Benz05ZZ

Thank you in advance for your help. A little background: I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, Sportronic (4-cyl, 4G64, Automatic). I love the car, and have had great times playing with it, but have hit way too many issues regarding FWD, Auto-ECU tuning, unavailability of quality parts, and overall hitting a metaphorical "wall" in tuning. NTM, I have a child on the way, and would love the ease of the "freestyle" doors.

First off, I'd like to say that I'm not new to tuner forums, I've been a part of Club3G for over 2 years (Benz01GS). I've looked around in RX8Club, and have loved the information available, I'm just looking for a bit more "me" specific information to be available in one place.

I'll be buying an RX-8 Friday, there are two options available to me. An '05 Velocity Red 5-speed, and an '05 Galaxy Gray Auto.

1.) What are the major issues regarding Auto v.s. 5-Speed? I know in a race situation, and all that, I'm speaking specifically to the RX-8. Are there ECU tuning issues, are there specific mechanical issues, etc... The auto would be nice, as my g/f can't drive a manual, and I don't want to burn up a clutch teaching her. But if there are specific issues concerning the Auto, I don't want to invest.

2.) I've been researching and working towards F.I. on my Eclipse (basically an Evo set-up) for over a year, and would hate to give up on my Turbo dreams just because I bought a new car...What are the most reliable and interesting "build threads" for DIY turbo systems for the RX-8? I've noticed alot of Greddy Turbo Systems being put on these cars, as well as "fixes" for the issues concerning this system, but I've always preferred the system you put together yourself. I've got alot of parts already (including FMIC, BOV, Oil Lines/Block kit, etc...) Here's a link to my DIY Turbos thread on Club3G.

3.) Who are the most knowledgeable people on these forums, kind of a group of people who have built up their cars to shine above the rest, and have to knowledge to back their car's performance/looks.

4.) Has anyone tried fitting an '09 front to '04-'08's? I love the look of the '09s (especialy getting rid of the dumb-looking side marker at the bumper line), and would love to have the '09 Mazdaspeed front (when they finally release it).

If anyone can help with any of these questions, it'd be nice. Thank you in advance!!!

Crimson

I'm probably not the best qualified to respond to this, but I'll give it a try.

1) You're going to have to deal with a lower redline and longer gear ratios. I'm sure you knew that that translates to your rx8 being slower. In addition, the auto tranny builds up a lot of heat, and that waste heat has to go somewhere. Not a problem when you stay NA, but if you go FI, its a bit much. There a a couple real gearheads on this forum(hats off to 'em), and they have already addressed these problems. If you can, you should probably learn to drive stick.

2) Check out the dyno comparison thread. Lots of options available, and read the build threads. I know of one person who had a nightmare experience with a particular kit. If you have questions, ask around.

Dyno Comparison: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=132628

3) The gearheads are the guy's you''ll find in these threads who are a clear cut above the rest. Some of them (MM in particular) are hesitant to post their results because they offer large portions of their set-up as parts of kits. It becomes clear pretty quick who's full of bs and who is a class act.

4) Im pretty sure mazdaparts has a front bumper clone that fits the 08 & prev bumper. theres a thread on it somewhere....
anyway, its in this list.

http://www.mazmart.com/PartsList.aspx?id=26&n=NEW&m=6

GL and enjoy!

Purevil

auto=less hp and lower redline translation:3000lb paper weight