Just rebuilt engine in series 1, time to tinker. Proposed FI build.
05-29-2013, 11:59 PM
#1
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just rebuilt engine in series 1, time to tinker. Proposed FI build.
Hey guys, been lurking and searching off and on for a couple years now, finally decided to post as I'm considering dropping a bit of cash and going FI. I'll list my proposed work, a few questions, and hopefully some of the more veteran members can impart a bit of their experience on my decisions or proposals.
First, I have a 2005 MT RX-8, 75k miles on it, only 25k from me over the last 4 years. Only thing of note currently is a fresh, total engine rebuild initiated by my coil pack failing catastrophically, a new BHR ignition system, I'm running Tein S-techs, and have upgraded the brake system with new rotors & ceramic pads (names escape me atm). I'm pretty much going to go top to bottom on the car.
Goals are fairly simple. I'd like to shoot for 300ish whp and maintain some semblance of reliability. I'd like to maintain as much of the balance/cornering as I can. Throttle response and torque are higher priority than some crazy hp number I can only get over a puny rpm band. And yes, I know the '8 is not known for its torque. This isn't so much for a track setup as it is for enjoying open stretches of road, the occasional track day, and passing people right. now. when I need/feel like.
Aesthetics first, just to get them out of the way:
I have a line on the Mazdaspeed front bumper & side skirts. Those will be going on. I may do the speed spoiler as well, undecided.
Also, Seibon carbon fiber hood, should allow for more airflow through the engine compartment and aid in heat dissipation, especially in conjunction with yanking the factory air box. Also hoping some of the weight saved helps offset the weight of the s/c. Looking at:
KS-style carbon fiber hood for 2004-2010 Mazda RX8 (link is only for example, not going to be purchase location)
Recommendations?
Suspension and wheels:
Am considering Eibach or Tein fully adjustable coilovers. Heard pros and cons about megan racing as well. Still undecided. No, I'm not really a racer, but good handling and some lowering would be nice.
Wheels/tires... I have a few under consideration, will decide later based on looks & rotational weight. If you feel like tossing a name or two out there though.. have at it.
Engine, exhaust, ecu stuff:
Porting. I'd like to go with a solid street port and polish, including opening up the exhaust ports a little. I'm aware of some of the restrictions due to water passageways, etc. Biggest issue is I live in NE Ohio, and I have found exactly crap for rotary tuners anywhere near me, regardless of where or how I search. Any recommendations with a good reputation would be greatly appreciated, closest tuner I've heard of is banzai over in Indiana. I have access to a shop, tools, and am considering doing the job myself, however, as mechanically inclined as I am, I'm not a rotary specialist. I'm comfortable doing a port & polish on my own, it's tuning the Renesis afterward that has me looking for a pro.
FI: Considering Pettit s/c, stage 2 or 3. Have also heard some good stuff about Hymee, but it seems like the Pettit is where I want to be. Already planning on upgrading injectors, fuel and water pumps, likely with products available through BHR's site. Should have enough room for the intercooler with the speed front bumper, and plan on running the BHR radiator. I've seen a back and forth on running water/meth, doesn't seem like it's necessary at this stage for me. Yes/no?
Management/Tuning... This is where I'm still a bit lost. I had heard a while ago that the cobb AccessPort from MazdaManiac with their tuning service was a go-to. Then I see MM got banned for whatever reason. Also seen mention of the interceptor-x, and one other whose name escapes me. I hate to sound like I haven't done my research, but what am I missing? And for what I'm looking to do, is the accessport still the way to go for mapping & tunes? I won't need anything else with the accessport, right?
Exhaust: Seen a back and forth on headers, likely going to use OBX and coat them with some 2000deg F rated high temp paint. Undecided on wrapping them after I coat them, have heard pros and cons to both. Racing Beat mid-pipe, debating on racing beat single output race exhaust or the HKS single exhaust. Currently leaning toward the HKS. I don't see a need for dual out, but look and tone, I may consider something else if there's a compelling argument.
Clutch & Flywheel: Looking at BHR's flywheel, compared to ACT pro-lite flywheel, any recommendations? Likely going with ACTs Street Duty clutch.
Anyway, that's the plan so far. I keep seeing yays and nays on having to move the oil filter for the s/c, and not 100% settled on my intake setup either. Any recommendations you guys have I'm definitely open to. Also considering doing a 2 to 1 conversion on the oil cooler, again, up in the air.
Everything I've listed, mechanically, I feel fully comfortable installing myself, it's the final engine tuning and the intricacies of the rotary that have me wishing Ohio had a reputable specialist I could go to.
I'm currently in a pre-deployment pace getting ready to go overseas for a while, so my responses may not be prompt. But I will try to reply if there's any further questions for me and am definitely looking forward to some input. If I have to do the porting and installs myself, most of this won't get done until I get back, however, if I can find a shop that doesn't want to charge me an arm and both legs for port/polish and is willing to install the above components and do a tune, I have a friend I've entrusted with my car that understands proper rotary care and who is able to deliver/retrieve the vehicle.
Sorry about the wall of text, I just wanted to make sure I put enough info out there for what I want to do and not come across as having bypassed all the searches, faqs, stickies, etc. I know this is going to be a bit of cash, but hoping I can get it planned out so I get it working right the first time and can get to having fun with it when it's done. And if I forgot to mention something, feel free to point it out. Thanks guys.
First, I have a 2005 MT RX-8, 75k miles on it, only 25k from me over the last 4 years. Only thing of note currently is a fresh, total engine rebuild initiated by my coil pack failing catastrophically, a new BHR ignition system, I'm running Tein S-techs, and have upgraded the brake system with new rotors & ceramic pads (names escape me atm). I'm pretty much going to go top to bottom on the car.
Goals are fairly simple. I'd like to shoot for 300ish whp and maintain some semblance of reliability. I'd like to maintain as much of the balance/cornering as I can. Throttle response and torque are higher priority than some crazy hp number I can only get over a puny rpm band. And yes, I know the '8 is not known for its torque. This isn't so much for a track setup as it is for enjoying open stretches of road, the occasional track day, and passing people right. now. when I need/feel like.
Aesthetics first, just to get them out of the way:
I have a line on the Mazdaspeed front bumper & side skirts. Those will be going on. I may do the speed spoiler as well, undecided.
Also, Seibon carbon fiber hood, should allow for more airflow through the engine compartment and aid in heat dissipation, especially in conjunction with yanking the factory air box. Also hoping some of the weight saved helps offset the weight of the s/c. Looking at:
KS-style carbon fiber hood for 2004-2010 Mazda RX8 (link is only for example, not going to be purchase location)
Recommendations?
Suspension and wheels:
Am considering Eibach or Tein fully adjustable coilovers. Heard pros and cons about megan racing as well. Still undecided. No, I'm not really a racer, but good handling and some lowering would be nice.
Wheels/tires... I have a few under consideration, will decide later based on looks & rotational weight. If you feel like tossing a name or two out there though.. have at it.
Engine, exhaust, ecu stuff:
Porting. I'd like to go with a solid street port and polish, including opening up the exhaust ports a little. I'm aware of some of the restrictions due to water passageways, etc. Biggest issue is I live in NE Ohio, and I have found exactly crap for rotary tuners anywhere near me, regardless of where or how I search. Any recommendations with a good reputation would be greatly appreciated, closest tuner I've heard of is banzai over in Indiana. I have access to a shop, tools, and am considering doing the job myself, however, as mechanically inclined as I am, I'm not a rotary specialist. I'm comfortable doing a port & polish on my own, it's tuning the Renesis afterward that has me looking for a pro.
FI: Considering Pettit s/c, stage 2 or 3. Have also heard some good stuff about Hymee, but it seems like the Pettit is where I want to be. Already planning on upgrading injectors, fuel and water pumps, likely with products available through BHR's site. Should have enough room for the intercooler with the speed front bumper, and plan on running the BHR radiator. I've seen a back and forth on running water/meth, doesn't seem like it's necessary at this stage for me. Yes/no?
Management/Tuning... This is where I'm still a bit lost. I had heard a while ago that the cobb AccessPort from MazdaManiac with their tuning service was a go-to. Then I see MM got banned for whatever reason. Also seen mention of the interceptor-x, and one other whose name escapes me. I hate to sound like I haven't done my research, but what am I missing? And for what I'm looking to do, is the accessport still the way to go for mapping & tunes? I won't need anything else with the accessport, right?
Exhaust: Seen a back and forth on headers, likely going to use OBX and coat them with some 2000deg F rated high temp paint. Undecided on wrapping them after I coat them, have heard pros and cons to both. Racing Beat mid-pipe, debating on racing beat single output race exhaust or the HKS single exhaust. Currently leaning toward the HKS. I don't see a need for dual out, but look and tone, I may consider something else if there's a compelling argument.
Clutch & Flywheel: Looking at BHR's flywheel, compared to ACT pro-lite flywheel, any recommendations? Likely going with ACTs Street Duty clutch.
Anyway, that's the plan so far. I keep seeing yays and nays on having to move the oil filter for the s/c, and not 100% settled on my intake setup either. Any recommendations you guys have I'm definitely open to. Also considering doing a 2 to 1 conversion on the oil cooler, again, up in the air.
Everything I've listed, mechanically, I feel fully comfortable installing myself, it's the final engine tuning and the intricacies of the rotary that have me wishing Ohio had a reputable specialist I could go to.
I'm currently in a pre-deployment pace getting ready to go overseas for a while, so my responses may not be prompt. But I will try to reply if there's any further questions for me and am definitely looking forward to some input. If I have to do the porting and installs myself, most of this won't get done until I get back, however, if I can find a shop that doesn't want to charge me an arm and both legs for port/polish and is willing to install the above components and do a tune, I have a friend I've entrusted with my car that understands proper rotary care and who is able to deliver/retrieve the vehicle.
Sorry about the wall of text, I just wanted to make sure I put enough info out there for what I want to do and not come across as having bypassed all the searches, faqs, stickies, etc. I know this is going to be a bit of cash, but hoping I can get it planned out so I get it working right the first time and can get to having fun with it when it's done. And if I forgot to mention something, feel free to point it out. Thanks guys.
05-30-2013, 12:33 AM
#2
SARX Legend
iTrader: (46)
Tuning: The Pettit kit comes with decent tune IIRC but Kane (www.pp02performeance.com), Steve Kan (PRT Performance | Lewisville Performance Shop | Dallas Auto Services | Dyno Tuning), and MM (MazdaManiac HOME) all have plenty experience and the ability to tune it well. MM has somewhat bad rep in the customer service department but he can tune well, Kane is awesome but is mostly interested in teaching you how to tune rather than doing it for a fee, and Steve Kan is just pro tuner and not interested in teaching you anything really but he did a hell of a job tuning my car. But without Kane teaching me and helping and also with the help of Brettus (member here) getting me to a good base point I don't think Steve would have been able to tune my car so easily and quickly.
FI: The SC kits are few and far between. But if you are looking for the easiest and most reliable route, go with the Pettit. The Hymee is very rare, unsupported, and requires additional fabrication to work right. Turbos are fun too
Cooling: Important. Make sure everything is in proper working order and sealed up nicely. Skimp here and you will regret it.
Exhaust: For SC, most of the available headers are a waste of money, don't bother. And any good catback and high flow midpipe will work fine.
Suspension: If you want it to last and perform well, spend the few extra bucks for some Bilstein PSS9's or look into custom coilover setups (PM Houstonrx8er for detail on a custom Bilstein setup). The ones you listed are pretty crappy (My Stance are crappy and will be going away soon). Get a good (progress tech, Hotchkis) front sway bar.
Wheels/Tires: Too many options, you just have to pick a good UHP tire and suitable rims for your setup. What looks good is very subjective.
Clutch/Flywheel: The stock Exedy clutch is fine for most, but talk to Charles about clutches, I have heard good and bad about many setups so I don't really know. I run the stock clutch but I am getting some slippage at high boost so I will be looking into this as well.
My only advice (been thru 3 FI RX-8 builds here locally) is proper, prior, planning. Attack each area individually, read build threads, read off site stuff. But you can have the best parts in the world and it doesn't mean **** if you are running on a half assed tune. Getting it tuned should be the very first thing you get done after your build is finished. Pay up for a solid tune and then if you want to learn to tune yourself then you can dick with it later. But having your blood sweat and tears into a build and then not being able to enjoy it due to tuning issues sucks *****.
Be safe out there, watch your six.
FI: The SC kits are few and far between. But if you are looking for the easiest and most reliable route, go with the Pettit. The Hymee is very rare, unsupported, and requires additional fabrication to work right. Turbos are fun too
Cooling: Important. Make sure everything is in proper working order and sealed up nicely. Skimp here and you will regret it.
Exhaust: For SC, most of the available headers are a waste of money, don't bother. And any good catback and high flow midpipe will work fine.
Suspension: If you want it to last and perform well, spend the few extra bucks for some Bilstein PSS9's or look into custom coilover setups (PM Houstonrx8er for detail on a custom Bilstein setup). The ones you listed are pretty crappy (My Stance are crappy and will be going away soon). Get a good (progress tech, Hotchkis) front sway bar.
Wheels/Tires: Too many options, you just have to pick a good UHP tire and suitable rims for your setup. What looks good is very subjective.
Clutch/Flywheel: The stock Exedy clutch is fine for most, but talk to Charles about clutches, I have heard good and bad about many setups so I don't really know. I run the stock clutch but I am getting some slippage at high boost so I will be looking into this as well.
My only advice (been thru 3 FI RX-8 builds here locally) is proper, prior, planning. Attack each area individually, read build threads, read off site stuff. But you can have the best parts in the world and it doesn't mean **** if you are running on a half assed tune. Getting it tuned should be the very first thing you get done after your build is finished. Pay up for a solid tune and then if you want to learn to tune yourself then you can dick with it later. But having your blood sweat and tears into a build and then not being able to enjoy it due to tuning issues sucks *****.
Be safe out there, watch your six.
Last edited by 9krpmrx8; 05-30-2013 at 12:35 AM.
05-30-2013, 12:51 AM
#3
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
9krpmrx8,
Thanks for the reply, and definitely for the heads up on tuning. That has been, and will for a time coming, be one of my biggest concerns. Cooling is one of the shortcomings I have seen mentioned time and again, hopefully I'm on the right track there.
As far as the header, I'd considered it mainly since I've seen a few posters mention that, while not really any noticable horsepower gains netted, response seems to increase, which does interest me. I'll definitely read more into it before I make the decision, same goes on the suspension components. Can't believe I forgot to list the sway bar, but you addressed that. Thanks.
Have heard it both ways about the clutch. Seeing as I plan on changing out the flywheel, and I've got the spare cash, I figured I might as well beef it up a little without getting crazy on it.
That whole proper prior planning approach is exactly why I'm trying to iron this out before I start dropping piles of cash. Will keep digging to see what else I can find, but as always, words from the more experienced are always welcome. Going offline for now, thanks again.
Thanks for the reply, and definitely for the heads up on tuning. That has been, and will for a time coming, be one of my biggest concerns. Cooling is one of the shortcomings I have seen mentioned time and again, hopefully I'm on the right track there.
As far as the header, I'd considered it mainly since I've seen a few posters mention that, while not really any noticable horsepower gains netted, response seems to increase, which does interest me. I'll definitely read more into it before I make the decision, same goes on the suspension components. Can't believe I forgot to list the sway bar, but you addressed that. Thanks.
Have heard it both ways about the clutch. Seeing as I plan on changing out the flywheel, and I've got the spare cash, I figured I might as well beef it up a little without getting crazy on it.
That whole proper prior planning approach is exactly why I'm trying to iron this out before I start dropping piles of cash. Will keep digging to see what else I can find, but as always, words from the more experienced are always welcome. Going offline for now, thanks again.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post