Thanks rx8club.com, some early questions...
 

First, I wanted to say thank you to everyone for sharing and helping me learn about the RX8. This website has really taught me a lot and I’m loving every sec…every turn, every rev of the RX8. I’m still and will continue to baby the car for at least 700 miles until it’s broken in but I love everything about the car. I wonder once I push her how much more love I will have for the car…I’m so happy with everything about the RX8.

It’s early (I only have 215 miles on her) but I noticed some things I wanted to ask you guys/gals about:

Note: Please remember this is my first new car and I’m not use to new sticks

Changing gears is quick and I love it but it seems to make that tranny noise a lot. Not in every gear but I can hear it in at least half the gears and I’m wondering if that is normal. It’s like the sound when you put it into reverse…that metal click type noise. I’ve heard this in other sticks but I thought it was because they were old tranny’s. Is this something normal for sticks…I know other cars make that noise but I just wanted to make sure it was OK.

IF and when I decide on lighter new rims would the TPS (tire pressure system…I think) still work? How does it attach to the wheels? Does it have to be a special rim so the TPS still worked?

I want to get the oil cooler grills and later on add the fog lights and clear corner lights, do I need to remove the bumper to do that? That just seems like overkill or something. The car is brand new and I would hate to start removing panels, bumpers, etc from the car. I’ve never done something like that and would hate to create a squeak or rattle in the car.

Does the 2005 RX-8 play MP3’s, CD-R’s, or CD-RW’s? (I don’t think it plays MP3’s but I have not had a chance to look into it)

The radio seems a little weak but I have not messed with the settings yet. I don’t listen to too much music anymore, a lot of it is pure garbage, but the music I do listen to sounded better in my pioneer w/180watts and pioneer speakers.

The rear seats have even more space then I thought. I put my dad, mother, and mother-in-law in the car and my mom was amazed at the rear seat comfort. My dad did not have to push his seat, leaving his knees in his mouth, so my mom would have space.

Again…thank you all for all your help. I’ll do more research once I get home about the above…but I thought Id ask.

THANKS RX8CLUB.COM!!!!

Hello again wannahave and alreadyhave, I dint have a lot of experience with these issues you are asking about. My tranny has never made any strange noises, and has always been smooth since I have gotten it, but I have read posts from others who say differently about their.(Mine is 6 speed)

As for the wheels, from what I have read, some wheels do not accept the TPMS monitor. Something about the tire valve hole needing to be bigger? Again I am not sure.

It appears you are still loving your 8, that is good. Go enjoy that road....

theCAT

Is always good to hear from ya...

Thanks for your help!

I have not decided on changeing my name yet, since I'm known by wannahave...LOL

The noise is not really strange, so much, as it's mechanical in nature. It sounds like when you go into reverse and it makes that click type of noise. I'll record the sound and let everyone hear it...IF, it does it again and IF I can find a way to record it.

The gearbox is decidedly noisy and perfectly normal - I think it just sounds like a quality performance car. Don't forget it is right next to you.

The CD player does not play MP3 discs but it does play "burned" CDs.

The TPMS is part of the valve assembly and you need to buy rims that take them. The wheel & tire forum has lots on that subject.

I like the stereo so wrong guy to ask on that. Do you have the Bose system or the standard system? If Bose, turn off the Audio Pilot setting. Also check the bass and treble and boost them.

Yes, the back seat has mucho room!

Stew

Thanks stew...

I thought the noise was normal...I just wanted to check. I have the standard radio and it's not real bad or anything, just not as good as my previous radio. With that said, I wont be removing door panels or anything to change it out. It's way good enough for what I listen to and is not worth the money spent or potential damage done by messing with the dash or door panels.

Thanks about the rim info...I have much more to learn...don't I.

Not to worry! Enjoy the car.

Actually, I find myself driving with the radio off much of the time so I can listen to "the music" of the car - the engine, the gearbox, etc.

Me too....I rather listen to the Rotary burble noise than the radio. I also like the exhust noise so in the FAR future when I change it out...I will be weary of something that sounds too different.

I haven't heard an aftermarket exhaust yet that I like. They all "BLATTT" like those awful, stupid ass coffee can mufflers that the idiots put on their Civics and Neons.

LOL, yeah...the lawn mower noise. I can't stand them...does anyone think that actually sounds good? I love borla...and with the video I saw on the Borla...I think it sounded tough and not lawn mowery at all.

Congrats on you Xmas present. Enjoy it.

You do have to take the front bumper off to put the oil cooler screens on. It's not too bad, just take your time ... it also helps to have someone else around to help you ... although I did mine by myself.

I love my Racing Beat exhaust system ...... it's not too loud or ricey IMHO.

Thanks rx8cited...I'm enjoying every sec with the car.

Noooo, it really sucks that you have to take it off to put the oil cooler grills. Why? Is there one out there that let's you skip that step? I'll have to think about that then....I just would hate to mess with my new baby.

I might have a shop do it or something, but the part seems pretty cheap and having to remove the grill really stinks.

Just to clarify about the bumper- it's just the bumper cover you're removing- so it's not nearly as bad as it sounds. I installed my oil cooler and AC condenser grills before christmas and it only took 15-20 minutes going very slowly to get the bumper cover off. There's a great DIY by DMENAC7 (who I got my great grills from by the way) in the DIY section of the tech forum.

Congrats on the new 8 btw...

dude, you should post some pics of your car! i'd love to see it, especically knowing how much time and energy you put into choosing it :D

edit: after writing this I noticed you had posted some pics in multimedia...very nice! congrats

This website is so great...THANKS man, you calmed me down. I thought they were taking off the whole bumber...THANKS!

LOL, thanks...I was about to say...I did...I love man...I REALLY LOVE IT!!!

I've had the Borla for well over a year now, and I still love it. Deep and rich and not too loud or "blatty" in my opinion. I think you can't go wrong with either the Racing Beat or Borla exhaust.

I installed the Appearance package at the weekend and had to remove the front bumper to install the front spolier. It literally took 10 miutes to remove the bumper. Like you, I was nervous, but I would remove it again in a heartbeat. Just have somebody around to help. It's better done with two people.

As for the tranny...yes it is normal to hear a clunk. Now, it is not superloud. Once you get used to the car, you will no longer notice it.

- Irish :cool:

OK, I'm relaxed now about the clunk...it's not super loud at all...I just did not know if the old tranny's where the only ones to do that clunk sound. OK...I'm relaxed...

I just came from the garage and I can't stop staring at my 8...did I just say that?...."MY 8"...it just rolls of the tounge...LOL

WOW, what a looker!!!

wannahave, welcome aboard. I must have missed your "bought it" thread.

I think that all of your questions were answered already. Just PM me anytime you want to hear an 8 in all its glory. Mine exhibits every noise known to an 8 owner. I just finished changing out the trans and diff for Redline and I am trying to decide if any of the noises have changed.

I don't listen to the stereo all the time. I even drive my wife crazy with making slight changes to throttle to change the pitch of the gear and tire whine.

Good luck.

RXWannahave, there is a lot of great thread in the DYI section of the Tech Garage . Like the clear corners , someone took pics and posted them on a thread .... I went outside , took 5 minutes to do . There is pics on removing the bumper , changing the oil , tranny and rear end ...down to what size socket you need ....even one on how to take the door panels off . Look through those treads , they are awesome and very helpful

Did you ever say what you got (MY, pkg, etc.)? Sorry if I missed it and a belated congrats on finally going through with it.

Go to multimidia and you will see my car, I posted pictures and everything.

I got a 2005 6spd base and I'm loving every sec with the car...check it out, I'll take MO pictures later.