Alofoque

I'm in the market for a different car, my buddy just got the 07 350Z, but dont think its worth the money for something that u cant even carry an extra passanger when you want. I never though of the Rx8 till a week ago and visited some dealers today and it's on my top list right now. Only thing really stopping me is the power. I've been doing some reasearch for the past week and it seems to be a bit under powered but a great all around car, Which i can deal with. Is there any NA Mod's i can do that can offer some significant power gains. I've read on the forums that a greddy exhaust with a catless pipe should net me about 20HP Is this true? 20Hp seems like alot. I've also read about the flywheel making a big difference. I have also read that these cars are running Low15's or very high 14's at the tracks. How is this possible, if i was able to get a 15 flat out of a 172 Hp Vr6 Jetta with bald tires, a clutch that was installed the same day and 1 broken motor mount. I would really like to get this car but at least with some hope of at least keeping up with the competition. The people on this forum seem cool, so hopefully i dont hear to many smart *** answers. Thanks

Ike

You're not going to get much power out of any NA mods. Whoever said exhaust will get you 20hp is being VERY optimistic. The simple reason why the RX-8 runs lower times is twofold, torue, and optimistic horsepower numbers from Mazda. Mid 14s are possible with a good driver with a strong car in very good conditions while launching at high RPMs.

You're not really going to keep up with the competition in a straight line without dumping a bunch of money in FI and tossing out your warranty in the process. Unless of course you're a fan of nitrous...

Alofoque

Nah nitrous isnt for me. From experience FI is not good for a Daily. Well those HP numbers i got from a link to a online store from this site and thats the claim for that exhaust. I knew it was to good to be true. I'm going to have to actually drive the car and decide because i dont want to get into something that im going to be questioning myself later one. The 9K Redline sounds veryyyyy apealing though, theres something about 9k+ RPM's that just makes me nuts.

Ever Hernandez

Let me see, for performance enhancements I would say; a) crank pulley b) a short shifter c) a light weight flywheel d) intake e) straight pipe f) Racing Beat flash g) Coilovers f) sway bars g) light weight wheels h) a gear set maybe and some driving lessons. Other than that, just save your pennies and go FI.

I posted the above mentioned in another thread, same applies here though.

The charm of the 8 will be more apparent to people who love the art of driving and no t a sudden rush of speed.

laythor

^ +1

Longbow8

As a new member (long time anonymous lurker ) I have to say that I had similar reservations concerning the power. Until I drove it on a weekend test drive.

The pure fun and handling of the car, and being able to run the engine like it was attached to a bike and not a car sold me. The fun was in running along twisty roads, keeping the revs where the power was, and the feedback from a stock car was all it took. Take it for a good test drive and report back.

My BB GT with Black/Red interior is on order.

Rems31

would you settle for dumb *** answers?

donack456

The RX-8 is a practical sports car a new breed sports car. With good speed and great workmanship, small rear seats and a fair trunk it is a good compremises between a sleek two seater and a 4 seat sedan.

You list quarter run numbers the RX-8 is not the car you want if you want to drag or do 1/4 comparisons. Its a track vehicle on line with the old Brit MGBs and Triumps TR4s and even BMW's 318s powerful enough but really excellent in the corners. You can appreciate the RX-8 balance when you test it in the corners or sliding through tight turns, you can also feel its smooth ride daily driving back and forth to and from home.

The Rx-8 can't be labled like the 350z can, its not just a 2 seat sports car. If you want something to modify you can't beat a Mustang GT price and 3rd party mod wise.

chetrickerman

I wouldnt worry about 1/4 mile times as much as track times. this car is made for the twistys, and when you mod the suspension, and do all the things hernandez suggests, you will have one hell of a car and you wouldnt be able to blow the smile off of your face with a brick of C4. Good luck at the test drive, and remember, redline once a day, and drive it like you stole it.

Alofoque

I'm on my way to the Mazda dealer as soon as i get of the comp, lol. I have to say that a car that NEEDS to be revved to 9 grand definately sounds like the one for me. I have a 07 GSXR that can give me my need for crazy speeds. I have always been one to prefer an under powered car with great handling, and i have been able to out drive plenty of larger cars with much more power. Only time i had both was when i owned my E34 M540 6spd,that was an animal with amazing handling. I guess i'm going to have to go test it and ill get back to you guys, now all i hope for is not to get a ***** of a salesman and he'll let me push it abit.

Alofoque

I'll be picking a used one instead of a new one. I'm hoping for something under 40K would i have to look for any specific things to watch out with a used one?

Alofoque

I'm Sold! That 9Grand redline is addicting. I test drove the car earlier today, and it felt great! Suspension felt comfortable yet responsive unlike the s2000 and 350z i've driver. Power was enough i guess, The interior of the car is much better then any of those 2 cars i mentioned and 10X's more practical. As soon as i get back to NY i'll be in the market for one. I also want to know if the keyless entry and ignition was available what years, i really liked that feature.

Ever Hernandez

^ha! another happy enthusiast, welcome to the club (unofficially)

Alofoque

I think i can live without the extra speed, I have a 07 gsxr for that. I live in NY and for some reason you RARELY See any 8's. I'm positive where ever i'll pull up i'm going to be getting tons of questions. lol

reaper1

If you get like a 04 make sure, all the updates are taken care of. If I was you ,I'll look into the o6 . Early makes had some issues, not all but some . That happens
with any new make .

Good Luck ..................

chetrickerman

thats a good mentality, use the 8 whenever you want to hit up some twisties or roads like that, and then the GSXR whenever you want to beat some kids at a stoplight

Shini

Why are you qouting quarter mile times for a car that was made for track use.

Edit: Nevermind I guess since you made the right decision

rddragoness

Keyless entry is 06 and up. ( I think) the Credit card thing is what I am assuming you are talking about. Now is the perfect time to get a GOOD deal on a brand new 07, and you can easily get a GT version for under $30K..Why not go for it, and buy a new one.....and reap all the benefits of a full or even an extended warranty like I did. It's worth it.

Shini

I had Keyless entry on my 04...

rglbegl

Just found my new signature quote

chetrickerman

mine too, but you got rid of mine!

Shini

rglbegl, this is where you would tell him to find his own sig since you made your claim first :p

chetrickerman

hey, he had one of my first posts on this forum as his sig, so i think he should make an exception.

Alofoque

yea its the credit card thing. Its HAWT!