Inspiring reading.

So, you don't have an on/off switch you just plugin the piggyback?

 

That's exactly what I did. There is a spot for a switch but there was no switch to be found. Hope that it isn't a big deal. I'll have to contact Maurice tomorrow to find out for sure.

 

I don't think it's a problem not having a switch. The first batch did not have them. Plus I don't think you'll be wanting to turn off this baby anyway. Lucky you!

 

Question, StealthTL mentioned a particular procedure to do prior to dynoing the 8, are you going by his suggestion, or just running the dyno as normal? If you don't know what I'm referring to, let me know and I will try to run down that post. Thanks.

 

I'm not sure what StealthTL does but we have figured a way to keep the car from going into that limp mode that so often happens during the dyno runs in this car.

The last time that I was in for the exhaust dyno runs, Jason, went under the rear of the car and disconnected the ABS sensors?, which allows us to run on the dyno with no problems. After we were done he simply connected them back and all was well.

 

cant you just pull the fuse for the ABS ?

 

I meant "RX-8 friend" and not steathTL. And yes they do the same thing and pull the rear ABS plugs before doing the dyno run.

 

Thats awesome! It's great fun reading about mods like this and I am pretty damn jealous right about now. Can you comment on 4th and 5th gears above 5,000? I am curious about what you feel in the higher gears.

Maurice will be hearing from me very soon.

Thankx a lot for the great review and taking the time.

David...

 

The way RX-8 friend described it, the procedure wasn't quite disconnecting the ABS sensors - he unbolted the ABS sensors and tied them back away from the wheels. The PCM still needs to see the sensors online (not disconnected), but if tied back they will not read a speed, which matches the front wheels not reading a speed.

Regards,
Gordon

 

Hum ... What were you test driving again??? Seriously, thanks for the review. Good stuff!

 

Success07

See if you can't find someone with a "stock" Gen 3 to run against this weekend and post the results. It would be interesting to see how close the performance is now with these upgrades to your 8!

 

Cool... nice description. Good to know the dyno charts don't lie! :D

 

my only question is "ahead of [what] schedule"? I haven't seen anyone post about a schedule before. could you elaborate on when you were given a scheduled date?

 

Good news! Can you tell us if your MPG improves noticeably? I have a feeling the mod makes the car slightly more efficient, but the gains will probably be offset by your zealous right foot.

Also tell us if it makes the MPG notably worse.

Thanx

 

Gordon - I just gave a general idea of what I thought went on since I didn't actually get under the car. Thank you for the clarification.

WHealy - After you present the facts like that......I don't know!!! LOL!!:D

rx8daniel - 'the schedule' that I was referring to was the e-mail that I received from FedEx regarding my potential delivery time. The e-mail said to look for it around 1/28/04 but it came instead yesterday morning.

Chrisbert - I just so happen to need a tank of fuel so the timing is perfect to see how the fuel will be affected. The big thing with the Stage 1 is that it doesn't affect anything below 5k where most of us drive on a normal basis. Unfortunately, to really take advantage of the mod you have to run it and like you said that won't be good for the fuel economy. I'll keep you posted however and report any changes.

 

My money is on the twin turbos.

 

Agreed, I think the Gen 3 will win as well, but it should be a much closer race now with the added "kick in the shorts."

 

Could you comment on the 4th and 5th gears? What differences do you notice in these gears?

Thankx a lot.

 

Finally! Someone describes how it feels! Thank you! Can't wait to get mine in!

 

Has the price already gone up to $750??

 

Dave - gears 4 and 5 were greatly affected as well, though I didn't spend too much time in the higher rpms in those gears because my speed was climbing so drastically at that point and the last thing I wanted was ticket for 120mph in a 65mph zone. The additional punch is noticed through all the gears but most notably in gears 2 and 3 where I did most of WOT runs to redline or just short there of. Sign up, you'll be happy you did! :D

 

A few of the first ones went out without the switch installed, as the supplier screwed up and we didn't want to delay delivery any more. The only real use for the switch is comparing with and without stage 1 quickly. We put one in Maurice's car to do this, and I blabed about it. Lots of people posted they wanted the switch so we put it in the production plans. If you want the switch put in, you can return the box to us and we will put it in for you.
If you are good with a soldering iron you could put it in yourself. I built them all to take the switch - you just separate two pairs of wires and solder those wires to the switch. Talk to Maurice if you want to try this. I can provide detailed instructions (by now I do it in my sleep - I even have nightmares about it .

 

I'm looking foward to getting mine. I saw that my credit card was charged last week on Tuesday the 13th, and still haven't received a Stage 1 or even a shipping confirmation. I tried to E-mail Maurice last week and still have not received any reply at all.

 

Just wait, he is receiving a barrage of emails now that the unit is out.

 

Too cool. Mine will be here next week due to a snafu with shipping. I'm PUMPED! :D