thanks Takahashi ! it helps a lot..

1/. Sprint booster.
---is this a small adapter just install at the plug of the gas paddle ? I will add this into my list..
I think they only advance the throttle?
only throttle, found something like this http://www.sprintbooster.it/index_eng.php

7/. ---likely I will go for Okada projects and autoexe plug wires, ok ?
I have hooked a scanalyser in the car and does not see voltage variation while driving, it is only good when you have a big *** audio system.
is it improving responsiveness and also better fuel combustion --> efficient fuel consumption with more power ?

10/. Oil catch tank
---what is the exact functions of this mods ? any brands recommended ?
There is a chance that engine oil gets to throttle. It only happens when you drive on the track.
i see, reserve tank to ensure petrols supply to engine while petrol rolling drastically for crazy driving on track maybe, right ?

12/. Engine mount
Plenty - check Australian forum. All of us have it replaced under warranty.
mine is JDM import....I will check that out and get a spare set prepared then..thanks

19/. Spark plugs - Denso iridium.
NGK racing - Number 9 Leading 10 Trailing as supplied by Fujita.
this is why I love (and hate) this engine, the uniqueness, my mates just don't understand why I have some many uncommon to order, even for spark plugs...

I will do FEED final drive with Bem really... but yet I never had a car in HK haha.
absolutely...I will try to drop by his workshop again after my travelling, seen that 400hp last time, awesome

There is a way .... it is call duct tape I love my wife. She never says anything about my mod except - oh it looks good.
haha, envy you - lucky man !!

 

hey vince,

WOW, loads of useful information and experiences, thanks so much for your kind sharing !!! Owe you a drink..
* No problem and you're welcome. Good to share & hope you wont waste too much as I did.

Looks like you "worth" slightly over 70k, so you got more out from your total mods investments...stay positive.
* But I've paid a lot more woh....

I also got some ideas and started to spend modifying my 8. I have picked up some of your mods as my priority and like to learn some more from you.

1/. Sprint booster.
---is this a small adapter just install at the plug of the gas paddle ? I will add this into my list..
* Taka answered you, it actually trick the paddle response to ecu. It's a "FEEL" mod. Not actual power gain. But nothing to lose, only mileage will affected a little, you wont notice it.


2/. Racing beat revi ram air intake.
---ordered an autoexe weeks ago, this is my first major tune up, looking forward

4/. Sway bar & endlinks. I'm using whiteline from australia with their end links. Cost around $5,000.00 with installation for all but the front end links makes a huge huge sound so I have to change it back to oem one which cost me another $1,000.00 with installation.
---if I have no plans to change shocks cynlinders/springs or lower my 8, do I still need another set of end links to install the front sway bar ?
[B]* Taka also answered you. oem is good enough as it's doesnt help much if you're not going for track. btw, if you're buying the auto exe front sway, they have a set of front endlinks just came out this year.[ /B]

7/. TM works spark enhancer & voltage stablizer - Around $4,000.00. Really good, rev much faster and more responsive. & 18/. Spark plug wire
---likely I will go for Okada projects and autoexe plug wires, ok ?
* Okada is ofcourse better than ok la. But looks like since they are the first one (????) who invent this so they still do not lower their price. But I guess & Suspect (from review on magazine), TM should work the same with same effect...

8/. Body
---from your overall experience this will be my last mods after all functional parts installed (maybe 1-2 years to go.....)
* Good thinking.

10/. Oil catch tank
---what is the exact functions of this mods ? any brands recommended ?
* Taka got back to you already. Daniel (Previous 8 owener) suggested me to add it due to our rotary engine.I got mine at 600 with install. 15 mins work in Shum Shui Po..


12/. Engine mount
---never aware of this and this will be a nightmare to me cracking the engine mount....anyother 8 folks have same problems ?
* this is a well known issues. Be prepare. I've recently purchased a new set from ebay. it came with the new bracket and the material used on the motors mounts was new too. Checked the seller name kattfood from time to time for his products. He got unbeatable price on rx8 oem replacement parts.

14/. Muffler for sure
---will do and check out autoexe if its good for A/T, before this I have not decided which brands to go yet, maybe RE or some other US brands. btw, have you change the manifold as well ?
* Racing beat seems to receive 100% postive feed back. But people said only auto exe is good for a/t. dunno.... maybe you can ask bem to custom build one for you? As for the manifold, i've searched but looks like NONE specially made for 4A/T. Besides, I will then need a hi-flow cat and great muffler set, midpipe to cope with it. too much la.. And it's not cheap.... ***Secret*** Foton Wilson quote me 200 cell cat for $8000.00 only the cell cat woh....

15/. Some other fancy stuff
---have already spent a lot for original interior items(not performance related), plate, metal paddles, foot rest for passenger seat as well (to please my better half...) one day almost got killed by her as she has found the superGT invoice...
* You're now going down the same path as I did. first interior, then blah blah blah.... then one day,

5/. Front & rear strut bar & 16/. Auto member brace
---will add to strengthen my chasis over time with new mods add-in, it really improve handling, right ?
* For sure it will improve the handling a lot. Just a pc by pc. No hurry!!

17/. Brake rotors & brake pad
---I am not sure if I will do anything to the rotor. But I will do something for better brake hose, pad, change oil and maybe autoexe mastervac support. Comments ???
* Oh I did changed tghe brake hose to goodbridge steel as well. I dont see much diff, but maybe cos Ive changed it together with the rotors and pad at the same time.

19/. Spark plugs - Denso iridium.
---I will also probably use Denso, any other brands catch your eyes ?
* I've wanted OWS but they dont have such fit our 8. I've used OWS on my previous car and it's great. For now, I think NGK should work. And there is a new brankd name "Champion".

20/. Batteries - I've got the odyssey from bem.
---Yeah, this is a tune up I always think its important
* Go get it.....

Well, that's mostly what's worth and I think you know why I'm giving up modifing it.... too much mistake i've made.
---I am sure you have a very nice 8 and I can't wait to see her...white ? isnt it ?

* My 8 is pretty beat up now, the bixxh park next to me scratch and dented the left side of my car quite badly. Talked and yelled at her more than 10 times still no help. And my front has a lot of stone chip now, i will have it repaint after I've moved.

btw, is your 8 come with bose system? tv screen?
---yes, both. are you ? In know the navi screen is not workable in HK, however I like to keep it to see if I can still make it works
* Me too. I've hooked up my screen with a dvd player. So i can actually watch movies in my car. But it's a show off. I dont watch it much anyway.

Thanks for your advices and definitely I will thoroughly research before making any decisions, the problem is I don't really have confidence to any workshops as just too few 8s around, doubt if they are experience enough. At the moment I order most of the gadgets from superGT (self/easy-installation items) and other mods like FEED 4.777 I will go to workshops. Now Bem is one spot I have confident from their experience on 8 and some other I passed by MK (Top racing, Crazy racing...etc)
* For workmanship, I would suggest to go to bem as bem & philip knows our 8 well enough by now. (Oh, I've also has the pulley replaced by light weight pulley (urathdox??). You should get it too.) the pulley i've installed in top racing kowloon bay... They've used a local belts n size doesnt fit. It makes huge huge "ZIZIIZIZIZI" sound. So I have to order a set of gates belt from usa and replace it. And for the 4.777, bem is the only one in hk has this replaced. So you have only one place to go to make sure no mistakes....

I am just right at the stage enjoying/learning my 8, though cursing by the lady next to me everyday since she knew the cost of mods - might financially restrict/delay my progress but I will try to hang in there........[/QUOTE]
* What color is yours and which year it build?

 

thanks Takahashi ! it helps a lot..
NP


1/. Sprint booster.
---is this a small adapter just install at the plug of the gas paddle ? I will add this into my list..
I think they only advance the throttle?
only throttle, found something like this http://www.sprintbooster.it/index_eng.php
I hope they do not just advances the number so your throttle is just not advance but increase the sensitivity - I am very skeptical


7/. ---likely I will go for Okada projects and autoexe plug wires, ok ?
I have hooked a scanalyser in the car and does not see voltage variation while driving, it is only good when you have a big *** audio system.
is it improving responsiveness and also better fuel combustion --> efficient fuel consumption with more power ?
The voltage is always above 13.5V when driving. Only on idle it drops and the voltage stabiliser does it to improve voltage for your audio. Since you are moving the alternator will be spinning and the voltage will not be a problem.

10/. Oil catch tank
---what is the exact functions of this mods ? any brands recommended ?
There is a chance that engine oil gets to throttle. It only happens when you drive on the track.
i see, reserve tank to ensure petrols supply to engine while petrol rolling drastically for crazy driving on track maybe, right ?
It catches the oil before it hits the throttle butterfly.


12/. Engine mount
Plenty - check Australian forum. All of us have it replaced under warranty.
mine is JDM import....I will check that out and get a spare set prepared then..thanks
It has the same engine mount

19/. Spark plugs - Denso iridium.
NGK racing - Number 9 Leading 10 Trailing as supplied by Fujita.
this is why I love (and hate) this engine, the uniqueness, my mates just don't understand why I have some many uncommon to order, even for spark plugs...
Why be the same, I love the fact that no one knows what we are talking about...

I will do FEED final drive with Bem really... but yet I never had a car in HK haha.
absolutely...I will try to drop by his workshop again after my travelling, seen that 400hp last time, awesome
Lighten Flywheel as well. Intake and exhaust only goes for sound. If you do final drive, better do the LSD too (if you are planning to upgrade that anyway)

There is a way .... it is call duct tape I love my wife. She never says anything about my mod except - oh it looks good.
haha, envy you - lucky man !!
That is why I have 2 byproducts

 

98% lor.... just tried to fit it but it's not. Never been used..... I actually have some pics .... want it

 

I did hear somewhere that the RAM intake does not fit the stock intake box perfectly. It is something to do with the RAM having a wider diameter.



BTW - I am going to Macau with family in mid Nov. I can come over for a day or so.

 

btw vince, if you want springs, see if you want these.

 

are you referring my autoexe order or comments to other brands, ie. Racing beat ?


big gambling in all new fancy casinos ? lets meet up

 

12/. Engine mount
* this is a well known issues. Be prepare. I've recently purchased a new set from ebay. it came with the new bracket and the material used on the motors mounts was new too. Checked the seller name kattfood from time to time for his products. He got unbeatable price on rx8 oem replacement parts.
---I will definitely have it ready...!!!

15/. Some other fancy stuff
* You're now going down the same path as I did. first interior, then blah blah blah.... then one day,
---haha, I will take that chance...

* My 8 is pretty beat up now, the bixxh park next to me scratch and dented the left side of my car quite badly. Talked and yelled at her more than 10 times still no help. And my front has a lot of stone chip now, i will have it repaint after I've moved.
--- lots of horrible lady drivers around they show their "expertise" especially in parking place

* Me too. I've hooked up my screen with a dvd player. So i can actually watch movies in my car. But it's a show off. I dont watch it much anyway.
---where do you put the player ? you took out the dvd-rom of the navi or using any re-fitter at the front ?

* What color is yours and which year it build?
---mine is a black 04 A/T

 

Taka, btw,

12/. Engine mount
It has the same engine mount
---thanks for you guys highlight this, by how I can tell my engine mount is cracked or "broken" ? like to give it a check. Very weird not so much aftermarket mods specialists making a better replacement for this, or I much have missed something

19/. Spark plugs - Denso iridium.
Why be the same, I love the fact that no one knows what we are talking about...
---yeah right, it has been my ultimate answer to own a RX

Lighten Flywheel as well. Intake and exhaust only goes for sound. If you do final drive, better do the LSD too (if you are planning to upgrade that anyway)
---are they work supplement to each other for full functionality or a favour for mechanics to change them in one shot ?

 

This is what it looks like. Take the wheel off, there is a plastic flap that you can move in and out, flip it and have a spot light and the engine mount should be in view.

 

Flywheel and clutch are at the same place.

LSD and final drive are in the same area.

So why not waste twice the labour cost to do the same thing?

 

hi patrick / taka,

have renewed some parts and added some mods since returned from biz trip - according to your very useful advices, here below I would like to share my comments with you :

1) Spark plugs - Denso Iridium
I would say this is very difficult to get such, almost zero stocks in market and expensive . This is my first time renewing them and now I know why the old ones took out are pretty much dead like never been changed before by the previous owner.

Some normal postive effects shown for new plugs especially silent engine rev/operation.

2) Okada Project Ignition coil and Autoexe plug wires
Even more silent rev and less less vibration at idling (maybe its just my feeling ?)

But I am sure the engine rev faster, more responsive and more linear rev/acceleration and output - comfortable throttle to speed up. A very good add-on.

Now paying my attention to see if it will improve mileage. If it does save me some money for gas I will add some earthing wires for further improvements. (then a better battery - people feel I am weirdo when I ask if they have change a better battery....)


3) Autoexe tower bar (2nd hand)
I got this from the shop I order the OKD only for the front because it was taken out from another 8 for its supercharge installation.

Very good and very firm handling - especially you can feel a lot differences in cornering . I am considering to add another strut bar for the rear.


4) Sprint booster
Super...a lot faster acceleration. Bargain. Must add. (thanks Patrick!)

Now I want to find out if it can still work properly with some ECU refresh like RE, Knight Sports, R-magic...

Taka, I learned from your separate posts you have refreshed the ECU by knight sports - theoretically do you think they will work along ?

5) Autoexe ram air intake
on the way...


I went to visited Bem workshop and have my engine start button installed, actually I am more aiming at speaking to guys in the workshop - they are friendly and the mechanic got hand-on experience on 8, I will do the final drive at there after they have moved to new address.

thanks again for all of your advices - make things a lot easier..!

vince

 

They are refresh. Check out my blog.
I will work for most ECU, but better picture your ECU label and send it to them first.

 

thanks. how is the refresh work on your 8 ? not sure if this can work on my A/T and worth to go..

I searched and found r-magic has done this for 4A/T, know there are few different model for both A/T and M/T - I will check/match mine, thinking about to take out my ECU and bring it to r-magic or either one of the tuning shop in my next visit to Japan.

 

hi taka,

I have found an OEM oil cooler in below web site,

http://www.promaz.com.au/rx8.php

not sure if it works on AT, think you know this brand very well as you are in Aus, any advices for me ? Thanks !

vince

 

Vince,

Yes I know Simon from Promaz well. The car is one of the turbo car he makes.

I can ask him if the oil cooler works for AT cars.

 

hey guys!

wondering if i could join this thread. i lived in HK from 6 months old until i was 18 so it's like my home. recently joined RX8 club even though i've owned my 8 for more than 2 years. it's a JDM 4AT with sport package.

right now i live in Dhaka, Bangladesh, but i do visit HK once every year. would love to meet some fellow RX8 lovers when i'm there next time!

byebye....

 

hi Need2speed,

welcome ! I am a newcomer also my 8 is a JDM 4A/T, when will come hk again ?


hi Taka,

are you back in hk next month ? I am trying to contact knightsports in japan for my pcm remap - if possible..

 

sup..i am from HK too..but moved to LA for 5 years. do go back to HK every year, currently driving a 6 MT RX8 in galaxy grey, feel free to keep in touch.

 

I am going to Macau and have day trips to Hong Kong next month.

I will be in Macau for the Macau GP.

Watch out grid girls

I will post my Macau mobile number when I get it there.

 

a gathering ?

 

hello,

i am planning to be in HK again on the 20th of december for about 3 weeks. do you think there will be a meet during that time? would be awesome if it's possible!

will try to visit some shops during that time to get some stuff for my 8.

later...

 

should be able to meet in 3 weeks time. lets meet and have a beer and talk about our 8s.

 

I am in! I will be in Macau in 3 weeks! It is only an hour away from Hong Kong!

Set a day/night now and I will get permission to my wife to have a dinner/drink at Nan Guai Fong

 

so any guys in HK wants to meet up in Nov and Dec ?

lets set date/time now, I am free to meet unless biz travels.

how about mid of the month - Sat/Sun ?

btw, I've been to the tokyo motor show and have seen "TAIKI"