Ok guys, I can't decide whether or not I need the moonroof deflector. I can't find a picture, so I don't know how big it is- if it's going to look stupid, I don't want it. I've called my dealer, and he should be calling me back tomorrow, so I need to decide quick. Definitely getting the rotary accent package. But can't decide on the stupid moonroof deflector. Any thoughts?

Edit: Now my husband wants the appearance package with the front air dam and the side and rear flares. Any opinions on those too? I'm torn, but he'll be driving it too, and I've nixed the spoiler so I kind of feel I owe it to him to get the appearance package.

i vote no and no =p i've yet to see a sunroof thing i've liked...but if you're more into the function of it than the aesthetics, by all means.

as far as the aero kit goes, the mazda speed ones look better =) not to mention all the others ones that will come out if the 8 sells as well as mazda hopes.

I haven't heard anyone say anything nice about the deflector - not even the dealer! I ordered the rotary accents and the splash guards. The roads around here are too messed up to risk the appearance package and further loss of ground clearance. It may be a challenge on some streets with the regular clearance of what was it... 4.5 inches?

Here's the picture of the wind deflector.

...i hate those things... but isn't the point of the sunroof to have some open, flowing air in your car, to make it more like a convertable??? i just don't understand (i'm a hard-top kinda guy...)

anyhoo, i think most everythign (except for those grey bits on the oil cooler vents behind the front wheels) is pretty keen and tasteful (yes, including the Mazdaspeed stuff, excepting their rear wing), especially the small spoiler and front mini-air dam.

Thanks guys- I'm about to go to work, and I assume I'll hear from my dealer this morning. Definitely NO on the deflector. Ick. If I don't like the wind from the moonroof, I'll just close it. I think I'm stuck with the appearance stuff, though. He REALLY likes it. I said no on the spoiler though. I'll wait until we can get a lip spoiler instead.

Defiantly don't get it - looks like crap! Besides, typically there is a built in wind deflector that pops up when the roof is opened like in my Mazda MX-3.

I decided to go with just the rotary accents for now- we drive to the mountains too much for me to risk a body kit that might scrape on every bump. But later on, who knows!

Originally posted by Elara
I decided to go with just the rotary accents for now- we drive to the mountains too much for me to risk a body kit that might scrape on every bump. But later on, who knows!

hey Elara -

i don't like those wind deflectors too much whether they be on the moonroof or the side windows...IMO they look tacky...

and those rotary accents are definitely nice but i'd suggest holding off on them until aftermarket ones come out...i'm willing to bet they'll cost 75% less elsewhere than Mazda themselves and they'll most like be of equal quality...i too wanta them but i'm unwilling to pay that much for them...

Defletors look retarded. Leave it off.

The RX-8 I'm likely buying from a dealer this weekend comes with one already on it. Will I be able to easily take it off later if I decide too without hurting the paint or anything? It's a black RX-8 so I don't think it looks as bad as it does on some other colors, but I still think I might have it taken off.

I think the disadvantages outweight the advantages.
I bought mine with the deflector on it and left it on until this past week. When I removed it I had all kinds of dirt underneath the rubber seal. I cleaned it off and found that it had left some small scratches on the paint. I have an appointment next week to have a friend who is a detailer try to remove them. He's sure he can at least make them less visable. He says that these are notorious for leaving residue and scratches once there removed. Their not too noticable unless you look at the top just right but still don't take the chance on damaging your paint.

The only defelector I've seen on a 8 was on a shinka at the RR. It did look stupid to me, though seems like a nice deflector. I just dont see why you would want to open up the moonroof and then deflect all the air.

Deflectors looks stupid...that's a partial reason I didn't buy from one dealer...all the cars on their lot had sunroof deflectors (they were the last 04's and I think it's because no one else wanted them either)

The RX-8 I'm likely buying from a dealer this weekend comes with one already on it. Will I be able to easily take it off later if I decide too without hurting the paint or anything? It's a black RX-8 so I don't think it looks as bad as it does on some other colors, but I still think I might have it taken off.


Sent you a PM :D

I think they look retarded.

The RX-8 I'm likely buying from a dealer this weekend comes with one already on it. Will I be able to easily take it off later if I decide too without hurting the paint or anything? It's a black RX-8 so I don't think it looks as bad as it does on some other colors, but I still think I might have it taken off.
It comes off super easy. They definitely cut down on buffeting from the moonroof, but I'm afraid of the scratches and it kills the lines of my Lightning Yellow. It wouldn't look as bad on a black. I'm keeping it for road trips since the built-in blocker does practically nothing.

I'm keeping it for road trips since the built-in blocker does practically nothing.

I agree. I finally got most of the scratches that mine left removed from the car. Just a thought, how hard would it be to paint the deflector to match the car?

mod edit:1) Gay isn't a bad word 2)please keep responses on here civil, there's no need to get all worked up about a thread that's so old.

paint the deflector that's gay. I came here looking for opinions on taking mine off because I hate it. it's only been 2 weeks, it's coming off.




Hold your opinions until you've seen one painted to match the car. Some who have painted it may be offended by your response. Play nice or don't play at all.

Well, I read the posts, I don't think I read one where somebody was in favor of the deflector. There's soooo many other cool things to spend you money on for an Rx.

Well, I guess I am one of the few who actually DO like the moonroof deflector. I think it ADDS to the look of the 8 (or any car for that matter with a sun/moonroof.) I think that if your windows are tinted dark, like mine, it looks better than with untinted windows. Some people get them only for the mere fact that it says "hey, look at me. I have a deflector, so therefore I can afford to fork out the $$$ for a moonroof."

For the effectiveness of it, it significantly cuts down on the noise factor when the moonroof is completely open. Having the deflector on, I still get PLENTY of wind in my car while driving with the moonroof open.

As for the scratches, if you thoroughly clean your car before applying it, you shouldn't have any problems. Also get a good quality one, like from an auth. Mazda dealer, so that it has good padding/rubber under it to help prevent scratches. Mine also has tiny "cutouts" on the front corners so that any water that gets trapped behind it will drain out

But yes, there are more important things to buy... even if you do buy it and decide to take it off, its not like it will set you back a lot...

i took mine off it loooks better without it and the noise difference =none

just like the previous responses....don't ever get sun roof deflectors. THEY WILL SCRATCH and RUIN your PAINT. they can also cause your sunroof to leak under heavy rain or while washing your car. sunroofs don't totally block out water, hence the need for sunroof drains. the deflector can actually over flood the sunroof and cause an interior leak. the drains can only flow so much. i've seen it happen on a couple cars. just a heads up.

here's my car... decide for yourself.

Yea, I dislike the look of the deflector.

i thought the stock 8 already came with a deflector bar?

i thought the stock 8 already came with a deflector bar?


It does but in my opinion it's useless.

im not a fan

i think the deflector only looks good on blk 8's with tints.... stands out to much on brighter colors

Deflector is one of the dumbest and ugliest things ever constructed.



Sorry for being harsh but just always had that opinion, especially on the RX-8

When i bought my 8 it came with one painted to match the car (sunlight silver). It looks better painted. I ended up taking it off anyway. :Eyecrazy:

Personally I appreciate the deflector's function being 6'1" the rushing air practically blows in my ears. More importantly the sun does not shine over my sunglasses if I have the moon roof open.

I do agree it is not going to fly everyones flag.

I take it off for the winter; it is real easy to put on and take off (two screws).
The stuff underneath does build up even if washing the car at least once a week but I did not acquire any scratches from it.

I installed a zoom-zoom sticker in the center of mine to pull away from it's not so keen appearance. :yesnod:

I take it off for the winter; it is real easy to put on and take off (two screws).
The stuff underneath does build up even if washing the car at least once a week but I did not acquire any scratches from it.

I installed a zoom-zoom sticker in the center of mine to pull away from it's not so keen appearance. :yesnod:

Now that's a clever idea! I've been on the fence about removing mine too. My RX-8 just happened to come with one already installed. I like the look well enough, but don't like the build-up underneath. I think I'll take it off for the winter and re-install in the spring if I miss it. Glad to hear it's that easy to swap on/off.

I like the Zoom-Zoom sticker idea too. If I feel compelled to put it back I'll find a cool decal for it.

I personally vote no on the sunroof deflector, yes on the accents and side strakes, but no on the appearance package. You should instead consider giving you car a unique look with maybe a Mazdaspeed package and opting for the spoiler. You can get most of these stuff online.

Here's a pic of mine from the side with the aero package, deflector, and Stainless Strakes (aluminum OEM corrode less than a year later, then you have to get them taken care of under warranty. I highly recommend Howard for the strakes.

as stupid as you all may think they look the deflector has actually saved my car a time or two ((ok maybe not that serious)).. first time was when I was driving in my AT I was headed down the highway ((281 here in south texas)) nothing but deers, birds,squirrly things etc.. Well a truck in front of me ended up taking out what looked like a big ass vulture/hawk I don't know..anyways the bird comes flying at me spinning like mad and my sunroof is open first thing I think is oh shit windshield...but then I realize its coming at to high an angle so im like no its going to land in my car, but as the bird gets ready to enter it just barely hits the deflector ((breaking it of course)) but it ends up pushing the bird up just a tad and it ends up smacking halfway up the moonroof and flying off ((leaving blood all over the place anyways ...but would of been much messier in the car without it)) ...

second time was actually the second day after I got my MT RX-8....I was driving again down 281 after a heavy rain storm and there was a dumbass in a 350Z who was sliding all over the road, anyways he slides into this big ass puddle of water that sprays all over my car with the moonroof open...the deflector hits most of the water at that speed that managed to make it over the car and keeps it from getting in...

(( also not to mention the deflector keeping out bugs and the occasional windshield washer fluid when I forget im traveling 75 on the highway))

Moonroof deflectors are gay. So are every other Pep Boys appearance mods. Sometimes less is more.

:puke:

Moonroof deflectors are gay. So are every other Pep Boys appearance mods. Sometimes less is more.

:puke:


:rolleyes: You apparently didn't see this (http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=1116199&postcount=18) on the previous page.

rx-8 owners r all poo stabers and like small children

I think that as a person who has the financial stability to afford an RX-8, you should decide on whether or not YOU are comforatble with the sunroof deflector on your ride. It looks fine to me. I had one on my Shinka when delivered, however, I took it off because I was taking it off during detailing so much. If not done properly, it can really ruin your paint.

I hope you enjoy the ride with or without the deflector.

518

Damn, I just realized how old this thread was. LOL!

rx-8 owners r all poo stabers and like small children

What the heck is that supposed to mean?! :cussing:

I am hoping that is one of those Leeroy Jenkins posts.

Moonroof deflectors are gay. So are every other Pep Boys appearance mods. Sometimes less is more.

:puke:


hey how come he got to say 'gay' and I didn't
:nono: :mdrmed:

FUGLY.....certainly an appearance killer........don't do it.....

I have one and i think it looks fine i do worry about it effecting the paint though. I also have the rotary triangle on the front and back. As well as the whiskers on the fendors. I think the rx8's look naked without them.

I have one and i think it looks fine i do worry about it effecting the paint though. I also have the rotary triangle on the front and back. As well as the whiskers on the fendors. I think the rx8's look naked without them.



whiskers on the fenders???? Do you mean curb feelers? Strakes????

Stupid if you ask me.

i had one, when the sunroof is fully open its very quiet...

i'm selling mine also...

some like it, some do.

Personally I appreciate the deflector's function being 6'1" the rushing air practically blows in my ears. More importantly the sun does not shine over my sunglasses if I have the moon roof open.


I'm 6'1" too and have no problem with wind entering the car (even over 65 mph). The built in deflector does a great job. The deflector makes a $30K car look like a $22K car. But i also hate spoilers, sooo...... :balls:

I'm 6'1" too and have no problem with wind entering the car (even over 65 mph). The built in deflector does a great job. The deflector makes a $30K car look like a $22K car. But i also hate spoilers, sooo...... :balls:

Ouch!

:eek:

:o:

:squint:

:eyetwitch

::shakes it off::
:us4allswi

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/7592/dscn1692om4.jpg

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/3681/dscn1690ec5.jpg

Damn that is a nice color, sweet body kit (mazdaspeed?) and killer wheels! Nice work! As much as your car makes me drool, i still don't like the deflector. I still vote take it off.

>>asking to myself why i didn't get grey instead of velocity red<<

I'm guessing its law in Minnesota to have a front plate? I'm told its law here in Utah, but ive been front-plate-free for about 10 years now and loving every minute. Can you please take it off? In fact, i think Minnesota just past a law banning the moonroof deflector. You might want to look into that :mdrmed:

Damn that is a nice color, sweet body kit (mazdaspeed?) and killer wheels! Nice work! As much as your car makes me drool, i still don't like the deflector. I still vote take it off.

>>asking to myself why i didn't get grey instead of velocity red<<

I'm guessing its law in Minnesota to have a front plate? I'm told its law here in Utah, but ive been front-plate-free for about 10 years now and loving every minute. Can you please take it off? In fact, i think Minnesota just past a law banning the moonroof deflector. You might want to look into that :mdrmed:

:lol:

Um, thank you? :)

I used to think the sun roof deflectors were hideous as well so I know how you feel. For me it is functional in the summer since that is when I open the roof. During the winter it comes off, so yes I will take it off. :D:

As for the license plate I installed it only to wish I hadn't. Reasoning behind installing it is I have the Blinder X-treme laser jamming system which I haven't decided what approach I will use to install on this Mazdaspeed bumper. It is a no no to have in Minnesota and I didn't want the officer to pull me over because of no plate since he couldn't get a reading off of it. ;)

One of our local guys gave me a great idea so if and when I pull the plate off the bumper I can plug the holes that were drilled to mount the plate with some black plugs. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a way to acquire a new black molded piece.

About the color I have to laugh because the car is filthy dirty and it still looks good.

Well the dirt spots show up very well on velocity red.

So is the Blinder x-treme laser jamming system the cream of the crop? That sort of stuff is illegal in Utah too, but i want to get one anyways. Where's a good online source that will ship to "illegal states"? How do you like yours?

To keep this post topic-related....
The zoom-zoom sticker on the deflector does make it look a ton better. I put my zoom-zoom sticker on the top of the wind shield. I don't particularly like it there, but im too lazy to take it off.

The velocity red looks awesome when clean though. I like the metallic in it as it is so noticeable.

:) It is tough to get if it is illegal in your state but one of our forum members LiL BenNY has the Blinder M-20 for sale (great price, lower than group buy if I remember correctly): http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=103080&highlight=blinder

The newest version (Group buy and after) is the cream of the crop for laser jammers.
Check out Radar Roy's review on them: http://www.radarbusters.com/support/speedlabs-2006/active-laser-jamming.asp

Yeah the zoom-zoom sticker did help curb the look of the deflector some.

One of the forum vendors mentioned that he sells a lot of the sun roof deflectors.
The way he put it was why do so many people buy these?! :confused:
(Knowing I have one on my car heh heh). It's been a while but I wish I remember what I told him. :dunno:

Boo on the reflector...

Boo on the reflector...

Which reflector?
:scratchhe

I was gonna say it's your choice. I don't like them, but I could see myself changing my mind if I had one. I don't see any function with them.

Anyhow is your bumper really that blue color?

I was gonna say it's your choice. I don't like them, but I could see myself changing my mind if I had one. I don't see any function with them.

Anyhow is your bumper really that blue color?

:lol:

Believe the blue color was caused by the flash, because it is a perfect match to the hood. The color in the first pic is most accurate.

Function is:

1. Keeps sunlight from going into the eyes during the majority of the day. :cool:

2. Less wind noise, feels like the roof is raised 6 inches when it is open compared to without the deflector. :dunno:

What I personally do not like are the deflectors for the windows... not sure which vehicle sported those the most but they make me cringe.