I have a bone stock '04 rx8 mt. i've had it for about a year now and i finally have some money to put some basic simple mods into it. The question is, what do i do? what were some of the first things you guys did to your 8?? through some research an intake seemed to be the first step to this process. mazdaspeed CAI recommended? not much hp gain but throttle response is better from what i hear. please give me any kind of feedback that might help me with this process.

 

Afe Short Shifter!!!!!!!!! Trust Me!

 

pro's cons? price? which brand?

 

once you put it on, its something you CANT live with out...stock will no longer feel the same, nor will any other car

 

Wheels intake exhaust 1.25 inch drop and call her good!

 

axialflow.com , ALL PROS there is NO cons, the shifter is just AMAZING...NO complaints...

 

well i was thinking about changing the shifter, when i shift sometimes mainly to 3rd sometimes into first it seems like i have to force it a bit, and it feels like i am doing something wrong, would a short shifter fix this problem? or is this a gear/clutch problem

 

sorry about asking so many questions, im quite new to this

 

and if i drop the car, will i bottom out often and would you recommend coil overs or just springs. could this be installed without a shop (with a friend who has a ton of tools)

 

The best mod I have ever done to any car.
For under $300 it is the best value in modding.

 

I would get a AEM or K&N intake if I were you. Makes the car actually sound like a sportscar and you will start to learn your way around under the hood a little more installing it.

 

i never really bottom out, i put lowering springs on my, i only have a hard time over over speed bumps and dips

 

Axial Flow Short Shifter is an awesome mod.


P.S. your sig is long and annoying. Welcome to the addiction...

 

lets say i was getting the mazdaspeed CAI for 200 though, thats a pretty good deal right?

 

^yeah

 

Great deal

 

short shifter makes it a bit harder to go in to gear but shortens throw between gears. I cannot see how short shifter can be best mod for under 300. I would say go with intake, always should be the first mod!

 

i think youre using it wrong , actually A LOT easier for me (less effort) and reverse NEVER grinds with it...and an intake really isnt all the hype that it is, you can make one outta your stock box for like 25 bucks...

 

I disagree.
Intakes are great but it all depends on WHICH intake you're going with. The stock intake system is built very well and depending on what you replace it with, you could actually be decreasing it's efficiency.

 

Ok first of all, dont waist your money on an intake that yields nothing but sound. just do the airbox mod *get some more ponies plus a nice throaty growl. then i would buy a used midpipe *get a few more ponies plus some noise through your exhaust, then rims and lower your car. some type of ignition theres a used mazsport ignition for sale in the threads for 300 bucks i think. then nitrous. but what are you looking for looks or performance. and how much you looking to spend. I just showed you a cheaper way of mods you can do for not too much.

 

^^^ the proper intake can yield great results.
You should look at the Dyno Day that xdeedubbx and I put on. Coincidence that 4 out of the top 5 cars all had Racing Beat intakes?
(and yes, there was an intake mod* car there)

Depending on where the OP lives, a midpipe might not be a good idea. ESPECIALLY as a first mod. Emissions laws or local law enforcement might not care for it too much.

Mazsport ignition?! surely you jest... There are MUCH better options around for ignition upgrades. (especially given the current state of Mazsport)

 

In order....

1. Racing beat air duct with drop in K&N filter or with Racing Beat Intake.
2. AFE short shifter
3. Lighter Flywheel
4. Racing Beat race pipe
5. Racing Beat, Borla, Hks or Greddy Sp2 Exhaust
6. SR motorsport pulleys set
7. Ignition upgrade
8. Cobb Accessport
9. Sway bars, strut bars, endlinks,Cross bars, shocks and springs
10. Body kit mods
11. Some wheels...
12. Bigger brake kit (Brembo)
13. Pettit Supercharger (beltless), Or Turbo

You are looking at around $6 grand before turbo or supercharger...
Dont put something you cant bolt off!!

 

^bhr...

 

hhmmm, well thanks for all your input. i cant find a good deal on a racing beat intake, but i have put a dib on a 200$ mazdaspeed CAI. so you guys all in all would not recommend this (from what im reading)? and the springs and short shifter will come shortly after that.

 

MS intake is a good intake