reality_storm's PLOG
 

Since there are no dedicated project log discussion forums on this board, I thought I would document my progress here. Mods, if this is inappropriate, please move where you want this or even delete if you don't wish to have PLOGs on your board.

First, why a PLOG? Because I have bought an old (2004) RX-8 that is in need of a lot of work. Let me start with the basic facts:

2004 MT Lightening Yellow
84,000 miles on the odometer when I purchased it in September of 2011.
Engine coolant light and oil temp lights would go off intermittently, so I added coolant and got an oil change. Transmission would grind or be difficult to put into gear, especially reverse. I knew I would have to address that sooner rather than later. Starting sometimes took a few seconds to crank, ditto that problem. I researched options for repair, upgrades on this board, then got started.

The PLOG chapters are not chronologically listed, and I will be updating them out of order, however, I will edit in this post with the latest updates and which chapters they are in. Also, I will have a ton of pics, and welcome comments and suggestions. I will put the overall plan and profile that I would like the car to have in this section tomorrow and a detailed plan in each chapter.

Chapter 1: transmission and drivetrain (updated Jan 30, 2012)

Had my transmission rebuilt by the AAMCO in Rockville, Maryland the first week of December, 2011. I had them put in an F1 Stage 3 street clutch and an F1 lightened flywheel. No pics for this as this occurred before I started the PLOG. Also had the put in a Race Root synchro saver, a AFE master cylinder brace, a RotaryFX clutch reinforcement bracket, an AFE short shifter, and a new oem master clutch cylinder. Overall impression: shifting action is now smooth and the throw is nice and short. Can't tell what made the most difference ai had a lot changed out at the same time. The clutch is very finicky now though as the F1stage three is just barely streetable. I am pleased with the work and the parts. I still plan on getting an upgraded differential and a different ring and pinion set to improve acceleration performance. Will update as I upgrade, but this is a long way off.

Chapter 2: ignition (updated Jan 30, 2012)

Purchased and installed a Race Roots LS2 ignition kit and new oem plugs in December 2011 when my car failed to start after flooding the engine. The new ignition system did the trick and the car has been transformed. Gas mileage has improved and the butt dyno tells me that performance has improved as well. I also planned on getting the starter upgrade from Mazmart, but they were out of stock at the time, instead I purchased a higher cranking starter from Autozone (for only $130+$30 core!). I have purchased a 200 amp alternator from Qualitypower.com, but have not yet installed it, maybe get to that this weekend. I still plan on purchasing a grounding kit and/or an ignition module such as the HKS DLI, or Buddy Spec Condenser. Will get pics of those upgrades.

Chapter 3: engine

Reserved for details on engine upgrades

Chapter 4: suspension (updated Jan 31, 2012)

The very first upgrade was a complete set of Falken FK452 tires. Great grip, not too loud, great price. Also purchased a set of DPS Yellow 32 way coil-overs. Set the ride height at stock since I will be keeping the stock rims (I really like the way they look). Might have them painted or powder coated gunmetal though. I plan on buying quite a few suspension upgrades in the future, the Beat Rush mid brace, Mazda Speed front strut bar, etc. will update with pics as I upgrade.

Chapter 5: interior. (updated Jan 30, 2012)

Second upgrade I did was to have a Katzkin interior installed. Went with two-tone upgraded leather interior: Sunrise Yellow and perforated black and yellow leather. Sunrise yellow door cards. Additionally, I bought all-weather rubber mats. I have purchased the center arm rest from an '05 Shinka but have not installed yet. I have also purchased a black suede shift boot with blue double stitching that I am going to have restitched yellow and possibly piped. I am also considering few rapping my steering wheel with sunrise yellow and black stitching or black with yellow stitching. Will post pics of everything this weekend.

Chapter 6: exterior (updated Jan 31, 2012)

With dings on the front driver's side fender and front driver's side door, I purchased new OEM fender and outer door shell from metromotorparts.com. Great prices and fast shipping. Additionally, some previous owner attached the rear spoiler/wing himself (or herself, I'm not sexist) but did a pisspoor job, over drilling the mounting holes, I leaks a little in heavy rain. I purchased a used spoiler less trunk from eBay for $350 shipped, and got an eBay knock-off of the Megan Racing tall CF rear wing. It looks good, and the CF quality is good, but the fit net of the brackets is off. I had to refill the holes on the brackets, luckily I ave a drill press. I also have a roof vent and scoop kit left over from my STi days, still painted world rally blue pearl, but I plan on getting it painted and installed. This will eliminate the sunglasses compartment and map lights. Will have the entire car repainted another yellow and accent it gunmetal to match the rims. I am thinking matte yellow and gloss gunmetal or vice versa. I have purchased an oem foglight kit and a complete HID upgrade, have not yet installed. The tail lights have water in them and I have picked up rotaryFX.com's complete gasket kit for the tail lights, but haven't gotten around to installing. Would eventually like to buy and installs hella super tones and some kind of mudflap.

Chapter 7: car audio/entertainment

Reserved for details on audio/entertainment modifications

How do you like the coilovers?

Interesting read.