virus

Hi guys,

count me in too....hope its not too exp...

Genesis

I'll raise my hand on this one flyer....I'm in too. That's 11 of us so far if I've counted correctly....how many do we need?

sqflyer

According to sgren, we need a minimum of 10 before ST is willing to bring in the Fujitsubo. However, because the exhaust is not suitable for auto 8s, at least 2 on the list has to pull out. Nevertheless, we'll approach them to see if they are willing to bring in the exhaust and also negotiate on the price. Rest assured we will squeeze for the best price and anyone who doesn't join in now will have to pay more for it after the exhaust gets LTA certified. So for those sitting on the fence... don't sit too long hor?! If you guys are interested in SuperSprint, I'll go ask Eric to see if he is willing to bring it in and work out a deal for us.

lohsk

Naaabezzz ...Auto cannot use. Guess I'm out.

UG_8

I am ok with Fujitusbo..

TiTiTuTu

i drive 6MT. im In!!!! seriously wanna change too.. lets bygone be bygone ok?

virus

The exhaust for manual only???? I tot auto gear also can use???? pls advise?

sgrenesis

Supposedly tems9000 told me that those overseas have tried installing in auto and after doing the dyno they totally lost the low revs, which means the car actually lost power.
Not a good sign but unless we find an exhaust that is good for both manual/auto and that the members are ok with it, guess like we will be stuck in this ditch.

EBS

http://www.fujitsubo.co.jp/sc-srch/

That's the website if I am not wrong. Those bro familiar with Japanese please confirm that the Legalis R is common for both 210PS model as well as 250PS model (so auto shld be okay). Cannot remember which brand but the manufacturer will state whether it is suitable for auto or not so seems Fujitsubo is okay for both type.

Cheers

tems900

Most of the Rx8 exhaust on the market now are built for 6speed, but whether u r having auto, 5speed or 6speed, we can't really expect much real gain from the exhaust itself, from Fujitsubo web site, their exhaust can be used on 210PS or 250PS, did not state manual or auto :

From 30km/h→95km/h at 2nd gear : Standard 2.5sec, Fujitsubo 2.5sec
Max PS : Standard 172.7 PS / 8380 rpm, Fujitsubo 176.9 PS / 8320 rpm
Max torque : Standard 172.5 N/M @ 5700 rpm, Fujitsubo 175.4 N/M @ 5390 rpm
Exhaust Weight : Standard 18.2 kg , Fujitsubo 18.1 kg

take a look at Odula exhaust, seen like it built for torque from 2000rpm to 7500rpm & that what we need, overall weight including the center pipe 16kg, OEM or Fujitsubo include center pipe should be around 22kg. http://www.odula.com/page/frame.htm

EBS

Hi bro

Agree with u completely. Whether its worth buying of not depends on a lot of factors. This is the difficulty of group buy in general. Unless there is a model that really stand out from the crowd, every brand will have her own 'supporters' and with so many knowledgeable bros out here, there will be more good suggestions and make a clear decision even more difficult.

Finally when we find a really good product, chances are our big brother LTA will not approved them. Which explain why some bro don't bother with the whole process and import their own. Just remember the whole process needs committed support from the local agent (or anyone who will do all the paperwork), the agent overseas (they need the local cert, in Japan its the JVIA and not Jasma) and the buyers (suggest u collect deposit in case some people change their mind later) .

There is a cost to the Japan and lcoal certification and the agent/seller will have to work out how to priced that in.

FI only last Sat (30th Apr), HKS got their JVIA cert for the following cars
1) EVO
2) REX (legal max)
3) S15
4) Euro-R
5) Legacy GT
6) Celica
7) Fit

Cheers and happy deciding!

Cheers

Genesis

If I'm reading this correctly, basically we have to find a local agent/dealer who will arrange for the exhaust to be LTA certified, but he won't do that unless he has enuff buyers. Once he has a committed number, he'll factor in the import price from Japan, the certification cost (spread over the number of buyers I guess) and his own margin.

I gather he would do this with a deposit from each buyer. I'm ok with that....but how long does the LTA cert take? I don't imagine it happens quickly, but I also gather that more reputable dealers can get parts certified faster than others....it's their business and how they make money. Anyone care to share experience with this, either exhausts or other parts?

EBS

Hi Genesis bro

U are correct. Be4 any exhaust can be send for certification by LTA, the said exhaust need to be cleared by the local governing body (in Japan thats the JVIA).
The local agent (eg GR for HKS) need to liaise with their Japan principal to get the Japanese certification first. Some product may not even go through this round (eg HKS exhaust for Integra Type R failed the JVIA test). So end of story unless the Japan principal can go back to their drawing board and revise their finished product! Once the JVIA approved, the certificate will be given to the Japan principal.
GR on Singapore end will then fit the exhaust on the intended car and send to LTA for inspection and certification. Once the first car is approved by LTA, a certificate will be issued to GR certifying the approval of the HKS model. The data on the exhaust will be stored and disseminated to the LTA approved inspection centres so any other car (same model type) in the future can go to the respective centers for testing and approval.
At this point, GR will be the only agent that u can buy the exhaust from and send for inspection (to be assured that the model is the approved one). U cannot import yourself or buy from any other workshop and send for inspection and bypassing GR. The inspection will failed (even though it is the same model) unless it is a GR exhaust. Of course if another workshop ABC can do the same as GR, then buying from ABC will also make ur purchase valid and hence pass inspection. In reality since GR is the HKS agent in Singapore, ABC will never have HKS support and hence the JVIA step will fail liao.
When u send ur car for approval, pictures will be taken and the certificate issued.

Sorry for long post. To keep the long story short (hehehe)

1. U got to make sure whichever brand u select can pass JVIA (or already pass JVIA) for Jap brand
2. U got to make sure the importer of the exhaust get hold of the JVIA cert (if they are not the official agent or the prodt don't have agent in Spore)
3. U got to make sure u have enough orders (or everyone pay more) for the importer to determine a price onset
4. Once the conditions are met, no prob at all (easier said than done).

Cheers

Genesis

Thanks EBS....good post.

Based on everyone's collective knowledge of after market parts in Sing, can we compile a list of what exhaust we can buy for our 8 that's already available and therefore passed the LTA requirements? Are there any?

TiTiTuTu

wah sianz... im really totally kana ignore liaoz ah... . even if so..to me (ever own a mazda rotary, willing to die as a mazda rotary ghost) ... my last posting.

EBS

Mazdaspeed maybe but nothing else is available at this moment in Singapore that passed the LTA criteria. Maybe bros surfing and looking for exhaust can look for JVIA approved exhaust from Japan. Unfortunately most Japan manufacturer only go for Jasma and Singapore mkt is too small for them to get the JVIA cert unless someone pays up front.

The original post is good. Just agree on a brand, get as many order as u can then approached the agent to see if it is feasible or possible. If not, moved on to the next one. U can never get a unanimous agreement. Too much choices and u 'dilute' the vote and diminish any slim chance of an approved exhaust.

My 2 cents.

sqflyer

EBS bro, fully agreed. Thanks for all the info even though you aren't joining in on our pursuit. Right now, we are working on Fujitsubo as the 1st choice and perhaps Supersprint as the 2nd choice. Will be approaching the respective agents shortly and post updates.

EBS

I wish but bonus is terrible and has some other projects on the pipeline. Would love to have that nice deep sound. The Fujitsubo has a deep rumble that befits a classy gentleman :D :D
Can try HKS if other option fails. GR definitely has interest (just look at the number of HKS with JVIA cert last Sat). Talk to Lance.

Just a reminder to check whether it is suitable for all RX8 (manual and auto).

Good luck


Cheers

sandman369

yes just had a conversation with lance on this last sat. when asked about legalising exhaust for the 8, he did mention there are plans to legalise HKS exhaust and should be soon. how soon not sure, guessed we could always check with them.

sqflyer

Thanks for the info sandman. Not that I'm in a huge hurry to get a legal exhaust, but to be honest, all news of distributors wanting to get their exhausts legalised for the 8 has so far been nothing but rumours without substantiating results.

I think as the biggest (and only) RX-8 Club in SG, we have quite a bit of bargaining power. The first distributor who can bring in a legal exhaust system of our liking will garner most of the sales leaving too small a market for other distributors and thus not being able to gather enough sales to justify bringing in another brand of exhaust. So the first distributor will actually be getting a monopoly and we should use that to our advantage.

EBS

Yep. U said it correctly. Get the necessary order with deposits and approach the dealer. It will be easier as it act both way. Everyone wants biz too but if it is only talk, then the dealer will delay unless the order is firm.

Cheers

Genesis

I was searching around the net and found this site which appears to be a local AutoExe distributor, but no luck in contacting them by either email or phone (number no longer exist). Anyone heard of 'em? http://www.specr.com.sg/rx8autoexe.html

coupe07

pls do not be deceived by them. They r not the local distributor. AUTOEXE DO NOT HAVE ANY AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR IN SPORE YET.

for info, spec r brought in one set of autoexe bodykit for mazda 6, and its the one and only in spore. Somehow this set of bodykit was molded into replicas in spore, which may spoil autoexe reputation. Who did it, no one noes. I believe theres only one workshop selling autoexe replicas in spore, and that shld be the workshop.

I was in tokyo autoexe recently and the PIC in autoexe happens to noe abt this and has said they may not sell to any workshop anymore due to such dubious practice.

damn spoil market rite.....

Genesis

Ok....thanks for the heads up coupe...the net can be a denizen of false advertising unless you know who are the legit suppliers. Which makes me ask this question and wonder if others here would help to contribute. How about we make a list of all authorized/legit after market RX-8 parts suppliers in Sing. GR comes to mind, but there must be others and not many get mentioned in this forum.

EBS

Hi Genesis

Besides the official distributor, many other workshop can import the legit product for u so its up to u to make friend and get the best price. esp so if the product needs no after mkt service (eg gear *****, short shifter, body kit) etc. This arise either becos there are no agent here or the mark up by the agent is exorbitant.
Hence it will be difficult to compile a meaningful list becos official agent/distributor for after mkt RX8 parts is very little (eg Project Mu rotors/brakes etc carried by so many people although Stamford tyre is the agent).

Cheers