Spoiler or no?
 

So how much does the rear spoiler actually help ( the stock one)?

Also, I am looking at 2004's right now. How many different trim models are there?

It does not provide any down force. It shouldnt do anything positive or negitive for you, looks only. If you want a functional spoiler, the mazdaspeed does provide some downforce when adjusted, for substantial down force you need something like the apr gtc-200 wing.

You only need a fuctional wing if you are tracking the car, otherwise you will only increase drag and reduce MPG.

Not true... tested and proven over 90mph.

Unless you are racing you don't need a spoiler.

what was tested, how and proven to do what?

there are a couple of adjustable brands out there. But unless you have the track, time, and money to burn while adjusting a front splitter and rear spoiler to even out the load it will put on the car I wouldn't worry about it other than looks.

For 2004 there are 4 trim levels:
Base
Sport
Touring
Grand Touring

I vote Yes. When I originally shopped for my '8 I didn't care if it had a spoiler or not, but I'm glad it did as it adds a sporty aesthetic flair (and it's only really for appearance).

spoiler does nothing. As stated above, an adjustable spoiler doesnt do much until high speeds.

IMO Ive had my RX8 for 5 years and the spoiler was the first thing to start bubbling ( I wax my car once a week before anyone blames maintenance) and Im already looking into CF trunklids to get rid of it because Ive grown to like the look of the RX8 without the OEM spoiler..

But its whatever your taste is, its a cosmetic enhancement.

If you like the way it looks, do it.

But I vote no. Personally I think the 8 is already a very "busy" looking car, with lots of angles, curves, lines, doors and doodads (sort of the opposite of a latter day RX-7, Jaguar XKE or early Miata, for example.) For me, the spoiler just makes it look even more busy.

i love the ms spoiler but till i have the funds the stock spoiler will do just fine for me :) i have a cf trunk thou an dno spoiler on it now

To me is really for looks only even if I got the Mazdaspeed ones which is "wind-tunnel tested" or whatever the marketing brochure says

The spoiler makes the rx8 less "naked" at the back....and move people eyes from the "abnormal" lines of the rear roof lines (it is a sedan but looks like a coupe? ... no wait...that roofline looks funny....oh wait nice spoiler!)

http://www.kingstonmazda.com/images/...GS_Profile.jpg

http://www.carcollery.com/wp-content...side-angle.jpg

Thanks for all the answers guys. I do like the looks of the spoiler, and I am starting to like it without it more and more. As long as it doesn't really (come on, really?) affect the performance then I won't judge a car as less for not having one.

Also to EdzRide. Thanks for posting the 2004 Trims.

I know they all come with the same engine but what are the major differences?

MAJOR DIFFERENCES (going strictly off memory from 2004, correct me if Im wrong members)

Base
-Auto
-Smaller brakes/softer suspension
-No Fogs
-16" wheels

Sport
-18" Alloys
-Sport Suspension/Sport Brakes
-Cloth Seating

Touring
-DSC/Trac
-Foglights
-Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
-Halogen Headlamps

Grand Touring
-Leather Seating
-heated seats
-Halogen Headlamps
-Sunroof (std on 09 GT''s, not sure about 04's)

Sorry, its been so long since Ive had to answer that questions, but I believe those are the key changes between trim levels, and if not someone will make corrections and flame me for it ;)

^you are right good sir. I have an 04' GT... sounds right. Sunroof btw-

im a proud owner of an 04 gt for about 2 weeks now and at first i liked the look of the spoiler.. but its growing on me a lot the look of without it.. and i prefer it now without it.. and i believe the guy who linked the pictures of one with it and one without the one with it.. i believe is an R3.. cant really compare the looks of the r3 withan older model...

You cant truly appreciate a spoiler-less RX8 until you've lowered your car. Slammed RX8 with clean spoiler-less ass = greatness.

+1 Renesis07... good examples... (in random order)

NGORX8

GREGS

REVEREND

ANGELJOEV

Yeah, I know it's just for aesthetics, but I like my spoiler, tyvm. :)