VDMTom

Since I'm going to buy an Auto, it says it has tiptronic too. So if I put the car gear in D, doesnt the car automatically changes gears for me? or do I have to shift myself?

JeRKy 8 Owner

You can put it into tiptronic mode and shift yourself or you can leave it in D.

VDMTom

Thanks for responding. =)

Old Rotor

One other option is you can push and pull the gear selecter to go up and down thru the gears.

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

that's basically tiptronic. the paddle shifters are just an added feature.

VDMTom

Also I have read that the RX8 '06-07 poduces more power than the '04-05? Can someone explain it more to me?

Can someone answer this?
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/like-hks-hiper-dual-exhaust-107235/

I've been doing researching.

Clavius

04-05 have the 4 port
06+ have the 6 port.

the 6 ports have more power if you have a choice go after that obviously. Oh and those HKS's are a bit much for our Rx-8.

volk

since you sound like you enjoy shifting, another option is to buy a manual. You won't regret it.

VDMTom

Besides the power, is there other adjustments Mazda made over the years that I should really know about?
Yeah, I plan on going that exhast route, just to show off the rear of the car. But of course, not with that big of mufflers.

Yeah, I like performance, but I prefer Auto. Too lazy to shift in traffic jams, 1hr 30min, in California almost everyday.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

There really is no room under the car for dual exhaust pipes. Plus you would have twice the heat. The car actually needs headers with the three into one flange removed and then you could have three pipes and mufflers. Cool.
Oh get the more powerful '06/'07 model too if you can.

shaunv74

I think everyone has hit it on the head. Get the '06 or '07 autos as they have the same high power engine as the manuals and a 6 spd gearbox. The earlier model autos have a lower power motor and a 4 spd trans. Most NA mods don't get you a lot more power so just do your research and decide what you really want to spend your aftermarket budget on and what your goal is. The real gains are in suspension improvements. There are some really nice setups out there that give you a good increase in handling but still keep the ride civil for the 1.5 hour commute every day.

Also be aware that the gas mileage is not that great. You'll probably get 18-20mpg but not more so you'll be filling up a lot if you have that long a commute.

VDMTom

Thanks for all your posts..

Besides the power, is there other adjustments Mazda made over the years that I should really know about 04-05 to 06-07?

Also has it says on mazda.com it's recommended you use 91. Is it really. Or can I pump 87- or 89?

RotaryP7

Tiptronic (manual mode) is fun. I use it everyday.. I have the 6spd auto btw. I don't use the paddle shifters, I use the **** instead. Redlining is great..

RotaryP7

I use 93. I don't think you'll damage your car by using 87-89 octane.. Just won't perform as good as it should. Max performance.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

What part of the country do you live in? If it get's hot then I would not use anyting less than 89.
I use 91 in the summer and 89 in the winter.

ken-x8

A few small things. Washer tank is translucent white instead of opaque black. Comes with a rock guard over the AC condenser. Heater control ***** are stronger and won't break. Stuff like that, nothing really big.

Waranty period for the 07 is a lot shorter than for the earlier ones.

Mazda says it will run on 87, but not as well. There are posts here from people who use 87 and report no problems. Some who claim their cars run better on 87. I use 91 or better. Mostly 93, because where I live the grades are 87, 89 and 93, and I'm just not enough of a nerd to pump half 89 and half 93.

I have a personal belief in using the recommended octane. Use lower and you're pinging (old days) or retarding the timing (modern times). Use higher and you're wasting money.

Maybe I should start pumping half and half. :-)

Ken

VDMTom

I live in California. Northern to be exact.

I'll continue to do research.

So there no way around to just a simple custom fab piping + dual exhausts to be fit under the car?

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

^ look under the car and you will see there is no room for dual pipes. Why do you want dual pipes anyway. More weight and more money to fabricate dual exhaust.