Adding torque the easy way
 

Hey guys, tried searching, but "add torque" came up with a lot of irrelevant results ;)

I'm coming from a VR6, where I press the pedal and just go. I realize that buying into the RX8, it's a high-rev, low torque machine (akin to F-1 cars I suppose).

However, while I don't mind the 230 hp, I'd like to get the torque up to where my vr6 is (namely, 200 or so). How would I go about doing that without building a monster (I.E FI or S/C or huge N/A)

I'm basically looking for basics.. chip, intake, exhaust, anything else that can be added to get 190-200 of torque?

And just for curiosity's sake.. how reliable is a low psi FI on these cars? Around 4-8 PSI or so.

Without FI, it will be impossible to get the torque to the 200ft/lbs range even at the flywheel.

Your only option NA is to get the pcm tuned, get a high flow cat or catless midpipe and keep the rpms on boil...you got a rotary so take it for what it is.

Am I reading this chart right? I just took a look at the RB Flash, and it lists close to 225hp at the wheels + 150 torque at the wheels :

http://www.racingbeat.com/photos/11307.G.jpg

And I know that NA will be hard. I just want a little extra pep when I press the pedal :) I think 180 would be fine for torque. I'll go into the FI forum and take a look around for low boost.

Swap final drive or some lightweight 17 inch wheels or both.

Since the red stock line looks to peak around 215 HP that has to be from an engine dyno. Many people have taken their 8 to a chassis dyno and 180 WHP is a good number to get. Even going off RB chart $1,500 spent only gets you +10HP all above 7,500 RPM.

^ A midpipe is a way cheaper option

long story short: You can expect around 140-150 tq when NA.

With a small turbo, you can expect to get it in the 220-230 tq range. With a larger turbo, 250 is about right.


There really isn't going to be torque unless you add FI or another rotor to the motor.

You will not get the torque you want without forced induction. It's not going to happen. Not 200 lbs, not 180 ft lbs. That's like asking a 1.6L Civic engine to get that naturally. The problem is that the engine is too small to do so without help. You need a turbo, a supercharger, or a larger engine. An ecu reflash, intake, exhaust, flywheel, etc, without either of these, won't get you anywhere even close.

don't we need tuning on our cars with a catless midpipe? or was that with a header? i know we can go intake and cat back without tuning but i thought i remember reading we need tuning once getting a header or a catless midpipe

Whatever torque the engine is making has to be geared to the speed you're going. The easy way to get more torque is to downshift.

Then enjoy the fact that this car will actually turn in.

Okay, maybe I'm a dick, I just happen to have no respect for VR6s. Back-to-back, a VR6 car feels exactly like a 1.8t car with 150 lb. of iron bolted to the front bumper. :banghead: I don't get why anyone would tolerate, let alone enjoy that.