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Newbie's Guide to Modding the RX-8

Old 02-17-2013, 06:22 PM
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very nice write up, very informative :-)
Old 03-18-2013, 09:23 PM
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Very useful info...
Old 03-28-2013, 06:21 PM
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That is a very detailed and carefully explained guide, thank you.
Greetings from England.
Old 04-03-2013, 04:03 AM
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Subscribed twice !!!!
Old 04-03-2013, 05:43 AM
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Very nice, finally read through the whole thing. Haha. Nicely written.
Old 04-11-2013, 09:55 AM
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Excellent info. You just saved me a ton of money!
Old 05-01-2013, 04:28 PM
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Thank you for the right up! Ive been doing research into getting an RX7 or RX8 and i think im ready to get one now. I like the car because it does require work , but its work that makes sense and can be managed. Instead of like my friends BMW that has random failures and no one knows what happened. I currently own an 86 Camaro and have gained my basic knowledge from that (aswell as taking an apprentice course in automotive). Anyways im getting off topic.... thank you! for the right up! It was very helpful!!!
Old 05-02-2013, 02:28 PM
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This is some great information, exactly what I was looking for.

Now time to research on 3mm apex seals, FD side seals, intake and exhaust porting, all the fun stuff to make it more reliable with more power.

Thanks again for taking the time for this write up. This saved tons of searching time.
Old 05-02-2013, 02:35 PM
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Keep in mind that your research may show you that some of that stuff isn't really ideal for what you have in mind, or that there is still stuff that is unproven on the actual result.

The first set of posts is to give you a baseline of where to begin the research and counter some mis-perceptions that new owners often have. It is not intended to be a be-all-end-all description. So definitely dig further on anything
Old 05-02-2013, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by RIWWP
Keep in mind that your research may show you that some of that stuff isn't really ideal for what you have in mind, or that there is still stuff that is unproven on the actual result.

The first set of posts is to give you a baseline of where to begin the research and counter some mis-perceptions that new owners often have. It is not intended to be a be-all-end-all description. So definitely dig further on anything
Right now the plan is to build the bottom end the best I can. The end result lays on what is done to the bottom end. Maybe go as far as machining the rotors for a lower CR. Which then would need a full engine balance with the FW I pick. Depends on how far I want to take it.

There are some mods that are not proven to do anything but I'm the type that will go by theory. Like the FD side seals/springs and 3mm apex's. Its not proven they help but there is no proof that they will harm you ether.

I will be giving this a try. The thought behind it makes sense (to me at least).

I never really have a clear plan of action on my builds. I start from bottom up and make each mod support each other the best they can.

Like an intake on a stock set up will gain you nothing. But if you add a full exhaust, the intake will now show you more gain then with out it.

Just the thought process I go by. Hasn't let me down yet . This is the first rotary though. So I have to pay a closer attention on this one.
Old 05-02-2013, 11:20 PM
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good low springs

i like the height of the sprints, does anyone know where i can find them? Or have you guys heard anything bad about them other than 2" drop causing rub?
Old 05-09-2013, 08:32 PM
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Wow, this is ridiculously detailed. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. It probably took hours to write, but years to learn. I definitely will be reading through this thoroughly in the future.
Old 05-09-2013, 08:35 PM
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No, not really. I type fast and plagiarize from people all over the forum, etc... Ends up being mostly editing and formatting.
Old 06-03-2013, 02:04 PM
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as a noob this is some really good stuff to start from!!
Old 07-23-2013, 02:31 PM
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I've been basing my research between this thread and the one found on

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

for about 7 or 8 months now (plus other threads here too). i definitely want an rx8 (red is faster!) and have been doing my homework on it. lots of pros and a hell of a lotta cons (for folks who don't heed warnings and have no idea wtf they're doing). owning an rx8 to me is a kin to owning a pet. you literally have to take care of it correctly. whats been holding me back has been that commitment. but i feel here with in the next few months or so i may either pass her up or finally procure one. i registered today to thank you for those two great write ups, and everyone else in this community with their knowledgeable threads.

what i love about the car, besides its aesthetics is the suspension and brakes. stock suspension and brakes are awesome as is.

what makes me nervous is making power safely. i don't know of any rotary shops in miami, although i hear there's a few trusted ones. however, i like doing the bulk of the work myself, kinda difficult with the 8 since i know nothing about rotaries. also, the oil weight myths and the 2 cycle oil myths drive me batty lol.

either way, rather i get one or not it is an amazing machine. if i do procure one it would most definitely be a daily driver on a greddy kit (seems like that one is easiest on the internals on a cobb tune). Im not really looking for more than 180- 220whp

but again, sorry for the rambling, thanks RIWWP and all u other knowledgeable folk

Last edited by sheek360; 07-23-2013 at 02:33 PM.
Old 07-23-2013, 02:34 PM
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If you only want 180-220whp, you can get there without spending $10k on a properly set up turbo kit. Just make sure you start with a manual transmission, get one with good compression, keep the ignition and sensors healthy, and that's about it. You will already be sitting at 180-190whp easily, possible 190-200. A tune and a midpipe will definitely put you there, assuming all the rest is good.
Old 07-23-2013, 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by RIWWP
If you only want 180-220whp, you can get there without spending $10k on a properly set up turbo kit. Just make sure you start with a manual transmission, get one with good compression, keep the ignition and sensors healthy, and that's about it. You will already be sitting at 180-190whp easily, possible 190-200. A tune and a midpipe will definitely put you there, assuming all the rest is good.
if i do buy one it will be an 04, i assumed they dyno'd a bit lower. but now that you mention it your right. thanks for the heads up!
Old 07-23-2013, 02:50 PM
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The two factors you can't really control are build quality and history. A poorly build engine will dyno low regardless of how well it's maintained, and a poorly maintained engine will dyno low even if was great to begin with. Solve those two however, and you can hit 200whp without a problem.

The model year really isn't an issue. You can avoid the power cost of an automatic (-30hp or -40hp, depending on 4-port vs 6-port), and you can avoid a low compression engine with a compression test. You can avoid the ~30whp loss of failing ignition by staying on top of it.
Old 08-20-2013, 08:47 PM
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hi im new i have the rx8 it idels ruff its a 6speed its not to bad but the gear vibrates alot as well and also going into first gear is hard i have to push hard i have differential flush as well as a gear flush im not sure if im posting in the right room and im new to this site and its my first time using forums please help me
Old 08-24-2013, 02:30 AM
  #120  
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I nominate the Sohn OMP adaptor as an addition - a very common mod I know almost nothing about.
Old 08-24-2013, 06:35 AM
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Wow. How did I miss the SOHN?!?

Good call, adding that.
Old 08-24-2013, 04:06 PM
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Only on Series I
Old 08-24-2013, 04:16 PM
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Fixed. I wasn't aware that it didn't work for S2. That's unfortunate.
Old 08-24-2013, 04:30 PM
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Oil Metering Pumps (S2 has 2) are completely different as is the front engine Timing Covers between Series...principal of operation is also completely different...even Injection Nozzles are not the same...nothing really is.
Old 08-24-2013, 04:33 PM
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Yeah. It doesn't surprise me, I just never even thought about it. Makes me wonder if there is a possible way of achieving the same thing, and if there would be a market for it (I expect there would be a market)

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