hey guys i am sure i should use the search on this and i am sure there is all kinds of techincal info on this topic. I am trying to have a fast but reliable 8 so the basic question is to FI or not to FI? yes and no's are ok. I realize this is just the starting point so before looking though all the homework i just wanted simple answers. thanks

 

well... you mention fast and reliable. Fast, Reliable, Cheap. pick two. its plenty doable, but wont be cheap. I'm workingon finishing collecting the last of the parts for my project in June. Without going back to look i'd estimate its costing me $7K once i get everything thats really necessary in my mind. this is for what i consider to be a tried and true setup. There will of course be much more but thats for the "essentials" in my opinion

 

How fast would you like it to be?

 

So you are sure there is info that you could search to answer this question but instead you make this post? If that is the level of effort you are going to put into your FI setup I don't think you should bother.

You can make a fast FI RX-8, but reliable is purely a matter of opinion. There are people that don't mind plenty of preventative maintenance and potential engine rebuilds. Forced induction with a stock NA high compression motor is risky period. If you throw enough effort and money at doing it right you can mitigate some of that risk, but you still run a very real risk of blowing your motor.

Search, read "all kinds of technical info" before you bite on this particular bullet.

 

Read FI Sticky...

 

coming from a guy who's tried out a ton of things in NA form, and tried out several FI configurations, and many things in between, I can say that the rx-8 is amazing with FI.

Even driving style changes. When you're FI you can be lazy if you want. 6th gear and want to pass someone? no problem. Just hit the gas. It'll be like 4th gear when NA.

 

thanks so far, i really don't know how fast..............i have a stock 1998 z28, how about that fast? I have header back exhaust so far, next will probably be BHR clutch and flywheel. Perhaps then Cobb, pullies, intake (thou i hear that won't do anyting).

 

Here are some things to consider. Even if you spend a good chunk of change and do a kit the right way you are stil more likely to have something brake because you have more power. Even a 280 RWHP FI kit is 50% more then stock, but 280 RWHP is a lot more fun then a car with all the NA mods.

My suggestion is to do some NA mods that are compatible with FI. 2 reason for this, 1 you wont be wasting money if you decide to go FI latter and 2: You get to enjoy the extra HP now, even if it is small. With that said here is my list of parts you should look at getting:

AEM/Mazdaspeed intake- NA: Its a good intake, its CARB legal and the dealer should not give you any trouble because its mazdaspeed. FI- With several good kits you can us parts of the intake. No wasted money.

Ignition upgrade: Even NA you want an igntion upgrade and if you go FI its basicly a must. Should give a few HP when NA. Look at the BHR setup.

Cobb AP from MM: Gives a few extra NA HP, sometimes better NA MPG, more oiling (better for the engine) and most FI can be tuned with the AP.

Lightweight flywheel and HD clutch: Not a must but if you need a clutch then throw in a HD clutch and a lightweight flywheel while you are there. If you dont need one, just ride it out and wait.

Cooling system: Radiator and a waterpump upgrade are always good for the rX8 if you are going to track the car. A must if you are in hot climates and go FI. BHR radiator is proven to be great, Mazmart has the only upgraded water pump. Mazmart also has a radiator, I have not heard too much about it, should be a good quality piece.

Exhaust: sounds like you have that covered. Headers dont do much, only get one if you feel liek spending the money or you will go with a Supercharger.

Battery relocation: Several kits require the battery to be relocated. Never a bad idea to move the weight to the trunk and use a lighter battery.

Drive, Drive, Drive: Learnign to drive the right way, on a track with an instructer will make you faster then the best FI kit. Also, ride in as many turbo and supercharged cars as possible so you can see how they perform.

Hope that helps a little.

 

wow thank you very much for that insight, i will begin with all of those things for sure. again thanks.

 

wowsers, that was perfect! +1

 

intake is worthless unless u get something that is FI compatible like the Mazdaspeed or AEM(same thing) you will b wasting ur money if u buy an intake that will not b able to use any parts for FI as for headers if ur thinking Turbo headers are out because they must b changed with the turbo....FI is a great thought(was/am thinkin about it for me but in the process of getting new wheels beczause of ruining 2 of them saturday so it's postponed till i can even drive it again) but you will b putting more stress on everything motor,tranny, difff, tires etc etc...so b ready just in case u break something...

8's can b fast but you must pay to play I mean u can find some good used kits and save some money but it's still a decent chunk of change....I say read the stickies and things and decide if it's worth it or not to YOU

 

above all I would say that if you dont have a mechanical bent you will probably regret doing this . Unless of course you have a bottomless pit of money and can pay for someone to do it for you . Or some great freinds who know about the car and will gladly work for free.
Even the best installer will stuggle to give you a trouble free car with heaps of power.
If you like power and like tinkering with your car - you can have a blast doing this stuff .

 

1 thing I forgot to mention is that IMHO Underdrive pulleys are good for 1 thing only, smlow the down the water pump at high RPM to help prevent or reduce cavitation (bad).

They wont make any noticeable power and they cost to much for something that only looks nice. So just get the water pump and skip the pulleys.

 

+1 Agreed

 

/\ pulleys atre an na mod anyway . I took mine off when i fitted the turbo , which i don't take past 8000 anyway .....

 

Nitrous.

 

I had a slightly modded '94 Z28, so I have an idea of what you mean. I'm convinced stock for stock that the RX-8 is much faster around a track than the Z28. The Z28 handled like a barn and had an anemic top end, just tons and tons of low end torque. Off the line the Z28 would surprise people which much more powerful cars because of all that low-end grunt. You won't get the same experience from the RX-8. Even with FI, the car is not a drag car. Give it some tight curves and throw the RPMS over 7500 though and you will have a lot of fun even NA. I enjoyed my Z28 and my Corvette before that, but the RX-8 is a scalpel while the Z28 is a hammer.

 

^very good analogy