chaosangelx

Got a 04 Mazda Rx-8 stick and while I look at all these awesome modified cars here I still question if I should mod mine or leave as is and work towards getting a newer car before doing any adds. My Rx8 runs great and is still stock, I'm considering the whole nine yards from interior to exterior in changes. My only real issue is the fact that it already has 100,000 miles on it. I see some amazing mods and love my rx but am curious on what I should do. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

alz0rz

iTrader: (41)

Reliability and maintenance mods first and foremost.
Performance tires are also a given.

-WILL-

yeah until you deicide how long you plan on keeping the car do what he^ said.

chino0314

iTrader: (12)

remedy water pump + thermostat

Beodude

iTrader: (3)

Midpipe. Best mod I've done so far (out of that and some appearance stuff). Clear corners too are very good.

lateralus

iTrader: (1)

Just remember, its not like you have to go all or nothing... Just do a couple of small relatively inexpensive things if you want to until you decide how much more you want to do...

I agree with Beodude on the clear corners. Those things are pretty cheap and do a lot for the exterior appearance imo... Then just go from there as you see fit...

Don't forget to keep some cash for maintenance and unexpected stuff though... You don't wanna not have enough extra cash to to stuff like buy new ignition components etc. because you spent it all on mods haha

Texas RX8 R3

^ I agree. Money applied to maintaining the car should be the priority, especially since the car has so many miles on it.

If it were me, I would leave it as is, and save for your next car in the future (as you also mentioned).

So my vote goes for enjoying the 8 while you have it, and also saving up at the same time.

All the best with your decision.

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

Mods will happen. It's like a plague (in a good way ). You will just wake up one day and buy something for it. Then it will happen again, and again, and again.

No sense in resisting the inevitable.

At your mileage, I'd start at reliability mods like the Remedy WP, You might as well get good silicon radiator hoses while you're at it.

Good sticky tires is a good option, springs and/or shocks to give it a little or a lot of a drop.

Don't worry the bug will bite you.

bse50

100.000miles? compression test and possible new engine mod.
Then coils and spark plugs. How's the catalytic converter?

longpath

iTrader: (1)

I'd recommend a pressure test on the cooling system to make sure that the seals near the exhaust port are still healthy. If they are, I'd recommend REmedy coolant pump, Evans waterless coolant, and a BHR radiator.

Also, definitely consider BHR coils. They are very reliable, especially compared to the failure-prone OEM coils. I've yet to hear of anyone flooding with BHR coils.

chaosangelx

Unfortunately I dont know too much about my rx, Im still learning and reading...alot. Im learning a bit from my friend who knows alot more about cars in general than I do. Ive read issues with the car, like any other car theres always something to look out for. However mines running great so far. I will definitely look into coils as well as preventive maint. stuff. As far as catalytic converter I know very little about it so honestly cant say how it is. Ive had no issues really, excluding the idle how the car almost sounds as If it will turn off. I was told if I do a tune up they can adjust that? Is that true and is it something I should concern myself with? Also read on how (Mine does this as well) most rx's when you get between 4000-6000ish rpms the car sounds pretty loud. Dunno if its much to worry about just things ive read. Thanks for all the input Im looking into each and every post to learn as well as consider these ideas.

orochikid

Keep all your stock parts unless you really need the money. Your car will have a higher resell value if you reinstall all the stock parts when reselling in the future.

chaosangelx

Ive looked into body kits as well as other things since after a lot of thought i considered keeping/moding my 8. Im considering a paint job in the future but kinda bored with my silver color. Is coloring very expensive like Ive heard? Im even considering white while I decide on color ideas. Anyone able to help on a price range? I havent bothered calling around yet since Ive still got to get the body decided.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

F that, go big or go home!!! Veilside body kit, neon underbodies, K&N intake, Giovanni wheels, lambo doors, Nitrous, turbo, exhaust, APR GT wing, and coilovers.




I am just kidding. Start with making your car reliable, then come up with a game plan theme and go with it.

chaosangelx

Haha I started reading and am like O.O lol. Ya Im reading alot and looking into what people said on here and other sites. Im no mechanic and still learning. Considering I have a bit of miles on the car already I wanna change out whatevers necessary to keep it running for a long time, specially if Im about to drop some cash on it for other mods and crap too.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Cool, you should try and make to the WHIV meet in May. I am coming from Texas again this year. There will be tons of knowledgeable RX8 owners there and you could learn a lot from them

chaosangelx

Sounds good, Ill try and get out there. Ill find out where it is being held and the dates. Since I live here in vegas already it should be np. I love seeing modded rx's since they look so sweet so thats what got me checking more into it.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Here is the info.

https://www.rx8club.com/what-happens-vegas-170/what-happens-vegas-meet-2011-a-205661/

chaosangelx

K Ya Ill be there, thats bout 10mins from my place. Id love to view all the cars, will be fun.

monchie

100,000+ miles?!!! For me, it seems to late to mod the car this much miles on it. I'd rather just keep it stock or get another low mileage car, then fixed it up.

Razz1

^ damn another wizard on the net today.

8upbad

iTrader: (3)

I couldn't imagine buying this car without at least some intention of modding it. It is a great car as is but it also responds very well to almost everything. All the advice about reliability mods are priceless. Pre-mix, ignition, tires... these will maximize the life and make it possible to afford other things like mid-pipe (which helps make consistent power all the way to 9,500 RPM and save about 2 MPG) and short shifter. I really want a COBB too, that's my next venture before coilovers.

monchie

I know i am.

8upbad

iTrader: (3)

Hahaha it's all good man. Razz has said that to a few people recently.

Fencig

Clear corners...first call of all modders and most over rated mod to date.