Ordered AFE shifter from Pettit Racing, Shipping is taking forever. Also ordered a Synchro Saver! Time to order new transmission and differential fluid! Redline here i come!

Axial Flow Short Shifter & RaceRoots Synchro Saver
 

So today I decided to install my AFE SS and Synchro Saver. Since my car does not currently run, I cannot give you and honest opinion on how it drives, feels or any issues I have with it. As for install, took about an hour. The install is EXTREMELY straight forward, almost easier than an oil change! :mdrmed:The hardest part, Adjustment... The top plate of the Synchro Saver installed straight forward. Made sure the shifter was in first, with the bolts loose, made sure the metal plate literally kissed the shift lever as to make sure the shifter went no further after install but didn't impede its path causing it to pop out and not go in. Before Locking it fully in place, i went into 3rd and 5th VERY GENTLY as to not knock it out of alignment, made sure they kissed the shifter as well and then cranked them down. Now the pain began. Getting 2/4/6 to get aligned properly. When the plate was aligned, with the bottom left bolt threaded, the right bolt WOULD NOT go in properly. So after having the two bolts installed, i tried to force the plate up to kiss the shifter, and I think i got it. Definitely will go back and re align the bottom because i feel there is literally half a mil. of play and that is a no go!!! Also, kept BOTH boots, yes it a lot of force and muscling but the boot went right over and around the SS and filled the gap!

Here it installed: (Using Screwdrivers for leverage made this a one minute job, just be careful not to tear the rubber boot!)

Attachment 218334

Just ordered MT90 for the transmission and some 75W-90 gear oil for the diff!! Also a stainless steel clutch line. I figure, while the engine is out, it would be easy for the shop to install it in the process!

COBB Accessport V2 Issues
 

So earlier this year when i went to turn on the car and move it, i decided to hook my AP up for Sh*** & Giggles, well... it didn't load. After searching online to see what the subie guys had to say as the V2 is/was widely used to tune them. End result, Send it back to COBB and let them reprogram it. Lost all my tunes, not a big deal because they were just fan temps and OMP etc. But if anyone can answer, What tune will go on when/if I un-marry the AP? Anyways, this time i stored it in my room instead of the basement, figured the temp. or humidity got to it. So today i decide to load it up and see what tunes are on it etc... same issues. So called them back up, they said they never heard of a repaired unit coming back even for a reset. So I opened up a ticket and plan on sending it back. But i did receive an interesting email from Adam on the COBB Support team. Unfortunately i have to pay up for repair.... once again:banghead:. Thinking i should have just gotten Mazdaedit!

Adam from COBB:
Attachment 218295

Overall glad they're willing to work with me, but seeing as the unit is defective, feel like i should not have to pay, but complaining isn't going to get me anything! Really hope this gets resolved for good!

In other news.... Just got in the last of the build. Stainless Steel oil lines from Kevin at Rotary Resurrection. Order Sunday, got them monday morning! Finally got back in contact with SMG, dropping my car off early next week with a time of 6-8weeks. I understand it's car season, really just want the car fixed!!!

Lotted Gauge Pod w/ AEM Pods:
Attachment 218292

Oil Lines:
Attachment 218293

All Parts Ready for Install:
Attachment 218294

Leather Care by Chemical Guys
 

So, i took out all the sub and amp wiring from the car. Never plan to use it and i know that for sure. Whilst doing so, i decided to clean up the leather while i'm at it! So i took the back seats out and cleaned them up in my basement. After the seats, i went to the car. Cleaned up the rear back supports and the passenger side seat. Now I'm well aware this isn't the worlds most premium leather but it doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken care of. Overall, I'm am disgusted how much dirt and grime lie on top of the seats. I left the drivers seat because i figure the guys at SMG will need to sit in it and I'm well aware they won't change clothes to sit in the car :hahano: so I will clean those afterwards! Plan is to drop off car early next week, Monday/Tuesday with a turnaround time of 6-8 weeks! :sweatdrop

Sorry only have pics of the back bottoms right now! Overall, cleaned up really nice, will need to re-dye some red parts throughout the car.

Chemical Guys Review(9/10)
Overall, second or third order from CG. Overall, HIGHLY satisfied with the product and company. First impression was that I liked their videos on youtube and seemed well educated! Along side, a slew of positive reviews across all products from car fresheners to polishes and sealants. Decided to order and really like their stuff! But to the leather care. The cleaner and brush on their webpage work wonders together, firm enough the really agitate the surface but not leave scratching. The conditioner, yup just like lotion for the skin, i saw the seats absorb the conditioner right in front of my eyes, these seats were thirsty! :mdrmed: Applied about 2 coats and let it sit on the seat for about 30 minutes to an hour and then wiped off the residue, hardly any! Then lastly, the sealant! too early to tell because well the sealants job is to protect the seat over time and it has yet to be driven! Ouch... :suspect: Would highly recommend CG and will be purchasing from them when the time comes! Also the stripper scent..... worth it! :boink:

Before(It doesn't look dirty but trust me it was!)
Attachment 218287

After(Looks oily but it was dry to the touch!)
Attachment 218288

Both the seats:
Attachment 218289

Cabin Air Filter & Optima Redtop
 

Just Picked up a Redtop and new cabin filters. Still waiting on LAMIN-X film to come in, anyone have problems with them before via shipping? The Tracking # says delivered BUT its nowhere to be found. Sketched out i sent an email to them they said verify with post office, so i did and they said nothing and i asked my mailman because i see him so often, he said he hasn't seen any packages... Great... Maybe its just lost on a truck somewhere. On a more positive note, cabin filters changed out and the optima fit in with the spacer. Did turn her over and it was running really rough, turned off immediately though, don't want to ruin anything any further! Cabin filters new and hopefully help remove strange odors of cigarettes and wet dog lol. Thank god they are easily accessible unlike my buddies 08 mazda 3!


Cabin Filters Before:
Attachment 218275

Comparison (Purolator Filters):
Attachment 218276

Oh man, yuck! I haven't checked my cabin filters since I bought the car (only had 2 months) ! I think I'm going to go pull them right now! Lmao.

Well, thanks for the reminder... because Im not sure if mine have ever been done? lol.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...5e0e3887bd.jpg

Yup! If you have funky smell or anything, there it is lol. When it was on the road back in 14, i always noticed a moldy and wet dog smell from the vents, but she died on me and never got around to doing it! Being so easy, this will get a check every oil change!! Crazy how much stuff gets to these filters!

Yeah, I was really surprised at how easy it was to access it. I haven't noticed much for smells, other then the faintest hint of someone who owned it was a smoker, at one point in time... the biggest thing I noticed was the air flow, is SOO much stronger. I turned it on breifly while it was sitting in the garage, without those filters in, and the AC was colder and far more powerful feeling. Im going to pick up some new filters today.

I have not driven it since the filter was changed, can't wait!

SMG Racing Rebuild
 

Just dropped off my 8 today at the shop. Feels so weird not seeing it in the driveway everyday. This will be the longest 6-8weeks before getting it back. I really hope internals are good but i am prepared for the worst :( Along with the rebuild the shop will check the rest of my cooling system, the fans and radiator. I assume being 12 years old it may be time for a new rad. but I hope the fans are still good. Will update once the motor is cracked open!

Im from New England and am familiar with SMG. Had a few friends and others I've known get work done there. Great shop, but do they have much experience with rotaries? I know Fred and have seen a lot of the cars he's built, LOTS of GM cars.

SMG in Rhode Island? Yesterday i met Steve, who will be building my car, yes VERY knowledgeable with rotaries. When i went there, there were so many FD's it was like a dream garage! But I've yet to hear one bad thing about him. He's been working on rotaries for YEARS. Well known for it around here at least and i trust him.

Different SMG shop then, Im talking SMG Motoring in MA, haha. I was like... man, I've never seen a rotary come out of their shop (tho I dont follow them closely, just always see GM, lol).

Twisted Rotors Compression Tester
 

So i pulled the trigger and figured to get the Twisted Rotors compression tester, I have NO IMMEDIATE use for it but after getting my 8 back, i want to be able to check its health on a regular basis. Every year or so. Also after break in! Can't wait to put this to use!!!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...37752e0c0.jpeg

Twisted Rotors compression tester!

Rebuild Update
 

So SMG got my motor apart, looking pretty rough. Havent yet gone to see in person or take pics but so far in addition to the standard rebuild I need: front and rear rotors, E-shaft, 1 housing, oil pick up and oil pan. Lookin for useable front and rear matching rotors now. Hopefully RR or atkins can help me out. If i go used, i most likely will try to get my whole rotating assembly dynamically balanced. Really want to send it off to Chip but the 2-3 week turnaround is a bit much at this point. :(

Oh man, that's too bad the components weren't reusable :-\

"Overnight Parts From Japan"
 

Ordered up some parts, New pair of housings, e-shaft and other little things. Most of this was "rush ordered" tuesday at 10pm, they were ready for pickup Thursday at 2pm. Going to pick these parts up tomorrow and send them off to my builder so he can get to work. Also have to ask him to check the condition of my radiator, I think it would be safe to replace it given that its job is very critical to keeping all this money i spent from going down the toilet! Was thinking a new radiator and FAL 420 fan setup to finish up the build!

Attachment 218194

Parts Are In!!
 

parts overnighted were picked up, boy was this exciting. Talked with my builder, he doesn't recommend OEM Apex seals as they can shatter, I however decided it was safer and a better value to go OEM and with good maintenance keep them whole :mdrmed: I think the other seals probably do just as well, and not trying to go into what the best seal is, but for longevity and longevity alone, I believe this was the best route. Will be dropping off Monday to builder!

Attachment 218181

Attachment 218182

Attachment 218183

Attachment 218184

Nice! OEM seals are just fine, especially for long term. Mazda spent a lot of time to have the proper pairing between seals/housings. The only time you might not want to go that route, would be for boosted applications.. then you might want a harder seal. You wouldn't be as concerned about premature housing wear, as you know youre already pushing the engine, lol. At least that is my understanding! I think your choice is just fine.

Find a new builder.

He's well known in the 7 world and does excellent work that ive seen first hand. Been building since 00 but he doesnt see too many 8's. Dropping off parts monday, hopefully done within two weeks. I have a compression tester on hand so after the short break in period i will test to assess the work. Break in should be breif as OEM Seals and brand spanking new housings!

Oil Pan
 

Didnt spend much time with the builder, just dropped off all the new parts. Now its gonna be about 3 more weeks till i get it back. He did get another rx8 in, and same type of problem. So far, 3 rx8's spun/destroyed bearings. He Thinks the one he took in has similar problem. Well here are some oil pan pictures!!


Attachment 218156


Attachment 218157


Attachment 218156