MikeK2

Hey everyone,

I'm a prospective RX-8 owner, and one of the things that makes me a little hesitant about buying is that I understand that it's pretty hard to get any more performance out of the Renesis withtout tons of modifications.

On a standard engine I could add a cold air intake, an exhaust, a new header, and a few other cheap mods to get a good boost in performance. My understanding is that those things really not add much to the RX-8; is that true?

Understand I am not a speed freak, or someone that's into the tuner scene, but I do want to have a nice car that is pretty fast, and the RX-8 seems to be behind some of its competitors in that regard.

I've done some searching on this board, but I wanted to ask a pointed question about this to see what you all think.

Thanks for reading and/or replying.

Mike

dazygirl415

You are correct in that adding mods such as a cold air intake and an exhaust will not yield significant hp gains in the RX-8. The only way to significantly increase the performance of the renesis engine is to go turbo or supercharge.

The RX-8 has power, it's just not at the low end. The car really starts to pull at the top end of 2nd gear, all throughout 3rd and into the higher gears. This is not a car designed for the drag strip.

I'd consider the RX-8 "pretty fast," but in a different sense than traditionally speaking. Have you driven the car yet? You'll understand what I'm talking about when you do. I know there are faster cars out there, but there's something about this one that begs me to drive it.

expo1

" Cheap Mods " The ones you listed will cost more than $2,000 and you still will not keep up with stock Mustang GT's 350z's and Evo's

Going fast cost money, how fast do you want to go????

Accept the RX-8 for what is is and you will be happy, it's not a drag racer or a car that can be moded easy. It's a great looking, easy to live with , great handling car that gives you enough speed to pass safely or drive fast on a road course. It is also rare enough that you will always feel like your driving something unique.

knight7

iTrader: (1)

if you in NY i posted the info of the guy i mess with, hes been working with rotary engines for the longest. and he can get teh renesis to go 500hp. it will cost you tho.

MikeK2

Well, I've driven an RX-8 a couple of times, and while I enjoy the car a lot I do find that it's a little below what I've seen in some other competitors. I've found that the RX has performance and driving that is similar to my RSX Type-S. That's not a bad thing except that my RSX was several grand cheaper than an RX.

I'm looking at the RX primarily due to the utilitarian nature of the freestyle doors. For the same money I could have a Magnum R/T, WRX STi, Mustang, etc. I realize that I'm throwing several different cars into the mix, but those are all cars that interest me in addition to the RX. I just happen to like the RX, in general, a little more and wish it was a little quicker off the line.

Again, I'm not looking for a 500 hp RX. I'm just wondering, since we all agree that the RX isn't the fastest thing around, how you can make it faster without spending another $3,000-$5,000.

Make sense?

Mike

allmotorRX8

how fast do u want to go?

zaglo6204

hi,
it is nice to see that you have already done some research. you are correct in saying that it is hard to gain performance from the RENESIS, but this car is renowned for its handling, not power. Stock, the handling is suberb, & with simple modifications like sway bars, the car can be made even more unbelievable. hope you make the right choice; best of luck, & happy new year.

zaglo6204

i guess a lot of people got to this before me...sorry for the redundant message guys.

Stop&TurnFreak

I don't think the RX8 is any slouch, I mean, the car has a great power band, and a superb chassis. If you want one that is quick, don't get all the pimp mods, put in lighter seats (30lbs) and ditch all the other stuff you can. This will help.

However, it will never pin you back in the seat the way a Mustang will. But, come to a corner, and well, the advantage will swing wildly in your favor.

yiksing

The car is not fast in 0-60 but reasonable at 60-120+

rodrigo67

I'm not sure what cars cost in your neck of the woods, but I picked up my RX8 6sp, with touring and appearence package for 24 and change. Looking at the cost of some of the other cars you mentioned, evo's and sti's are alot more money, mustangs and 350's are in that range and my local acura dealer is selling rxs type s in the 24 range.

The 8 might not be the fastest of this group, but it was never meant to be. It's main focus is handling and the feel of confidence pushing it around corners( eliminates the WRX). The road feedback is amazing, and power is very good for this price range (eliminates the evo and the sti). It will not beat you up after some time behind the wheel as others do ( which eliminates the evo and the 350), offers all the comforts you would expect of a GT car( eliminates the mustang), and seats 4 comfortably (eliminates the 350, mustang and rsx). So for the same price as a type S ( and rear wheel), I can't think of a better all around car then the 8. You have to move up to a mid to high 30 grand car to even start looking.

This car will never be a red light off the line speedster, so if your looking for that, you might be better off with something else, but if you want to carve around a corner going much faster then those other "supposedly" faster cars, then this is what your looking for. I love it when a mustang rides my *** until we hit a sharp turn...funniest thing in the world...

MikeK2

You're right that MSRP is not what the RX's are going for. I just was quoted 27 for a loaded (except NAV and appearance) '05 without even haggling. Then again, the competition isn't going for MSRP either which brings several of the cars I mentioned back into the mix.

I think what I really need to do is take an RX out for an extended test drive, and see what I think. Thus far I've always had the dealer with me, and the cars I've driven were pretty green, so I haven't pushed them too hard.

I'm not in any hurry for a car at this point. My wife and I are simply looking for options for when we start a family in the coming year. We both drive two door coupes right now, and want something a little more practical, but not boring.

jeffe19007

Actually, I had my eye on a Boxster before I was 'told' we needed 4 seats.

The RX-8 was always on my short list.

We took it to Sevenstock from Phoenix with three of us, luggage and sundry repair items (if needed). The kid with us is 5'9" (and growing fast) and 180 lbs. He sat in the back the whole way. The lack of a good view was the biggest complaint from him.

The only problem was a little chassis grinding in some tight spots with the extra weight in back.

We did not embarrass ourselves when caravanning with the turboed gen 3 RX-7s either.

The only weak spot in the 8 is off the line... V8 torque would be nice, but the eagerness of the rotary engine through 9k rpm is very sweet. A whole new addiction!