I just bought a new rx-8 and for very complicated reasons I had to get an automatic transmission. Can I still make some modifications to make it much faster? I realize I lost some horsepower to the manual version but What else did I lose out on and how can I make up for it? Im kind of a newbee so take it easy on me.

 

is it a new 06? If so, you have more HP then the 04 & 05 automatics. (212 vs 197 I think)
As for mods, there are a few mods that can produce a little bit of hp but nothing that will blow your mind away. Intake & exhaust might free up a few hp but that's about it.

Congrats on the new RX-8!! what colors did you get?

As for specific mods, I would jump down into the AT Performance section of this site for lots of those answers. Oh, and if you have any more questions, I'd check out the Search function as there's TONS of great info in this site.

 

I got it in Winning Blue, it was the last 06 remaining so it was a good deal. took of like 5000 off it and made em throw in aluminum pedals and spoiler.

 

Winning blue, wow... good choice. I finally saw the new blue that replaced the winning and it's nice but doesn't quite stand out like the Winning.

Back to the performance: Look into the Racing Beat Revi Intake and Duct as well as their Exhaust. That is the combination I have on my Manual and it works quite nicely. Not very loud at all but if you lay on the gas, you'll hear it.

Happy Searching and make sure to post up some pics.

 

Thanks alot for the help man, ill get some pics soon, so do you think it was a mistake getting the automatic, I hate to have doubts with a car that cost me so much.

 

I didn't get into the MT vs AT discussion because you said, " for very complicated reasons". I've never driven an AT so I can't say whether it was a bad choice but for ME half the fun of this car is that it's manual and that it has a 9000 rpm redline.

To each his own though.

 

You will get better real world mileage. The top gear in the 6 speed manual is ~20mph per 1000 rpm-and there isn't external exhaust gas recirculation yet is there?

The automatic is ~30 in 6th, 24 & change in 5th.
The engines are about the same (both are 6 intake ports) but the automatic is limited to 7500 rpm input speed, where the stick can take 9000
The auto should be a second slower in the 1/4 (finishing up in 3rd @ ~90mph)

 

only AT's after 06 have the 6 port.

 

Best bet is super charger for the AT 8.

Other than suspension, but then again why do you need more handling with an AT?

 

yes.

 

Your going to need to run a tranny cooler but you can run a turbo or supercharger. Personally id like to see an auto with one of mazsports turbo kits.

 

^What he said

 

hmmm i wondering a few things about a tranny cooler.

for a ball park number how much would one cost?

would it demand a mechanic install?

also how about a 2nd oil cooler?

 

The new AT RX-8's and if you have had your Engine replaced you should have a 2nd oil cooler. Also if you want a Tranny cooler you can get one that is universal but its not for the noOb tuner

 

im out then. m teh noob