monchie

I used to love the beetle when i was young. I still want to own one.

terch1

iTrader: (2)

Good stuff. I followed this build thread from the beginning. Great job! I love it when a plan comes together!

SpazLE995

iTrader: (2)

next step, RX8 Radio and A/C

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

The radio isn't so good on the rx8, I'd spend the effort in a aftermarket (alpine, kenwood...) head unit.
Have you considered just putting in a wabasto roof, I guess in florida a/c is important though.

SpazLE995

iTrader: (2)

well I really want to go with the whole idea of using as much of the Rx-8 as possible rather than an aftermarket radio, plus then I wont need an adapter to use the steering wheel controls or remount the climate control buttons

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

got ya.

supergoat

LOVE this thread. I'm amazed at your skills, honestly.

I agree with using the stock radio, can't wait to see more progress.

SpazLE995

iTrader: (2)

Took her to the Tire shop to get an Alignment and she came back fat!

Before


After

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

I'm probably blind because I can't spot the difference, other than the passenger seat seems to be missing on the 2nd pic

canaryrx8

iTrader: (3)

rear tires appeared to have had some serious buffet

car looks great, congrats on your progress to date

SpazLE995

iTrader: (2)

added some 215/70R15 to the rear verses the stock 165/80R15
so it's taller and wider

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Ah, now I see.
Pretty close the the OEM 225/45R18 size.
205/70R15 would have been almost perfect match, but this is good enough. More rubber on the road

SpazLE995

iTrader: (2)

I wanted to get a little bit better highway speed for the rpm to try and get better fuel mileage. I can always throw it into 3rd for passing power.

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Actually, seeing that the tire size you selected results in the speedo reading about 2 mph lower than the real speed and knowing that the RX-8 speedo reads about 2 mph higher than the real speed, this may be the perfect size after all

SpazLE995

iTrader: (2)

That would be great if I could figure out how to connect the Speedometer!

california style

lol.... when everything is a blur, you are probably going too fast!

I like the new rear tyre look. Plus it give it a little rake by the looks of it...might just be camera angle though!

SpazLE995

iTrader: (2)

you are correct about the rake it is not the camera. Seen as the fronts are shorter and the rears are taller it gives it a nice stance

SpazLE995

iTrader: (2)

went and got the A/C system charged and everything is good! I now own an old beetle with A/C!

kiker14

I think you are due to give us another video of it running

Excellent work by the way, very impressive.

california style

vid ftw!

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

He is probably on the road, driving to CA...

SpazLE995

iTrader: (2)

Well we made it out here to San Diego!

I was able to get 25mpg but should be better now that I don't have it loaded with a welder, two tool boxes, jack stands, misc tools, computer... all that weighed 550lb!

The trip went well and I would drive it across country again if I had to. It would have been nicer if it were quieter but 550lbs put extra load on the car making it louder. A/C was awesome!!!!!

I need to replace the steering box as it has too much play that couldn't be adjusted out.

One problem that was annoying was the throttle! I would be cruising and all of the sudden the throttle would quit! I would have to release the pedal then mash it all the way to get it to respond again. Anyone have this problem before?

I will try and get some good pics/video soon



oh and I didn't see a single RX-8 or beetle the entire trip from Tampa until I got into California!

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

Epic !

california style

sweet.... I bet you didn't see any other RX-eetles either!

supergoat

Just saw this. That's impressive!!! Glad you made it ok.