KoDeD

So I rarely post anything, ever, but I thought that this is a special occasion. I just got my first mod. Nothing big, but I ordered Clear Corners and red Super-bright LEDs the other week and installed them myself all yesterday. I don't know much about cars what-soever so to me this was a big deal, ha. I also had the windows tinted (15% all around).

Since I haven't really posted much, I think I'll introduce more about myself. I got my 04' 6-Speed MT VR 8 in December last year after researching it for quite a while and saving up for it. I've been a member of the site since August 2007 (with a total of like 30 posts to date... weak sauce I know). I've read a lot of posts though, and I mean A LOT of posts. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about the car so I can keep it in good condition and because I'm a "rising" car fanatic. I really know nothing about cars, but they interest me and I'm trying to.

Anyways, now that I've gotten that out of the way, It's time for me to decide what to get next. Btw, the car was bought used (in good condition) and it came with RB CAI and RB exhaust so no need to go there. So yea, any suggestions on what's next?

Oh and P.s. thanks for all the excellent information everyone gave me (even if it was indirectly) when I was looking to buy that car and even after buying it. Thanks!

Mazurfer

Man, I wish every Newblet did this! Good Job!
I did this for about 6 months before I ever opened my mouth.

Yeah.........clears and LED's may be on the simple end, but looks good and makes you feel a sense of accomplishment right? Far as your next mod..........you've done enough searching, so that's really something you will have to decide. As you know, there are no significant HP gains unless you spend big bucks and go FI, so all you can do is go a little bit here and a little bit there, while working on cosmetic things a long the way.
I guess if I was going to pick on at this stage for you, I would say check into the RP Short Shifter. Very, very few people don't like that and most give it pretty rave reviews........including myself!

KoDeD

That sounds like a good idea, I drove two of my friends 05' Mustangs and one had short shifter and one didn't. Made quite a bit of difference.. So I guess I'll have to look in to that. As far as outer appearance goes though, I want a new front bumper I think. Just need to find the right design and right price..

Mazurfer

http://www.axialflow.com/products.htm

and

http://www.axialflow.com/ss8_diy.htm

It's easier than you might think!

dozer

iTrader: (3)

^best mod ever....should definitely be the next

Socket7

AFE shifter is very easy to do and makes a big difference. it took me half an hour to get mine in, and it would have been 10 minutes if i didn't have other wires running through my center console.

KoDeD

Sweet, thank you for the links mazurfer! That may be the next thing on my to-do list Doesn't look incredibly difficult, but as I said before.. I'm pretty dimwitted when it comes to cars. I'm a bright kid though, so I'm sure it can be figured out in time.

Does anyone have any suggestions on whether I should get springs first or wheels first? I really like the "lowered" look of the car though.

blackenedwings

Great job on your first modification! I'm in somewhat the same boat... I'm not much of a car guy yet, but I'm reading like crazy on this forum and others, doing research and just did my first mod last weekend, which was the Axial Flow short throw shifter... it's basically a breeze to put in, and makes a huge difference. The biggest thing to make sure is that you are careful when you remove the plastic center cover because it is very sharp underneath. I cut one of my fingers up nicely taking it off.

Anyway, congrats again, and good luck on your next install, I'm sure it will go smooth!

dmc27

Congrats man. It's a great feeling to look at your car and say "I did [this], [that], [the other]" regardless of how small a piece it might be. That was the 1st on the 8 for me, too. Then came rotary accents (check out rotary13b1.com for a set if you don't have them), strakes and radio ****.

But all those small things made me much more confident when it came to installing the footwell lights. Wiring - Yikes! The DIY section here kicks ***, and really makes installs much easier.

Definitely consider lowering it, and wheels always make for a truly unique look. I don't have the AF, but I don't recall ever seeing a complaint from those who do.

Mazurfer

Rule #1.......................you will most likely suffer some sort of blood loss each and everytime you do ANYTHING to your car. That's just the way it is.
I don't want anybody to do this, but has anybody ever felt the underside of either seat.....the sheet metal with the round holes?
DO NOT STICK YOUR FINGER IN ONE OF THOSE HOLES(like feeding wires etc.)........you will regret it!

nvrfalter

iTrader: (1)

hahahaha i thought i was the only one who said this!!!!! ive been callin **** weak sauce for years ha. you have the greatest sounding intake and exhaust combo out there for a NA rx-8. congrats man

04RX8man

congrats and i agree with the short shifter (don't have one personally but seems like the top choice of everyone else here) and good job on the searching i know when i was new i researched for 4 months or so and just read and read and read and read and read.....oooops anyway congrats and remember if you are doing and mod and get lost anyone here is very willing to help...

KoDeD

Thanks for the feedback all. I think within the next week or so I'm going to take a run at putting in some red footwell lights. Been reading through the DIY for it and it seems like something that I can probably put together for pretty cheap and I really like the look of it. As for the short shifter, that will be another day and another paycheck, haha.

nvrfalter

iTrader: (1)

highly recommend the footwell led's. see if you can get rotaryrasp to make you a set. his stuff is top notch and its a really simple install. it was my first mod when i was extreme NuB. piece of cake. swapping out the rest of the interior's led's is extremely easy as well and really completes the look

rx8speeddmon

iTrader: (4)

AFE short shifter FTW!...and how many of you went out and put your finger in a hole under the seats?

04RX8man

haha yeah i know i ususally don't stick my finger in any "unknown holes" unless beers are involved haha just kidding

KoDeD

Ya, I don't think I'll be sticking my finger in any holes (at least of that nature) :P

As for the footwell lights and AFE SS, I'm just waiting on my paycheck and then I'm going to get them both probably

04RX8man

footwell LED's or neon tubes gives it a nice custom look but not too rice.....i don't have them on my 8 but had them on past car and really make it look nice and you can't get pulled over for cops saying ur drinving with them on since it is pretty hard to see from outside.....

04RX8man

oh and just think pretty soon u will b installing that turbo haha

KoDeD

Ya, no turbo here, too expensive for me man

But yup, next weekend I'm going to have fun putting Footwell LEDs, cupholder LEDs (thought they looked cool :P ) and AFE Short Shifter in. Time to order it all

Maybe when it's all done I can take some pics and show you what I'm up to!

\\Konig\\

iTrader: (4)

hmm cupholder LEDs eh? interested to see how that turns out! take pics!

but ill agree with the rest in saying that the axialflow short shifter is well worth it!

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

NOOB !!! SEARCH !!!!!!!

Congrats on ur first mod.

the more u work on this, the less fearful u're, the more u want to work on it, the less fearful u're ... (the list goes on and on) and eventually u will be a master

keep up the good work

KoDeD

huh?

Yes, it will be interesting how the cupholder lights turn out. Just ordered what I think I will need. I saw them on this site a while ago, but I can't remember who had them. If anyone has this or knows who does or can be any help it will be appreciated. (And yes, I've been searching all morning.. "cupholder" "cupholder LEDs" "cupholder lights" "custom lighting" etc...) Nothing has really come up that is of any use. But I'll be sure to take pictures

I also ordered some lights for the footwells too The SS is for next week :P

And lastly, my clear corners still feintly glow orange whenever I turn on the headlights at night. I didn't install the amber bulb that came with them, instead I just left the original clear bulb that was factory installed in. Anyone know how I can make these appear clear/white whenever the light is shining? Do I need to order another bulb or LEDs to go in it instead? And if so what do you recomend?

Thanks all!

J8635621

iTrader: (10)

You would need some white LEDs to put in there, but I think anything besides amber is illegal. Doubt its pullover worthy though.

KoDeD

Ya, That's what I'm thinking too. And if I do get pulled over for it I'm highly doubting that I'll get a ticket for it if I have the amber ones sitting in the glove compartment and show them to them. What Leds can you put in there and what type of wiring does that involve or is there some that you can just "plug-and-play"?