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Old 10-25-2002, 06:53 PM
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Question First Mods

I was wondering what mods you would like to see available for the RX-8? I personally would like some adjustable coilovers, intake, and a free flow exhaust system. Hopefully these mods will be similar to what we see on the mazdaspeed rx-8, which means they would be availble through them. Also depending on the shifter maybe a B&M short throw.
Old 10-25-2002, 07:37 PM
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Maybe a front tower strut brace. Shifter if it wasn't up to par with what I want. Intake if it provides a singnificant power boost. I think there isn't going to be much that is cost effective to upgrade on a car so higly tuned out of the factory.
Old 10-25-2002, 10:09 PM
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Originally posted by tribal azn
whats it like modding a rotatary car? is it any different then a piston engine?
In some ways, it's very similar, and in other ways, it's very different. Take a look through this and the RX7 forums for more info. If you have the time, it will make for some interesting reading.

My first mod will probably be along the lines of an alarm or stereo item. But that will depend on how the car is when I get it.

I wouldn't start slapping coilovers on the car until I've driven it awhile, and unless there was a reputable setup available. There are plenty of "coilover" kits out there for other cars that are all show and no go.

---jps
Old 10-25-2002, 10:24 PM
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A little early for this discussion, unless you're the type of person who likes to modify their car just for the sake of modifying it. There's no way to know what parts of the car will need tweaking until we've driven it!
Old 10-25-2002, 10:27 PM
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My first three would be intake exsaust and Computer
then some form of forced induction NO Nitros. then lowering springs with very good struts possably KONI then ST braces
And thats about the extent of it.
Old 10-26-2002, 09:26 AM
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Probably the stereo..
Old 10-26-2002, 10:57 AM
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A trick coat of wax. I figure I'll gain at least 10 HP.
Old 10-26-2002, 11:15 AM
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Louvered hood like the early red one:p
Old 10-26-2002, 11:43 AM
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I seriously question whether is so highly tuned. My thought is that the mazdaspeed version will still be NA. If so there should be an easy 50hp that can be found in the engine. I am sure there will be pre cats to get rid of too. The problem with rotaries is emissions so most likely there will be a lot of preformance to be found on the exhaust end.
Old 10-26-2002, 12:53 PM
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Originally posted by fritts
I seriously question whether is so highly tuned. My thought is that the mazdaspeed version will still be NA. If so there should be an easy 50hp that can be found in the engine. I am sure there will be pre cats to get rid of too. The problem with rotaries is emissions so most likely there will be a lot of preformance to be found on the exhaust end.
Most of the emissions problems were solved by moving/reshaping the rotary's ports.
Old 10-26-2002, 12:57 PM
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Originally posted by Grimace
A trick coat of wax. I figure I'll gain at least 10 HP.
If you consider that a mod then yes, my first mod will be 2-3 coats of Zaino, right after I claybar the car to get the contaminants off the paint from the long trip from Japan.
Old 10-26-2002, 12:59 PM
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A trick coat of wax. I figure I'll gain at least 10 HP.
If you get the 350.00 dealer-applied Armor Plate, you could be talking 15-20HP, at least!!!!!!!!

No, seriously, I'm hoping you can see good, reliable gains in NA form, as well. We won't know until it's here, unless Boowana has some inside track info from Mazdaspeed. Come on, Boowana, leak us some info.!!!!!
Old 10-26-2002, 02:58 PM
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Maybe someone will make a chip that will release an extra 20-50 hp if this is true. :D
Old 10-26-2002, 03:03 PM
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I am doubting that the reshaping and placement of the ports will do alot to help emissions. No matter how you look at it a rotaries combustion chamber is not conducive for properly combusting all of the mixture coming into the engine. I am sure things like having no overlapping of the intake and exhaust ports help but the chamber is way to spread out to give complete combustion. Emissions will never be a rotaries friend.
Old 10-26-2002, 03:08 PM
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Doubt it all you want, but do a little research first.
Old 10-26-2002, 04:42 PM
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Speaking of a different chip. Can anyone venture a guess as to what max redline the Renesis can take?

Right now it's 9000 rpm, right?

Could it go 10000rpm or more?

I know that it just spins faster, and we wouldn't have to worry about a piston rod going through the hood, but what would be a safe (reliable) redline, if modified?

Not that I would do it when the car came out. But if a mod chip has been out a while, and it's proven reliable.....why not?
Old 10-26-2002, 04:50 PM
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I have that's why I said it
Old 10-26-2002, 04:55 PM
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Originally posted by threeputtwash
Speaking of a different chip. Can anyone venture a guess as to what max redline the Renesis can take?

Right now it's 9000 rpm, right?

Could it go 10000rpm or more?

I know that it just spins faster, and we wouldn't have to worry about a piston rod going through the hood, but what would be a safe (reliable) redline, if modified?

Not that I would do it when the car came out. But if a mod chip has been out a while, and it's proven reliable.....why not?
Probably around 11k, but I don't see much point if the car makes max power at 8000.....
Old 10-26-2002, 05:36 PM
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I would agree with one or two of the other posters. Wait until you drive it. You may not want to "mod" anything!
I wouldn't be surprised if the Mazdaspeed version was NA but we'll have to wait and see. Let's get the first one over the curb.
Old 10-26-2002, 05:59 PM
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I have not owned a vehicle yet that I have not modded. I don't believe I will be able to not mod this vehicle. I give the car I'd say 2-3 months before it gets its first mods.... There's always room for improvement....
Old 10-26-2002, 11:46 PM
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I generally don't modify my cars until after 1 year. Usually starts with better then stock tires.

So my guess is I will be changing tires after about a year or so. I doubt they will last much longer then that since I will be autocrossing the car.
Old 10-27-2002, 09:30 AM
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a year?? woah, you must be goin' easy in those autocrosses...
i've already cooked the Michelins on the Echo after only 8 or 9 months now, and just drivin' on the streets... but then again, they're about 150mm across?? (not sure, just estimating...)

seriously though, modding an 8 is kinda silly if you're thinking about just keeping it as a street car... i'm SURE it's in a high state of tune, but you'd really have to rebuild the engine with some SICK porting, and a whole lot of management software to get those "easy" 50 horses: Mazda's not going to tie up 20 hp in an exhaust system, is all i'm getting at. way more rev's is what the doctor is gonna perscribe if you're bent on making more power... i just don't see how much more you could port this sucker without going to the bridge, or monster or something...
Old 10-27-2002, 11:05 AM
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I don't think modding any car is silly, Its doing something I enjoy doing. Spending time on something I enjoy doing. 50 horses may not be easy, just working on getting my point across. But I'm sure power is there. RPM is not where I hope to find power, but with a rotary though that's about the only choice except for FI.
Old 10-28-2002, 03:27 PM
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For me... even if i tried i could not help myself from modding this car (look at my my car ). First id get exhaust/intake/stereo. Then Headers and a chip. Then Body kit/hood/rims.


I cant wait :D


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