Ixonal

that IS the question. just got an rx8 (silver 04 gt, shush, I'll deal with the engine when it gets to that) and am extremely happy to finally have a car worth modding. I like to see people's thoughts on different things, so I thought I'd ask.

so for one, air intake and midpipe are probably the greatest HP increase I can get without voiding the warranty on the engine, correct? If I do get to where I want to mod it further, turbo or supercharger for forced induction?

as for aestetics, I named her Core-001 (reference to a reactor core I saw when I was a kid), and thought it'd be pretty hot to put some blue LED lights under her for the same sorta effect as that reactor pulsing (looked like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxVPV...eature=related). Unfortunately, I just learned that it's illegal to have blue lights anywhere on the exterior of a car that's not used for law enforcement. Do you think that the cops will REALLY care if I do that?

cjkim

you just wrapped up pretty much every noob question asked on these forums:
how do i get more power out of NA?
will mod X void my warranty?
turbo or supercharger?
performance vs aesthetics?

be a man and do what you want. it's your car and you're paying for it.. I for one wouldn't spend hundreds or thousands without researching myself

mike[piston eater]

iTrader: (3)

words of wisdom ^ i guess people dont see the search button on the top it really does miracle

Ixonal

I wanted others' opinions, not jackass responses. I do intend to do what I want with it, but I also want to see what others think and factor that in as well.

in response to your comment on noob questions:
1. it was a more or less confirmation question as to whether or not there were ways other than the ones I have actually read about on this forum
2. as I understand it, things which will alter engine core properties (such as fuel:air or compression ratios) nullify the engine core warranty.
3. I've seen arguments for both on this forum.
4. ehh, they're both good and I have limited funds, so gotta pick and choose
5. u know, I AM a noob, as I posted in the introductory sentences on the opening post

whilst there is a search function, I find that unless I'm searching for API's, I generally don't get specifically what I'm looking for, so why not just ask?

borgkingkong

I'll be more civil :P.

I'll go for asthetics over performance - I'm getting the Aero Kit for my Luxury spec RX8. But I have my own reasons for not going for performance:

Performance mods void my 2009 RX8 warranty with my dealership and I lose their 5 year free service!

Another reason: I doubt anyone in my country can mod the rotary engine without causing some sort of damage to it in the long term. If I knew a rotary mod specialist, and can guarantee me no damage, I probably would at some point - AFTER my aesthetics mod...

Ixonal

thank you for the constructive response

Juansito

iTrader: (5)

I went with performance first cause the rx8 already looks sexy.

First -- Get yourself an appearance package if you don't got one, next tints and sidemarkers.....Next maybe and intake and midpipe then catback.

Its really up to you on what you wanna do with your car and what you like best. Most people just go for looks i wanted a-bit of both.

Ixonal

yeah, I love a sexy car, but I also love goin fast. hence why I got the 8 haha. any particular appearance packages or companies you like? tint is pretty far down my list right at the moment, mostly cause of the pain in the *** the cheap tints were in the last car I had. the intake... I was reading that it may not help at all unless you get it tuned properly after installation.

cjkim

because you'll see time and time again that these things have been asked over and over.

if you don't like the search function in the forums, use google.
or better yet read the stickies
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/new-rx8-owner-faq-1-25-09-a-163824/
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/calling-all-springs-flywheels-sway-bars-intakes-pulleys-more-90832/

99.9999999999999999% of questions will have a wealth of information already provided right in front of you.

I don't mean to come off as a jackass. I'm just seriously saying, you'll be better off doing your own research and doing what YOU want.

Ixonal

well, this is a type of research, and I do intend to do what I want with the car. I'm tryin to get ideas for what to do and when, and if the benefits of certain things outweigh the risks. IE, probly not worth it to add a supercharger right now, but maybe a new exhaust. then again, maybe some lighting or a body kit. There may also be things I don't know exist, which makes those pretty hard to search for >.>

ken-x8

You won't get much power by changing inlet or exhaust. Induction is pretty well tuned as the car comes from the factory - there are even three stages of operation of the inlet, depending on rpm. An awful lot of the discussion of inlets and exhausts centers on the sound.

As far as voiding the warranty goes, there are posts here from people who have run into warranty problems because of aftermarket inlets. The dealer is usually wrong in those cases, but it's still a problem.

IMHO, blue lights are asking for trouble. May as well hang out a sign that says "Look at me - I'm doing something illegal. Make your quota!" Around here people get tickets for Christmas LEDs around their license plates.

Ken

Ross_Dawg

iTrader: (2)

You just made my day man

Ixonal

hey, it's a legitimate question. With all of that crap I see around here, it makes me wonder. it's not like I'd set it to be really obnoxious (multi-colored, blinking, etc).

on a related note, let's try to remain constructive, ok?

Zuccj

iTrader: (-1)

I've always thought its best to go for performance first over looks. The 8 already looks good as it comes. I went with an exhaust with midpipe first, car is to quite stock. Now I'm working on the suspenstion. All I've done for looks so far is just a new set of rims.

Juansito

iTrader: (5)

Well i dont care that you posted and didnt search i do it all the time and i dont care......Anyway if you get a good tinter and they use qauiltiy tint it will last long and make your car looks super sexy.

Im talking about the OEM rx8 appearance package....and I remember saying to myself i didnt wanna get tints cause its hard to see but if you go with about 20% you will be fine and it makes the car look even better.

If your going to get an intake....Your getting it for sound only as it doesn't do anything....For other cars maybe but for ours it does nothing. The K&N V2 which is the one i got is awesome cause it sounds crazy a WOT

I cant even hear it no more though due to my turboXS and midpipe which is extremely loud.....so yea thats it lol

Juice

iTrader: (1)

The 8 has never been a super fast car, performance modifications like intake/exhaust don't do much for the car so why even bother at first. You said you have a limited budget, so why pay 400-600 dollars for a cat-back exhaust that only gives you sound?

What I did was focus on one of the 8's best abilities. That would be handling. Start with swaybars to reduce body roll, then springs/shocks or a coilover if you have the money.

As for the whole blue lights thing, it is illegal and distracting to other drivers. If you want to install them anyway, do NOT turn them on while driving. If you do run them while driving I don't want to see a post about how the cops are dicks and they pulled you over for it.

Anyways, since you bought a used 8, the first things that I would really consider doing are maintenance items. New spark plugs/wires/ignition coils, new transmission/differential fluids and any other maintenance that the car might need. You can get to know the car and not have to spend a bunch of money.

borgkingkong

Agreed. Send your car in for a complete health check and change what can be changed and what needs to be changed so you know your 8 had a 'reboot' when you owned it. I always do it with all the cars I bought used previously. Peace of mind, and start the clock from when you changed it in terms of wear and tear replacements.

Ixonal

good advice. I know at the very least I need to get the brakes checked. need to get it in for the plugs and such too.

I'm pretty much thinking ahead on the other stuff, trying to figure a goal. not planning on modding immediately, rather getting an idea of what I'm working towards.

as for the lights, I would agree that they're a distraction if they flash or change color obnoxiously, but if they stay a solid color, then I assert that they're no more of a distraction than headlights. let the debate begin! (not sayin I wouldn't get a ticket, I just like a good argument from time to time)

derek54

but headlights have a purpose.

and people dont see a car and think. omg look at those headlights! they would do that if you had blue glow under your car though

shazy

/\ Welcome to the club Derek... your second post

Anyway... I would recommend getting a midpipe as a performance mod. Then change your ignition system or atleast change the coils. Then get the AP and you are set for performance.

Ixonal

if they're so easily distracted that extra lights cause more than a tertiary glance, do they even really need a license?