So theoretically, let's say I have 4K to blow...
Thread Starter
Drop it into 3rd
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 462
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From: Chicago
So theoretically, let's say I have 4K to blow...
ALRIGHT, NEW STANDARD: When you post a suggestion, assume I don't know what it is, what it does, or how it will help.
In three months or so, for certain reasons I will *hopefully* be coming into a little bit of money, and I can allocate a hair over $4,000 to my RX-8. The trouble is I don't know where to go with it. I have heard several good things about different performance parts, but opinions vary greatly. The general consensus is RP short shifter and cobb acessport are the ways to go, but I wanted further opinions.
So, my question is, if you had a bone stock 06 manual, and 4k available, what would you buy?
EDIT2 - After cross-referencing the first 20 posts, here is the current top parts list:
Short Shifter
Sway Bars
Coilovers
Tires
AcessPort
In three months or so, for certain reasons I will *hopefully* be coming into a little bit of money, and I can allocate a hair over $4,000 to my RX-8. The trouble is I don't know where to go with it. I have heard several good things about different performance parts, but opinions vary greatly. The general consensus is RP short shifter and cobb acessport are the ways to go, but I wanted further opinions.
So, my question is, if you had a bone stock 06 manual, and 4k available, what would you buy?
EDIT2 - After cross-referencing the first 20 posts, here is the current top parts list:
Short Shifter
Sway Bars
Coilovers
Tires
AcessPort
Last edited by Falken; Apr 29, 2008 at 07:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Drop it into 3rd
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 462
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From: Chicago
I'm not ready to go FI just yet. I'm going to wait until I hear more about the 16X and than decide if I want FI or if I want to make an RX-8 16X project.
Thread Starter
Drop it into 3rd
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 462
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From: Chicago
Do you have a link to something you would recommend? I know where to get good sways but I don't know about the shocks and springs. What kind of handling changes can I expect?
sways, mazdaspeed (koni, eibach, etc.) shocks, springs, fidanza flywheel, mazsport ignition, lightweight enkei rpf-1 rims.
you will really notice the difference.
check the appropriate forum for more info on each. do some hw. :P
you will really notice the difference.
check the appropriate forum for more info on each. do some hw. :P
put it away until you have time to drive the car, know what you want, research, and then buy it. if you aren't able to hang onto it long enough to determine that then you probably shouldn't have spent it in the first place. try to hit some meets too and see what others have to see if that's what you want or don't want.
Thread Starter
Drop it into 3rd
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 462
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From: Chicago
two words; Strip Club
No seriously, I would do this:
-RP short shifter: $250 (if I recall)
-COBB AccessPort from Mazdamaniac (can't remember)
-Progress Technologies adjustable sway bars front and rear (hit up Charles R Hill for a killer price on those)
-Whiteline adjustable end links (around $150 a pair, you will need two pairs)
Suspension is usually highly individualized, like tires. It comes down to how you drive and what your performance goals are.
If you have the cash, I would recommend the KW Variant 3 coilovers. They have separate adjusters for compression and rebound, and are ride-height adjustable as well. Plus they carry a lifetime warranty. There are around $1800 for the set.
If you don't want to drop the dime on coilovers, you can make a pretty nice setup using Koni shocks with Mazdaspeed springs, or Swift springs. They whole package will run you under $850.
No seriously, I would do this:
-RP short shifter: $250 (if I recall)
-COBB AccessPort from Mazdamaniac (can't remember)
-Progress Technologies adjustable sway bars front and rear (hit up Charles R Hill for a killer price on those)
-Whiteline adjustable end links (around $150 a pair, you will need two pairs)
Suspension is usually highly individualized, like tires. It comes down to how you drive and what your performance goals are.
If you have the cash, I would recommend the KW Variant 3 coilovers. They have separate adjusters for compression and rebound, and are ride-height adjustable as well. Plus they carry a lifetime warranty. There are around $1800 for the set.
If you don't want to drop the dime on coilovers, you can make a pretty nice setup using Koni shocks with Mazdaspeed springs, or Swift springs. They whole package will run you under $850.
In three months or so, for certain reasons I will *hopefully* be coming into a little bit of money, and I can allocate a hair over $4,000 to my RX-8. The trouble is I don't know where to go with it. I have heard several good things about different performance parts, but opinions vary greatly. The general consensus is RP short shifter and cobb acessport are the ways to go, but I wanted further opinions.
So, my question is, if you had a bone stock 06 manual, and 4k available, what would you buy?
So, my question is, if you had a bone stock 06 manual, and 4k available, what would you buy?
1. cobb acessport - $700
2. RP short shifter - $250
3. Mazsport Ignition system - $600
4. Racing Beat ram air - $135
5. RP Midpipe - $400
6. Cat back Exhaust - $ 400-900
7. Racing Beat Intake - $336
8. BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 tires - $176 a piece
total about $3,725
Last edited by lilring; Apr 29, 2008 at 07:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Drop it into 3rd
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 462
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From: Chicago
Alright, I get all of that except the adjustable sway bars. Can you clarify, um, what those are? Oh, and the end links?
EDIT: Yes, I know what sway bars are. What are "adjustable" sway bars, and are the factory end links prone to failure?
EDIT: Yes, I know what sway bars are. What are "adjustable" sway bars, and are the factory end links prone to failure?
Last edited by Falken; Apr 29, 2008 at 07:53 PM.
As for adjustable endlinks:
You want your sway bar to stay at the factory angle to get the most out of performance. Usually, when you lower or install new suspension mods, your sway bar will be angled. Actually, here's a better explanation of why adjustable endlinks are important.
The search feature makes miracles happen. 
You want your sway bar to stay at the factory angle to get the most out of performance. Usually, when you lower or install new suspension mods, your sway bar will be angled. Actually, here's a better explanation of why adjustable endlinks are important.
I have installed those endlink from Autoexe, they can be adjusted from 90mm to 104mm (104 is the stock height).
It is to level out the stabilizer bar when you have lowered your car. Explain with simple graphics below.
1. Normal height 2.When lowered 3.What does the shorter endlink do to a lowered car
As you can see the forces going through the stabilizer bar (when the car is lowered) is not as effective as they are level out. I have noticed the car sway when I have adjusted the coilover lower and lower, so to get the right set up. After corner balancing, I really need this link to gain more from the stabilizer bar. The good thing about its adjustability is that I can measure and adjust so the bolt on the endlink are not in an angle anymore. Hopefully I have set the head in the middle so that the stabilizer bars will work at its best.
I have barely notice any difference just driving on the road, and it probably shows only when I drive harder.
It is to level out the stabilizer bar when you have lowered your car. Explain with simple graphics below.
1. Normal height 2.When lowered 3.What does the shorter endlink do to a lowered car
As you can see the forces going through the stabilizer bar (when the car is lowered) is not as effective as they are level out. I have noticed the car sway when I have adjusted the coilover lower and lower, so to get the right set up. After corner balancing, I really need this link to gain more from the stabilizer bar. The good thing about its adjustability is that I can measure and adjust so the bolt on the endlink are not in an angle anymore. Hopefully I have set the head in the middle so that the stabilizer bars will work at its best.
I have barely notice any difference just driving on the road, and it probably shows only when I drive harder.