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.

They put the old 20b from a cosmos into a RX-8?

Interesting but I was hoping mazda was developing a new engine...

Picket fence white would be a bummer. I highly doubt it.

Pearl white like the 3000GT would be very nice. A bit high on the femininity scale perhaps, but I think it would be a favorite color choice. My daughter had a new 3000GT in that color. It was real sweet. It seemed to have a bluish irridescence to it in the moonlight.

Good thing I purchased the 2004 model then. Yellow is mandatory. First year problems - they can be worked out.

You are comparing your driving skills, not the actual car. An equal driver in an evo or Z will take you out in your rx8 quite easily. The rx8 certainly has some good power, but compared to other cars it is outclassed powerwise no doubt about it. I obviously did not buy this rx8 for that purpose, and I enjoy it thw way it is. I am getting the most out of my 8 performance wise, but I'm realistic. It's a truly wonderful overall machine, but if you throw me in an evo, or even a 350z we take a run off the line to lets say 100mph, I'm sorry man, you and your 8 will utterly be TOAST. As much as I love my rx8, I will be trading it in when a faster one comes out. The mazdaspeed will cure those of us who need to compete with the big boys, but if you find a chicken shit or crappy driver in an evo or 350z, sure you can beat him, but it's not because the rx8 is faster. It is a better overall car though :)

outclassed
 

from my limited understanding, the 8 and z post similar times. comparing the 8, NA engine to the wrksti, evo turbo engines is not really a comparison. its like comparing it to vettes, maseratis, shelby cobras, chrystler me four-twelve, etc..., OUTCLASSED.

Re: outclassed
 

The z will pull away from an rx8 naturally because it has more hp and a boat load more torque, but of course they are comparable enough that a good driver in an rx8 could certainly beat a bad or scared driver in a 350z. Cars like the evo and sti , yeah you are absolutely right. Not fair to even compare them performance wise because those are pure performance vehicles, where the rx8 or 350z is not as of yet. I think ultimately though Nissan has the upper hand, because the 350z can be upgraded to be a true monster powerwise, and leave other cars in dust. Too bad I just don't like the car, but if they put a turbo in that sucker, LOOK OUT!!!

I really don't understand this fixation on horsepower as the be-all-end-all of automotive performance. :mad:

If you want to go fast in a straight line, buy Pontiac's 2005 GTO, which is being upgraded to an LS2 and 400hp next year. It will be faster than either a Z or an 8 in a straight line.

Does anyone know if the 8 and Z have been seriously timed at the Nurburgring? That would give an indication of each car's overall speed. Maybe the Z would be faster; I dunno. But faster in a straight line doesn't mean the Z is the better sports car.

T.

Only if the same driver takes them out. At the 'ring, the driver is a HUGE factor, take a look at this cool video of an Elise vs Corvette C5.
video

My brother and his RX-7 (see my avatar) keep taking championships in NORPAC GT-2. Except for the most anemic of the cars in his class, he never overtakes on the stretches due to power. Maybe due to higher speed out of the last turn, ok. Where he dominates his field is in the braking & turning, the esses, you know, what makes a sports car a sports car.

You want top power? Straight line accel & top speed? You're in the wrong forum, you own the wrong car. Go get one of them "hemi" pick'em'up trucks.

Racer X-8 - You're right, who needs HP? How about I get Olhins suspension for my John Deere Ride-on?

:o

Snarlynx:
you will find the WRX at least as fun driving as the 8, though they are different. People think the suspension too stiff but that's how you can really feel the road. It is faster than the 8 too and the looking isn't as good as the 8 i agree but is very unique too. I also agree with you that some poeple here are Elitists and they don't open their eyes to other cars. However, many of them are in good sense can give you useful information.
Some even say that being young can't buy the 8 or something like that.... omg, i am finding this forum crazy since the posts are so subjective. Beinf young isn't doing wrong and the 37 here you were a kid you know?

I love all good cars and I know to appreciate cars!!

I like the Rex a lot, my buddy's got one and I drive all the time.

But I like the 8 more and since my mom works for ford (which owns part of Mazda) I would get a great deal on it.

Unfortionatly, I need about one whp for every ten pounds of wieght for it to feel "fast" to me and 280WHP seems like it would be out of reach as of yet.

when it is though, I'll be the fist in line for a white one. :)

Here we go again! For me, I would never let the available colors influence my decision to purchase a car.

NONE of the existing colors please you?

I know a family here that has a thing for white cars. It's all they ever own, no matter what the car. IMHO, it does nothing to show off the lines of the car. It can't reflect light the way colors do.

I agree. There is so much more to a car than that, but some people want bragging rights, even if a car that is a 1/2 second quicker in the quarter mile doesn't really change anything for the street driver.

By that, I'll just reply that you simply don't get it, or you like to come off like an a$$hole to strangers in midst of a discussion.

To Big_ton: The WRX (one of a whole bunch of cars which I "appreciate") does have the power advantage. On a road course, it might still have the advantage since it's handling is also very good. If I were to be in the market for a car to do some showroom stock racing, yes, it would be a top contender. The RX-8 would not be, as things are right now. If that's what you really wanted to hear straight from an RX8club.com "elitist", there you have it - from one "elitist" to another. I'm glad you're happy with your choice of cars, just as I am -still- happy with mine.

Troll, thats all I've got

I'm hardly a troll.

Racer X-8 said that I should get a "hemi".

Racer X-8 implied that I was just like so many other ricers on the internet that care only about big dynograph numbers and street racing.

My point is that I like it to be fast and handle well and there's nothing wrong with that. If I wanted a car that was fast in the strait line, I would be driving I Mustang GT, Not a 240sx. I would be thinking of upgrading to a Cobra, not an RX-8.

Read my first post, I started off nice. Any sarcastic remarks on my part is a direct response to a post another user made. I just get fingered as the troll because I'm the newbie.

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

Why don't you fab up a turbocharger or supercharger and do a write up on it? I can't think of any big power adders, other than giving your engine boost. It also depends on how long you want your engine to last. If you give it like 30 psi. boost, prepare to be rebuilding your engine every few ten thousand miles.

BTW, exhaust adds more power than it's piston counterparts, although still nothing phenominal. This is because the catalytic convertors on a rotary engine are the size of a straw to meet emmission standards. :D

The RX-8 engine is very impresive for its size and HP out put, I keep seeing the RX-8 versus the 350z. I beleive the Z is also heavier and is a small V6 engine which is more tolerant to be modified than our whacky roatary engine. Stock to stock though I really don't think there is a big diffrence besides the torque, the Z will have more kick you in the chest feel but the 8 will just accelerate faster and redline later.

Unofficially (*don't tell my insurance guy!*) I have raced a couple of Z's already and our redline and need to shift alot less gives us an edge on the Z. When I was in 3rd/4th gear I could see the drivers in the other Z cars shift and redline and lose momentum. The only thing that matters is the startline that is where the Z shines with it's F***ing torque BS LOL. In the end though it did not help them much. :) Can anyone say burnt smell of cluth baby YHEA!@ Take it to the track , never street race.

Snarlynx,

I'm a big fan of "passion", in whatever you do. I think some of the remarks you have received are in defense of the car these owners are so passionate about. It's also hard to communicate emotion properly when your writing in a forum like this.

Personally, I'm also extremely satisfied with my 8. Trust me, I wouldn't complain if it had a bit more "punch", but understanding the give and take, it is an extraordinary vehicle.

I amazed that there has not any comparisons to the Porsche Carrera on this forum. Since there are so few 8s around, many people ask me what my car is, and say they thought it was a Porsche. If I spent three times as much as I did, and bought a Porsche, I'd have more "punch", but less money and rear seating space.

What's important to you?

Everything is a "package." Everything is a compromise.
If you want Hp, buy a V8, if you want gas mileage, buy a hybrid, if you want one fine package of handling, comfort, style and cost effectiveness, buy an RX8. A 350z is being constantly compared because it, like the WRX and Evo, are new cars on the market together. I don't feel like searching for the links, but check out Edmonds articles on their heads up comparison tests on the Z and 8 and also both of their long term tests on the cars. The 8 wins both, hands down, even though the performance is slightly less. It's the package.
My personal opinion is Mazda did the best job on the overall packaging of the car. The handling, for both every day driving and hot rodding, is phenominal. I have compared it on many threads here to my Formula cars. I have owned Porsches, Mercedes, BMWs, Hondas, Acuras, Merkur and a few more and NONE of them compares to the overall package of the 8. FOR ME.
The best thing to do is to go drive EVERYTHING out there and make up your own mind for what best suits YOU.
If you have time and energy to come on an internet talk forum and get into pissing matches, have at it, it is VERY entertaining!

Actually, I think Thew is right VikingD. The RX-8 can be faster due to the driver. However, at what cost? If both the Z and RX-8 owner are equally willing to abuse their clutch & drivetrain, then the more powerful car would win (Z). But, if Thew is willing to shorten the life of his RX-8 that much, for a stupid Drag Race... and the other driven is not... then Thew will win. Personally, I'd laugh if I were the Z owner... for what future maintenance costs did Thew incur by his so called "win".

Well said. There are many dimensions to owning a car be ita '69 GTO or a Bentley Continental, but if you are a sports car driver, the 8 provides an excellent combination of USABLE performance in an everyday car.

It does not need the "improvements" one adds to a Civic to make it go., but some people want to lavish thousands on a car the day after they take title whether it needs it or not. They're never happy.