do mods really make the car more fun?
 

I really dont want to spend more money on my 8 ....from what it sounds like, the only speed mod worth doing is the canzoomer tuned, and a rb or new k&n intake system...all other mods seem to get terrible reviews...is the difference noticable? Mainly is it noticable after you get used to it? whats the best 0-60 u can expect from those mods?

You won't make any difference enough to affect your 0-60 time in any real noticeable manner without more than that. THe best you could hope for with a CZ and intake is 0.1s less 0-60 time, and in reality less than that -- nothing you'd notice.

Your question is "do mods really make the car more fun" and the answer is absolutely. I don't have a forced induction kit like a turbo or supercharger, but upgrading the intake, exhaust, rims, tyres, coilovers, struts, braces and sways will go an amazingly long way to adding performance and enjoyment to the ride. Even bodykits can add better aerodynamics aside from just looks. Other mods like upgrading the seats, putting in a short shifter, new sound system, etc go a long way to adding more everyday enjoyment to driving the 8.

I guess in terms of justifying the expense, it depends on what you want to get out of your ride and therefore can pick and choose the most suitable mods. Most will be happy with a purely stock 8, but others who appreciate the added benefits really enjoy the process of purchasing mods that suit their particular driving style and desires. Some get the shops to do the upgrades, others DIY. It's a car thing ;)

EDIT: Here's a link to a vid that shows some modding benefits (although it's all Mazdaspeed stuffs) and they didn't have to add a turbo ;) : http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=104906

My greddy turbo counts as a "mod". Does it make a difference? YES.
It's a very noticeable increase in low torque and very street driveable.

IF you can afford it, I'd recommend it.

Tinting my windows counts as a mod, right? Well, that was money well spent. It sure makes a difference on the hot sunny days!

Crusty old-schooler sez keep it stock - save your money.
 

An childhood friend of mine who has been an IMSA Mazda racing team Rotor Motor builder and Porsche mechanic said it best:

"The factory gets it right." If you want a faster car, spend more money when you buy. OK, if you want a hobby to waste time and money on, and decrease the value of your car, start modding it. If I had an extra $5 to $7k toss around, I'd buy an old Miata or a motorcycle.

I drive a Base RX-8 and am extremely happy with the car. It's not the most powerful car I've ever owned but the harmony of its quickness, agility, smoothness, quietness (especially since I just replaced the total POS OE Bridgestones with Avon All-Season M550's) and so far, perfect reliability and good build quality, are all I need. And I bought the car at invoice price with no negotiation. Yes, I'd like a few more MPG...

Alot of people that mod cars do it to distinguish thier car from the others driving around. You can do appereance mods like body kits, debadging the car, clear corners, etc... These will help to make car more personalized to what you want.

As for intakes and exhaust they may add a small amount of HP, but they increase a small gain in mpg also (usually not enough in savings to justify the cost) they also aid in the sound of the car but again they personalize it.

Suspension upgrades will help the car in handling and or lowering the car.

Wheels: most are for looks, there are a few lighter weight wheels that will help in reducing "rotational" weight.

Turbo kits and supercharger kits and nitrous are the most extreme for the car. They aid in more power and if you have the money and want to go faster they are the answer.

Last of all most mods can be removed when you sell the car, if you keep the original equipment. Also remember it is your car and do with what you want.

suspension mods are the best! u can feel the difference in every lane change and hard turn :D

i'll second that! I have the HKS hipermax II coilovers. What a huge difference! Literally..

Best mod? Upgrade the Potenza OEM tires. Improves the worst part of the car. Decreases stopping distance and increases rain performance, making the car safer as well.

swap to 245 width tires front and rear, get some good sticky ones, and buy the racing beat sway bars and then get some strut bars(so many brands to choose from) and your car will handle much better and it will make a huge difference for a low cost

Best "bang for the buck" mod I made to my car was the Racing Beat Suspension package (Sway bars & springs). Made the steering/handling seem almost telepathic. Made a very good setup, a level above.

Lol, Recall anyone?

The factory makes a car to sell.

Any fast car is going to have reliability issues. The general public doesn't want to worry about getting their car serviced regulary every 5K miles or most of them dont want to watch the oil level!

I thought all hobbies did that? and the value of your car is decreasing by the second. Personal enjoyment.

N E ways, prime example that modding is better: Corvette and camaro. Same engine. But the camaro had cheap parts in it so average people could afford it. The Corvette was modded with premium parts in all aspects.

That was of course until vette owners started complaining of this, and wanted more exclusivity.

Don't knock it until you've tried it.

i agree staticlag

If your in to cars... of course Mods add fun.

highly depends on how 'up close and personal' you want to be owning your car.

I don't think Abbid makes driving your car more fun. :D

just adding springs is a huge difference, (my opinion anyway, if you can afford coilovers,sways etc. more power to you) and you can pick those up for 140.oo bucks shipped, I've also added some subs to my factory Bose and it made a HUGE difference. :)

only mod i have is the racing beat exhaust. sounds awesome and it is FUN as hell.

what brand/model did you get?

To answer your original question, "Do mods really make the car more fun?" HELL YES THEY DO!!

I bet if you stick abbid on your car with double-sided tape he'll make one hell of a mod.

no it will be too much of a distraction and you'll end up crashing.

Best mod is to mod the driver. Take a few days of HPDE and you'll be faster in any car, not just your RX-8.

If I was younger, single, without children and ego-dynamics occupied a higher rung on my priority ladder, mods would be great. As it is, this is a great out-of-the-box effort on Mazda's part for those who aren't Fast & Furious, and it's got
great go-kart-esque appeal. Can't remember having this much fun since my old 914-6 days.