I would like to improve the handling of my 8 without sacrificing ride height (any lower would mean damage where I live - I've already scuffed the underside). I would like to keep the nice factory ride settings, but improve cornering ability. I'm thinking that maybe I could add something underneath front and rear? I am hesitant about adding strutt bars at the top because the rear one takes up boot space, and the front one doesn't allow for the fitment of the factory covers (or am I wrong?). The car is only for street use, and I would rather not go to the expense of replacing the shocks, and springs. Also, what is the best tyre fitment? I was thinking 245's, but would 255's be a problem on the standard rims (I am trying to keep my car looking standard :) )

Thanks.

upgrade sway bars and strut bars

Two things

1. Agree with cgrx, sway bars are the best bang on bucks modifications. In fact, I dislike the fact that sway bars is not upgrade before the coilovers.

MazdaSpeed sways.
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=31563

2. Strut bars does not quite as improve in handling. It make the car very stiff though. With your concerns: boot space is ok, in fact you can still tie the emergency tie kit and a 1L bottle in. Same as with a spare tyre kit.

MazdaSpeed struts.
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=31600

Cheers
Taka

255 tires will suffice. Heck, I've heard of some 8 owners, God forbid, use 275's. Why use 275's? Those cars better have some oomph.

But will 255's be O.K. with steering lock-lock? And how will these affect grip in the wet? I want to add 255's if they fit the standard rims O.K., but not if they affect grip in a bad way...

And what profile would I need for 255's? And how close is the wheel size to the standard fitment; I understand that when 245/40's are fitted, the overall wheel size is slightly smaller than the factory 225's. I would kinda like to retain speedo accuracy as much as possible...

Go with RB swaybars and 245/40's.

upgrade sway bars and strut bars

Yes, STBs make more of a difference when you put items like stiffer springs and stiffer sway bars on. And you can use STBs up front with the stock cover, you just have to cut a little of the cover before everything fits back together.

In addition to those two items, lighter wheels and wider tires (although those two don't always go together) also help handling without dropping the ride height.

---jps

And what profile would I need for 255's? And how close is the wheel size to the standard fitment; I understand that when 245/40's are fitted, the overall wheel size is slightly smaller than the factory 225's. I would kinda like to retain speedo accuracy as much as possible...

Yes & No:

1. 255 will NOT fit to standard wheel, you need a 8.5"x18

2. 245 is smaller but it is the best balance at this point for standard wheel. If I go aftermarket wheel. I will go 8.5"x and 255/35-18. 255/40-18 is the closest but it is a touch bigger (0.2% for something) - so it is illegal in Japan, Australia but I am not sure about US. dumb isn't it.

3. Speedo accuracy can be checked with GPS - that is the most accurate. Remember you are doing 98 when speedo said 100 for 100 when it says 102 when you upgrade to 245/40-18.

Taka

Cheers guys. I think I can live with 2Mph speedo inaccuracy, and I think 245's are more than enough for a daily drive although I think 255's would look better... :D Maybe if/when I change the wheels...