Finally Traded the Z on RX8
Thread Starter
I Heart 2nd Gear Racing
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Still stuck at Grade-9 mentality. 
If you want street cred, the RX8 is not the right car. Fortunately for me, that's not what I'm after.
Why not the G35? I will always take less weight over more power. Also, the RX8 emphasizes DRIVING above anything else. The G does not. Additionally, I wanted something different. A G35 is just a prettier Z with 2 more seats. Finally, the four doors on the RX8 will be useful, making car seats much more easy to access. The G35 doesn't have four doors.
Last edited by Rosko350z; Nov 26, 2007 at 03:41 PM. Reason: wrong wording "2 less seats"
1935 lbs. FTW!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,134
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
I expected no less. I have found very little respect for the RX8 as a sports car on any of the car forums I visit (besides this one). I mean, seriously, even the sites dedicated to previous rotary cars don't respect the RX8.
If you want street cred, the RX8 is not the right car. Fortunately for me, that's not what I'm after.
Why not the G35? I will always take less weight over more power. Also, the RX8 emphasizes DRIVING above anything else. The G does not. Additionally, I wanted something different. A G35 is just a prettier Z with 2 more seats. Finally, the four doors on the RX8 will be useful, making car seats much more easy to access. The G35 doesn't have four doors.
If you want street cred, the RX8 is not the right car. Fortunately for me, that's not what I'm after.
Why not the G35? I will always take less weight over more power. Also, the RX8 emphasizes DRIVING above anything else. The G does not. Additionally, I wanted something different. A G35 is just a prettier Z with 2 more seats. Finally, the four doors on the RX8 will be useful, making car seats much more easy to access. The G35 doesn't have four doors.
Good choice though, B-stock has some great competition.
Registered
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 2
From: Chicago
Welcome! As for the flooding - in cars produced pre - March/April 05 flooding was a real issue and many people were effected by it. After this date Mazda switched to a new flash, stronger battery and stronger starter. The flash help cut fuel during potential flooding situations and the battery/starter combo allowed the engine to spin faster which increased the seal of the apex seals through centrifugal force. This in turn increased compression and allowed the car to start. Flooding kills a rotary engine compression by not allowing a good apex seal.
I have a late model 05 and use to worry about flooding but now don't think much about it. If the car is cold I let it warm up the equivalent of driving around the block twice and can shut it down with out issue. When it is a cool engine I will rev it to 5K then shut it down while at 5K, so far so good. It can still flood but it is a rare occurrence today.
I have a late model 05 and use to worry about flooding but now don't think much about it. If the car is cold I let it warm up the equivalent of driving around the block twice and can shut it down with out issue. When it is a cool engine I will rev it to 5K then shut it down while at 5K, so far so good. It can still flood but it is a rare occurrence today.
Registered
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 444
Likes: 6
From: Chicago
Just wanted to clear some things up for you:
1. The flooding isn't really a problem. All I do is short trips and the only time my car flooded was when someone else moved it about 20 feet out of the driveway.
2. Stock rx8 wheels are 18*8 with a 50mm offset. If you want to autocross in B-Stock you have to stick with that size plus or minus 6mm on the offset. That being said the 17*8 +35 wheels will fit great. But I am not certain on the +25 pair. More than likely they probably wont fit without a good amount of negative camber. I haven't tried anything with that extreme of an offset though so I could be wrong.
3. Spacers on the 17*8 +25 set will only further extend the wheels out toward the fender and make the problem of fitting worse
1. The flooding isn't really a problem. All I do is short trips and the only time my car flooded was when someone else moved it about 20 feet out of the driveway.
2. Stock rx8 wheels are 18*8 with a 50mm offset. If you want to autocross in B-Stock you have to stick with that size plus or minus 6mm on the offset. That being said the 17*8 +35 wheels will fit great. But I am not certain on the +25 pair. More than likely they probably wont fit without a good amount of negative camber. I haven't tried anything with that extreme of an offset though so I could be wrong.
3. Spacers on the 17*8 +25 set will only further extend the wheels out toward the fender and make the problem of fitting worse
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 5
From: Colorado
Welcome - enjoy the new ride. 9,000rpms, the reflex sharp handling, combined with the smoothness is guaranteed addictive. You got the RX-8 because you wanted it. That's should be good enough for anyone.
lol some of your my350zclub friends don't understand the RX-8 allure, and not knowing bothers them all the more apparently.
lol some of your my350zclub friends don't understand the RX-8 allure, and not knowing bothers them all the more apparently.
Thread Starter
I Heart 2nd Gear Racing
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Juice and CosmosMPower:
As much as I'd like to compete in B Stock in a populated region, I can't budget $2500 per year in race tires. My autocross region is relatively sparse. I typically will compete against anyone else on street tires. Car doesn't matter as much when there are only 30 to 50 other drivers. Oh, and then there's the fact that I'm not good enough to compete nationally anyway! LOL.
I'll go STU in SCCA, but my favorite autocross club has much better classes for the local level with low driver population. There are only eight classes. The RX8 will be in a class for unmodified production cars (wheels don't count) with street tires with an engine less than 3 liters. This class wouldn't make sense at a national level, but sure is fun for me at my regional level.
If you're interested, here are the classing rules.
http://www.wedrivefast.com/rules.cfm
As much as I'd like to compete in B Stock in a populated region, I can't budget $2500 per year in race tires. My autocross region is relatively sparse. I typically will compete against anyone else on street tires. Car doesn't matter as much when there are only 30 to 50 other drivers. Oh, and then there's the fact that I'm not good enough to compete nationally anyway! LOL.
I'll go STU in SCCA, but my favorite autocross club has much better classes for the local level with low driver population. There are only eight classes. The RX8 will be in a class for unmodified production cars (wheels don't count) with street tires with an engine less than 3 liters. This class wouldn't make sense at a national level, but sure is fun for me at my regional level.
If you're interested, here are the classing rules.
http://www.wedrivefast.com/rules.cfm
Yeah, I wasn't suggesting B-Stock but I know that Cosmospower had said something about it so i was giving you a heads up. Anyways nice choice going with the 8 either way. Be safe and have fun with it.
I just read all 5 pages over there on that Z forum. "Typical know it alls".
Some people have an open mind. But most people are just blowing gas out there *** to try and look good to there peers.
So funny how prejudice these people are.
Wikipedia's interpretation of prejudice,,,
"any unreasonable attitude that is unusually resistant to rational influence".
Some people have an open mind. But most people are just blowing gas out there *** to try and look good to there peers.
So funny how prejudice these people are.
Wikipedia's interpretation of prejudice,,,
"any unreasonable attitude that is unusually resistant to rational influence".
8 no more
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
i just read that z thread and can't believe how ignorant those ****** are. every autox i've attended the highest rx8 has placed higher than the highest Z EVERY time. Z's are for boys with small penises. Trust me, I dated one.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area / San Diego
I like how that one genius states "Those grand-am pics were probably when the guy was a lap down too. lol."
Manufacturer Points Standings:
1 435 - Porsche
2 390 - Pontiac
3 364 - Mazda
4 266 Chevy
5 142 Ford
6 51 BMW
7 42 Nissan
8 11 Ferrari
Manufacturer Points Standings:
1 435 - Porsche
2 390 - Pontiac
3 364 - Mazda
4 266 Chevy
5 142 Ford
6 51 BMW
7 42 Nissan
8 11 Ferrari
Tailhappy
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
I do a fair mix of Autocross and drag racing, and the car is definetely disappointing out on the strip. I do bracket racing, so it's entirely about the driver, not the car, but still... I don't like putting down the times I do, with a car that looks as sleek and fast as an RX-8. That's my one complaint about it. I like autocross more, anyways... I get to wait 30 minutes, for a minute of driving... versus waiting 2 hours, in order to stomp on the gas and steer straight for a few seconds. I think I drag race more for the people I hang out with while I'm there...
Bruce Van
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 874
Likes: 0
From: the OC
Rosko, congrats on the new car.
It's always entertaining when reading threads on "My car is better than your car". I just really shows the maturity level of the posters. Seriously, any self respecting car enthusiast is not out to put down other cars and says it sucks.
To me, cars are like animals. They all have their own quirks merits and sometimes can't be compared head to head.
I would love to have a 350Z in my garage, or an EVO, or an S2000. They're all great cars and I think we're pretty damn lucky to have so many choices when it comes to cars. But I decided on the RX8 because it is overall a more appealing package to me.
Anyone who feels compelled to always make it a point to say their car is "better" all the time has some issues.
Okay, I'll get off the soap box now......
It's always entertaining when reading threads on "My car is better than your car". I just really shows the maturity level of the posters. Seriously, any self respecting car enthusiast is not out to put down other cars and says it sucks.
To me, cars are like animals. They all have their own quirks merits and sometimes can't be compared head to head.
I would love to have a 350Z in my garage, or an EVO, or an S2000. They're all great cars and I think we're pretty damn lucky to have so many choices when it comes to cars. But I decided on the RX8 because it is overall a more appealing package to me.
Anyone who feels compelled to always make it a point to say their car is "better" all the time has some issues.
Okay, I'll get off the soap box now......
Turbos blow!!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 0
From: my engine bay
No matter who you are, you will never solve the adolescent stupidity and all the childish bafoons that revolve their world around fast cars. Every car is fast just most are quicker than others. It only takes a few uneducated automotive youngens to run their mouth before knowing an ounce of what a certain car can do or is. Welcome to the forum and congrats on the purchase. I just wrote a 18 year old Z owner the other day 4 citations. He felt it was necessary to do 3 burns outs at night in the middle of an isolated highway knowing a car was behind him. He was just too stupid to know what car it really was. The fourth was for passing a semi truck and using a turn lane as his own roadcourse.
Registered
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 2
From: Chicago
Wow, and I thought we had immature kids on this form, I stand corrected. Just read through the 350Z form and what a bunch of ignorant blabber mouths. Lets me point out a few things here if I may.
First off I really like the 350Z but realised what a limited car it was and went with the RX-8. Let me explain.
The 350Z has only two seats and a very small truck with a big bar running through it, not a very livable car yet with these limitations you'd expect the 350Z to be a light car. The reality is it is close to 400lbs heaver then the RX, nice engining boys.
The Z rides like a truck, very harsh which allows it to handle well yet, the RX with its softer ride handles better and is more nibble with better road manors.
The interior of the Z has great expanses of cheap plastic, nothing like the quality and look of the RX.
You will save some money on gas with the Z but will have to pay it right back with the large increased in insurance payments compared to the RX. Not to mention the far higher cost of a similarly equipped Z.
The Z breaks well but the RX was rated with shorter stops in recent tests.
The RX does have a flooding issue like the Z has a rear tire wear issue. People with half a brain would realise that both these issues have been corrected.
We have had engine failures but the V-6 in the Z has also had engine issues requiring replacement. I will say that the RX was probably more prevalent but Mazda also issued a program to address this. The Z was never addressed in public.
The Z is a faster car by about .5 seconds 0-60mph. No arguing this.
Looks are purely subjective so to each their own. I personally like the looks of both cars but feel both rears could be done better. I hate those giant door handles on the Z, cheap and ugly.
So that about sums it up for me. As much as I like the Z in reality it has nothing to offer over the RX except acceleration. Over all the RX is a better car and every trade magazine which ever compared both cars came to the same conclusion. The RX is plan and simple the better car over all.
First off I really like the 350Z but realised what a limited car it was and went with the RX-8. Let me explain.
The 350Z has only two seats and a very small truck with a big bar running through it, not a very livable car yet with these limitations you'd expect the 350Z to be a light car. The reality is it is close to 400lbs heaver then the RX, nice engining boys.
The Z rides like a truck, very harsh which allows it to handle well yet, the RX with its softer ride handles better and is more nibble with better road manors.
The interior of the Z has great expanses of cheap plastic, nothing like the quality and look of the RX.
You will save some money on gas with the Z but will have to pay it right back with the large increased in insurance payments compared to the RX. Not to mention the far higher cost of a similarly equipped Z.
The Z breaks well but the RX was rated with shorter stops in recent tests.
The RX does have a flooding issue like the Z has a rear tire wear issue. People with half a brain would realise that both these issues have been corrected.
We have had engine failures but the V-6 in the Z has also had engine issues requiring replacement. I will say that the RX was probably more prevalent but Mazda also issued a program to address this. The Z was never addressed in public.
The Z is a faster car by about .5 seconds 0-60mph. No arguing this.
Looks are purely subjective so to each their own. I personally like the looks of both cars but feel both rears could be done better. I hate those giant door handles on the Z, cheap and ugly.
So that about sums it up for me. As much as I like the Z in reality it has nothing to offer over the RX except acceleration. Over all the RX is a better car and every trade magazine which ever compared both cars came to the same conclusion. The RX is plan and simple the better car over all.
Last edited by Raptor75; Nov 28, 2007 at 05:47 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 388
Likes: 2
From: Schaumburg, IL
^^^Well said
I must say that yes these engines have always had a bad wrap. But to thier defense I think every auto manufacturer has problems with engines. When I worked on Porsches we were replacing 1 to 2 996 and 986 engines a week due to the intermediate shaft bolts breaking. They beefed up the bolts on the 997 and 987 engines and we thought that fixed the problem until a brand new 997 broke one with only 100 miles on it! I think some manufacturers are just better at keeping it more hush hush than others.
I must say that yes these engines have always had a bad wrap. But to thier defense I think every auto manufacturer has problems with engines. When I worked on Porsches we were replacing 1 to 2 996 and 986 engines a week due to the intermediate shaft bolts breaking. They beefed up the bolts on the 997 and 987 engines and we thought that fixed the problem until a brand new 997 broke one with only 100 miles on it! I think some manufacturers are just better at keeping it more hush hush than others.
Registered
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: KY, TN border
About the flooding. I have 240SX with KA24DE that ran so rich and flooded due to improper removal of EGR system and insufficient ground wire contact.
One temporary way to fix it on an manual is to Rev the engine high to 2,000 rpm, keep the foot on the throttle and turn the key off. I don't know how it will play on Drive-by-wire throttle controls but on my cable throttle it dumped all the fuel out for the next start.
One other way is to put in a kill switch to the fuel pump solenoid. NOT the pump but the solenoid that controls pump.
One temporary way to fix it on an manual is to Rev the engine high to 2,000 rpm, keep the foot on the throttle and turn the key off. I don't know how it will play on Drive-by-wire throttle controls but on my cable throttle it dumped all the fuel out for the next start.
One other way is to put in a kill switch to the fuel pump solenoid. NOT the pump but the solenoid that controls pump.
