if you had $2000 to spend on brake, tires and suspension, what products would you buy for your car? i ask this because by summer i will have just about that amount and i want to improve the braking and cornering of my rx-8. any input would be appreciated, i am not experienced in modding cars at all.

 

I went with the Racing Beat Springs & Sways, Catback Exhaust, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Tires.

This blew about 2 grand since the start of 2005. And I mean blew in a good way.

 

I bought wheels for about 2 grand and If it ever stops snowing maybe I will be able to put them on. The wheels are 19x8.5 volk gt-c's. I would have pictures but mother nature has a sick sense of humor.

 

is there a noticable difference in the handling characteristics?

also, what do you guys think is the most effective (and cheap) way to improve the rx-8's braking performance? I know it brakes like crazy already, but would getting mazdaspeed brake pads really make a difference? thanks in advance for any answers.

 

I would get the full racing beat suspension package and some light weight tires, like the P Zero Nero's or Toyo T1-S.

 

Yeah, I got the RB suspension package (F/R sway bars, springs) & endlinks. Difference in handling was substantial. Went from good to great.

As for braking get the stainless steel brakelines first (I got the Goodrich). It improves the brake pedal feel greatly. The Hawk brake pads did not make a huge difference in terms of fell at least. Probably better off getting better rubber if you want to increase your stopping distance. A nice (like Brillo said) light set of 245/40/18's ala the Toyo T1S (like I have). Increases contact patch, stickier tires than our stock tires & lighter to boot.

Your in LA, let me know if you want to try the ride in my car. I live in Glendale.

 

Over $2000

but for me, full racing beat suspension and 18X 8.5 SSR Comps.

 

Thank you for the great info about the brakes and the generous offer, i definitely am interested in how much of a difference the RB suspension package makes :D .

About the Koni shocks, will they make a significant difference in the ride of the car? increased cornering is great but i also do not want too much of an impact to the street drivability to the car (the streets in LA are horrible...)

 

Can't comment on the Konis (don't have them), but the sway bar & springs combo did not affect the ridevery much. And the Toyo T1s is actually softer than the stock Bridgestones & I have 19" rims which were supposed to make the ride much harsher. If you want to improve handling but not make the ride too harsh (and spend only $2000) I would go for the RB suspension, RB front swaybar endlinks & Toyo T1S (in 245/40/18's). That should be about $1600, so you will have some extra money to get them installed. I can forward the info of my mechanic in Chatsworth (if that is near you) who did my install.

Good luck.

 

idk much but deff go with the racing beat front and rear sway bars and endlinks... i plan on doign that soon too.. and if you read around the forum. RB is top notch.

 

here ya go
http://www.srmotorsports.com/RX8_Packages.html

 

Total & utter nonsense. You would be lucky to get 15 hp from these parts. I'll give you $1000 if they would give you 30-40 hp (GT3 & GT4 kit). Problem is you give me $1000 if they don't. This from somebody that has their parts. They make good stuff (except for their pullies) but no way will these parts make anywhere close to those claims & they are expensive. Stick to Racing Beat for parts that won't go crazy on your car, giving you decent improvements (& not making outrageous claims) & not costing a fortune.

 

hmm i got defi link bf gauges (oil press. oil temp water temp) ms flywheel rb cltuch and rb pressure plate (and i got a lill money left over ) gonen put that towards toyo proximas t1-s tires for the spring/summer (on the stock rims) :D


p.s. oh and of coarse the rb sway bars/end links :D b/c our babies like to take the turns

 

If you are looking to get the tire in the summer you may want to wait as long as you can. Toyo is coming out with the T1S replacement, the T1R soon. Supposed to be better in every way.

 

^hmmm do you know when..i'm still rolling on the stock potenza's and i just passed 31k miles :o so i hope they come out with them soon. or i'm gonna be rolling on the rims. lol

 

Already out in Europe & Canada. The 2 tires you should definitely check out are the new Toyo T1R (if you punch it up on the web they have a lot of good info on it from the european sites) or the Falken Azenis ST-615 (near R-compund level grip, but only 200 treadwear rating).

 

sweet so it should be long at all till i can get my hands on them here:D thanks a bunch fanman

 

great info. thanks.

thanks but it's not what i'm lookin for, i'm looking to increase cornering and braking performance.

 

Porterfield Front Brake Pads 130
Porterfield Rear Brake Pads 130 http://www.porterfield-brakes.com/
Rotora slotted Front rotors 247 http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/
RB front and rear sway bars 419 http://www.racingbeat.com/
RB Springs 240 or buy the kit for 516
Brembo front Calipers 1200 http://www.mazdatrix.com/ you can't have stock wheels



Ah.... what the hell just skip the Brembo pay the tax and use the extra $900 for installation

 

would the porterfield brake pads be a better choice over the mazdaspeed ones?