That's a pretty sick setup you have going blackened. Was just looking at your album.

 

Actually, there is no numbered plate. Although there is a webpage somewhere with a list that matches VIN number to build date. (And I have a Shinka, too, and I agree… marvelous, mysterious color. Once had a guy on a Harley pull up next to me to ask what color it was; he wanted to paint his tank with it.)

 

I must agree the Black Cherry is a great color and I have yet to see it in person. It was the color that made me really want an 8 but the CR has really made me happy.

I would like to clear up some confusion for me though...the numbered plaque. I know I've read about it in threads before and found an example. https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ue#post1722663 (4th post). Obviously I haven't seen one in person but it's been used as and argument for BC being the only "true shinka" a few times. Is there any BC owners that have seen this plate? If so where is it located?

Sorry, I read a lot and post very little. When I do post I like to be sure that I'm not passing bad information.

Thanks!

 

I know my boyfriend knows the number of his Shinka, but I don't think there's a plate or I probably would've seen it by now... but can't remember how he knows the number. I think it was on some paperwork or something, and I'm pretty sure his was the last car made before the fire that burned down the plant. lol

Jose, where are you? Come on here and fill in this info for me!

 

When the shinka was initially introduced in 2005 it was only available in cherry black. However, for 2006 the shinka was offered as a trim package now available in galaxy gray(my fave), charry red, and white pearl if I'm not mistaken.

 

Thanks! I've been putting a lot of time into it. I'm narrowing in on where I want it. Once I have all the FI stuff sorted, I'm getting a new front bumper to show off my intercooler and I'm going to just sit back and enjoy the car for a bit.

 

Galaxy Gray OH YEA

 

I'm thinking I want to go with all gunmetal accents/hardware wherever possible on the exterior, including rims that have the color/style of the new R3's. The greyish metal would look pretty sick with the black cherry paint I think. Then I'll get into the actual performance mods, although I'm really not going as far down the rabbit hole as you have, so to speak. lol I'll wind up killing myself.

What tires do you recommend for winter driving? What oil are you using too? I've been reading all the arguments back and forth between the lighter stuff mazda recommends versus the heavier stuff. Any thoughts for the shinka?

 

The year is definately correct on that car.

It is an '05 Shinka, Black Cherry in color.

According to the VIN, it is #295, built on November 23, 2004.

The light can really play tricks on this color. Unless you are in direct sunlight or direct lighting with say a flash from a camera, then the car looks black, which is the case with theses pictures.

 

If I were buying an '06 it would be a Copper Red Shinka.

But I'm happy with my '05.

 

In that case make sure the new battery (Interstate vs. Panasonic) and starter were installed.

Everyone marvels at the change in color based on lighting level.

btw: the '09 Mazda 6 is available in Black Cherry Metallic (vs. BC Mica). The '04 Miata was also available in identical color code, but called Radiant Ebony Metallic.

 

I'll agree copper red is a very sexy color. I'd love to snag an MX-5 in CR in addition to the 8

 

I think the nice thing about the Black cherry color is the accents really bring it out even more. My accents are all unpainted carbon fiber, but I think gunmetal would look amazing too. It really is a rabbit hole, thats an apt description... its more like an addiction though, because once you start buying mods for the car you think of 10 other things you need to really make that work and it just goes downhill from there. Its also more a money thing than a death thing. In my case my wife wouldn't let me buy a sportbike, so I told her the money was going to a turbo instead. She is more comfortable with me being in a fast car with a million airbags.

Tires really depend on your location... for this last year I decided to try some all-season Falken's. They are decent, giving up a bit of summer performance for decent reliability in the winter and rain. Actually they work pretty well for daily driving, although I'm going to get some better tires for the track. If you live in a location that gets really cold winters I highly recommend getting winter tires. My buddy lives in Rhode Island and he got winter tires for his 8 this year and said it made a huge difference. He was able to find some cheap rims and half-used winter tires for dirt cheap too.

As for oil, there really isn't any engine difference between the Shinka and other 8s, but the oil debate rages on. I'm not an authority of any kind like some of the guys who break down rotary engines on a daily basis, but I've been running 5w20 until I hit 30k or so and get my turbo in. I'm right at the 30k line now and getting the turbo shipped this week. Then I'm going to start premixing regularly, and probably upgrade my oil to something thicker. 5w20 is probably fine for a stock car (although premixing probably is good for everyone) but the turbo is going to put a lot more stress on the car. Hopefully with premix and meth injection my engine will be safe and clean.