Okay, it's obvious that people have had oil coolers and AC condensors on their RX-8s punctured by rocks and other road debris.

This appears to be more common with the 8 than other vehicles I have been familiar with.

Just based on what I am reading, my guess is not the location of these components, but rather, because the front of the RX-8 sits quite low to the ground (just a rough guess).

At any rate, I do not want to suffer the fate that some of y'all have already gone through. That would suck to lose oil or a condensor.

So, I know that Racing Beat and Dennis, one of the forum members here, sell custom made-to-fit mesh grilles that help protect these components.

4 questions:

1) How hard is it for a mechanically challenged person such as myself to install these properly, without screwing something else up?

2) How truly helpful are these if protection is the goal?

3) Does installation of these allow debris to collect, and does that then restrict airflow, cause overheating, or cause any other problems?

4) What does Mazda say about this in case there is such a problem as in 3 above, from a warranty standpoint?


Thanks.

 

1) easy you can do it; racing beats come with great instructions
2) very useful
3) not so far as long as i have had them
4) not sure

 

Thanks 8.

Does one have to remove the front bumper assembly to install the Racing Beat screens?

I haven't decided between the RB screens or the ones that Dennis sells.

Also, how many miles ago did you install yours?

Thanks again.

I don't want to be a leech here, and will help people out with legal questions in the future (to the degree that I'm ethically able to - there are rules on these types of things that govern/limit us in what we can and can't state on the internet ).

 

I have the Hymee screens...I love them. They look good and really protect the under grill stuff. I have an extra oil cooler, and plan to have an intercooler....they won't be protected by the RB screens .

It should be your first mod....otherwise the cost for a new AC condensor will make you PUKE

 

All these screen installs require removal of the front bumper assembly, correct?

This is an easy process?

I read somewhere about a member who said plan on spending 3 hours. Is that true?

Thanks.

 

I've had mine on and off about six times now for various things...It takes me about 15 minutes to remove it and just a bit more to re-install. It is very easy...the hardest part is getting at the fog lite wiring harness plugs. Otherwise it is easy.

You need very limited tools...and if you are careful, and get a friend to help....very difficult to screw up

 

Thanks dan.

I genuinely appreciate the advice.

I'm going to order the screens tomorrow.

It's halloween time and all, and the vision of a rock through my oil cooler, on a spooky street at night, with fog rising from the grassy knoll, doesn't sit well with me.

 

should i get hymee or racing beat?

 

it is a gamble.

i would get them. the first time you take of the bumper is the hardest. it took me about 45min. but i was very careful...

now 10 to 15 at the most. it is like baking a cake just follow the instrutions if in doubt read them again.

beers

 

Both are good kits. For me the deciding factor was the RB ones wouldn't protect my oil cooler and an intercooler...just the A/C condensor. The Hymee grill protects everything behind the grill opening. The only prob with the Hymee is picking out the leaves at this time of year :D

 

I had made a screen that mounted to the back side of the front bumper and ended up removing it and installing the RB screens. Reason being that I couldn't install the bra in the winter.

The instructions that came with the RB kit were good and the whole installation took about two hours. And that included removing the nose and undertray. I also changed the oil and swaped out the suspension while I had it up on the jack stands...