HeavyMetal699

Houston help each other out thread

I've been wanting to start this thread ever since I bought my RX-8.

I want to start a list of people who are willing to help others install mods.
Contribution of garage space, tools, knowledge, and simply time are things I'm looking for.

I'll start first. I'll update the first post so others can just PM us.

HeavyMetal699 - I can help out with hand tools(socket set, screwdrivers, allen wrenches), I have knowledge installing anything to do with suspension, axial flow short shifter, having taken a large chunk of the interior out of my car(useful for car audio or rattle hunt), and can help out on most weekends. I don't have garage space.

monstermatt - I recently got my 8 so I don't have specific knowledge of the 8 but can contribute knowledge of general automotive, electrical, painting, and welding/fabrication. I also have hand tools and some power tools, but garage space is limited. In the Clear Lake area.

Sifu - I have a couple of hand tools. I can help out with exhaust installs, short shifters, HID fogs, intake, and springs/shocks. I can do most weekends/certain weekdays.

Aaron(Local Mechanic/Rotarhead) - Has a shop that does custom fab work and painting, has extensive knowledge on RX-7's and installing custom turbo kits. He tracks his car and probably one of the best places to get an alignment. He's quite meticulous on the alignment so expect it to take a couple of hours. Also does a great job at explaining what he's doing and how it effects YOU.

If you have any suggestions let me know. I wrote this at work while working so its not very concise.

Speedbear

This is a great idea! Hope people use it.

monstermatt

So should we post that we can help, or PM you so you can update the initial post? Because this is a great idea and I'd love to help out. Also, you've been PM'ed (just to cover my bases).

HeavyMetal699

Updated first post. For those who PM'd me, sorry it took so long. I spent the weekend setting up my car.

O-M-D

Just wondering if any one knows
about camber wear I need a camber
kit or some thing or any ideas how to
fix the waisting of my tires. If any help
I fix wreck cars and paint I'm located in Houston
I-10 & beltway 8 east.

HeavyMetal699

Are you slammed to the ground?

If you don't autocross or track there is probably no need for more than -1.0 degrees of camber. Castor might even serve you better on the street.

Unless you are severely dropped you should be able to easily get less than that.

HERO

iTrader: (3)

This might be dumb but did you ever get an alignment after dropping your car?

HeavyMetal699

I was thinking the same thing. Either he's slammed so low he can't dial all the negative camber out, his alignment guys sucks, or he just never got one and committed a $800 mistake(bye bye tires).

Aaron did my alignment so if you need his number PM me. I'll gladly give it to you. This guy does an awesome job. He followed up with me multiple times just to make sure I was 100% satisfied.

HERO

iTrader: (3)

really? who/where is this guy and what does he charge? Ive been going to SW Alignment for mine. Im due for one since one of my front koni's has a leak and im going to have to replace it..... and..... uninstall the rear to adjust the rebound haha.

O-M-D

thankyou all yeah whats the #
if the guy I need something done
quick.

HeavyMetal699

I'll PM his number to both of you later today when I get home from work. I have it written down.

I'm not sure how much he is going to charge this time around, but for me it was well worth it.

SW alignment is hit and miss. I heard a few good stories and a few bad ones. They are one of the only shops in Houston that will do an alignment for racing though.


Also he might be out at HPA with his black RX-7.

inTEGrate89

hey all,

Since there isn't a Houston thread, I thought I'd post here:

My name is Thanh and I'm interested in getting an rx-8, i've test-driven one and I am very pleased with the experience.

Of course like any enthusiast, I did my homework and I'm very scared of reliability and the flooding/tranny issues.

questions:

1.) i'm trying to be prepared in case i have to take the car into a dealership. I've read only bad things about how Jeff Hass Mazda treats their warranties (basically not good).... should this be a factor when I do have to take in my rx8?

2.) any other good dealerships who 100% honor the rx8's warranty?

note: i'm not afraid of doing work myself; in fact, i look forward to knowing more about the rotary engine. so, whether it's changing plugs/coils/oil on 5k basis, thats fine, adding more oil per fuel fill up, etc. that's fine for me.

Thanks all, looking forward to replies to help me feel better about getting a rx8.

-Thanh

HeavyMetal699

I would suggest calling multiple dealerships to get the best price.

I'm not sure of the best dealership in Houston, I bought mine through Munday Mazda. They try real hard, but don't fix the problem.

Anyway, its not like the car is instantly going to blow up. And if something does happen you can take it to any dealer you want.

inTEGrate89

hah, yeah i know the car won't insta-blow up but this warranty business is a consideration for me.

i've found the rx8 i want through private party - stay tuned guys!

legendkurado

hmm... we've had a couple install parties at my house.. changing out my brakes sometime this week and also replacing old couplers.. i'll ask the wife if i can start a install party before the autocross

HeavyMetal699

My Dad is coming into town this weekend so I won't be able to make it. I do have the updated Mazmart water pump I'm itching to install though.

Also I want to pull off my catalytic converter and take a look at it. My exhaust note has changed recently and I think my catalytic converter might be dead.

inTEGrate89

holy crap....


legendK:

i'm browsing through the velocity red's and i saw the only car i would mimic. It happened to be you! hah! dang it!

i'm trying to say; you have good taste and that your car looks good.

monkiboi69

Let's do a water pump install.

HeavyMetal699

It looks easy to install. I took a look at the workshop manual.

This weekend is overwhelmingly booked for me. Only reason I'm autocrossing is because I'm dragging my Dad along too!

Speaking of which, whoever is going to autocross sign up NOW. I would not be surprised if tonight is your last chance to go.

monkiboi69

Too late...it's all booked up (autocross). I checked around 1:30'ish today. Whenever you want to do the install of the waterpump...I'm down!

HeavyMetal699

I'm trying to decide what type of antifreeze to use. The stock stuff and some redline water wetter or perhaps something more exotic or something super cheap.

I might hit up the dealer and see how much they want to rape me for the stock stuff.

BTW, you can get water wetter at O'Reilly's.

HERO

iTrader: (3)

Let me know when you guys have an install day. Im needing to do some maintenance type work on my car as well!

inTEGrate89

damn, so i couldnt pull the trigger on the rx8 i wanted: it wasn't as good condition as stated.

i'm talking to another rx8 in dallas now...

monstermatt

What does this coming weekend look like for everyone? I think after that everyone might start getting busy with holiday stuff.

HeavyMetal699

Have you tried the RX-8's for sale in the forum? Every now and then someone who takes really good care of their car will decide to buy something more luxerious.


For the most part I'm open.