What's up everyone... Looking for some personal preference on upgrade parts for my 2004 RX8. After 13 years I was able to buy my old car back (why? because I love RX8's) and she needs a little LOVE! What are your personal preference on upgrades for:
- brakes and rotors
- shocks and struts
- tires (18's)
- exhaust

 

I would go in order of what part is in the worst condition due to wear and tear and would be dangerous if not working properly...maybe tires, brakes, shocks, exhaust

 

I just love the rotors for some reason. Maybe becasue they remind me of UFOs.
https://www.mdspares.com.au/products.../Brake-Systems

The slotted ones for sure. Is it just me, or are car parts becoming 'sexy'? Soon they'll have to develop a clear metal (I think someone did that already?) so we can see all of the goodness under the sleek cover.

 

Ignition, followed by more ignition. BHR if you can swing it. The car is 13 years old, take a good stock of what maintenance it needs before upgrading.

For suspension, if you need to change it, see if you can get R3 shocks and springs. You need both, just the springs or just the shocks won't bolt up.

 

First check out what the mileage and its maintenance records dictate:

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.
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