Utah?
 

Just looking for fellow 8 owners in UT

Usser Landon_Starr is from Utah...

Yep, that's me. Where'd you pick yours up from, Dragon?

If you're new to this forum, let me assure you ANYTHING you'd like to know or buy for your RX8 is discussed here. This has proven to be my best resource for information, since we really have only a couple good rotary techs in the state.

--Landon

I picked mine up at Bountiful Mazda. its like 5 min. from my house. what about you. Well i am wanting to get an exhaust and intake for my 8 but fear voiding my warranty. what modes do you have if any?

I bought mine from Murray. They don't care about intakes or exhaust for the warranty. I'm pretty good buddies with the service manager there, I'm sure I could introduce you. He even told me if I turbo/super charged it he wouldn't ask questions. I guess I just hope he doesn't quit anytime soon. :)

Aftermarket parts--

20" wheels, aftermarket leather, upgraded sunroof, clear corners, deciding between K&N & RE intake, ordering GREDDY exhaust in January. I plan on jumping on the canzoomer bandwagon with his piggyback system as soon as it's available. Custom stereo system being installed in January, plexiglass over the recessed spare-tire bay in the trunk with 2 amps & custom box integrated with all new carpeted interior(design specs already completed). Wish list(purchases within the next year, hopefully) includes the rear fog light, strakes, shaving emblems, DVD (probably aftermarket & going w/ the JDM tray).

I have a bit of an aftermarket sickness, if you haven't come to that conclusion yet. :)

i would say so. you have credit cards dont ya. j/k I think when i purchased my 8 they actually had to go get it from murray. right now im running all stock. Thats totatly cool that they wont ask questions. are you located in murray or else where? thanks for all the info to. Have you asked your dealer about getting the ECU reflashed like some people on here have been talking?

No, I get nervous having the techs in Murray change my oil, let alone reflash my chip. I don't have any respect for the Mazda techs out here. No experience.

--Landon

Cant say that i blame ya on that. I can understand how it would be difficult to find someone with alot of experiance. I my self am new to the rotary world. got stuck for the first time yesterday, this weather sucks real bad.

Dragon-
Have you seen this thread?
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=16559
This is what happened to me when I got my 8 stuck on ice.
Also, you might want to bookmark this site:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ocs/index.html
I copied all the TSB's before having my ECU flashed, and was all too ready and willing to break out my laptop and show the service manager. I didn't need to, though... especially when I mentioned that I had read the TSB's before I got there. The service manager did kind of look at me funny... The dealerships, service managers and techs are going to have to get used to the fact that more and more people are "doing thier homework" before showing up. :D
Here's to hoping for the snow and ice to melt off of the roads!
-Doc:cool:

Doc-
Did i read on another tread correctly that you are inline for CZ stage 1 mod? whats your thoughts on it? Thanks in advance

Hi,
Yea, I'm going to buy the stage 1 kit, especially now since CZ has modified it to the point that it will fit entirely inside the ECU. This is one of the mods I have definitely decided to do, along with a RE intake, a cat-back, and the grounding kit, (this one is already done). My thoughts are, (after talking to CZ), that it can't hurt to add a few extra ponies. Plain and simple. When I get it installed, I'll let you know how it turns out.
I can say that the grounding kit was a decent mod, it's in this thread: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=16989
Hope this helps!
-Doc

That brings up a good question, Doc-

I've been trying to decide on which intake to go with. The RE looks nice with the heat shield & such, what made you decide on that intake versus the typhoon?

--Landon

Lemme jump in here, as I already have the Rotary Extreme intake.

I went with that one first and foremost because I think the heat shielding is important. Without it, the engine will be sucking hot air in all day long, since the K&N filter element is so large that it even blocks the cold air inlet duct. Secondly, I got to know Chuck from RE pretty well before I bought, and not only felt he was as ethical as they come, but also enough so that if I didn't like the intake, I knew he would take it back. No guarantees with the K&N... it depends on the vendor that sold it to you, and most won't take back a "used" intake once it's been on the car.

Additionally, the RE makes for a cleaner install... it even has provisions for the stock engine cover. If you go with the K&N, you have to lose the engine cover as there will be no mounts for it in front any more.
EDIT: Sorry, my mistake. The K&N does come with a bracket so you can retain the stock engine cover.

Finally, I consider the RE intake and the K&N to be about equal value, even tho the RE is about $70 more. There is more than $70 worth of heat shielding that comes with it.

So how do I like it? In a word, it's awesome. I can feel the difference, which means it's increasing HP by around 10 HP or so. Conventional wisdom (and other member's experiences) tell that your "butt dyno" can detect increases of 10HP or more. Mine does. It also sounds EXCELLENT at wide open throttle, makes the car sound like a JET engine, rather than "just" a turbine like it does stock. You can really hear the rotary doing it's thing with this intake.

Hope this helps!

Well, that's it for me. I know which one I'm getting... :D Actually, I had already decided. I have also decided on Borla for exhaust, along with the stage 1 kit. CZ and I talked at great length about the stage 2... I wasn't certain until I talked it over with him. I'm only going with the stage 1. Stage 2 looks enticing enough, and even though I live in a state where the chances of getting caught are pretty much nil... I'm not takin' no chances!
-Doccable

GREAT. RE it is. =)

Secondly, why Borla?

This forum is really just getting way too big to read EVERY detail, especially when talking intake/exhaust. I figure find a couple people's opinion you trust, and go with it. =)

--Landon

so where did you guys get your clear corners and fender strakes?

You just askin people from Utah? ;)

anyone that wants to answer ;) I did get a list of CZ items and but im not sure what the difference is on the strakes that are bright polished and brushed satin?

Waaaal, I bought the Borla because it was the first thing on the market, at the right price, Borla is a great brand name, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, I LOVED the way it sounded. Deep and powerful, mature, and not at all ricey.

I have never looked back since I got it, and am VERY happy with it. This is unusual in my experience, as when you're an early adopter of a product, sure as hell right after you buy it something comes out that is better and cheaper. This is hapilly not the case with the Borla, and it's still one of the most compelling choices on the market.

However, if I were in the market today, besides the Borla, I'd also take a good hard look at the Rotary Extreme, and maybe even the Greddy. The RE seems to be the best design from a flow standpoint, and I know Chuck (RE's owner) personally, and can tell you that if you weren't happy with the exhaust for any reason, he'd take it back without questions. Not many other vendors would take a "used" exhaust back, which it becomes once it goes on your car.

I also like the Greddy's looks and sound, and it's a great brand name too. And I really like the huge 'ol tips too. :D But really, besides those tips, it's no more compelling than the Borla.

So that's it... hope this helps.

I got my clear corners from RotaryExtreme, who had as good a price on them as anyone at the time. This was before Canzoomer started carrying them, and vendors overall were limited. Today I'd buy on price alone, as all the units on the market are identical. I think the cheapest I've seen them is on eBay... do a search on RX8 or RX-8 and you'll see 'em eventually.

Only difference is the finish. The Brushed are not shiney, while the polished are. Your call as to which looks best. I personally don't have them yet, as I'm waiting for a cheaper pair to come out... $150-$200 is just too durn much for 4 little pieces of aluminum, IMHO! ;) Altho, I DO keep thinking about them... :D

About 4 sets of fender strakes were sold by a Mada dealership at 149.99, I called him to see if he'd still sell them at that price. Turns out, he only had 4 sets and he acquired them in a way that MAZDA wasn't selling them, HE was, and he was just looking for a quick few bucks. Not likely we'll see prices around there again.

Regarding the clear corners, EBAY is a little more pricey than JTimports(www.jtimports.com). JT offers them at around $50 with free shipping. I haven't seen any prices like that on ebay...

Trussville Mazda's site is always a good solid low-priced option on parts, they offer the strakes at 195.....which I'm sure is matched all over the place.

--Landon

I'm in the EXACT same boat. =) It's kinda difficult to justify $200 for 4 pieces of small polished aluminum. <shrug>

I keep crossing my fingers for someone to manufacture a knock-off. I may end up breaking down, though, I put chrome wheels on my car and they would match just TOO well......(trying.......to.......maintain......com posure........hold off.......) :)

Ladon,
you going to the Auto Expo this weekend? i heard there is going to be alot of 8's there.

RX-8 owner here... Up in Layton...

I picked mine up from Bountiful Mazda as well, back in November...

Yeah, hopefully. I have an enticing offer to go up to Vegas this weekend, though, so I may decide against it. I DO take the auto expo seriously, though, so I may wait until a little later on Saturday to go to Vegas so I can go check it out......

alot of 8's being shown??? Mazdaspeed 8 going to be there? I haven't heard anything about 8's being there.....interesting. :)

I'll probably run down there, now that I'm thinking about it.

--Landon

Welcome to the forum, JivenMushu. Congratulations on the purchase, hope you're as thrilled w/ your 8 as I am with mine. :)

What color & options did you go with?

--Landon

Dragonstar, Jivinmushu, here's the link to the RX-8 Mountain Club if either of you are interested in joining.

Rocky Mountain RX-8 Club

Landon,
well i didnt hear it my self but my wife said she heard a radio commercial that mazda was a sponsor for it or something. but she came home and said there should be some 8's there.
wouldnt blame ya on the offer to vegas.

Hey, Landon!

I love mine! I traded in the 350Z for the RX-8; I haven't regretted it for a moment!

I got the Sports package Sunlight Silver...

I had read somewhere in this post that you had custom leather seats made... Any chance you'd care to divulge who did them for you? :D

And thanks for the link to the RX-8 club... That's my next stop from here...

Ry

I had my buddies at ATD (auto trim design) put the leather in. Although, it wouldn't be "custom" from an upholstery specialist's perspective, I believe it was a kit they obtained somewhere.

The thought of silver on black leather is intriguing to even a velocity red 8 owner, though....:)



...Mazda sponsoring the expo would be enough to spark interest of a possible mazdaspeed showing up, though. :)

I'm definitely going. :)

The auto show... That's exactly where you'll find me this weekend. :D

I did hear on the radio commercial the RX-8 being mentioned as a "car that drives you." I checked out Motor Trend's website about the auto show... Here's the link:

http://www.motortrendautoshows.com/s.../features.html

They list the RX-8 as a car listed to appear, yet could change at any moment... :shrugs:

The chance to see MazdaSpeed... Heheh, I'll take it!

-Ry

Bountiful Mazda rocks!

I had got the Sports package in hopes of the official MazdaSpeed body kit becoming available here soon...

I just got a call and a fax from Bountiful Mazda, Scottie... He wanted to fax me over the pricing list for all of the MazdaSpeed parts he just barely got this morning. They are taking orders now, but won't be able to fulfill them until early spring...

The prices are -- well, pricy... But, they are willing to give a 10% discount to the first RX-8 to undergo the transformation, if they can take pictures for promotional purposes... Ten percent off of $5,000 isn't much...

Ry

Woh, Jiven (and anyone considering the Mazdaspeed kit as I am) you should check out our vendor's forum. Both Trussville and Rosenthal Mazda sell Mazdaspeed parts, and you can get the complete Mazdaspeed body kit, painted to match all the factory colors, less mirrors, for between $3396 and $3618, depending on the rear under spoiler you choose. For instance, from Trussville's website:

Mazdaspeed Front Bumper - Painted $1,290
Mazdaspeed Rear Under Spoiler Painted $732 (or) Mazdaspeed Rear Under Spoiler Primer + Gun Metallic $510
Mazdaspeed Rear Wing Spoiler $876
Mazdaspeed Side Skirts $720

And that's just Trussville, Rosenthal might be cheaper.

Got an even smaller budget? Go to Rotary Extreme and buy the "Mazdaspeed-style" kit for $2700, including a carbon fiber adjustable rear wing. Kit is an exact copy of the MS only it's made out of fiberglass, and excellent quality.

the only thing i want of the MS kit is the mirror which sucks cuz its the only part i cant have

Sure you can. They will mount, and work, in the factory locations. Check this thread for more info.

Yeah.....Like Omicron said, definitely check out the vendors site prior to accepting any offers from the dealers. I had contacted Bountiful and Murray here in Utah to see if they'd match Trussville Mazda's price on the original body kit (not mazdaspeed), and they flat out said "no".

Although I get along with a lot of the people at the dealerships, they really are just salesmen. Mark-up is INSANE. Trussville is the only way to go for genuine mazda stuff (Rosenthal may compete, as Omicron stated, but I haven't looked into it).

Another good place to check if you want parts from Japan is CANZOOMER's place, he seems to have the largest selection of parts from Japan. Mazdaspeed stuff from Canz is more expensive than the dealers here, though, but Canz will have the part if the dealers don't.

May definitely want to check out his stage 1/2 chips if you're looking for more ponies.

--Landon

I Definitely am interested in CZ's stage 1. think im waiting for some others to get theres and test them. make sure its worth it ya know.

Yeah, I agree. Although after seeing the dyno's I'm kicking myself for not ordering when it was being offered @ $500. Oh well. I probably will just go with the stage 2 in a few months.

Went to the autoshow, no mazdaspeed. But I have to say, the RX8 was a rather hot commodity, it was getting a lot of attention while I was there. Crickets were chirping by the Evo & Sti, I have to say that made me grin. :D

The polished aluminum Jag was pretty cool, too.

well i did see some people checking out the evo and sti. i also noticed they where all high school wannabe types.
your right that jag was pretty cool. i actually liked the jeep concept the commander.

Utah meet?
 

Hey DragonStar---

Everyone seems to be doing their own little "mini-meets". Do we want to put something together for us Utahns?

If nothing else we could just do a parking lot meet, show-and-tell style. ???

--Landon

Landon.
could be cool. i know you just want to show off all those mods you got goin on :) I heard its suppose to snow on monday dang it. guess im bummin a ride to work again.

Hey guys,

About two years ago my son and I stopped in a shop in Salt Lake called Modern Garage. They were doing some rotary work at that time. Anyone know if they're still up and running and offering any upgrades for the RX-8??

Modern Garage is still around (Murray area). They have done a lot of work with rotaries and are one of the better shops in the valley (one of the few with a dynojet, too). They haven't dove into any R&D to create any of their own products to my knowledge, though.

--Landon

bummin' a ride to work?!? I think drivin' the 8 in snow is comparably fun in the snow as it is on the pavement. :) I think I've heard it reference as a "fun spinning top" in other threads. :D

I really don't have many mods. It's really kinda pathetic. Sh@t will hit the fan as soon as I get my bonus & tax return, though. :D

you can drive in the snow. dang i pulled out of my parking spot and got stuck :mad: ah well.
your list of mods in the early post is pretty impressive even if most are cosmetic. I just read that review on the stage one being installed. want it even more now

Hey, Dragon! I had the same problem! I guess I was fooled by the 50/50 weight displacement as being an advantage in the snow. ;) And I won't mention the 4 lane fishtailing at the I-15/I-215 junction! :shakes head:

Here's a picture of the blue RX-8 at the Utah Auto Show. Yeah, no MazdaSpeed...

The RX-8 was the first car I went to. I talked with Gus, the guy who sold me my car, for a bit. I was amazed to listen to the comments that people were making. I just wanted to say "Don't be hatin'!" They ranged from "The RX-8 is a piece," to "It has no balls," to "Too bad it's just cute." I had called a couple people on their comments. They quickly shut up when I asked them if they've ever drove the RX-8. ;)

"It's an RX-8 thing. You wouldn't understand." LOL

I was going through my pictures and thought I would throw this one in the forum. Enjoy!

This was right after the big snowstorm...

Very nice!

im kind of surpirsed that you heard so many negative comments at the auto show. It looked like most people around it liked it. but then again i didnt hang around to long i was interested in seeing what all the hype was about the compition. 350 i wasnt impressed the interior really does feel cheap. the Evo and WRX just looked plain. the s2k was pretty nice though. also liked the paint on the cobra