OK - I've been reading alot on this forum about folks looking to improve 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. Quite a few are spending thousands of dollars (I.e. - Turbo)seeking big hp gains while others (like me) are willing to shell out a few hundred for 'minimal' gains.
What I haven't seen discussed (or if I missed it somewhere, pardon me), is any discussion about changing the rear end gearing. Back in the day (and probably still occurring today), it was very common for folks to change the gear something more agressive (I.e - 4.10, 4.55, etc) to vastly improve low end performance. I would think that this could be done to the '8' and it would 'resolve' some of the concern and issue about not enough low-end torque thus improving the 'straight-line' speed.
Did I miss something or is this not possible? Maybe the gearing is not available?

What do you think???

 

Stock is 4.44 not much room for improvement.

Might like this thread
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/what-differential-final-drive-ratios-available-62178/

 

Already at about 4000+ rpm's cruising on the freeway in 6th. If they had a set of gears that would shorten 1st through 4th, and lengthen 5th & 6th I would seriously look at it, but as already has been stated 4.44 is already pretty short.

 

Ah, there is a thread relating to this - Thanks!

Hmmm....it appears that there are a couple options available (4.77 and 5.12). Wonder if anyone (normal day-day drivers) have installed either of these and what improvement they've seen over the cost. Seems like as long as the improvement is reasonable, it would be an 'easier' change to make (as opposed to installing a CZ or Greddy and having to 'deal' with all the tuning issues).

I would think that the 4.77 wouldn't offer too much but the 5.12 should. But.........if the $3,600 cost for the 5.12 is accurate, this places it in Turbo territory (and surprisingly costly!).

 

Mazdaspeed sells 5.12 for $1,116.00
Ring Gear and Pinion Gear
1-800-435-2508

 

Are there any longer final drive gears for the turbo crowd? I would think they would be looking for a new set to optimize their hp and torque curves.

 

The Automatic RX-8 might have a different gear ratio as far as being taller?