Hey all...I thought I'd post up some summary pictures of what's currently going on with my build. For those of you that have been following my build since this summer, this will just be a summary review, but for those of you who haven't seen my car before, these pictures are merely a teaser. For full specs and pictures, check out the site: http://devoid.mine.nu

* Just a quick note: the wood panels you see in the trunk are only templates created for the plexiglass that will replace them.

More...

good lord!!! wow...


Stupid question time: Your HVAC data...that hole msg window....what becomes of it? any issues with removing it, etc?


Congrats - that looks awesome.

Stupid question time: Your HVAC data...that hole msg window....what becomes of it? any issues with removing it, etc?
Nope...it still works, all the HVAC and msg display (minus the radio functionality of course). That means working HVAC, temperature settings, Amb temp display, and time.

The requirments to do this, however, were to keep a good chunk of the original radio, which has been dissassebled to the bare minimum necessary for functionality of the HVAC and display, and mounted behind the new display which took the place of the original radio. Also, we needed a wiring modification to the rear BOSE amp, since we removed the amp and the original radio "needs" it in order to function.

why don't you move to WA and build a system for ME! :D

hehe! Nice work, mate!

the is the coolest interior of rx8 i have seem so far..

the is the coolest interior of rx8 i have seem so far..
It's still got a ways to go. Wait till you see the two (2) flip down touch screens mounted in the roof for the rear passangers. And, since we're flipping them over from the normal design, you'll be able to tilt the front seats all the way back and look up and watch the screens in the roof.

Oh, and the interior lighting will match the capabilities of those on the exterior...so keep a look out for pictures of all the lights on thursday.

Nice...VERY NICE! It's great what people can do with the KNOW HOW! I would love to do stuff like that but the weight gain (if significant) would make me subtract weight some place else for ever pound I add. It's still a sports car...and a light one too, so I would have to come up with something to keep that in effect.

Note: I was thinking of somehow getting an laptop with wireless internet connection. Then taking the screen off, adding a TV turner, DVD player, and integrate all of it into the dash some how. Like have the keys/mouse touch pad come out of some place while the screen hid away and came out when I wanted. This way I could play TV, DVD's, play games...and connect to wireless hot spots from inside my car...ohh, the dream!!! (I thought of this cause when driving to VA I saw that a rest stop had wireless access...WOW!)

OR

Building a small computer and hideing it with TV, DVD, and game play capablity. Add some wireless keyboard, mouse, game pad...and BANG...you have a total entertainment system.

rx8wannahave - The large box you see in the trunk in the top left of the trunk pictures is actually a computer with a PS2. (pics attached) The computer does have wireless as well as having a wired switch to connect the computer, the PS2, and a set of accessory ports in the trunk and by the front passanger (RCA Video/L Audio/R Audio, AC power, ethernet port) for connecting anything conceivable from a laptop to an NES. There will also be bluetooth wireless for connecting the computer, as well as controling the lighting system.

As for the weighting...yes, the sports car weighting has been lost a bit. We are componsating with an electronically adjustable coil over suspension and adding some more HP. This is not designed to be a race car, however, but rather a Ultimate Touring RX-8. :cool: Road trips will never be the same!

rx8wannahave - The large box you see in the trunk in the top left of the trunk pictures is actually a computer with a PS2. (pics attached) The computer does have wireless as well as having a wired switch to connect the computer, the PS2, and a set of accessory ports in the trunk and by the front passanger (RCA Video/L Audio/R Audio, AC power, ethernet port) for connecting anything conceivable from a laptop to an NES. There will also be bluetooth wireless for connecting the computer, as well as controling the lighting system.

As for the weighting...yes, the sports car weighting has been lost a bit. We are componsating with an electronically adjustable coil over suspension and adding some more HP. This is not designed to be a race car, however, but rather a Ultimate Touring RX-8. :cool: Road trips will never be the same!

wowsers!! thats fuckin sick!!!!

Wow, I am very impressed. Very nice.

oh.....I forgot to mention, the computer is also hooked up to the CanZoomer piggyback ECU for reprogramming on the fly. Additionally, there is also a CanScan tool hooked up to the computer for realtime reading ECU and sensor data.

If you look closely at the second attached pic (the dash and center counsel) you'll notice the integrated touchpad for controlling the computer.

PS - has anyone noticed (or maybe "not" noticed) anything in the last picture of the second set? (the picture of the side of the car) If not...you might want to take a second look!

I am speechless, nice work. Take one off the "I've never seen that " list.....keep us posted, well done and executed. Look forward to finished install.

oh.....I forgot to mention, the computer is also hooked up to the CanZoomer piggyback ECU for reprogramming on the fly. Additionally, there is also a CanScan tool hooked up to the computer for realtime reading ECU and sensor data.

If you look closely at the second attached pic (the dash and center counsel) you'll notice the integrated touchpad for controlling the computer.

PS - has anyone noticed (or maybe "not" noticed) anything in the last picture of the second set? (the picture of the side of the car) If not...you might want to take a second look!


ok you got me on that one...what is it???

I don't see a door handle. Voice activated? :eek:

wow, im jealous

Very nice! What is the cost estimate? I was looking at doing something similar but the dash kit alone was quoted to me at close to $1500 and that was before the head unit and wiring.

something about shaved....looks so good!

has anyone noticed (or maybe "not" noticed) anything in the last picture of the second set? (the picture of the side of the car) If not...you might want to take a second look!

I don't see a key hole?

Also, can we all agree that dvoid...is NUTS...but in the most lovely type of way!!! My GOD man...were have you been ALL OUR LIVES!!!

The large box you see in the trunk in the top left of the trunk pictures is actually a computer with a PS2. (pics attached) The computer does have wireless as well as having a wired switch to connect the computer, the PS2, and a set of accessory ports in the trunk and by the front passanger (RCA Video/L Audio/R Audio, AC power, ethernet port) for connecting anything conceivable from a laptop to an NES. There will also be bluetooth wireless for connecting the computer, as well as controling the lighting system.

As for the weighting...yes, the sports car weighting has been lost a bit. We are componsating with an electronically adjustable coil over suspension and adding some more HP. This is not designed to be a race car, however, but rather a Ultimate Touring RX-8. Road trips will never be the same!

Just when you think you thought of something first...LOL, I think I'm going to do stuff like that to my wife's 6 when the little babies (GOD WILLING) come. Talk about never hearing...

"Are we there yet?"

Heck, I might let mom drive and go back there and play with the kids...LOL

For long trips look no further than devoid...for help! Great job man...GREAT JOB! Your nuts...but I love what you are doing, now cut some weight off the 8 and there will be no compromises!

Holy Jeebus!! That's one crazy setup! What you can do when you have know-how! You sure you're not one of the dudes from Pimp My Ride? ha ha.

Holy crap

wow, if you lived in florida I would definatly have to check it out.

I dont see the door poppers anyone post the pics pls

dang your doing alot at once.........have any more pictures with completed interior and pictures of the door at the say time cuz i cant really see it in the garage. oh i might of missed this but what kind of sound system you have going there?

wow....that's a lot of responses :) Alrighty, lets see if I can answer them:
For a listing of what's in the car (stereo, electronics, etc) check out the site http://devoid.mine.nu under the cars section, RX-8, What's in it. A quick link here: http://devoid.mine.nu/Cars/RX8/init.asp

Pics of the door poppers: their is nothing to see, its all inside the door.

A better pic of the non-door handles: I looked, but the one I already posted here is the best. There is simply too much reflection (due to having the orange peel removed) to get a better picture with less reflection. I'll see if I can't get a a new picture tomorrow.

Pics of finished interior - It isn't finished...so no-can-do. Sorry! Believe me, I wish otherwise.

Pimp my ride - I wouldn't let that cheap equipment touch my 8. :) Besides, this is well beyond pimping!

Nuts - yeah, probably

Cost estimate - don't know, don't wanna know. Just pay the bills as they come. The basic problem with the dash setup isn't really so much the fiberglass pieces, but rather the radio issue and the need to keep a portion of the original radio to keep functionality of the HVAC and corresponding display.

Thanks for all the support - responses like these are what keep up the drive to do this! I'll do my best to continue to answer questions! Remember, there are a LOT more pictures and more details on my site http://devoid.mine.nu

oh yeah...RAZ - its just remote for the doors. The computer will be voice controlled, however, via either the handsfree mic in the car, or the bluetooth ear piece, for when I'm at shows. This will allow full control of the computer which also means retuning the vehicle via voice commands, and controlling the lights via voice commands. :D

devoid....who are you? LOL

Gosh, talk about making an already special car...SUPER SPECIAL!!! Imagine opening the doors or turning on the car with voice. Not just anyone's voice but useing it like a voice print type of thing. The 8 would only open the door to your voice (from the outside for safety) or...instead of a "Start" button...a finger print pad of some sort that would only allow certain people to drive your car.

Then...this would turn on the whole system and remember that "Hello" that Mazda cars give their owners...you can make the car say it...in a SEXY woman voice (not kit like in Knight Rider...LOL)

2004....your car looks like it came (when it's done) from 2015 or more.

GREAT JOB!!! Keep up the good work and keep us posted, I'll have to check out your website ASAP!

Note: Please document as much as you can what you did...problems encounterd, solutions, etc...so that we all might do our own version. THANKS FOR THE INFO!

devoid....who are you? LOL
I'm BATMAN! :cool:

(Que Joker: "Where does he get those wonderful toys?") :D

a pretty cool new pic I took last night. I took it when disarming the alarm...and this isn't even with all the lights hooked up. Hopefully I'll have at least 90% of the lights up and running tonight. :eek:

I love the work that you are putting into this car. One question though, why aren't you putting a body kit and rims on it if you have already invested so much more money elsewhere? Forgive me if you have answered this question before.

Ricecookie - I will do rims. In all the time the car is being worked on, it hasn't been driven. There is no need for Rims YET, b/c it won't be driven till spring. If you are interested, the current rims I am looking at are the PIAA sport mesh. 6 months later and I'm still on the first dealer tank of gas! :eek:

As for body kit - there is no body kit that I liked/that would work. There are multiple reasons.
1. most all body kits end up with less ground clearance, not something I am looking for...the weight in the car alone will do that.
2. The lighting I designed for the car is best shown off by the stock nose.
3. All rear bumpers loose the rear fog light and again, run into other lighting issues.
4. Though side skirts are the only option left, I'm not a fan of putting new holes into the body for that purpose and again, nothing has tripped the trigger.
5. To the untrained eye (and even some trained eyes) the car looks stock, thus leaving it inconspicuous and deamed "ordinary" when it is simply parked somewhere. Now seeing it at a show when everything is on...well, that's a different story! :D

Hope that answers your questions.

PS - Ricecookie - I've been waiting for you to respond. If I am correct, you are in Cleveland, Ohio, right? You're welcome to stop by anytime and see it if you'd like. Let me know and we can make arrangments - that goes for anyone!

wow!

dang, how much time do you have invested? Are you working full time and doing this as well? If so, that is nuts! good work, good luck :)

I work a full-time day job, and a part-time (night & weekend) job. :eek: neither of which is the RX-8...that fills my dreams!

I ordered the car in the very beginning of April, it was built in Japan in June, delivered to the dealer by the end of July, drove straight from dealer to Audio Shop (July, Aug), drove to body shop (sept), back to audio shop (Oct, Nov, Dec...Jan, Feb?)

Intrigue_8 - If you choke a smurf, what color does it turn? :D

Devoid thats insane are u gonna change the seats or have you already and are you planning on driving this car alot once it gets done?

Seats will remain stock. I like the stock cloth seats...of course + about 3 layser of scotch guard that I put on the carpet and seats! :) and yes, I do plan on doing a lot of driving with the vehicle...it will be my cross country touring car! :D

very nice

I work a full-time day job, and a part-time (night & weekend) job. :eek: neither of which is the RX-8...that fills my dreams!

I ordered the car in the very beginning of April, it was built in Japan in June, delivered to the dealer by the end of July, drove straight from dealer to Audio Shop (July, Aug), drove to body shop (sept), back to audio shop (Oct, Nov, Dec...Jan, Feb?)

Intrigue_8 - If you choke a smurf, what color does it turn? :D

holy crap, sleep is for sissies!

i didn't realize you're in cleveland...maybe i can stop by and check out your car sometime
ricecookie-where in cleveland are you?

I like that whole -it looks stock from the outside- thing you've got goin with it...great work

of course + about 3 layser of scotch guard that I put on the carpet and seats

Where did you get it and which one did you use?

I got the scotch guard from walmart. I used a blue can (carpet version) for the carpet (floor carpet and mats) and a red can (auto interior version) for the seats. At first it was a bit tacky, but a couple days and you couldn't notice it at all.

As for sleep being for sissies...I already can't sleep through the night...long story short, I'm supposed to have a sleep study sometime at the beginning of next year. :(

rx8fosho - you can drop me a PM and I'll get back to you. No prob...anyone around is welcome to see the progress.

I am in love with the shaved doors
looks so clean

how much did that cost

All the body work was summed together in one chunk....so I'm gonna take a stab and say the doors should be at most $1000?

some more lighting pics. Inside and out. Hopefully by the weekend we'll have the interior foot-well and underseat lights, the under hood, and the trunk lights all installed, and the grille-lights reconnected and running! I'll post again when I get those pics. Enjoy!

are those different bulbs or can your undercar lights change colors

are those different bulbs or can your undercar lights change colors
All the lights are ICELED (http://iceled.co.uk) so they have the capability of being 2 million colors. The brightest SOBs we've seen - brighter than US LEDs and brighter than NEONs.

That is the coolest thing I have ever seen

rx8fosho & Ricecookie - what happened to you guys? Let me know if you're still interested.

Sorry it took me so long to respond to this thread. I am interested, hope you won't be too dissapointed in my lack of ownership of an 8. (Made a stupid decision with my first dealer bought car and I can't afford to get rid of it). Send me a PM and we will discuss a good time/place to meet.

BTW, NICE rims. I just wonder how safe they are going to be to drive with in Cleveland, the Pothole capital of the world? :p

Devoid: This is the most AMAZING RX-8 I have EVER seen!

If only you were closer to Cali :(

Thanks for continuing to keep us updated through out the build.

Did you have a set budget when you began this project or just going until it's "complete" :cool:

Did you have a set budget when you began this project or just going until it's "complete" :cool:
That's a two-fold question! Yes, I DID have a budget when I began this project. The problem, however, is that it has turned into a go until it's complete.
Phase 1 will be complete upon completetion of all the electronics installation.
(Which BTW, I have now secured the installation of a TEIN Flex dampner system with Electronic Dampening Force control...ie I can control dampening and ride height sitting in the car)
Phase 2 will be complete upon the first oil change when I will have the clutch line, clutch, flywheel, tranny fluid, and rear diff fluids changed.
Phase 3 will be complete upon securing a MAZDA supercharger.

Then...done. I won't be able to physically do anything else. :eek:

Within the next 2 weeks, I should be installing the new suspension system, exhaust sytem, brake lines, and clutch line. I'll post pics as I take them!

What did your installer use to get the piano black finish around the radio after he hacked it up to fit that screen in there?

Thanks,
Rodger