I have been reading on the forum for the past few months before finally deciding to purchase a 2009 RX8.

I am debating if purchasing the BHR ignition set is worth the $500 dollar cost in comparison to just replacing with stock coils?

Also with that being said is the RX8 picky about the type of plugs you use?


The coils are part of my first "need to do"list along with have the coolant flushed, oil changed, and new pads and rotors, possible calibers.

Is there anything I am missing or should add to this list?


THANKS!!!

 

The best plugs to use are stock NGK Iridium ones. There is no reason to use anything else

They have even come down in price so you don't need a mortgage to buy a set

Don't buy them at a dealer though....

Unless you need pads and rotors...wait till they have worn out. The stock pads are decent for the street. Calipers should last a long time...unless you don't keep the slides lubricated..or you live in a salt/snow infested part of the world

Coolant is long life FL22..should be good still...unless it looks dirty/rusty. It is rated to last 10 years

Tarnny oil change and Diff would be a good idea.... Redline is a good choice for both

I would look at buying a RP Short Shifter and a Syncro Svaer for the transmission..those mods are by far my favorite

 

Thank you!

Suggest where to pick up the plugs? and Thoughts on the coils and wires from BHR?

Speaking of the FL22, where the hell do you find the stuff!!!

Like the idea of the syncro saver too!

 

Is that syncro saver as easy to install as it looks??

 

I can tell you first hand the BHR ignition kit is not just good, it's THE solution to our weak ignition system. Many forum members myself included LOVE the BHR ignition kit. I would also suggest that you invest in the Sohn adapter, clean 2 stroke is always a better alternative to dirty 4 cycle.. FL-22 you can order online or purchase at your local or not so local Mazda dealership. If you are mechanically inclined in the least bit then yes you will be able to install the syncro saver.

 

Mazda sells it....it isn't a bad price as long as the parts department aren't silly. They know that you wont buy it if it is too stupid I use to go to the dealer with bottle and they would give me enough to do top-ups. If it is really low...look for the leak and then put in regular coolant for the refill

Plugs are online. Amazon etc Online...they are a standard NGK part so easy to get. OE Replacement Spark Plugs by Mazda OE | RX8Performance.com has them for $76
Mazmart sells them as well


BHR kit is good quality. Not sure that you "Need" them...but they tend to solve the problem with changing out the OEM coils all the time

That being said you can buy a lot of stock coils for the same price....

 

SOHN isn't compatible with the Series2, unfortunately.

And yes, your Mazda dealer will have the FL-22.

 

Awesome, with that said the BHR ignition kit is now order, (red or course)

The syncro saver, does that not matter for series 1 vs series 2? seem to only be able to locate one "style" online.

What is the Sohn Adapter ? (Newbie question)

 

That was actually my fault RIWWP, i didn't completely read the initial post i just kinda went into auto pilot. Didnt realize it was an 09, My fault sorry guys. And in that case im also uncertain if the syncro saver is the same design.

 

I don't think it works on an 09....

 

No worries,

I am totally in love with the car so learning as much as I can, and want to just make the right "small" upgrades that help take care of it before I really get into major performance mods.

 

What is a good air intake to consider?

 

Racing beat
AEM/Mazdaspeed (Same thing, different sticker)
OEM.

And maybe not in that order. Don't bother considering anything else.

 

Two follow up questions,

The mazdaspeed intake list 04-09? is that correct? Found it on Mazda speed store.

Second is a ram air duct worth considering with the mazda speed intake?

 

you won't get much performance wise from an intake...bit more sound.

From a filter standpoint the OEM one is superb

Not a first choice really

 

No. "Ram Air" should generally be ignored for cars except for very specific circumstances.

This article goes into a lot of detail about ram air in motorcycles, which have significant portion of their frontal area to use for ram air. And you can see how badly most companies manage it, and how little benefit there is until very high speeds.
Part1: Sport Rider-ram air induction test for sport bike motorcycles
Part2: Sport Rider-Ram Air Test of sport bikes on the motorcycle dyno

I have strong doubts that anything 'ram air' from the aftermarket community will every actually provide a benefit on a car.

The 450hp 3-rotor RX-8s in Grand-Am used the stock paper filter that the street 2-rotor RX-8s use. It's REALLY good at filtration, and not a restriction to power.

 

Wow only a 7HP bump at 12,000 rpm on a bike while roughly 150 mph of air being pushed in, that is extremely minimal.

So, I know this is the "2nd" time to ask RIWWP, but I want to confirm because it seems strange to me, but the OEM air intake works well, and the only alternate, yet provides low power increase is the Mazda intake that came on the R3 correct? If so am I correct in assuming the intake on the mazdaspeedstore that list 04-09 would be the correct intake?

Thank you, sorry just want to make sure I understand

 

R3 intake is the stock one for all rx8 models. The mazdaspeed intake is the same as an AEM intake (95% a modification for sound).

 

The Series 1 and Series 2 OEM intake is approximately the same. Some very minor differences in vacuum routing, and perhaps a few other minor items, but as far as power/efficiency is concerned, it's the same. It is also extremely good, being a cold air intake, flows well, and keeps airflow stabilized across the MAF.

The AEM/Mazdaspeed intake bumps a couple HP more than the stock intake, while adding some noise, some lower filtration, and a potential risk of engine damage from water ingestion if you drive through deep water (since the pickup point is lower, the water depth tolerated is much shallower, and this obviously isn't a problem if you don't make a habit of driving through pooling water, but you should be aware of the added risk if there was ever a flooded section of road you were contemplating driving through).

The Racing Beat intake also bumps a couple HP over the stock intake, though it is mostly prized because it is noticeably more effective at shoveling cold air than the AEM. Many people just snag the duct from the Racing Beat intake and adapt it to the OEM intake.

Yes, the same intakes fits on series 1 and series 2.

I personally would go to one of the forum vendors rather than the "mazdaspeedstore" (which isn't actually a Mazda-owned site, apparent from some of the garbage they sell in other listings). For example, one of the site's best vendors, Black Halo Racing, sell the AEM, if that is what you are going for: AEM Cold Air Intake | Black Halo Racing (price is with shipping included, and cheaper than the other site depending on what finish you go for)

 

Awesome Thanks everyone, appreciate the help and the answers!

Back to BHR to spend more money in the future is sounds like.


Anything I am missing for first upgrades and car care I should do?

Such as the clutch pedal assembly? or did series II fix that issue?

 

No really, if you have already read down the maintenance list to address.

The series2 is a really well sorted car stock, most of the series1 to-dos aren't necessary.

 

Awesome, and now we wait for the UPS man to arrive.... (waiting is the hard part)