I am strongly considering buying a new (2010 or 2011) RX-8 R3, but none of the Minnesota dealers has one to look at. I am most interested in checking out the Recaro seats and seeing how the suspension feels. Do any of you know someone in the Twin Cities (MN) metro area that has one and would be willing to let me take a look? I would be willing to ride to check out the suspension, I do not need to drive the car if that is a problem for the owner.

You are going to have a hard time finding on at a dealership this time of year, and most don't even have a brand new one in stock anyways. I am sure you will find someone with a new(er) one you can check out. Now, when it comes to buying one, ANY Mazda dealership would be happy to take your money and order one for you, but I would be cautious of a few of them. I recommend Morries or Walser mazda myself, they are pretty honest and have the low price guarantee.

Good luck in your hunt.

I am strongly considering buying a new (2010 or 2011) RX-8 R3, but none of the Minnesota dealers has one to look at. I am most interested in checking out the Recaro seats and seeing how the suspension feels. Do any of you know someone in the Twin Cities (MN) metro area that has one and would be willing to let me take a look? I would be willing to ride to check out the suspension, I do not need to drive the car if that is a problem for the owner.

You could buy a 2008 40th Anniversary Edition with 30K mileage in mint shape and save half the price of a new R3. It has the same Bilsteins, no Nav but it has the newer foam filled front crossbar. Mine is up for sale at $18,500.00 :)

Anyone in Minnesota that have a turbo charged RX8, that is willing to receive a guest?

I'm from Norway and gonna visit some relatives in Fergus Falls for 3.5 weeks. I've been VERY keen to mod my car to FI, but would really like to try one first.

Please!:)

Hey guys,

Just joined the forum after getting an 04 RX8 last week and ran across this thread. Is there a Minneapolis RX8 car club out there by chance?

so many new people haha, sorry my 8 is not turboed or else i'd help you out... mn hokie, there was a small one at some point, can't remember who was in charge though. Almost everyone that was in it posted here anyways so maybe someone who knows more will post.

Who bought the black RX-8 at Morrie's Mazda?

Who bought the black RX-8 at Morrie's Mazda?


Wasn't me - although I did test drive a black one there :)

Saw you're in Maple Grove. Plymouth here.

How did it drive? I seriously thought about buying it but the price was still to high when i bought my car. I also was more interested in an R3.

How did it drive? I seriously thought about buying it but the price was still to high when i bought my car. I also was more interested in an R3.

It drove really well. Had a very tiny jerk when downshifting from 6th to 5th, but otherwise was fine. I looked at the service report and it had new brakes and tires on it. The only thing missing for me was the spoiler.

I too thought it was a little high in price. We saved about 2K on the one we ended up buying. The guy had just dropped the price and we jumped on it. Had slightly less miles too.

Hey guys,

Just joined the forum after getting an 04 RX8 last week and ran across this thread. Is there a Minneapolis RX8 car club out there by chance?

this is it... we have had a few meets. in the past, we had one in spring which brought a good 15 or so 8s.. which brings up... when are we gonna do another meet? its been too long. i am sure it has been a busy summer for everyone though...

also there is a mazda group that meets regularly... mnmazda.com i have met a couple of them and nice bunch of peeps.

Anyone in Minnesota that have a turbo charged RX8, that is willing to receive a guest?

I'm from Norway and gonna visit some relatives in Fergus Falls for 3.5 weeks. I've been VERY keen to mod my car to FI, but would really like to try one first.

Please!:)

Cool, welcome to MN :) Sorry I can't help you out. I almost went FI but I was worried about blowing another engine.

What part of Norway are you from?

Hey guys,

Just joined the forum after getting an 04 RX8 last week and ran across this thread. Is there a Minneapolis RX8 car club out there by chance?

I found the "Minnesota RX-8 club" page on facebook, but doesn't look like it's been active in years... LINK (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2259282327)

But there's an easy way to change that :)

Cool, welcome to MN :) Sorry I can't help you out. I almost went FI but I was worried about blowing another engine.

What part of Norway are you from?
I live in Kristiansand, close to as far south as you get in Norway. But I'm not a townie originally, I grew up in the country side 1.5 hrs away from Kristiansand.

A week or so ago people were talking about dealers they recommended.

Little back story about my car. Mine is an 04 RX8 and about 2 years ago my engine check light came on. So I brought my car to Polar Mazda in White Bear Lake to have it checked out. They told me my car misfired and had idea why it did.

Two months go by and I have the same problem..engine misfires when I am getting onto the freeway. So I take it back to them to see whats wrong with my car. I was told I should replace two of my ignition coils. Well my car misfired again after the work was finished. I called them back to ask them why I was still having problems with my car. They had no idea. I was really starting to trust these guys.:dunno:

Now my car wouldn't start when the engine was warm, it would idle really rough, and it still would misfire. So I brought it back in to get checked out. I told them about the problems I was having, and they STILL couldn't find anything wrong with it. I asked about the engine not starting when the car was warm etc and they had no clue.

So I deal with the problems for another few months and bring it back in..my car had misfired quite a few times and my insurance payed for the other two ignition coils to be changed. So thinking that my problems were solved after all this run around, The next day going to work engine misfires again. I call the dealership and ask them whats wrong with my car. Once again they had NO clue.

So around Jan of this year I tried to start my car and it was dead. I got my car towed back there because It was so far to go anywhere else. They told me my alternator was bad, and they put one on order. Well let me clarify after three days of my car being there I had to call to find out what was wrong with my car. So the alternator comes in and they replace it and find out that that wasn't the problem. It ended up being a computer chip and that was fixed. So they had my car for a week, and of course it still didn't start up when the engine was warm.

Now I wash my car quite a bit and I had washed it the day before it broke down. So after a week I finally get my car back, and it was covered in dirt. I took it next door to the gas station to get it washed, and while I was drying my car off I see a nice chip of paint taken out of my door. I was so pissed off I had to calm my self down. I wasn't going back there to have them try "FIX" my car again.

After doing research and asking questions I found out about the engines losing compression. That was why my car wasn't starting. I did not want to go back, but didn't know where to take it.

The last 4 months my car has been slowly dieing... lack of power, misfiring, etc...
You guys started talking about Mazda dealerships that have been great to go to. Thompsolonian posted that he was getting a new engine from Walser Mazda. I talked to him and he told me that he started having problems with his car like I had almost two years ago. He said they knew exactly what was wrong with his car and ordered a new engine for him.

That day I made an appointment, and I brought my car down the following Tuesday to get looked at. Well that was a week ago....As of Tuesday I have a new engine, catalytic converter, and a new overflow tank for my radiator. First two were covered by Mazda and the tank was covered by my insurance. They ordered me engine mounts, and will be put on next week.

So I guess this was long winded, but my point I was wanting to make was Polar Mazda SUCKS and they have no clue.
Walzer Mazda is a great place to go. They are friendly and very fast with their work. They also called me to let me know what was going on with my car.

Now we need to set up a meet. We should meet somewhere, take a drive, and then have lunch. Sundays are good days..I say we should shoot for 10/16/11.
We could meet early about 9 or so and head to Duluth and have lunch. Maybe drive around there a little and head back. Vikings play a night game by the way so that would be great for me.

Lets have a meet!
So people post of this is a good day for you or not.

A week or so ago people were talking about dealers they recommended.

Little back story about my car...

...Lets have a meet!
So people post of this is a good day for you or not.

That sucks, but good to hear walser took care of you...

If i ever get my car back from Luther, I'd be down for meeting up. that weekend is great for me...

I used to work with RCChris, but it would be cool to meet some others.

Sorry, not to spam my stuff in the MN thread again, but I posted my pads and rotors here too: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?p=4084836#post4084836

That sucks, but good to hear walser took care of you...

If i ever get my car back from Luther, I'd be down for meeting up. that weekend is great for me...

I used to work with RCChris, but it would be cool to meet some others.

i work with chris now. lol he said you would be joining this forum.

anyone around the mankato area on here? i have passed three 8's in the last few weeks..i just picked mine up finally a month ago. just curious if anyone is around!

I live in Mankato 2004 velocity red. I've seen a blue one, black, couple silver, couple of more reds.

Same here, im the winning blue 8 you have seen around. Just trying to meet everyone around here! If you ever see me out and want to, feel free to flag me down.

It looks like we have enough interest for a meet on 10/16/11. I want to meet in the morning and head either to Duluth or maybe Mankato. We can have lunch and have a drive around the area where we are going.

If any of you are interested on showing up that day please post so I can get an idea.
I Was thinking of meeting at the Mall of America at that empty parking area to the east of the mall. Make sure you have a full gas tank when you get there. We will be heading out from there.

Let me know where you guys are most interested in heading. Also we need a spot to take pictures and have lunch. If more people want to head to Duluth then you Mankato guys should drive up and meet us at the MoA.

It looks like we have enough interest for a meet on 10/16/11. I want to meet in the morning and head either to Duluth or maybe Mankato. We can have lunch and have a drive around the area where we are going.

If any of you are interested on showing up that day please post so I can get an idea.
I Was thinking of meeting at the Mall of America at that empty parking area to the east of the mall. Make sure you have a full gas tank when you get there. We will be heading out from there.

Let me know where you guys are most interested in heading. Also we need a spot to take pictures and have lunch. If more people want to head to Duluth then you Mankato guys should drive up and meet us at the MoA.

I was actually thinking, a run down Highway 60 would be great. then can catch lunch and pictures by lake pepin. and then run back through the twisties on the way back.

I was actually thinking, a run down Highway 60 would be great. then can catch lunch and pictures by lake pepin. and then run back through the twisties on the way back.

For those not familiar, Hwy 60 is a 40 mile stretch running between Zumbrota and Wabasha, and has probably the best collection of twisties in minnesota.

MAP (http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Zumbrota,+MN+55992&daddr=44.26846,-92.57136+to:%4044.297580,-92.292500+to:44.3583686,-92.0317421+to:lake+city+mn&hl=en&sll=44.332198,-92.179413&sspn=0.277995,0.611801&geocode=FfTfowIdZ_t5-inxWc2Qy3b3hzFhyg5Tp6ltGA%3BFax7owIdIHl7-in1Tso9snv3hzGveMmbAh_PSQ%3BFWztowIdbLp_-g%3BFeDapAIdArWD-inTSMa8GbP5hzGlPIcTQS2yMQ%3BFRI-pgIdPR-A-im5mOB8iDH4hzFUskGrjo7_hg&vpsrc=0&mra=pd&mrsp=3&sz=11&via=1,3&t=h&z=10)

I've done runs through there with other clubs and it works out nice. People from the northern areas can meet and drive down together, and then meet up with the folks from the southern areas right outside zumbrota (theres a large parking lot) by a defunct gas station.

when you get over by Lake city, there is a large parking lot, right against lake pepin, which creates a great backdrop for pictures.

Afterwards those that don't want to run back through hwy 60 have several options to head back home.

Heres a pic of my old celica, which i snapped in the aforementioned parking lot next to pepin.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-epTMvxqIPt0/Tn90XBlAmlI/AAAAAAAAACc/N2SzkFxntmk/Celica%252520by%252520lake.jpg
https://picasaweb.google.com/116457130957937940796/Cars#5656367595910109778
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t9m77TDDNeYJY-xUDuIAtQ?feat=directlink

I like Braks idea

That sounds great. Someone should contact the Mazda club and have them join us as well.

Quick question.

Is anybody running the racingbeat REV8 exhaust?

I'm considering it, but would like to hear it in person.

If you look back a few pages I have some videos up of my car with that exhaust and racing beats dual res midpipe. One of the vids I have the camera mounted to the rear bumper so you can hear it really well. You can also search YouTube for "pstonage" to find the videos.

Does anyone have stock RX8 wheels in great condition that they're willing to part with? Doesn't matter is the tires are shot or not. Looking for some to put on the mazda3 during the summer. I still have my enkei rpf1's with tires that I would be willing to trade plus cash. I know winter is coming, but I figured I would throw it out there.

If you look back a few pages I have some videos up of my car with that exhaust and racing beats dual res midpipe. One of the vids I have the camera mounted to the rear bumper so you can hear it really well. You can also search YouTube for "pstonage" to find the videos.

yeah, I've been checking out videos on youtube, and i'm pretty sure i saw your video. The main reason i'd like to hear it in person, is when watching videos, the sound can be affected by the playback and recording devices.

not a big deal, i like what i've heard so far...

Quick question.

Is anybody running the racingbeat REV8 exhaust?

I'm considering it, but would like to hear it in person.

I have the Greddy SP2... but i am running a resonated B&B catless mid-pipe... so its a bit louder.

Hello everyon! I am new to the thread and just wanted to get my name out there. I am the Lightnight Yellow 8 around the Plymouth and Minnetonka area. I just got my rims painted this last weekend and have seen quite a few 8's around the area.

Hello everyon! I am new to the thread and just wanted to get my name out there. I am the Lightnight Yellow 8 around the Plymouth and Minnetonka area. I just got my rims painted this last weekend and have seen quite a few 8's around the area.

You wouldn't happen to be around ridgedale mall a lot would you? yellow is one of the few one's we do not see around. that and shinka forest green... but welcome to the forums we have a pretty good group here!

I actually work right down the street so I am past Ridgedale all the time! I have also seen another yellow 8 around this area too and he lives in Wayzata so it could have been him too.

New RX 8 owner in Minnetonka, MN!!! So excited and happy!!!!

I actually work right down the street so I am past Ridgedale all the time! I have also seen another yellow 8 around this area too and he lives in Wayzata so it could have been him too.

I live across from ridgedale and work there... Mine is silver with apr wing...

I live across from ridgedale and work there... Mine is silver with apr wing...

We live in the same Apt complex I think. Cliffs.

Hi there!
I own an rx8 and a 3rd generation rx7. Unfortunately, i sustained some front end damage to the rx7 last month. It still runs well though. My question to you is do you know any GOOD local body men who are good at both body work and putting a 99 Spec front end on it? The 99 Spec front end is a factory style bumper that was made in 1999 that looks way cooler than the 1993 one I own.

Thank you for your reply!

Ryan

anyone around here have the full racing beat intake setup? maybe one they want to part with? would love to see it in person, and leaning towards picking one up shortly here.

Anyone in Minnesota that have a turbo charged RX8, that is willing to receive a guest?

I'm from Norway and gonna visit some relatives in Fergus Falls for 3.5 weeks. I've been VERY keen to mod my car to FI, but would really like to try one first.

Please!:)

I have esmeril turbo kit and will be running 12psi soon. Car is in the shop right now for repaint front bumper. PM me when you in town. I live in Rogers, MN. Where will you stay? You can check out my car on this website by go to seach and use keyword "Luckcat".

We live in the same Apt complex I think. Cliffs.


Nice! I actually had a buddy that lived in the cliffs about a year ago so I was there all the time with my 8!

We live in the same Apt complex I think. Cliffs.


you are correct. there is a copper red shinka here all the time too, that would be rcchris, doesn't live here but we hang out quite often..

Very nice! I think I've seen the red shinka driving around every now and then.

Wow. Everyone is so close. Black 8 in plymouth here.

I'm in bloomington, but i work up by roseville, so i'm all over the place, all the time

We should try to make a twin cities meet.

October 16th! we will meet at the Mall of America on the east side. There is an empty parking lot over there. Then we will all take a drive south to meet some of the southern drivers.

So I want you guys to confirm you want to go that day..we have a few people interested already. We had 15 RX8's last meet and a few others. October 16 will be the next meet. =)

I'm in Duluth that weekend but I'll let you know if anything changes. I'm definitely coming to the next one!

October 16th! we will meet at the Mall of America on the east side. There is an empty parking lot over there. Then we will all take a drive south to meet some of the southern drivers.

So I want you guys to confirm you want to go that day..we have a few people interested already. We had 15 RX8's last meet and a few others. October 16 will be the next meet. =)


On a side note, I'm heading down to hwy60 on sat, to scope things out (been about a year since i've been through there), if anybody wants to tag along.

would be a shame to run down there on the 16th, just to find construction, or road closures.

Basically, i needed an excuse to try out my new 8. :cool:

I have a family thing on Saturday, but let me know about the road. If not we can head to Duluth instead.

October 16th! we will meet at the Mall of America on the east side. There is an empty parking lot over there. Then we will all take a drive south to meet some of the southern drivers.

So I want you guys to confirm you want to go that day..we have a few people interested already. We had 15 RX8's last meet and a few others. October 16 will be the next meet. =)

The Mrs and I are both free. Would be fun. We used to run with a club called Autotechniques. Been a few years since we had a good get together!

On a side note, I'm heading down to hwy60 on sat, to scope things out (been about a year since i've been through there), if anybody wants to tag along.

would be a shame to run down there on the 16th, just to find construction, or road closures.

Basically, i needed an excuse to try out my new 8. :cool:

Is that one you posted a map for some time back? At least I think it was you. Goes to Lake City, or something like that. Was planning to hit it Sunday after getting some things done. What is the average time to run the loop from the cities and come back?

Is that one you posted a map for some time back? At least I think it was you. Goes to Lake City, or something like that. Was planning to hit it Sunday after getting some things done. What is the average time to run the loop from the cities and come back?

Yeah that's it.

i usually make a day of it, head down late morning, stop in lake city for lunch (great burgers at Bronx Bar), and get back home mid afternoon...
it's 250-300 miles round trip depending where you start from

If you want some company, i'd be willing to go sunday instead. I got nuthin much planned this weekend other than cleanin the car.

Yeah that's it.

i usually make a day of it, head down late morning, stop in lake city for lunch (great burgers at Bronx Bar), and get back home mid afternoon...
it's 250-300 miles round trip depending where you start from

If you want some company, i'd be willing to go sunday instead. I got nuthin much planned this weekend other than cleanin the car.

Just me and the wife now. We have a family thing first, plan to hit the road around 1pm.

October 16th! we will meet at the Mall of America on the east side. There is an empty parking lot over there. Then we will all take a drive south to meet some of the southern drivers.

So I want you guys to confirm you want to go that day..we have a few people interested already. We had 15 RX8's last meet and a few others. October 16 will be the next meet. =)

let's hope it going to be good weather. i should be able to make it. list should be started and do we want to an early thing?

I will hopefully be coming to the meet my 8 got t-boned the other day in a parking lot some dumb lady eating a pizza and driving hit me on the driver side. Estimated to get out of the shop on Oct 12. IF i do make it up there i will be driving 120 miles each way so I dont really want to go on a Long road trip. On a side note MN C & C IS THIS WEEKEND, everybody should go out to that, they have some nice cars.

This is my thinking for the meet on the 16th. All the northern drivers meet at the mall of America at about 9:30 in the parking lot on the east side. Its a big parking lot with plenty of room. Make sure your tanks are full!

Then at 10:00 we head out to Zumbrota and brak says there is an empty parking lot we can meet up at. The southern drivers can meet up there around 11. It takes about an hour from the MoA to Zumbrota.

I figure everyone should be there by 11:30 and we can take a few pictures and head out before 12:00. Then we can drive the 40 miles on hwy 60 to Wabasha.

Brak says there is a nice place to eat and take pictures by the lake. After people eat and we take pictures we can head back up north and head home.

Brak is going to check the route out this Sunday it looks like so we will know for sure if the way will be good.

This isn't set in stone and can change if the road is messed up or to many people want to do something different. The Vikings play at 7:20 that night so we are don't have to worry about missing the game. Though they might be out of it completely by then heh.

So if the road is good and most people are good with this plan then this will be it.

...On a side note MN C & C IS THIS WEEKEND, everybody should go out to that, they have some nice cars.

What and where is this?

I thought i knew all of the area shows :dunno:

The event is located at AutoMotorPlex Minneapolis, 8200 Audubon Rd, Chanhassen, MN 55317. this is the website http://www.mncandc.com/

C&C is defiantly something to check out if you haven't yet... I drove all the way from dickinson to check it out! lol

The event is located at AutoMotorPlex Minneapolis, 8200 Audubon Rd, Chanhassen, MN 55317. this is the website http://www.mncandc.com/

Oh, yeah, didn't realize that was CandC. I've always refered to it as First Saturday...

Might stop by havent gone in a couple years.

SO...
I went ahead and ran down to hwy 60 today...

The good news, the road was pretty much empty, and i got a couple great runs...

The bad news, it was empty because technically the road is closed due to a one mile stretch of construction (replacing a bridge).

There's no easy way to go around it, but both sides can be driven. group though not so good, cause very little room to turn around when you run out of road...

I got a bunch of HD video. workin on uploading it now.

started uploading to my youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/ElPolloGigante?feature=mhee)

more to come

Ran this road today with the wife. Once we actually got to the twist bits it was lots of fun. Well worth the drive from Minnetonka. Not knowing how much farther we had to do to hit the out bridge, we turned around when the road went straight again. It was just after a big cut out on the left of the road a mile or so past the motocross track. We had a pack of Harley riders ahead of us so the turn around allowed me to attack the turns a bit more spirited manner. Gave me a chance to really see what the 8 can do. I'm very happy with my purchase. Loving this car so much!

Glad you enjoyed the drive...
just past the straights is where it really gets fun.

I've been slowly getting video posted, but the 720p videos take forever, and youtube keeps failing on the conversion, so it's taking longer than i expected.

got about 4 up, about 5 more to go.

Well with highway 60 closed halfway, does anyone have any suggestions where to drive? We could do Duluth, Mankato, or Rochester? I haven't gotten much feedback so this might be a bust. We could also pick a restaurant and then drive the 494 to 694 route.

Greetings and salu-ok whatever. Y'all might remember me as the owner of MNMazda, your friendly neighborhood mndsm. Haven't been able to post much, got an infant to deal with. Anyhow, our crew is planning a little cruise this weekend, and figured you all might be a lil bit interested.

http://www.mnmazda.com/forum/showthread.php?6756-Fall-Colors-Cruise-Saturday-October-8th-2011&p=79260#post79260 sign up, check it out. We'd love to have ya.

Hey, why don't we take highway 61 all the way down to Winona? MNdot website is showing that there is a couple of construction patches BUT there are no detours, we could also always hop across to the Wisconsin side and drive across to Winona once we hit south enough.

We could also always hit 169 down to Mankato, some good eats there.

I'll create a couple of routes via google maps that I propose.

For 61 all the way:

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=24th+Ave+S&daddr=Hastings,+MN+to:Redwing,+MN+to:Winona,+MN&hl=en&ll=44.673536,-92.677917&spn=0.656262,1.783905&sll=44.809675,-93.04505&sspn=0.16368,0.445976&geocode=FXVrrAIdCE9x-g%3BFRKbqgIdVi53-imnGPQZTMH3hzF-YkJRAuYWsQ%3BFSAbqAIdjdt6-iEkm2-1mmk_RA%3BFREeoAIdia2J-im1LomTc235hzEPZqIzwjXHBg&vpsrc=6&mra=ls&t=m&z=10

To hop over to Wisconsin and ride down to Lacrosse:

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=24th+Ave+S&daddr=Prescott,+WI+to:Maiden+Rock,+WI+to:Nelson,+W I+to:Marshlad,+WI+to:Lacrosse,+WI&hl=en&ll=46.253948,-92.905884&spn=1.276238,3.56781&sll=43.941417,-91.313553&sspn=0.332249,0.891953&geocode=FXVrrAIdCE9x-g%3BFTjQqgIdnfN3-imzr-tHCcL3hzGi381AblsrgQ%3BFaHxpwIdh3d_-ilTbQyU1iT4hzHXIGMIpa0m-w%3BFZXMpQId4hCE-imtiWNDdU34hzGRhyo-PS4LdA%3BFa-KoAIdmv-K-intrFIJ2mr5hzGAFBerCSbs0g%3BFeKHnAIdovSP-iET_zyc9beU5ymNpo0qPVX5hzH6eYwEWbPQUA&vpsrc=6&mra=ls&t=m&z=9


What do you guys think?

Let me know! Is this still on for the AM on Sunday Oct 16th?

I wont be able to make the 16th. Wife and I are going up to Duluth the day before on a overnight getaway. Wont be back down in the cities till mid or late Sunday.

I wont be able to make the 16th. Wife and I are going up to Duluth the day before on a overnight getaway. Wont be back down in the cities till mid or late Sunday.


I see how it is...:cussing:

Nah, just kidding. Have fun!:cool:

Hi there!
I own an rx8 and a 3rd generation rx7. Unfortunately, i sustained some front end damage to the rx7 last month. It still runs well though. My question to you is do you know any GOOD local body men who are good at both body work and putting a 99 Spec front end on it? The 99 Spec front end is a factory style bumper that was made in 1999 that looks way cooler than the 1993 one I own.

Thank you for your reply!

Ryan
http://www.rx8club.com/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif http://www.rx8club.com/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.rx8club.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=4087732)

There is a Body shop in Lakeville that is pretty reasonable, Unfortunately I can not find his card. They are off of 35 in Lakeville (the first exit after 35E and 35W converge) then you would go west, it is on the right hand side. If you pass Brunswick Lanes you have gone too far.

There is a Body shop in Lakeville that is pretty reasonable, Unfortunately I can not find his card. They are off of 35 in Lakeville (the first exit after 35E and 35W converge) then you would go west, it is on the right hand side. If you pass Brunswick Lanes you have gone too far.

Are you talking about Crystal Lake Automotive?
its right next door to O'reilley on CR46

That is exactly the shop I was thinking of.


Back to the meet, I vote we drive to Winona via 61, Eat lunch there and plan on where to go from there.

Anyone else?

PM me or email me, thompsolonian@gmail.com

I could meet you in Woodbury somewhere since i will be coming from Eau Claire, WI it would save me like a half hour drive to meet up If thats a possibility?

Actually meeting in Woodbury is a great idea!

EDIT: Got a perfect place to meet, we can all top off our tanks too...

Super America off of Lake Road in Woodbury, Here is the address:

Super America‎
6401 Lake Road Ter
Woodbury, MN 55125-1480
(651) 578-2639

Meet there around 9am Sunday the 16th of October...

Sound good?

Sounds good to me.

Since it sounds good to you here is the plan.

We meet at the aforementioned Super America on Lake Road in Woodbury at 9AM on Sunday, October 16th.

We then travel to Winona via Hwy 61 (I checked MNDOT and there are a couple of lane closures, nothing huge.)

In Winona we should eat lunch at Jefferson Pub and Grill. Here is a link to the Google maps for it:

http://maps.google.com/?q=Jefferson+Pub+%26+Grill&cid=4800785716936343725

Now, I think it would be best if everyone kept together in a group, we all have essentially the came car, so I see no need to be racing, at SA we can figure out a group lead car and a group Tail car, those will be the main drivers who know where we are going and can be in contact in case anyone falls behind.

Sound good?

E-mail me or post here if there are any suggestions.

thompsolonian@gmail.com

Hey, if you guys don't mind a newbie with an AT rx-8; I will come meet up with you guys at the Super America, but I won't be able to join you guys on the trip to Winona.

Just making sure this is the right place.
6401 Lake Road Ter, Woodbury, MN 55125-1480 (Super America)

That is correct!

Now, why no trip? It's a good group to know and it looks like there is great food at the location. Plus, it is gonna be a pretty trip down.

Regardless of whether you are going or not, it'll be nice to meet you!

I got some family stuffs going on, but mostly the 4hours drive back and forth is a bit too much for me.

should be able to make, i may a plus one with a blue 350z

If we want to try get more people, someone who is registered on the MNMazda boards should post about this Sundays drive.

This sounds like a great idea, I live right in Woodbury so I'd love to go along with this drive, only thing is I don't know if I'll be committed to driving all the way down to Winona. How long of a drive is that? And would it be a problem if I turned around mid trip?

EDIT: Just looked it up, if I'm with someone I'll probably turn around at Red Wing or so, if I'm by myself I should be able to go the whole trip.

I will know tomorrow if i will be able to make the trip hopefully i will get my 8 back from the shop

Temporary price drop on my stuff in the For Sale forum (r compounds, track pads)

Looks like i'm not gonna make the trip down to winona, but i'll swing by in the morning to say hi

Here are the pics, we turned some heads on the road.
http://imageshack.us/g/824/1016011008dresize.jpg/

Oh and I'm Minh, btw. I gave you the wrong forum name, olive garden guy. (Sorry, I forgot to introduce.) haha.

Not a bad little turn out. I didn't even get back into the Cities till 7pm from up north. Hope to make the next road trip with every one. Planning on getting snow tires on in a week or two though.

How many people turned out?

6, including me. But I couldn't drive with them all the way to Winona.

Sorry i couldn't make it. i really wanted to at least stop over and say hi, but i didn't get home till 4am sat mornin, and you know how that goes....

guess i'll have to plan for next time

WINONA?! Sheesh. I coulda been there!

Keep me on ya'll's mailing list.

Thanks

office21@mac.com

Sorry i couldn't make it. i really wanted to at least stop over and say hi, but i didn't get home till 4am sat mornin, and you know how that goes....

guess i'll have to plan for next time

I got back at home around 4 too, but I made it there. Granted it took almost an hour to roll out of bed. haha

It was a nice little meet. We are going to plan our next meet some time in June. Thinking Duluth. Figure if we plan well in advance we will get a huge turn out of people. I will post on the MNMazda board as well so they will go as well.

We could have a Jan meet for those that drive in the winter. No drive just meet and lunch maybe?

As long as we can meet before I leave.

This is the saddest part of the year. I'm sad to announce that I will be placing my 8 into storage this week for the winter. :'( I fear the snow is coming shortly and wanted to get "Lisa Marie" prepaired before hand. She will be set free again once the snow melts.

This is the saddest part of the year. I'm sad to announce that I will be placing my 8 into storage this week for the winter. :'( I fear the snow is coming shortly and wanted to get "Lisa Marie" prepaired before hand. She will be set free again once the snow melts.

That's too bad. I have to get my winter tires on here pretty soon before the snow flies, but I enjoy driving it in the winter (with a little bit a snow on the roads).

I put my snow tires and stock bumper on like a month ago lol.

sadness indeed

Car won't start...
GRRR!!!

Have been driving it every day since i bought it. Parked it for two days, while using the Durango, go to start it today, and NO GO!
Cranks strong, but won't start.

Starting to remember why I put a SBC in my RX7

Didn't flood it did you?

I assume so, although not sure how it happened...

i parked it after a full day of driving. it's not like i shut it off cold (i learned that lesson with my 12A :smoker: )

Have you tried to pop the clutch? Every now and then mine will do the same thing even if I've been driving it all day and popping the clutch usually fixes it right away.

Hey Brak, if you get frustrated with your car, I will sell my 40th Anniversary dirt cheap this month since I need a different work vehicle and can't easily afford to have both..just a thought.

Hey Brak, if you get frustrated with your car, I will sell my 40th Anniversary dirt cheap this month since I need a different work vehicle and can't easily afford to have both..just a thought.

LOL, i'll keep that in mind :)

Have you tried to pop the clutch? Every now and then mine will do the same thing even if I've been driving it all day and popping the clutch usually fixes it right away.

I haven't done anything yet, as i didn't have time to mess with it... I'll try the fuel pump trick when i get home, and if that doesn't work, i'll try the clutch

Mine has flooded twice (neither case was my fault), both times i just had someone give me a pull to about 15-20 mph, and let out the clutch in second.... starts right up.

my Spoiler arrived today...

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/jigglypuff_78/Auto/RX8/2011-11-03_17-20-11_105.jpg

OEM, $80 shipped. :)
was the only thing i would've done differently if i had ordered the car new.

Who is the best dealer in the twin cities if I need to take my 8 in? Bought the car from the Luther Ford dealer in Coon Rapids. Is their Mazda dealer any good?

brak we could of just traded trunks.... would of been easier i want a trunk with no spoiler

brak we could of just traded trunks.... would of been easier i want a trunk with no spoiler

The thought never occured to me...

PM Sent.

I'm in the cities this weekend and have yet to see an 8 other then the two (one s1 and one s2) at walser. I went to the Gopher-Sioux game, good times.

Saw a silver 8 pulling out of a parking lot in shakopee about an hour ago.

Was it anybody on here?

I have mine i brought from Colorado now I am back in minnesota blaine to be exact

Saw a silver 8 pulling out of a parking lot in shakopee about an hour ago.

Was it anybody on here?

I have seen that one around that area near Marshall Rd... I am down there to visit my Grandparents all the time... I am pretty sure he is not on the forum. :dunno:

There have a lot of people dropping off and added on... lol

putting my winters on today, yay for another winter... the lovely low tire pressure light will be staying on...:cussing:

the lovely low tire pressure light will be staying on...:cussing:
lol it is the other way around for me... I get the lovely light all summer.

Hey Brak, if you get frustrated with your car, I will sell my 40th Anniversary dirt cheap this month since I need a different work vehicle and can't easily afford to have both..just a thought.

Define dirt cheap :)

Define dirt cheap :)

The 40th anniversary was bought new in June, 2009 Has 32K miles..$18,500.00 and I have a set of new blizzaks mounted on 5 spoke OZ wheels that can be bought along with it. 1-3 inches snow tonight so they will be on by dark today..darn.:sad:

I was driving around Minnetonka yesterday and saw a dark silver 8 with dark tinted windows. Was that anybody here? Also about a month ago I was in Delano and saw a blue 8 that turned around in front of my yellow 8 and burned out down the street. Was that anybody here too?

Hey Guys, It's been a while and I hope you're all doing well. I haven't been active around here for about a year. I do however still have my 8 and I'm excited to start blowing all my money on my car again. The main question I have is primarily for people who have driven in the snow and gotten their car all dirty.

I never kept my engine bay very clean because i was driving it daily and it was always getting dirty anyways. Now that It's strictly a project car for me i want to detail it and was wondering what you guys do to get, and keep it clean. Right now its pretty dirty and some of the small metal parts even have a little rust and corrosion on them from the road salt around here.

Anything you recommend or that I should watch out for? Thanks.

-Shnifty

Hey Guys, It's been a while and I hope you're all doing well. I haven't been active around here for about a year. I do however still have my 8 and I'm excited to start blowing all my money on my car again. The main question I have is primarily for people who have driven in the snow and gotten their car all dirty.

I never kept my engine bay very clean because i was driving it daily and it was always getting dirty anyways. Now that It's strictly a project car for me i want to detail it and was wondering what you guys do to get, and keep it clean. Right now its pretty dirty and some of the small metal parts even have a little rust and corrosion on them from the road salt around here.

Anything you recommend or that I should watch out for? Thanks.

-Shnifty

This what I have used on rust, IT IS AMAZING... $5-$8.. dries clear too.
178686 http://http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PTX0/81756.oap?ck=Search_rust_N2159_-1_1503&keyword=rust&pt=N2159&ppt=C0171

As for general cleaning... rag and some water. For the plastic parts I have used armoral leather cleaner, it works well.

This what I have used on rust, IT IS AMAZING... $5-$8.. dries clear too.
178686 http://http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PTX0/81756.oap?ck=Search_rust_N2159_-1_1503&keyword=rust&pt=N2159&ppt=C0171

As for general cleaning... rag and some water. For the plastic parts I have used armoral leather cleaner, it works well.

Interesting. I'll have to pick up some of that rust stuff on my way home. Thanks.

Hello. I'm in the TC area and fairly new to the forums. I'll be cruising my 8 this winter for the first time. Hopefully it goes well. For those of you who will also be braving the snow, I came across a somewhat decent deal on all-weather floormats...linked off of the morrie's site.

http://mazdagear.com/floormatsallweather-k02a-rx-8.aspx

This will be my 4th winter in my 8...

-First season, All-Season Goodyear Eagle F1's.... Not so good.
-Second season, same tires +120lbs of sand in back, better.. but only 10%, and I burned up the tires.
-Third season, bought new Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position for the summer and Hankook iPike and 17inch rims for the winter...... AMAZING..

The iPikes got me through the 3 feet of snow we got last season, I was passing AWD SUVs that day!

I will be running those again this year. They have very low wear when it's warm... Blizzaks are awesome, but over 40degrees they burn up quick.

This will be my 4th winter in my 8...

-First season, All-Season Goodyear Eagle F1's.... Not so good.
-Second season, same tires +120lbs of sand in back, better.. but only 10%, and I burned up the tires.
-Third season, bought new Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position for the summer and Hankook iPike and 17inch rims for the winter...... AMAZING..

The iPikes got me through the 3 feet of snow we got last season, I was passing AWD SUVs that day!

I will be running those again this year. They have very low wear when it's warm... Blizzaks are awesome, but over 40degrees they burn up quick.

I can vouch for the Hankook iPike winter tires. I did the same thing 2 winters ago (215/55R17) and they turned the car into one of the best winter drivers I've ever had...as long as I avoid anything deep, anyway.

Hey guys im also in MN. Minneapolis area. I drive a grey rx8 that I purchased this summer. Looking for some support in this neck of the woods!

you have come to the right place....

IN winter news, my new Goodyear Talon GTs are working great in this snow (all season z rated)

IN winter news, my new Goodyear Talon GTs are working great in this snow (all season z rated)

I tried the route of high performance all seasons. Just be careful - as funny as it sounds some snow is more slippery than others. I started out one winter all confident in my new shoes and one day ______)_____ (that is a pic of me going straight on a corner I went around fine on other snowy days).

I have since gone to dedicated winter wheels/tires.

I have a set of all season floor mats for anyone that drives their RX8 year round. $50 and they're yours. I also have a set of slightly used Tokico Dspecs that I'll let go of cheap if anyone is interested.

Did my first snow drive a few days ago. Did ver well with the X-ice tires I have on it. Was very surprised. Was expecting a lot more drama.

ok. so as i posted couple weeks ago, car wouldn't start... I've done every trick i've found on the board and no go...

AAA is on their way, to take it back to the dealership, they can deal with it :(

I was driving around Minnetonka yesterday and saw a dark silver 8 with dark tinted windows. Was that anybody here? Also about a month ago I was in Delano and saw a blue 8 that turned around in front of my yellow 8 and burned out down the street. Was that anybody here too?


That was me driving in Minnetonka. I was with my buddy and I was just talking about the forum and turned over and saw you. I followed by saying I bet he's on the club!

I still want to know who was at Microcenter a week or two back with the silver one. Seen it when I left for the night.

Just moved to the Twin Cities

Welcome! What part?

That was me driving in Minnetonka. I was with my buddy and I was just talking about the forum and turned over and saw you. I followed by saying I bet he's on the club!





Nice! :) I was thinking the same thing when I saw you! Beautiful ride you got there!

Welcome! What part?

Minnetonka area

Hey guys, I need some of your wisdom on the RX8 . The 40th anniversary was my first RX8 and it comes with the "sport" suspension, meaning that it has the HD Bilstein shocks as the only difference between the Touring?
I can't do my new commute to work on these Bilsteins as the jounce is still too much, or compression is too high for the bad roads once I hit 60 mph..almost a pogo stick type ride which did lessen after it hit 20K mileage. Does anyone know if I can swap in the regular or Touring shocks with this set up and get a smoother ride before my bladder dies on a hour commute? Thanks!

crap_ Mazda.parts lists three different shocks? How to know which is from the 40th and which is a Grand Touring or other?
What the heck is a special_ tuned suspension?

e.g., Strut, W/normal susp Back
DAMPER-FRONT
List Price : $186.53
Your Price : $134.28
Quantity:


Strut, W/special tuned susp Back
DAMPER-FRONT
List Price : $186.31
Your Price : $134.12
Quantity:


Strut, W/sport susp Back
DAMPER-FRONT
List Price : $182.63
Your Price : $131.47

I was going to sell her, the 33k mileage mint 2008 40th AE for a 2008 Audi A8L for a business need but the dealers will only give a wholesale price of 15,000, well below trade in value. So I reallllly need better shocks to deal with the jounce stiffness that spills coffee on Hwy 212 sections..bah.

Minnetonka area

Same here. I live at the Cliffs Apts across from Ridgedale Mall.

Your 09 looks great, especially the revised front bumper inlet areas being more angled than the 08.
I'll keep checking for suspension help ideas for crap Mn roads and see what we can find.

Thanks! I like all the updates better on the S2 than the S1. All the little things that bugged me about the S1, gills and rear lights mainly, are changed to what in my mind is a better look. To me at least.

Wish I could help but I'm not sure on your suspension question.

I was going to sell her, the 33k mileage mint 2008 40th AE for a 2008 Audi A8L for a business need but the dealers will only give a wholesale price of 15,000, well below trade in value. So I reallllly need better shocks to deal with the jounce stiffness that spills coffee on Hwy 212 sections..bah.

KRMRX8 - I put HD Bilstein's on my '04 Touring over the summer and haven't noticed the severely stiff ride that you are having. Maybe the roads I'm on are better than yours? I mostly drive down 35W to work, but when I do drive on rough roads it does get annoying sometimes.

KRMRX8 - I put HD Bilstein's on my '04 Touring over the summer and haven't noticed the severely stiff ride that you are having. Maybe the roads I'm on are better than yours? I mostly drive down 35W to work, but when I do drive on rough roads it does get annoying sometimes.

Did you notice a stiffer ride at speed over rough pavement where it feels like a controlled pogo stick ride; i.e., a hard one bounce over each road strip? Maybe the Bilsytein HD are just over damped on the compression stroke?..so great on smooth tracks but so annoying for long trips unless on smooth freeways.

Hey guys, found this site and had to laugh for their test results unless they tested the RX8 in nevada on a windless day down hill..wow. Their lab test got over 32 mpg highway on a 2008 RX8.

http://www.gas-mileage.us/years/2008/makes/mazda/models/mazda-rx-8

BTW, I think my 40th AE likes the catch can mod, since it runs a bit stronger now ( leaner in open loop fuel map?) after I by-passed the crankcase pcv route. The mpg is no different of course, since it runs closed loop fuel map operation most of the time on freeways.

im from the willmar area in minnesota and also own an 8 no performance parts though still trying to keep up with all my stock problems shes not cheap to own but i sure love her ha

im from the willmar area in minnesota and also own an 8 no performance parts though still trying to keep up with all my stock problems shes not cheap to own but i sure love her ha

what kind of problems are you running into?

i suppose this was the first snow i got to drive this year, yay 2012! drove on ice, hankooks still good!

Well I'm at 81,000 miles just replace the started now I believe it's the throwing bearing making noise very disturbing grinding sort of sound so thinking to just put a whole to clutch kit in there seeings the tranny has to come out for the bearing anyway I guess that about all besides minor stuff like new brakes and what not

Hi Everyone! I'm new to these forums and just wanted to introduce myself. I just purchased a white RX-8 down in Stillwater and I live in St. Cloud.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Anybody else still driving their 8?

I saw a couple last week.

Red - turning onto industrial Blvd in NE minneapolis (i was pulling out of wendy's)
Blue (it was dark, not sure) - on france waiting to turn onto 62 westbound. I was getting off the frwy.

Still driving mine, but I was not the one you had seen. I've seen a silver one a couple times. Once at Ridgedale Mall outside Chipotle and I think the same one turning off 100 north bound right after going under 38th St.

Anybody else still driving their 8?

I saw a couple last week.

Red - turning onto industrial Blvd in NE minneapolis (i was pulling out of wendy's)
Blue (it was dark, not sure) - on france waiting to turn onto 62 westbound. I was getting off the frwy.

I'm in Mankato, but yes, I drive mine year 'round - even last winter! I use a set of 17" Hankook Winter iPike tires, and that works out well.

Anybody else still driving their 8?

I saw a couple last week.

Red - turning onto industrial Blvd in NE minneapolis (i was pulling out of wendy's)
Blue (it was dark, not sure) - on france waiting to turn onto 62 westbound. I was getting off the frwy.

That wasn't me either, but I drive mine year around too on stock rims and Blizzaks. Around the south Minneapolis and Bloomington area normally.

There's alot of 8s not on this board though, this type of question comes up alot and very rarely is it an active member.

That wasn't me either, but I drive mine year around too on stock rims and Blizzaks. Around the south Minneapolis and Bloomington area normally.

There's alot of 8s not on this board though, this type of question comes up alot and very rarely is it an active member.

At one point we did have a 14-15 car meet... the forum get more active in summer.. but a lot of people have been turning in their 8's in for a better mileage car.

I drive all year long. prophet, i pass yours almost everyday, if i see it outside.

I know we have been possibly planning a meet first week of june.

Hey Tony, were you the one with the aftermarket spoiler at our last year meet. I'm the asian dude that was in the velo-red.
Was thinking about getting one but does the spoiler obstruct the rear view at all? The mini stock spoiler we get is already blocking a bit of the view. I want to know how the bigger spoiler is like.

Btw, anyone who works at Eagan Bestbuy with a Blue 8? I frequent that bestbuy, and wanna take a few pics with Blue and Red; looks nice together.

And on driving 8s in the winter...I still have summer tires on haha. awesome weather we got like 3-4 weeks ago.

Hey Tony, were you the one with the aftermarket spoiler at our last year meet. I'm the asian dude that was in the velo-red.
Was thinking about getting one but does the spoiler obstruct the rear view at all? The mini stock spoiler we get is already blocking a bit of the view. I want to know how the bigger spoiler is like.

Btw, anyone who works at Eagan Bestbuy with a Blue 8? I frequent that bestbuy, and wanna take a few pics with Blue and Red; looks nice together.

And on driving 8s in the winter...I still have summer tires on haha. awesome weather we got like 3-4 weeks ago.

Yes... That is me... it does obstruct the view quite a bit.. but not in a bad way, just something to get used to.. you can still see just limited. nice at night cause it blocks out all the truck's lights out there.

lol I didn't know spoiler has a secondary use. But how much did you get yours for? And where do you recommend to get spoiler? I looked around online, but I have never bought aftermarket parts before.

lol I didn't know spoiler has a secondary use. But how much did you get yours for? And where do you recommend to get spoiler? I looked around online, but I have never bought aftermarket parts before.

the wing was universal... from vivid racing->http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/index.php, i've gotten all my parts shipped from there. the spoilers will range $160-$1300+, mine was only $220 at the time. My AEM CAI came from there, underdrive pulley, test pipe and exhaust has also come from there, pretty good shipping and finance options.

interior or cosmetics i go to rotary fx->http://www.rotaryfx.com/.

Cool, thanks. I will check them out.

Spotted 2 RX8s On sunday.... 1 black downtown minneapolis Sunday morning.
1 at the MOA 6th floor parking ramp Sunday afternoon (Red). Both cars looked great

Red one was probably me. Unless there was two of us. Lol

Hello everyone!

I'll be moving to the Twin Cities in May for a job (recent grad) and it'd be nice to meet some fellow Rx8 owners! Please keep me updated with any info on upcoming meets as I would gladly make the drive to MN. Of course, I'll be checking this forum myself for info as well... :)

05 VR Rx8 M/T

I just transfer to MN, I just wanna say hi to all of MN RX-8 owner.

Tianfeiwei, What part of town do you live in? Welcome!

Jdlor - I miss my '05 VR m/t everyday. Enjoy!

Hello everyone!

I'll be moving to the Twin Cities in May for a job (recent grad) and it'd be nice to meet some fellow Rx8 owners! Please keep me updated with any info on upcoming meets as I would gladly make the drive to MN. Of course, I'll be checking this forum myself for info as well... :)

05 VR Rx8 M/T

Welcome, welcome. I know we're trying to arrange a meet the first week of June (see post above). But I thought maybe we could get a group out for the MN C&C (http://www.mncandc.com/) in April, I think it'll be April 7th.

Tianfeiwei, What part of town do you live in? Welcome!

Jdlor - I miss my '05 VR m/t everyday. Enjoy!
I live in Minneapolis and I just move to here.
Nice to meet you.

http://www.rx8club.com/album.php?albumid=4237&pictureid=29747

Having hard time posting pix on my smart phone, we will see if this works. Its my fully mazdaspeed rx8.

http://www.rx8club.com/album.php?albumid=4237&pictureid=29737&gnr_tab=0&ref=gnr-next

Cant wait till spring so i can take her out again..

http://www.rx8club.com/album.php?albumid=4237&pictureid=29737&gnr_tab=0&ref=gnr-next

Cant wait till spring so i can take her out again..

Very nice, I've heard about the concept of a full MazdaSpeed RX8, but can't remember seeing pics. I wish Mazda would have released this version factory like they've done with the 3, 6, and others, but it makes this setup very rare. Hopefully I'll get to see it when you bring it out. Btw did you go to the dealer to get the wheels or somewhere else and what'd you pay (I seem them listed on the Mazda site for $650 a piece). I've been looking for new summer wheels and can't really find any aftermarket ones I like.

I'm loving the full MS, nice find if you just got it, and nice work if you did it yourself lol!

I brought the car back in 2007 brand new. Took me four yrs to fully get to where im at. The wheels ur looking at is not mazdaspeed, its 19" Rays g-games. I brought the kit directly from mazda dealers, all came painted and i did the work installing myself.

Stopped by North Country Ford and seen another RX8 sitting in the visitors lot. A grey S1. Any one from on here? I parked my red S2 behind you.

Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum and also owning such a wild beast. I just recently bought a velocity red RX8 and am truly impressed with it so far. I even got to test it on wet snow the other night and found as long as I don't over throttle it and ease the brakes it handles fairly well. On dry pavement it handles excellent though. I reside in Red Wing, MN.
So, if anyone wants to chatter with me or talk shop on cars or whatnot just bomb me a message. Thanks. Hope to make new contacts here.

Welcome! I would highly recommend snow tires if you don't have them already.

welcome! I would highly recommend snow tires if you don't have them already.
^+1

How is the winter treating you guys?

Been in the desert for a while, will be for a while longer.

Who wants to do a ride in late May, around the time I get back?

Tony, this probably would be an excellent oppurtunity to do that Duluth drive, what do you think?

See you guys when I get back, I am sure more planning will be done before I get back, but at least I planted the idea for a rough date...the rest will be TBD.

I was on the news for the deployment on JAN 8th, anyone see me?

Winter has been light this year. Not much snow and the temps abnormally high for the most part.

As for a meet, I would love to meet some of the local 8 drivers! I only see a few in passing but have yet to meet any one.

I actually might be interested in this drive in May. Let me know once something has been set up.

How is the winter treating you guys?

Been in the desert for a while, will be for a while longer.

Who wants to do a ride in late May, around the time I get back?

Tony, this probably would be an excellent oppurtunity to do that Duluth drive, what do you think?

See you guys when I get back, I am sure more planning will be done before I get back, but at least I planted the idea for a rough date...the rest will be TBD.

I was on the news for the deployment on JAN 8th, anyone see me?

Duluth sounds good if we can get enough people... Last week of May or First week of June would be best.

I still want to know who was at Microcenter a week or two back with the silver one. Seen it when I left for the night.

I am pretty sure it was me at Microcenter that evening. If not then it was Jason, the owner of Mazdaparts.com. He lives within 5 miles of Microcenter.

Did it have a carbon fiber Mazdaspeed style wing or stock spoiler?

I would be in for a drive in May. Specially to Duluth, I have a friend who plays at the bars there quite often. I'll see if we can grab a day that coincides. I might end up spending the evening up there.

Say on a side note I am looking at all season tires. I reinstalled the stock spring/shocks for a smoother ride. roads have been getting so bad these past years... or I am getting old. :lol: Keeping the RB sways front and back.

I am ordering up the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS stock size 225/45R18 but mounting them on a new set of CX7 rims. Debated about jumping up to a wider size but I would have to go to a taller side wall to stay within spec of the rim/tire combo. :dunno:

http://www.autospectator.com/cars/files/images/2009-Mazda-CX-7-side.jpg

I think they will look decent on the Sunlight Silver 8. Looking forward to reinstalling the TPMS sensors. Been running without them for years. Small black out over the light in the dash helped otherwise it is distracting.

Well I purchased the 245/40R18 set of 4. I have a set of Eibach spacers I might use to pull the tire out a bit instead of having them tucked in.

I am pretty sure it was me at Microcenter that evening. If not then it was Jason, the owner of Mazdaparts.com. He lives within 5 miles of Microcenter.

Did it have a carbon fiber Mazdaspeed style wing or stock spoiler?

Been a while. It was dark and I don't remember that well. I think it had a MS wing, but I don't recall the color. I work there, so my 8 is out front most days. I work in the BYOS area.

I was thinking you must work there since I have seen your car up there three or four times parked in the back facing the building. You have probably helped me before. What is BYOS, build your own system? If so I know we have met.

I was thinking you must work there since I have seen your car up there three or four times parked in the back facing the building. You have probably helped me before. What is BYOS, build your own system? If so I know we have met.

That's it. I park out back only when I have to come in early like on truck days. Otherwise I park in the oversized parking stall under the light in the corner of out lot. Or backed in under the sign.

It is possible I have worked with you. I'm the overclocking goofball with the beard. lol

That's it. I park out back only when I have to come in early like on truck days. Otherwise I park in the oversized parking stall under the light in the corner of out lot. Or backed in under the sign.

It is possible I have worked with you. I'm the overclocking goofball with the beard. lol

I was there with another 8 owner buying a TV.. we saw your car, but we were in an X3.

Anyone's going to the twin cities auto show on 3/10? You can register online for the Mazda driver club for VIP stuffs. Would be nice if we arrange to park together.

Anyone's going to the twin cities auto show on 3/10? You can register online for the Mazda driver club for VIP stuffs. Would be nice if we arrange to park together.
I am interested in that Auto show, if anyone wants to go there, we can go together.

Hello everyone again. Seeing that everyone wants to join up for the auto show in cities round the 10th of march. I wouldn't mind myself being involved in that and actually learning stuff about a car I'm really loving. I do have a question for anyone who might have an answer though. I would like to install a nice looking aftermarket wing on my stock 8. Any suggestions are welcome. Also...does anyone have a good set of 225/55/16 tires that won't burn my wallet-possibly all-seasons? Thanks everyone.

I was there with another 8 owner buying a TV.. we saw your car, but we were in an X3.

I might be a bit bias, but I think I have the coolest car of any one at work. :D:

Anyone's going to the twin cities auto show on 3/10? You can register online for the Mazda driver club for VIP stuffs. Would be nice if we arrange to park together.

How do you get the Mazda Drivers Club stuff?

That's it. I park out back only when I have to come in early like on truck days. Otherwise I park in the oversized parking stall under the light in the corner of out lot. Or backed in under the sign.


Drove there to buy some Bawls today. Saw your eight. Off course you have the coolest car there.

Anyway, the MDC is registered over here:
http://www.mazdadriversclub.com/registration.aspx - (It's the Minneapolis if you can't find it.)
You get a coupon thingy where you could bring to the Auto Show to get officially registered or something like that.

Tickets for the show can be bought here:
http://www.tcautoshow.com/tickets.php

I assume we are all going to the Opening on 3/10? The show last from 10th-18th. Post if you have any issue on the 10th, so everyone can see if they can do another date.

mmmm.... Bawls. Love that stuff.

Registered. I'm guessing we get stuff like shirts and key chains?

I have no clue. Haha.

Btw, in a completely unrelated note, have anyone seen these 1-800-411-PAIN billboards with a totaled red RX-8? That gives me rage every time I see it.

My wife told me about one she had seen. I really do not look at the boards. Never anything I care about on them.

Just realized the show is on Sat. I wont be able to go that day. Anyone up for meeting and heading over on Sunday?

Yes Kailas I have seen them as well, there are a ton of them in the area. I think it's funny haha.

I assume we are all going to the Opening on 3/10? The show last from 10th-18th. Post if you have any issue on the 10th, so everyone can see if they can do another date.

The 10 works for me.

Btw, in a completely unrelated note, have anyone seen these 1-800-411-PAIN billboards with a totaled red RX-8? That gives me rage every time I see it.

Yea, I've seen that billboard as well. There's alot of pics of crashed 8's out there so I'm not surprised to see it. I take it as a compliment to the 8 that they use it in the ad.

Anyone going on the 11th at all? Can not make the show on the 10th.

The 10th or 11th are both fine for me. We should go on the 11th so that Prophet can join. I think we got 5 people planning to go so far?

That would be sweet! Pretty sure my wife is coming too. Might have to dig out my old carclub shirt from my now dead club. At least people will know who I am since it says "Prophet" on the shirt. lol

Welcome to all the new people on the boards.
I think I can make the car show as well. Where is everyone meeting so we can head in together?
The last meet we had we talked about heading to Duluth. It seems like the last weekend in May or the first week of June are the best. Which works out the best for everyone here?
I would like to meet around 9 or 10 in the morning at a huge gas station and then we can head up 35. Get up there and have lunch etc and find some good spots for pictures. If anyone knows Duluth really well you can help plan where we can go up there.
Chris how goes the desert? Heh I was there in 90/91 and it was not to much fun.

I think I can make the car show as well. Where is everyone meeting so we can head in together?


Should we go get lunch before or after going there? I think we should be done in 2-3 hours at most. I'm new so I don't know what you guys usually do at meets. haha

Sunday 3/11 show is from 10am-7pm.
I'm not an early bird so I'm thinking 12pm.

Here is the address for whoever doesn't know.
The Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55403

We should park outdoor, I assume? The outdoor lot is on 4th avenue.

Btw, in a completely unrelated note, have anyone seen these 1-800-411-PAIN billboards with a totaled red RX-8? That gives me rage every time I see it.

I was just going into extreme detail on how it upsets me seeing the 411-pain billboards. I have been seeing them more often lately. There has been one up on Hwy 10 west before getting to Elk River Ford for several years. Grrrrrrrrr... I would like to call 411-pain and complain. I think to myself the RX8 is going to get a bad rap from insurance companies and potential buyers because they see crashed 8's all over the place on these billboards. :( Higher priced insurance rates and lower resale due to fewer potential buyers.

... and to end on a good note I just finished swapping the new CX7 rims with fresh rubber to my car.

Potenza Pole Position 970AS (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Potenza+RE970AS+Pole+Position)
245/40R18 fit is perfect. I tried the .75" Eibach wheel spacer on the rear and it was a bit too much without rolling the fenders.

Tomorrow I am getting alignment done at Tires Plus, next to Target, by Northtown Mall. I purchased lifetime alignment back in 2004. :) $185= awesome investment. Has saved me at least double that in tire wear reduction. I know I have mentioned this in the past but two places I have tire work done are:

They both have good tire machines for removing and installing low profile tires on nice rims without causing damage to either.
Blaine Quality Automotive (http://www.bqatire.com/) Daryl is the owner/operator *Tire Rack certified installer :icon_tup:
and
Tires Plus in Coon Rapids (http://www.tiresplus.com/store-detail/244207/) disclaimer: not all Tires Plus locations offer exemplary service. This one is a corporate owned location instead of a franchise. I would think they should all live up to a standard but some mainly care about the money coming in.

Hmmm I hadn't thought about how many times the Rotary fires during one revolution:

The engine offers a sweet unique sound under acceleration and is very refined now, with little of the rotary rasp that early RX-7s were known for. The two three-sided rotors deliver six power pulses per turn of the output shaft, the same number as a V12 (and twice as many per revolution as a V6), resulting in an exhaust note that's almost hypnotic on a rhythmic road, and chainsaw-like under full steam. The rotary revs extremely quickly, but lacks the mid-range grunt of a V6. Downshifts for quick acceleration are definitely necessary. The RX-8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph is less than 6 seconds, according to Car and Driver magazine, making it nearly as quick as a Nissan 350Z.

This might spice up the sound of an alt vehicle for those who just don't enjoy driving their other car/truck: http://www.soundracer.se/?p=98&p2=128

snow sucks. that is all.

Anyone going on the 11th at all? Can not make the show on the 10th.
I might be going on the 11th in the afternoon. Still waiting to see if my brother can make it down (RX7-owner)

Welcome to all the new people on the boards.
I think I can make the car show as well. Where is everyone meeting so we can head in together?
The last meet we had we talked about heading to Duluth. It seems like the last weekend in May or the first week of June are the best. Which works out the best for everyone here?
I would like to meet around 9 or 10 in the morning at a huge gas station and then we can head up 35. Get up there and have lunch etc and find some good spots for pictures. If anyone knows Duluth really well you can help plan where we can go up there.
Chris how goes the desert? Heh I was there in 90/91 and it was not to much fun.
Works for me. Looking forward to it.

Hmmm I hadn't thought about how many times the Rotary fires during one revolution:

The engine offers a sweet unique sound under acceleration and is very refined now, with little of the rotary rasp that early RX-7s were known for. The two three-sided rotors deliver six power pulses per turn of the output shaft, the same number as a V12 (and twice as many per revolution as a V6), resulting in an exhaust note that's almost hypnotic on a rhythmic road, and chainsaw-like under full steam. The rotary revs extremely quickly, but lacks the mid-range grunt of a V6. Downshifts for quick acceleration are definitely necessary. The RX-8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph is less than 6 seconds, according to Car and Driver magazine, making it nearly as quick as a Nissan 350Z.

This might spice up the sound of an alt vehicle for those who just don't enjoy driving their other car/truck: http://www.soundracer.se/?p=98&p2=128
This link on you tube is a quick view of the Rx8 engine and how it works (very basic) but gets the point across http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNwbH8fnunI also for more information http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com/how-a-wankel-rotary-engine-works/index.php (http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com/how-a-wankel-rotary-engine-works/index.php/watch?v=SNwbH8fnunI)

Hmmm I hadn't thought about how many times the Rotary fires during one revolution:

The engine offers a sweet unique sound under acceleration and is very refined now, with little of the rotary rasp that early RX-7s were known for. The two three-sided rotors deliver six power pulses per turn of the output shaft, the same number as a V12 (and twice as many per revolution as a V6), resulting in an exhaust note that's almost hypnotic on a rhythmic road, and chainsaw-like under full steam. The rotary revs extremely quickly, but lacks the mid-range grunt of a V6. Downshifts for quick acceleration are definitely necessary. The RX-8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph is less than 6 seconds, according to Car and Driver magazine, making it nearly as quick as a Nissan 350Z.

This might spice up the sound of an alt vehicle for those who just don't enjoy driving their other car/truck: http://www.soundracer.se/?p=98&p2=128

You only get one fire per rotor for every shaft rotation. So, two fires in a two rotor. The lobes on the eccentric shaft are 180 degrees apart. You need three shaft rotations to get one rotor rotation.

snow sucks. that is all.

agreed. thank God for snow tires. saw your 8 in front of my building this morning, no parking?

agreed. thank God for snow tires. saw your 8 in front of my building this morning, no parking?

That's where I got stuck at around 6:30-7 this morning. No ruts yet, so I was pushing snow. Could not get up the hill by me, so went down there to get a smaller slop. Ended up parked against the curb. Even with snow tires I was hosed. Took a good 20 min to get that far.

That's where I got stuck at around 6:30-7 this morning. No ruts yet, so I was pushing snow. Could not get up the hill by me, so went down there to get a smaller slop. Ended up parked against the curb. Even with snow tires I was hosed. Took a good 20 min to get that far.

was pretty terrible even at 930, I was still pushing snow even with ruts, didn't want to risk sliding down the hill so I went behind suburu... there cars stuck back there too.

This might spice up the sound of an alt vehicle for those who just don't enjoy driving their other car/truck: http://www.soundracer.se/?p=98&p2=128

Why does this exist...?

That's where I got stuck at around 6:30-7 this morning. No ruts yet, so I was pushing snow. Could not get up the hill by me, so went down there to get a smaller slop. Ended up parked against the curb. Even with snow tires I was hosed. Took a good 20 min to get that far.

was pretty terrible even at 930, I was still pushing snow even with ruts, didn't want to risk sliding down the hill so I went behind suburu... there cars stuck back there too.

What kind of snow tires do you guys have? Are you lowered as well?
I don't have too much trouble in the winters. Only problems when there's big drifts where the wheels can't touch the road (hasn't been enough snow this winter for that), but I also don't have to drive any hills like you describe.
I have Blizzaks (LM-60 or WS 70 can't remember which now) 225/45/18 stock size and stock ride height.

What kind of snow tires do you guys have? Are you lowered as well?
I don't have too much trouble in the winters. Only problems when there's big drifts where the wheels can't touch the road (hasn't been enough snow this winter for that), but I also don't have to drive any hills like you describe.
I have Blizzaks (LM-60 or WS 70 can't remember which now) 225/45/18 stock size and stock ride height.

I have a set of 17in rims and running Hankook iPike winters (i think renamed i*cept). 3 seasons now, no sandbags. hills are always going to be an issue, never had a problem in deep snow if it was on a flat surface.

I created a Facebook group called "MN RX-8" , since I think it's easier for people to communicate there. I would assume everyone has a FB account by now.
Join it if you like (no seriously, join it; like it or not. lol).

I will be making the TwinCities autoshow event on it also.

What kind of snow tires do you guys have? Are you lowered as well?
I don't have too much trouble in the winters. Only problems when there's big drifts where the wheels can't touch the road (hasn't been enough snow this winter for that), but I also don't have to drive any hills like you describe.
I have Blizzaks (LM-60 or WS 70 can't remember which now) 225/45/18 stock size and stock ride height.



I have X-ice tires. Stock size and height. The snow as to deep and the car would just dig in and get stuck in a hole with the chassis sitting in the snow. It was an odd mix of slush, ice, and snow.

I created a Facebook group called "MN RX-8" , since I think it's easier for people to communicate there. I would assume everyone has a FB account by now.
Join it if you like (no seriously, join it; like it or not. lol).

I will be making the TwinCities autoshow event on it also.

Sent a request. Chad Bremer

Sent a request as well. Matt Kaiser

I created a Facebook group called "MN RX-8" , since I think it's easier for people to communicate there. I would assume everyone has a FB account by now.
Join it if you like (no seriously, join it; like it or not. lol).

I will be making the TwinCities autoshow event on it also.

only found an rx8 group set up a year ago, by one of our forum members... post link to the one you set up?

Sent a request as well. Matt Kaiser
Hmm... Don't see any request.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/378208118864707/

I've got Tony to join the group.
Here is the event page.
http://www.facebook.com/events/333121443400836/

Hey guys, my car got some problems today. I couldn't started it for 5-10mins. And after it started, it can only run at 10mph, and couldn't go onto 2nd gear (it's an AT). And if I stop, the engine will turn off. Anybody got an idea of what's going on?

Could be a plugged cat.

Alright, I figured I'd post and tell you all I'm still alive. My Shinka has been in the garage but I do take it out when the road isn't all crap. Stop giving me crap Tony for buying a BMW X3 for the winter. You drove it and you like it. So hush. Anyways, this is the sad sight I have to see everyday it snows or is ice outside.

Oh, and I bought my RX8 new and I just passed the big 50k! Feels good! Knock on wood, still running strong!

Oh, and I bought my RX8 new and I just passed the big 50k! Feels good! Knock on wood, still running strong!

join the fb group.

also, Champa where are you? car running yet? i'd like to see that 3 rotor!

Anyone is free today wanna come and see what's wrong with my eight? She is stuck in South St Paul's White castle. And I have to wait till tomorrow to tow her...

joined group and event, looking forward to the show next week

Hey guys, my car got some problems today. I couldn't started it for 5-10mins. And after it started, it can only run at 10mph, and couldn't go onto 2nd gear (it's an AT). And if I stop, the engine will turn off. Anybody got an idea of what's going on?

This sounds like limp mode which can be caused by a bunch of different things (from all the posts I've read I think). Try clearing the light (code reader/disconnect battery) and try driving again. I had this come on after I replaced my battery a month or so ago. I just had to fix the battery connection cables and the issue went away, but like I said before most likely not the same problem/resolution.

Do you not have an OBD II reader? You can pretty much go to any auto store and put a deposit down on one and plug it in and see what's going on. I own one and would love to come help you but I'm busy all week. :/

Hey everyone. Thought I'd just bomb a message here and let ya know I will be attending Twin Cities Auto Show on the 10th. If anyone wants to chatter with me while I'm there I'm more than willing to meet up. Only thing is that I will be there later on the 10th. My wife unfortunately works that day but wants to attend the event with me so I will wait for her. I will be bringing my '04 RX8 to the show as well. Hope to see you there.

So, I got my eight to morries mazda. And they said it's misfiring.

And here is what they want to charge me:
4x ignition coils - 355
Spark plugs - 190
Spark plugs' wireset - 103
Diagnose fee 160
Labor + tax 282
Total : $1090

Is that pretty reasonable price?

On a side note, one of you guys gotta teach me about the car at the meet; because I have no clue what's going on. And err, I might not be there however.

If you can install it yourself see:

http://www.mazmart.com/ItemDetail.aspx?id=1903

they are raping you on the parts cost (you can get everything for the price they want to charge for ignition coils), labor seems steep but if you are unable to do it yourself, probably worth it, unless someone from this thread wants to give you a hand.

The BHR ignition kit is about $500 and is supposed to be far better tan stock. Comes with coils, plugs, and wires.

On another note, looks like I'm heading to the show on Sunday around 2-3pm. Have to visit with the in-laws first..... Damn it....

You're getting raped. Please DIY. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate doing all of this yourself a 3. It's a piece of cake.

So, I got my eight to morries mazda. And they said it's misfiring.

And here is what they want to charge me:
4x ignition coils - 355
Spark plugs - 190
Spark plugs' wireset - 103
Diagnose fee 160
Labor + tax 282
Total : $1090

Is that pretty reasonable price?

On a side note, one of you guys gotta teach me about the car at the meet; because I have no clue what's going on. And err, I might not be there however.

If we go stock... from http://www.rotaryfx.com/default.asp
-4x Ignition Coils OEM = $160
-NGK Spark Plugs all 4 = $85 (NGK makes the stock Mazda ones)
-Plug Wires OEM = $80
-Labor = a couple of us, and beer/pizza.

About $330 including tax... That is a far cry from $1090

All the above I have done myself, really is a one person job. Could all be done in an hour.

If you can install it yourself see:

http://www.mazmart.com/ItemDetail.aspx?id=1903

they are raping you on the parts cost (you can get everything for the price they want to charge for ignition coils), labor seems steep but if you are unable to do it yourself, probably worth it, unless someone from this thread wants to give you a hand.

Or get this, didn't see this. sorry. I would be willing to help out though.

Thanks for the replies, guys.
I got someone to help me. $260 totals for all the parts at oreilly and autozone. I still got drilled 100$ for towing and 160 for "diagnostic fee". F me for not knowing about car. lol
I will let you guys know how it goes.

Just ordered my BHR ignition coil and spark plugs for a total of $580 shipped. Dont waste your money on the stock ignition coil. It comes highly recommeded by most in the RX-8 community that you first get the BHR Ignition System (no matter what year your RX-8 is. This is because the factory coils are prone to weakening/failure when they near 30K miles. You will likely soon see a flashing CEL when nearing redline and that flashing CEL will gradually appear at lower and lower RPMs as time goes by. Should you not address this issue, your exhaust catalyst will next be destroyed from internal overheating and, after that, your engine will begin to suffer a loss of power and compression.

Thanks for the replies, guys.
I got someone to help me. $260 totals for all the parts at oreilly and autozone. I still got drilled 100$ for towing and 160 for "diagnostic fee". F me for not knowing about car. lol
I will let you guys know how it goes.

Parts $260 + Tow $100 + Diagnostic Fee $160 + Asking questions here = $520
Their quote = $1090

Don't be too concerned over the $260 to get it towed and diagnosed.
Remember you'll be saving $570 from what you would have paid at the stealership.

It's sometimes difficult to diagnose problems so it's not too expensive considering what you're saving.

Parts $260 + Tow $100 + Diagnostic Fee $160 + Asking questions here = $520
Their quote = $1090

Don't be too concerned over the $260 to get it towed and diagnosed.
Remember you'll be saving $570 from what you would have paid at the stealership.

It's sometimes difficult to diagnose problems so it's not too expensive considering what you're saving.

Nah, I've would have save all that, if I'd more knowledge about the car. And change the ignition coils, etc before hand. haha. Lesson learned.
Oh and...a ton of worrying and stress when the car is staying outside in a random parking lot...I think that cost me more than the money.

Thanks for the replies, guys.
I got someone to help me. $260 totals for all the parts at oreilly and autozone. I still got drilled 100$ for towing and 160 for "diagnostic fee". F me for not knowing about car. lol
I will let you guys know how it goes.

I'd like to trust Oreilly's or AutoZone, are you sure the spark plugs are NKG/Mazda Iridium? And They are labeled trailing and leading?

I had an Oreilly's in Burnsville try to sell me bosch plugs for a Mazda6 because they would "still fit"

Oh btw, all the coils are the same right? Doesn't matter if I mix different brand, right

I'd like to trust Oreilly's or AutoZone, are you sure the spark plugs are NKG/Mazda Iridium? And They are labeled trailing and leading?

I had an Oreilly's in Burnsville try to sell me bosch plugs for a Mazda6 because they would "still fit"
yeah, I had no problem with the plugs, I got 2 trails and 2 leads, all NGK iridium.
But oreilly screwed up my order so I'm 1 short of the coil, and have to wait till tomorrow.

So, I got my friend changed the coil for me. Took us 40mins. Didn't even need to wires and plugs. Run like new now. Damn stealership.