Need Advice
03-02-2008, 10:09 PM
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Need Advice
Advice is easy, but giving it to a motor head is a bit more dificult. I am considering (rather seriously) an RX8. Before you give the advice, I will fill you a bit in on why I like the RX8 to begin with.
I want better gas mileage....RX8 just about doubles what I am getting
I don't like average cars....no comment needed for the RX8
I want something new with less problems than I currently have
I need a car that I can take my 7 and 4 year olds in
I need a new daily driver
I currently have as a daily driver the following:
1996 Impala SS 383ci forged internals stroker, with a stage 3 trans with a 2600 stall tq converter. Add a 175 shot of nitrous (wet) and a bunch of other goodies. Keep in mind, this is my daily driver...I am a glutton for punishment. I have around 400 hp with a crap load of tq without the nitrous, add that and it just gets down right rediculous. And yes, I know my tire guy by name.
My wife told me I needed to grow up (I am 39) and trade my car in for something more "suitable" for someone of my vintage.
I started the search for a car that was most importantly REAR WHEEL DRIVE and easy to get kids in and out of. GTO? 2 doors would drive me mad. G35, Nissan 350, et all...ditto. Then I ran across the Mazda RX8.
What I like about the car? Light, DIFFERENT, good looking, kinda sorta 4 doors, and a car with a cult like following that is willing to MOD. The RX8 is nowhere near the amount of power I currently have, but WOW can this thing handle! (I think I gave the carmax guy a few grey hairs)
My question is, is this car suitable day in and day out (given what I have already told you about what I currently drive my kids to school in) for someone like me? This car is so different from anything I have ever driven before, but for some oddball reason, this is the first time in my life I am EVER considering something non-v8. I will still mod any car I drive and have 20 years of experience with N2O, so that will always be on any car I drive.
Am I nuts for thinking like I am thinking?
I want better gas mileage....RX8 just about doubles what I am getting
I don't like average cars....no comment needed for the RX8
I want something new with less problems than I currently have
I need a car that I can take my 7 and 4 year olds in
I need a new daily driver
I currently have as a daily driver the following:
1996 Impala SS 383ci forged internals stroker, with a stage 3 trans with a 2600 stall tq converter. Add a 175 shot of nitrous (wet) and a bunch of other goodies. Keep in mind, this is my daily driver...I am a glutton for punishment. I have around 400 hp with a crap load of tq without the nitrous, add that and it just gets down right rediculous. And yes, I know my tire guy by name.
My wife told me I needed to grow up (I am 39) and trade my car in for something more "suitable" for someone of my vintage.
I started the search for a car that was most importantly REAR WHEEL DRIVE and easy to get kids in and out of. GTO? 2 doors would drive me mad. G35, Nissan 350, et all...ditto. Then I ran across the Mazda RX8.
What I like about the car? Light, DIFFERENT, good looking, kinda sorta 4 doors, and a car with a cult like following that is willing to MOD. The RX8 is nowhere near the amount of power I currently have, but WOW can this thing handle! (I think I gave the carmax guy a few grey hairs)
My question is, is this car suitable day in and day out (given what I have already told you about what I currently drive my kids to school in) for someone like me? This car is so different from anything I have ever driven before, but for some oddball reason, this is the first time in my life I am EVER considering something non-v8. I will still mod any car I drive and have 20 years of experience with N2O, so that will always be on any car I drive.
Am I nuts for thinking like I am thinking?
03-02-2008, 10:36 PM
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ummm...if you are coming from an Impala with modded internals, I highly doubt the 8 is the car for you.
I will bet my first born that you will be back here within a week of buying the car complaining how slow it is. You seem like a speed/torque demon, and if I am correct, save everyone the headache and find another car.
However, if you are adamant that you know what you're getting, then this car is a great daily driver and is also a fine family car.
If you've been driving V8s all your life, this is a HUGE change of scenery. It also seems like you have the cash flow/skills for modding, so a turbo may be in your future if you decide to get this car.
I will bet my first born that you will be back here within a week of buying the car complaining how slow it is. You seem like a speed/torque demon, and if I am correct, save everyone the headache and find another car.
However, if you are adamant that you know what you're getting, then this car is a great daily driver and is also a fine family car.
If you've been driving V8s all your life, this is a HUGE change of scenery. It also seems like you have the cash flow/skills for modding, so a turbo may be in your future if you decide to get this car.
Last edited by AmKorp; 03-02-2008 at 10:39 PM.
03-02-2008, 11:14 PM
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I just thought I would give you another car to check out:
Wait for the Pontiac G8. It looks good and is quite fast stock...assuming you get the GT.
Anyway, I don't see why the rx8 wouldn't be such a bad daily driver.
Nitrous....Charles R. Hill, did you want to chime in? If he doesn't ever see this, try pming him.
There are other people here running with turbos and superchargers so more power is not out of reach so you might want to look around sigs when people post and see if they have a turbo or s/c done and pm them.
Wait for the Pontiac G8. It looks good and is quite fast stock...assuming you get the GT.
Anyway, I don't see why the rx8 wouldn't be such a bad daily driver.
Nitrous....Charles R. Hill, did you want to chime in? If he doesn't ever see this, try pming him.
There are other people here running with turbos and superchargers so more power is not out of reach so you might want to look around sigs when people post and see if they have a turbo or s/c done and pm them.
03-02-2008, 11:15 PM
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I say get it... Midust well go turbo or supercharger in place of a NOS kit.
If you can wait until mid/3rd quarter year. get an 09' rx-8. The changes are worth it, external aesthetics aside, they've made some unexpected changes to the engine.
I have a 9 month old & 4year old. It's perfect for taking the kids around. Since i bought mine used, i made sure to get a warranty (You never know how it was handled prior to receiving it right?).
Alternate car i was looking at was an is-300 6spd. But the 8 is tuff to beat when looking at a performance standpoint.
If you can wait until mid/3rd quarter year. get an 09' rx-8. The changes are worth it, external aesthetics aside, they've made some unexpected changes to the engine.
I have a 9 month old & 4year old. It's perfect for taking the kids around. Since i bought mine used, i made sure to get a warranty (You never know how it was handled prior to receiving it right?).
Alternate car i was looking at was an is-300 6spd. But the 8 is tuff to beat when looking at a performance standpoint.
03-03-2008, 05:54 AM
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I have been a tq freak for most of my life, but my wife did have a Subaru STI which was a kick in the pants to drive. I can give up tire smoking speed for handling.
The modded impala is REALLY quick...in a straight line only and it is a 10 year old car. ANYTHING this old and this modded breaks all the time. I like working on them to make them fast, not to keep them running. I am currently chasing down which one of my eight injectors is stuck open. It's more frustrating than anything. I have a history of over modding street cars.
I looked at the Pontiacs, and the styling just underwhealmed me. I am not a BMW or Mercedes guy. I test drove the BMW M5, but it didn't do it for me.
I really like the style of the RX8, I am just a little worried about the practicality of dropping rugrats off to school every day. How liveable is it. The wife has a Tahoe if we need trips with luggage. I am going to use the car to drive to school in the morning to drop them off, and then to work.
As for the Nitrous vs Turbo question. I know nitrous and how it works, but with turbos I would be getting into something that is REALLY new for me. I don't know how nitrous works with a rotary, but I can bet you don't get many bent valves
The modded impala is REALLY quick...in a straight line only and it is a 10 year old car. ANYTHING this old and this modded breaks all the time. I like working on them to make them fast, not to keep them running. I am currently chasing down which one of my eight injectors is stuck open. It's more frustrating than anything. I have a history of over modding street cars.
I looked at the Pontiacs, and the styling just underwhealmed me. I am not a BMW or Mercedes guy. I test drove the BMW M5, but it didn't do it for me.
I really like the style of the RX8, I am just a little worried about the practicality of dropping rugrats off to school every day. How liveable is it. The wife has a Tahoe if we need trips with luggage. I am going to use the car to drive to school in the morning to drop them off, and then to work.
As for the Nitrous vs Turbo question. I know nitrous and how it works, but with turbos I would be getting into something that is REALLY new for me. I don't know how nitrous works with a rotary, but I can bet you don't get many bent valves
03-03-2008, 06:17 AM
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If most of your driving will be short trips, I would advise against getting an RX-8. This car does not shine in such conditions. The car really needs to be fully warmed up and driven frequently at higher RPM in drive cycles. In addition, if you will be doing mostly stop and go driving, the fuel mileage will suffer badly. If your driving regimen is otherwise, the RX-8 would be a great car for you [and your family, of course]. I love my '04, but usually when I drive it I head out to the country for an extended drive with an occasional redline run. Or I take it on a long trips.
Do some keyword searches of the forum, read some relevant threads and you will get an idea of why I say what I say.
]. I love my '04, but usually when I drive it I head out to the country for an extended drive with an occasional redline run. Or I take it on a long trips.Do some keyword searches of the forum, read some relevant threads and you will get an idea of why I say what I say.
03-03-2008, 03:37 PM
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What are you considering "quick trips"? I normally have a 40 min commute twice daily, and I have had no problems hitting the rev limiter at least once a day (call it a character flaw) As for gas mileage, anything over 8-9 mpg would be a welcome change. Gas mileage is not such of a big deal, but getting a little better in that area would keep the wife quieter when the Chevron bill comes.
One more quick question. I have been looking at the Nitrous systems installed. I don't see any true wet systems (It seems everyone is installing ZEX). I have a 1 gallon fuel cell with it's own fuel pump currently. I prefer wet systems for the tunability and safety...am I missing something here?
One more quick question. I have been looking at the Nitrous systems installed. I don't see any true wet systems (It seems everyone is installing ZEX). I have a 1 gallon fuel cell with it's own fuel pump currently. I prefer wet systems for the tunability and safety...am I missing something here?
03-03-2008, 04:18 PM
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The 8 is a very comfortable daily, and sounds like it's a good fit for you - assuming you can live with what will be a massive lack of power compared to your current ride. Also, it's important to note that, while there are many mods for the 8, they provide very little HP gain. FI is the only way to really boost the power & torque past the stock #s.
The child seat set up seems to get great reviews, and certainly getting them in & out via the "rear door" is easier than trying to contort yourself to access the back like you would in something like a GTO.
The child seat set up seems to get great reviews, and certainly getting them in & out via the "rear door" is easier than trying to contort yourself to access the back like you would in something like a GTO.
03-04-2008, 03:57 PM
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I am taking both kiddos down to the dealership to do a "test fit". I will update everone on what the kids, and more importantly the wife, think.
I have had high horsepower cars my whole driving life, but never had anything that handles or has creature comforts. My wife's Subaru taught me that you can have fun around corners too. I guess now that I am pushing 40, I am up for a change of pace. Besides, I still have a toy car I am in the process of rebuilding, so I will still have a bit of v8 power in my garage.
I LOVE the fact that this car has a non standard engine. There is only so much you can do to a piston powered car. To be honest, one of the most interesting things with the mx8 is the fact that I don't know what the hell I am doing!
I have had high horsepower cars my whole driving life, but never had anything that handles or has creature comforts. My wife's Subaru taught me that you can have fun around corners too. I guess now that I am pushing 40, I am up for a change of pace. Besides, I still have a toy car I am in the process of rebuilding, so I will still have a bit of v8 power in my garage.
I LOVE the fact that this car has a non standard engine. There is only so much you can do to a piston powered car. To be honest, one of the most interesting things with the mx8 is the fact that I don't know what the hell I am doing!
03-04-2008, 04:28 PM
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i recently sold my '02 mustang gt with 430rwhp for an RX-8 and am quite happy. while the rx-8 isn't nearly as powerful, it's just a fun and a hell of a lot nicer car overall.
i say do it!
i say do it!
03-04-2008, 06:56 PM
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I hear ya about the "nicer" thing. My car is fast as all get out, sounds great, plenty of tq, etc. What I am TIRED of are the rattling door panels, cheap Chevy leather, way too much road noise.
also, my handling resembles the Exxon Valdez!
also, my handling resembles the Exxon Valdez!
03-04-2008, 10:16 PM
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cool
check this out.http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.c...imation-6.html
Reason i question NOS, is i'm not sure how the apex seals will handle the nitrous oxide, so i'd look around before hookin it up.
03-05-2008, 05:27 PM
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I have a collection of bent rods, spun bearings, cracked intakes, etc. Any car that has less parts to break sounds like a good idea to me.
A buddy of mine told me to buy a bright yellow RX8 and get vanity plates that said NUPRIN....then he added "Little, yellow, different"
Being a bit of a motor head, I have to tell ya, the engine in this car is...pardon the non intended pun...revolutionary. It is the only complete rethink of a 100+ year design.
A buddy of mine told me to buy a bright yellow RX8 and get vanity plates that said NUPRIN....then he added "Little, yellow, different"
Being a bit of a motor head, I have to tell ya, the engine in this car is...pardon the non intended pun...revolutionary. It is the only complete rethink of a 100+ year design.
03-05-2008, 07:37 PM
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I have a collection of bent rods, spun bearings, cracked intakes, etc. Any car that has less parts to break sounds like a good idea to me.
A buddy of mine told me to buy a bright yellow RX8 and get vanity plates that said NUPRIN....then he added "Little, yellow, different"
A buddy of mine told me to buy a bright yellow RX8 and get vanity plates that said NUPRIN....then he added "Little, yellow, different"
03-05-2008, 07:45 PM
#17
One Shot One Kill
alrite, you will like it and, its not gonna be FAST, you are not gonna like stoplights because any mustang GTs will pull on you, however, when you are cruising at 70mph and the highway turns sharply and everyone is hitting their break, you happily hit your gas pedal instead ^___^
finally, when you are "sick" of the weak power, i am sure you can drop a chevy v8 into it.. i mean.. rx7 can do it, why not ours?
rx7
or.. turbos
http://www.mazsport.net/store/index....oduct_list&c=7
finally, when you are "sick" of the weak power, i am sure you can drop a chevy v8 into it.. i mean.. rx7 can do it, why not ours?
rx7
or.. turbos
http://www.mazsport.net/store/index....oduct_list&c=7
Last edited by xsnipersgox; 03-05-2008 at 07:49 PM.
03-05-2008, 07:49 PM
#18
幹他媽!
sounds like u will be disappointed w/ the power the rx-8 makes, which is only about 170/ 180 wHP. it handles like it's on rails. but, for muscle car enthusiasts, it won't make the cut.
so, for your criteria, i'd suggest getting a bmw 335i... fastest 0-60 in its class, twin turbos, excellent build + fit & finish, and decent mileage (19/24). the only con is that they are pretty much a dime a dozen these days. and, no one will really give your car a 2nd look, which is a good & a bad thing. will set u back about 40+ bills...
so, for your criteria, i'd suggest getting a bmw 335i... fastest 0-60 in its class, twin turbos, excellent build + fit & finish, and decent mileage (19/24). the only con is that they are pretty much a dime a dozen these days. and, no one will really give your car a 2nd look, which is a good & a bad thing. will set u back about 40+ bills...
03-05-2008, 10:15 PM
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sounds like u will be disappointed w/ the power the rx-8 makes, which is only about 170/ 180 wHP. it handles like it's on rails. but, for muscle car enthusiasts, it won't make the cut.
so, for your criteria, i'd suggest getting a bmw 335i... fastest 0-60 in its class, twin turbos, excellent build + fit & finish, and decent mileage (19/24). the only con is that they are pretty much a dime a dozen these days. and, no one will really give your car a 2nd look, which is a good & a bad thing. will set u back about 40+ bills...
so, for your criteria, i'd suggest getting a bmw 335i... fastest 0-60 in its class, twin turbos, excellent build + fit & finish, and decent mileage (19/24). the only con is that they are pretty much a dime a dozen these days. and, no one will really give your car a 2nd look, which is a good & a bad thing. will set u back about 40+ bills...
but thanks for speaking for all of us.
BTW, the owner of my company has a 335i. nice car, but doesn't stir the soul quite the same way as the rx-8.
03-07-2008, 09:28 PM
#22
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I drive mine 70-100 miles per day. I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything else on the road. My 7 year and 14 year olds fit nicely in the back seats. You are only making a bad choice if you are hung up on the 0-60 and stoplight racing.
03-08-2008, 12:14 AM
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I use to have a mustang gt pushing 500
and a supra very fast and a corvette and a bmw 325is and 300zxtt,240sx
I just got rx8 gt love it by far the best car i have had so far
if u are looking for power stay away but this car Is still fast for around the town
I cant wait to drive her taking to 9,000rpm WOW!!!
Mazda RX 8 238hp the best car 1.31.8
Nissan Z 285hp medium car 1.31.8
BMW M3 333HP slower car 1.31.8
porsche 911 turbo 1.31.0
around the top gear track not bad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrjBsSHB-DM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWC8c...eature=related
HA HA HA HA
and a supra very fast and a corvette and a bmw 325is and 300zxtt,240sx
I just got rx8 gt love it by far the best car i have had so far
if u are looking for power stay away but this car Is still fast for around the town
I cant wait to drive her taking to 9,000rpm WOW!!!
Mazda RX 8 238hp the best car 1.31.8
Nissan Z 285hp medium car 1.31.8
BMW M3 333HP slower car 1.31.8
porsche 911 turbo 1.31.0
around the top gear track not bad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrjBsSHB-DM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWC8c...eature=related
HA HA HA HA
Last edited by rx8gt-05; 03-08-2008 at 12:26 AM.
03-13-2008, 04:22 PM
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I just got back from test driving (extended version) the RX8. The car had a dead battery and would not start so they jumped the car. Next, it was out of gas, so we drove over to put some gas in. Got back into the car to drive...not enough juice on the battery. We waited for the dealership to send someone out for the second jump start. 
Anyway, the car will definantly fit the kids pretty easily. At almost 6ft I fit ok. I like the fit and finish of the car. I looked at a 40th anniv grey one with sunroof and Rawlings baseball glove colored leather on the inside.
All that aside....That car was a kick in the pants to drive! The power was "strange", and I kept feeling nervous seeing the revs at 6k, but I got over it. I don't know why they put a radio in this car...I just wanted to listen to the unique noise it made when pushed.
The power never came on strong, but it felt like it would just keep getting faster in a linear fashion. This car would be great on a road course.
Overall, it is not what I am used to, but the handling blew away my expectations EASILY, and the power band would be something to get used to. You are not going to kill people off the line, but daaammnn....the corners.
Overall, I really liked the car, now it is time to get the wife to sign off on it.
I will keep you updated. Thanks for all the advice.
Oh, and I can see how turbo's would probably work better with the car over nitrous. I guess I have to get out of my knuckle dragging neanderthal ways.
Anyway, the car will definantly fit the kids pretty easily. At almost 6ft I fit ok. I like the fit and finish of the car. I looked at a 40th anniv grey one with sunroof and Rawlings baseball glove colored leather on the inside.
All that aside....That car was a kick in the pants to drive! The power was "strange", and I kept feeling nervous seeing the revs at 6k, but I got over it. I don't know why they put a radio in this car...I just wanted to listen to the unique noise it made when pushed.
The power never came on strong, but it felt like it would just keep getting faster in a linear fashion. This car would be great on a road course.
Overall, it is not what I am used to, but the handling blew away my expectations EASILY, and the power band would be something to get used to. You are not going to kill people off the line, but daaammnn....the corners.
Overall, I really liked the car, now it is time to get the wife to sign off on it.
I will keep you updated. Thanks for all the advice.
Oh, and I can see how turbo's would probably work better with the car over nitrous. I guess I have to get out of my knuckle dragging neanderthal ways.
