Jedi54 - Version 2.01
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From: The Dark Side
Jedi54 - Version 2.01
After almost 5 years of ownership, I decided it was time to start the next phase in building my dream RX-8.
I give you Version 2.01 of my car: No short cuts, no compromises...
First up was a new front end and no matter how many bumpers I looked at, I always came back to the same one so this was a rather easy choice.
Au-to bahn Sports bumper:
Here's a pic right after the bumper was test fitted and I must say the fitment was exceptional right out of the box.
The headlamps and part of the fender were taped due to the metal retaining bracket used to secured the bumper at the corner lights; I didn't want to risk scratching anything.
Since my car was equipped with the appearance package, the next item to address were the sides.
Vertex Lang Side Skirts:
I looked at every rear bumper out there but none of them seemed to speak to me or flow very well with the look I was going for.
The solution....
Ings +1 Rear Side Diffusers
Time to yank off the OEM shrouds! (these later found a new home on Flashwing's car)
Next item up was re-addressing the suspension. Out with the Koni struts and Tein Springs and in with an amazing set of coilovers:
HKS Hipermax III
My source at HKS thinks these are the first set sold state-side.
and now, the pride and joy of my build....
Varis Carbon Fiber Hood
I really like the design of this rain gutter system. (easily removable)
The fitment was nothing short of what I expected from Varis
Off to the body shop we go for some final fitment, prep, and paint.
I give you the finished product...
This picture is courtesy of Konig:
Since I've never been a huge fan of Carbon fiber, here's what I came up with for my Varis hood:
Here's a shot taken last weekend at the SoCal Dyno Meet (the hood is propped open at this point so ignore that hood gap)
A few random shots the day I picked up the car from the body shop:
These last two pics are courtesy of Zach Benge Photography
I wanted to say Thank You to the following people who were a tremendous help in this build:
- NgoRX8 and Newcastle: thanks for all the help with everything from picking up parts, loaning me OEM wheels, and helping test fit everything. You guys rock.
- Mike: Thanks again for your help with the suspension. Add this to the list of favors I already owe ya.
- SP Engineering: www.sp-power.com Thank you Alex for once again surpassing all expectations and getting those HKS coilovers in record time! Alex is the same guy who ordered my Advans and has always been a pleasure to work with
- Auto Explosion: www.autoexplosionbodyshop.com These guys do AMAZING work on cars and is the only body shop I will be using for as long as they'll keep having me. ABSOLUTELY worth the hour commute each way. Don't just take my word for it though, this is the same shop that has done work for NgoRx8 , XDEEDUBBX, Newcastle, and FastRX8.
- Bulletproof Automotive: www.bulletproofautomotive.com This is who ordered the bumper, sides, and hood for my build and their sales team was great to deal with. The owner of the company Ben is a stand up guy and was quick to assist when we encountered any issues.
I give you Version 2.01 of my car: No short cuts, no compromises...
First up was a new front end and no matter how many bumpers I looked at, I always came back to the same one so this was a rather easy choice.
Au-to bahn Sports bumper:
Here's a pic right after the bumper was test fitted and I must say the fitment was exceptional right out of the box.
The headlamps and part of the fender were taped due to the metal retaining bracket used to secured the bumper at the corner lights; I didn't want to risk scratching anything.
Since my car was equipped with the appearance package, the next item to address were the sides.
Vertex Lang Side Skirts:
I looked at every rear bumper out there but none of them seemed to speak to me or flow very well with the look I was going for.
The solution....
Ings +1 Rear Side Diffusers
Time to yank off the OEM shrouds! (these later found a new home on Flashwing's car)
Next item up was re-addressing the suspension. Out with the Koni struts and Tein Springs and in with an amazing set of coilovers:
HKS Hipermax III
My source at HKS thinks these are the first set sold state-side.
and now, the pride and joy of my build....
Varis Carbon Fiber Hood
I really like the design of this rain gutter system. (easily removable)
The fitment was nothing short of what I expected from Varis
Off to the body shop we go for some final fitment, prep, and paint.
I give you the finished product...
This picture is courtesy of Konig:
Since I've never been a huge fan of Carbon fiber, here's what I came up with for my Varis hood:
Here's a shot taken last weekend at the SoCal Dyno Meet (the hood is propped open at this point so ignore that hood gap)
A few random shots the day I picked up the car from the body shop:
These last two pics are courtesy of Zach Benge Photography
I wanted to say Thank You to the following people who were a tremendous help in this build:
- NgoRX8 and Newcastle: thanks for all the help with everything from picking up parts, loaning me OEM wheels, and helping test fit everything. You guys rock.
- Mike: Thanks again for your help with the suspension. Add this to the list of favors I already owe ya.
- SP Engineering: www.sp-power.com Thank you Alex for once again surpassing all expectations and getting those HKS coilovers in record time! Alex is the same guy who ordered my Advans and has always been a pleasure to work with
- Auto Explosion: www.autoexplosionbodyshop.com These guys do AMAZING work on cars and is the only body shop I will be using for as long as they'll keep having me. ABSOLUTELY worth the hour commute each way. Don't just take my word for it though, this is the same shop that has done work for NgoRx8 , XDEEDUBBX, Newcastle, and FastRX8.
- Bulletproof Automotive: www.bulletproofautomotive.com This is who ordered the bumper, sides, and hood for my build and their sales team was great to deal with. The owner of the company Ben is a stand up guy and was quick to assist when we encountered any issues.
Last edited by Jedi54; Mar 11, 2011 at 02:13 PM.
Your car is insanely well done. By far one of the cleanest rx8s on this website. You make me so proud to have a BB, mad props Jedi 
<-- tears of joy
Now get yourself a turbo
<-- tears of joyNow get yourself a turbo
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 21,958
Likes: 115
From: portland oregon
so i guess ill be the one to give him crap then?
he already knows what Im going to say about the rear so no need to repeat myself......
but i just cant like that crease on the autobahn front. i've hated disliked it ever since i first saw pics of Ajax's car way back when.
good choice on the sides though. those , the RB one and maybe one other are the only ones to bother with
the hood does look nice. i wish the gill slits were smaller but still nice job on that.
i always liked these vents
he already knows what Im going to say about the rear so no need to repeat myself......
but i just cant like that crease on the autobahn front. i've hated disliked it ever since i first saw pics of Ajax's car way back when.
good choice on the sides though. those , the RB one and maybe one other are the only ones to bother with
the hood does look nice. i wish the gill slits were smaller but still nice job on that.
i always liked these vents
RX8 HA HA
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 5
From: Gardena Cali 310
Sickness! Love the way this car came together. See what patience, careful planning and some cash can do for you?! Good job on your ride jorge, sorry I missed it last week. I`ll be checking it out real soon.
