The more I see tuned RX-8's the more two things bother me...
 

Hi, I'm new. :)

I've been lurking for a couple months but this is my first post. I know I'm starting off my complaining but it's something I need to get off my chest. Anyway, the two things that suck about tuner RX-8s....


One, no big power adders. I never see more than an exhaust which is good for 2-4 hp. One had NOS, but even that was a 25 shot...

Two, they are all white. White is my favorite color and every time I see one in a mag, it pisses me off that white isn't availible in the states.

I want a RX-8 but these two things are holding me back and putting me more in the evo camp.

Is there going to be white for the 2005s?

Is there going to be a full-on Mazdaspeed version (with engine enhancements) as opposed to just the bodykit?

Am I the only one that finds these two things annoying?

things i find annoying
 

some things i find annoying is that todays generation is the generation of immediate gratification. one minute to cook a hotdog in the microwave is too long.

remember that this is the first year for the 8. do you expect all the tuner shops to develop products before its release so that you, one with no patience whatssoever, can immediately purchase your 'tuner' parts? how do you expect development to ensue.

two, as for the color, as it is expected to come out this year, how about aftermarket paint? if those are the only two reason preventing you from purchasing an 8 and buying a wrx, buy a wrk and leave us alone! if you want a well-rounded vehicle with unlimited possibilities, then the 8 will be your best bet. look at the market for 3rd gens. also, test drive one! the 8 and wrk are two different beasts. the wrx will give you more straight line acceleration but imho, the ride is harsher, looks like a box on wheels, and wtf is it with that big a$$ wing? i get props almost on a daily basis on my vehicle.

i don't mean to sound harsh, but u want instant gratification, now u got it.

White is replacing Yellow for 2005. No Mazdaspeed version yet - maybe 2006. You are not the only one that finds the current upgrades annoying from the standpoint that they do not add much HP.

There will certainly be at least one -- and probably many -- high performance variants in the future. A MAZDASPEED version will happen. It will be pleasantly faster than stock but expensive.

Eventually, based on the persistent rumors, we will also see either a turbo version (possibly an electric turbo) or an RX-7 two-seater.

The aftermarket will eventually find the best ways to unlock horsepower from the 8. Short of a turbo, it's never going to be nutter-fast like an Evo or STi. But it's faster than most people who drive it can handle, and in terms of pure driving pleasure it can't be topped for the money. The 8 is about a lot more than HP.

If all you want is absolute speed, buy one of these.

It's cheaper than an 8.

T.

Nothing personal, but I hate white cars.

Well said Truss. Owning/driving an 8 is a state of mind thing. The sum is greater than its parts. The EVO/STI are great cars for if that is what you are looking for. The 8 is more of a sports car, and IMO, better looking, cheaper to buy, insure, and own, and more of who I am. You gotta make the choice. I have not regretted buying mine one minute. As was already said, white is available in 05.

Good luck to you.

I agree with JeffJett and Truss the 8 is not as fast as the EVO or STI but who really cares. I bought my 8 because of the style, why do I want to be like everyone else and have some stupid looking STi or Evo. The EVO and STI are a FAD, just like when a Civic Si came out everyone had one, then they traded it for an EVO, then the 350z came out and traded that car for it, and gee guess what happened most of thsoe owneres traded tha one in when the STI came out. I think my 8 handles alot better stock anyways than EVO or STI stock to stock comaprison. Granted the EVO and STI are alot faster because of the big bulking TURBOS they have on thembut I am sure that if the 8 had some gigantic turbo as well it would haul ass like those cars. Bottom line for me was style though I don't plan on racing my car all the time and crashing it to some pole either. EVO STI are like Civics very basic inside and I rather have some style inside my car nowadays than just a blistttering fast car.

The difference between this forum and the one I visit for the Miata is interesting (I own both a Miata and a Rx8). A lot more kids on this one. Frankly, I'm surprised for a couple of reasons, one, this is a $30,000 car, two, it is not a muscle car but a refined sports car. I am aware that in some cases the kid bought the car himself or herself, although if he or she is still living at home its really more like the parents bought it since you don't have the actual expenses of living on your own. If mommy and daddy bought it for you either directly or indirectly just thank your lucky stars that your parents have poor judgement and be happy with what you got. If you want a car that makes a lot of noise and looks like a kid car, there are plenty of those out there.

That doesn't mean a lot of kids actually own the RX-8. Most likely they are here because it's the "cool" car to have compare to a Miata. It's like someone visiting the Ferrari forums, not everyone is going to be owning a Ferrari... but we would wish we did.

Just wanted to make that note.

Also of note, if and when the Mazdaspeed RX-8 comes to the US, expect to pay more. I've heard people saying it's going to be 30k to 34k. Good luck on that price.

Are you talking to me when calling the users kids?

Anyway, this is why it took me so long to post. People seem to be elitists here. Saying that evos are souped up civics and are fads, that people should buy cars for looks over performance and wanting more will get you killed, and that I should buy a bike? Are you guys serious?

How does this help me with the questions I asked?

Anyway, if anyone has any real responces. I'd appriciate it. :)

Your going to find Elitist on any forum of this type, and I think many here have answered your questions based on the what they know, yes there is going to be a white on the 05 models its replacing yellow, as for a Mazdaspeed car I think someone here mentioned that it would happen in 06 and it would cost ya one nice shiny penny. This is a forum of mostly Rx8 owners we all got this car for our own reasons as well many similiar ones. We may come off a bit protective of the criticism of our rides, that is because we are really happy with the decision that we have made and can appreciate the research that you are doing as many of us have done. I hope you find what your looking for and if you decide to get an Rx8 we hope to hear from you in the future.

Cheers,

from what I've read, the ms version isn't all that expensive because it's meant to be used more on the track, I might be wrong but it doesn't come with options like GT, so even with the additional add ons, it should still be close to 30k

No offense intended to anyone in my earlier post, probably should have worded it differently. My only point is that it is perplexing to me why I see so many posts wanting to soup this car up. As it is it does zero to sixty in around six seconds and tops out at around 145. How much speed do you need? I have to admit it concerns me that I see so many posts from people who have already wrecked their RX8, burned out a clutch or trashed a transmission. The vast majority appear to be rather young and then others of similiar age are looking for more speed. Don't mean to preach and I am by no means a perfect driver either but it does make you wonder what you might meet on the road.

I'm probably one of the younger ones on this forum (27) who own an 8. Frankly, I don't really care about the car's HP. My two wishes for the car would be more torque and better throttle response. I understand that the Mazdaspeed version will have these things, but when it becomes available, I am already worried about the price. I have a feeling the Mazdaspeed version might be overpriced while not actually giving you too much more then the regular 8. All in all, I'm happy with what I have now and will not do any mods, but I will definitely check out the speed version when it arrives. And I still would like to test drive that Sti to see what that thing can do. I definitely wouldn't mind seeing that engine in the 8. The looks don't do anything for me though.

This is like saying you would not take a 360 because it has too much power.

The RX-8 is a great drivers car and there is nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy it or enhance the performance if done right.

As for things breaking, it is a car and a mechanical device. Stuff breaks, especially when pushed hard on a track. Parts like clutches, brakes, and tires are disposable.

Saying it is perplexing to understand why someone would want more out of it would be the same as me saying it is perplexing on how someone would could not fully enjoy how great this car is and take it to autocross or track days.

Personally I think that the 8 is a great car as is. I recognize that there are faster cars and most of them also compromise in some way to achieve that goal - 2 seater, rougher ride, more expensive insurance or less attractive.

From what I have read about the Mazdaspeed version, it does not seem to be a big difference at all. I have driven other models of cars that had special models (special suspension, wheels/tires, etc. and noticed slightly better handling, etc. but what would make the difference is something like the Miata Mazdaspeed version does compared to the regular Miata. I drove one of those and the difference is amazing.

According to the Mazda website, they kept the gearing the same on the Mazdaspped version of the Miata as the 6spd regular Miata, the BIGGEST DIFFERENCE is the turbo.

I would say to be patient while all of these companies test out some of the products like electric superchargers. Whilew you are waiting though consider what realistic acceleration goal you would like to acheive. Any car that accelerates 0-60 in the 5's is a fast car in the normal person's price range. If you can't wait and want accelration at all cost go with another car. your best choices are Mustang, or WRX sti. Not sure about the EVO with Mitsubishi issues. Any faster goals should go to race car drivers off the street - IMO.

the thing is- the 8 is a "brand" new car, never before been released and such- so there is going to be some time before trust worthy tuning and parts come along and all that.

I came from the 02 wrx camp- the thing that helped the tuning of that is the car existed elsewhere in the world for a while and had a loyal following, so thanks to the internet we had parts readily at our greedy grasp

now- the wrx did feel faster from the get go, but of course it would- the EVO, STi, WRX all have awd, and I can tell you, it's beat you in the face power. But I like the 8 for the linear acceleration and it is deceptively quick no matter how you slice it

lastly, yes, driving, loving, owning a rx8 is a state of mind

Kids :) Speed speed and more speed... I bet I can get to the next light faster than you can :) All kidding aside...
One has to realize the amount of time it takes to develop performance products that work.. The tuning/development of a header is more of a science than you would think. You also have to realize that the Renesis is a new beast in the Rotary family. By that I mean it's lineage is 12A, 13B, 13BT, 13B REW, Cosmo etc etc.. These versions have been developed to the fullest over the last 35 years and are proven. The Renesis is about 1.5 years old.. Get it!

this thread has been done before. !!!! get a clue if you need us to tell you why to buy an 8 than you dont deserve one..

As for speed again.. I say. I will be happy to teach anyone out there how to really drive your 8 . if you think it is gutless off the line , or wish for better response !!! Ill show you how the 8 was ment to drive. So far no evo, z or mustang that has been willing to play with me could keep up ! YOu just have to know how to drive it..

as for age. we also did a poll to find out what the avrage age was. most of us here are over 30 ! .. I am 37 ... less than half were under 30 ....


Search for the poll .. maybe the numbers have changed.

Snarlynx dont buy the 8 .. its to much car for you to handle. go buy a civic. Come back when your oldenough to make an informed decision on your own.

Thew,

Curious, how do you drive your 8?

The RX-8 is fast and comfortable and has the looks that turns heads anywhere you go. It has the inner beauty of the Renesis rotary engine, combined with a fistful of features that greatly pleases the automotive enthusiast. That said, stock, it's one fine street car.

Any desires to go faster need to be taken to the track. Heck, how can anyone really race cars like this without getting really dangerous and totally against the law? Get involved in SCCA, build yourself a real race car and kick butt.

The RX-8 is fast and comfortable and has the looks that turns heads anywhere you go. It has the inner beauty of the Renesis rotary engine, combined with a fistful of features that greatly pleases the automotive enthusiast. That said, stock, it's one fine street car.

Any desires to go faster need to be taken to the track. Heck, how can anyone really race cars like this without getting really dangerous and totally against the law? Get involved in SCCA, build yourself a real race car and kick butt.


Racer X-8 said it better than I did. I agree completely

Snarlynx,
I agree, it would be nice to have an easy 25hp. As others have mentioned, I'm sure some things are on the way, but the car... well even the engine actually is still quite new. I'm sure in due time it will come.

As for white: Other's mentioned it. White is supposed to come for 2005 (can you wait until Sept?) at the expense of yellow. In my opinion, white looks good on some cars, and not on others. I'll have to see a white '8 in person before I pass judgement.

Mazdaspeed: Doubt you'll get more than the look. Maybe we'll all be surprised.

Acosta Racing did it (http://www.acostamotorsports.com). The car was (maybe still is) for sale on eBay. They turbo charged it. Something like 900hp.