Hello!

Just bought a brand new silver 2009 RX-8 Sport and love it thus far! I really wanted a Touring which the dealer didn't have but couldn't really afford the payment on the R3 or GT models - they were very willing to get rid of the sport model for CHEAP! I ended up getting the car right at $20k which was a bargain! My trade was a 2007 Cobalt SS Supercharged off of lease, wow was I glad to get rid of that car. I've had countless issues with the SS which have never truly been resolved - GOODBYE GM!!

So a few questions:
1.) Can I add foglights to this model? I see HID foglight kits online but my car doesn't have them installed from the factory. I miss foglights.

2.) When taking off at lower rpms (in any gear) the transmission, clutch, or differential slighly "chatters", that's about the best way that I can explain it. Is that normal? If I take off at 3500rpm or above its perfect.

3.) These stock speakers are CRAP! I'm not looking for a DIY to replace them, would any of you recommend a brick and morter store like Best Buy to install new speakers?

4.) Xenon lights - I've seen a few conversion kits as low as $80 online, are there any drawbacks to installing non-factory HIDs? The manual says the low beams must be installed at the dealer... is it possible to DIY install or is that accurate?

I can't wait to get involved in the RX-8 community. This car has always been a head turner for me, and I'm incredibly happy to own one!

Thanks in advance!

 

Holy **** good deal. That's how much I got my 07 for at the beginning of 08.

You can add fog lights if you have the brackets. I believe the wiring is there, I could be extremely wrong though. *I don't have the fogs...*

I don't know of any "chattering" at lower RPM take offs. You may need to get a video and we can hear?

Yes, the stock speakers are known for their.....mediocrity. I'd say have a professional do the wiring up for you, as the wiring in cars is pretty sensitive. I hate when I bought an RX-7, and you could see all of the old wires and **** dangling around horribly. Best Buy wouldn't be my first bet, but if you let us know where you're located, someone else could better help you find a place.

Xenon Lights are do-able also, gotta buy the conversion kit and what not, but I believe there is a DIY somewhere around here...try a search and you might pick something up!

Welcome to the club.

 

Welcome to the Rotor Club, just do not whine about :
Lack of speed, low gas mileage, etc.

 

I live in Indianapolis - any recommendations on a good professional (or guy in his garage) that is good with car audio? Speakers are the #1 thing I'd like to do to this car.

I'll try not to whine, even though this car does get terrible gas mileage for an advanced engine! The speed is secondary though, it has plenty of acceleration for me and that 9k redline is exhilarating!

 

you definitely took a horsepower hit. but you made a huge class upgrade.

you can add fogs. but you will also need the steering wheel stick that turns them on.

i think the whole taking off + chatter thing is due to the fact that this car has less hp than you are used to and is VERY sensitive to clutch input. VERY sensitive.

 

Actually the 2007 SS is only supercharged and rated at 205hp. It still kicks the crap out of the RX8 in torque but not in overall HP.

I've seen the OEM foglight kit on ebay for only $90, but it says it's only compatible with 2004-2008? Is there anything different about the fogs in the 2009?

 

the 09 fogs are different i have no idea how the brackets for them are so cant help you with that but i bet you can ... and as far as the chatter i agree i dont have a manual but i drive my friends manual from time to time and its VERY VERY sensitive compared to even say my camaro so that may be the reason i could be wrong though. as far as the xenons i would get sth reputable like from v-leds maybe they run 150 but they come with a warranty and they will last ... also in the older models the rx8s needed a special ballast that would work only with these special ballasts so maybe the 09s need it too ...