda does not offer a block heater option, but some people have fitted an electrical resistance stick-on heater to the bottom of the oil pan, or an in-line coolant heater.

You will HAVE to get winter tires, preferably on separate winter wheels, to drive in winter. The OEM summer performance tires are useless and dangerous in freezing winter conditions.

There are no changes beyond a different ignition key for the 2005 RX-8 vs. the 2004. If you can get a good deal on an 04, go for it. You are buying a Canadian car, right? Not importing a US car?

PS - Calgary isn't as cold as Edmonton or Winnipeg, so the lack of a block heater or coolant warmer is less of an issue here - although it still would be nice!

Regards,
Gordon

I concur with Gord. My last car, an MX-6, had a block heater. I had the car 10 years, and never used it once. I live in Calgary, and did park it outdoors many times.

Hi all!!! I was cruising around in 17th Avenue friday night (Sept.17) and an Titanium Rx8 pulled next to me in a stop light. I just said "nice car dude" and took off. LOL. WHo was that guy? anybody from the forum? It was pretty cool since everyone was :eek: looking at the 2 rx8 together... Maybe we can get in touch and have 15+ Rx8's in single line in 17th avenue on a saaturday night!!!! Hey any meeting soon??? I have a Silver 8 with mazdaspeed body kit on it!

Hi all!!! I was cruising around in 17th Avenue friday night (Sept.17) and an Titanium Rx8 pulled next to me in a stop light. I just said "nice car dude" and took off. LOL. WHo was that guy? anybody from the forum? It was pretty cool since everyone was :eek: looking at the 2 rx8 together... Maybe we can get in touch and have 15+ Rx8's in single line in 17th avenue on a saaturday night!!!! Hey any meeting soon??? I have a Silver 8 with mazdaspeed body kit on it!


We should try and have one last group drive before it gets ugly outside.

I agree!

We should try and have one last group drive before it gets ugly outside.

Yup I agree too. If it was 17th ave it could have bee Fritz (he does occasionally haunt there :-) On the last meet we had 3 of us (1 Ti, 1 Blue and 1 Yellow) basically go from Shawnessy to Crowfoot. A lot of dropped jaws on that one (I heard a startled cry from a Corvette owner as well as others as we progressed along McLeod).

17th Ave could be fun. We should all start at Peters' Drive In and work our way down :-)

Just a thought.

I just went on a cruise with the Protege Club guys today...we drove from COP to Elbow Falls. That was a nice drive.....Don't you think something out of traffice might be better?

Well, my Titanium 8 and I were on 17th eastbound Friday night at about 10:15 PM or so. I didn't see any other 8s though.

The meet idea sounds cool. May I suggest that it be done before the snow hits?

Hey guys ... as of today I am officially a member of the Calgary RX8 owner club now! Hope there's no hazing ritual!! :)

Blue 04 MT GT

I too like the idea of having meet before the snow hits.

BTW, last week I saw a Titanium Grey 8 turning onto eastbound 16Ave (the NE Holiday Inn right after deerfoot). turned onto 36th St NE with me. Was a lady driver with her daughter. I would have honked but then I would look like a weirdo/pervert waving at them from a Corolla. Sound familiar?

Hi Gord, I just bought a 6 speed 2005 GS model in Winnipeg. Very happy!

Very sorry for asking you but I want to buy winter tires and wheels this week. I'm going to follow your lead 100% as I think you're familiar with Winnipeg winters.

What is the tire/wheel package that you have, and who is the cheapest retailer to buy it from? Thank you very, very much.

I will be travelling to Kenora and Steinbach on business every month. I very much appreciate your advice on what I should buy.

David

Hi Gord, I just bought a 6 speed 2005 GS model in Winnipeg. Very happy!

Very sorry for asking you but I want to buy winter tires and wheels this week. I'm going to follow your lead 100% as I think you're familiar with Winnipeg winters.

What is the tire/wheel package that you have, and who is the cheapest retailer to buy it from? Thank you very, very much.

I will be travelling to Kenora and Steinbach on business every month. I very much appreciate your advice on what I should buy.

David



Online Talon tire had the cheapest price I found for winter tires. They also have free shipping for a lmited time.

Hey guys ... as of today I am officially a member of the Calgary RX8 owner club now! Hope there's no hazing ritual!! :)

Blue 04 MT GT

I too like the idea of having meet before the snow hits.

BTW, last week I saw a Titanium Grey 8 turning onto eastbound 16Ave (the NE Holiday Inn right after deerfoot). turned onto 36th St NE with me. Was a lady driver with her daughter. I would have honked but then I would look like a weirdo/pervert waving at them from a Corolla. Sound familiar?

Wasn't me. Welcome to the club though. Perhaps it's time for another meet before the snow hits ...

what about on Sunday?...its supposed to be 20c outside. Nice day to cruise out to the mountains or something.

Sunday is good for me. This'll be my first meet. Y'all will get to marvel at the sweet chunk missing from my bumper from when I hydroplaned and hit a cement barrier on the highway. :(

any other people interested?

any other people interested?

I'm free Sunday. Pick a time and place, and I'll be there!

How about meet at Canada Olympic Park @ 1:00....check out the rides and drive out to Elbow falls?


Hey BlueFrenzy...let's see that new car of yours.

DOH!!!!! I won't get the car till the MONDAY!! I'll be glad to drop by in the 98 Corolla if you guys are interested (ha ha!). I'll give the dealer a ring to see if I can get it Saturday. I made up a huge list of demands for them so they "claim" they need till Monday!

How about meet at Canada Olympic Park @ 1:00....check out the rides and drive out to Elbow falls?


Hey BlueFrenzy...let's see that new car of yours.

Sounds good to me! I'm new to cowtown - not sure where Elbow falls is, but I guess it won't be hard to find when I'm following a gang of 8s ;)

DOH!!!!! I won't get the car till the MONDAY!! I'll be glad to drop by in the 98 Corolla if you guys are interested (ha ha!). I'll give the dealer a ring to see if I can get it Saturday. I made up a huge list of demands for them so they "claim" they need till Monday!



tell them you have to go out of town and you need the car.....push those bastards!!!!! :D

I'll be at COP at 1:00. Let's meet in the main parking lot, next to the day lodge.

Pray for good weather!

I know there's an ice cream shop in Bragg Creek, so let's steer by there on the way back from Elbow Falls.

<Homer voice on>
Hmmmm, ice cream
<Home voice off>

So Just want to get the facts straight. Oct 3 at 1 pm. COP?

That just might be a plan, I had wanted to tour elbow falls, before the snow comes.

Mind you the latest weather report I see is calling for Sun and only 11C but as long as there is no snow, it will be sunny.

We'll let you know if we can make it.

I'll be at COP at 1:00. Let's meet in the main parking lot, next to the day lodge.

I'm there!

Gordon

let's see if we can get one og every color there....bring your camera

Hmmm...might have to crash this party with an RX-7, seein' as I missed the Elbow Falls cruise earlier....do you have room for other rotaries????

bring it on brother!!!

Hmmm...might have to crash this party with an RX-7, seein' as I missed the Elbow Falls cruise earlier....do you have room for other rotaries????

Oh, we're a friendly bunch. Personally, I have a soft spot for the last generation 7.

bump

Pic 1 (http://www.bluesurfmedia.com/kanes/rx8club_calgary_10032004-1.jpg)
Pic 2 (http://www.bluesurfmedia.com/kanes/rx8club_calgary_10032004-2.jpg)
Pic 3 (http://www.bluesurfmedia.com/kanes/rx8club_calgary_10032004-3.jpg)
Pic 4 (http://www.bluesurfmedia.com/kanes/rx8club_calgary_10032004-4.jpg)
Pic 5 (http://www.bluesurfmedia.com/kanes/rx8club_calgary_10032004-5.jpg)
Pic 6 (http://www.bluesurfmedia.com/kanes/rx8club_calgary_10032004-6.jpg)

My apologies, gang, I got snagged by a work commitment at the last minute.

Pic 4 (http://www.bluesurfmedia.com/kanes/rx8club_calgary_10032004-4.jpg)
:eek: Yikes! What's the story behind this bit of bodywork?

Regards,
Gordon

The drive was fun, especially trying to catch those two Titainium 8's on the way back on the number 1. I'll try and post some picks tonight. I have to finish of a project first.

:eek: Yikes! What's the story behind this bit of bodywork?
Regards,
Gordon

Coming back from Victoria about a month and a half ago...had been driving all night with tons of caffeine. It was about 6 AM and on the highway outside of Golden. It was pouring rain and I had traction control (both systems) turned off due to habit. Going up a hill around a corner, I hydroplaned and started sliding into oncoming traffic so I turned the wheel towards the side of the road and started doing a 360...made it about half way around until the driver's side rear smoked a cement barrier on the side of the road. Yeouch!! I'm actually surprised the damage in the pic is ALL that happened; it felt and sounded a lot worse.

Anyways...word of warning...don't drive in the rain with traction control off ;)

more pics of Sunday's drive

a few more

:cool:

Just a few more shots...

Shoot! It looked like a lot of fun. Guess I missed it by one day (got the 8 yesterday). Still trying to get use to it but loving it!

Hey I just noticed something ... nobody has clear corners. Hey you guys know any good aftermarket parts stores that sell stuff for the 8? I know Canzoomer is in Edmonton but was wondering if there's anything local.

I have clear corners on my 8. But yes, I got them from Canzoomer in Edmonton. It took a couple weeks since he didn't have them in stock ---but well worth the wait!

Cheers

I live in Airdrie Ab and would love to meet but aug seam so far??

Finally took my 8 out for the first time this year. Im up for a short meet

Every one who want to meet we will meet at Canada Olympic park at 1 pm then we will decid were to go from there but going to elbow does sound good

That will be Sunday April 6/12

The tread rises from the dead! I had forgotten this thread was around the time I got my 8.

I've been on hiatus for 3 years (currently living in NYC) ... any old school guys still around?