First time RX8 owner: Mod list, Opinions welcome
 

Hey everyone, this is my first post in this forum so bear with me. I've tried to do alot of research so I can come in not sounding like a complete noob, but chances are it will happen anyway.

In a few days I'll be getting an 04 or 05 RX8 MT, not sure if it will be sport or GT yet. I have some money that I would like to put into the car and I have a progression of what I wanted to do.

I plan on auto-x'ing my car as well as taking it to a few track days if possible (summit point and Richmond) and definitely a lot of spirited weekend drives. I want the car to handle extremely well and I would like great throttle response but still be livable day to day.

I was hoping I could run it by everyone and get opinions on the parts I picked, or if I should add or remove anything, and things like that. Thanks a lot for the help to come.


1st mods:
AFE STS with voodoo piano black 6 speed engraved (I like the look)
RB sways front and rear with the zex bracket (is that right, I read about the grease issues)
A set of nice tires (Falkens or something)
steel braided brake lines (clutch lines worth it?)
RB, Borla or BB exhaust (feedback welcome) and also, would intake really be necessary or could I save it?
Carbotech pads (or Hawks)

2nd mods:
Tokico d spec shocks/struts with swift sport mach springs (or are koni's better?)
RB Rev Intake and duct
four point front strut tower brace (rear strut tower brace necessary)
Light weight pulleys
Lightweight flywheel (should I do this first)
Final mod (Cobb AP with mazdamaniac tune)

^^ nice mod list you got there. Welcome to the club scwchapman, glad to see people still remember how to search. :) (nycgps will be soooo proud)

If you're driving your car daily, I highly recommend the Racing Beat A/C & oil cooler screens. (or something similar; hymee, D.I.Y., etc) Would hate to see your car eat a rock and cost you hundreds of $$$ to fix

Sway bars are a good idea, talk to Charles R Hill though. I think he had a great price on some Progressive adjustable sways.

RB exhaust and Borla are quite different in sound; go with the one YOU like the sound of the best. tons of clips on youtube or you can check them out at a local meet if possible

Intakes aren't necessary but they can be a nice addition. AEM and Racing Beat are quite nice.

AFE short shifter RULES!! :rock:

i like this guy...welcome to the club.

definitely can see you did some research. welcome.

good research.

2 pointers.

an exhaust will still be constricted unless you byu a midpipe or high flow cat. should be a definate addition to any upgrade list.

accessport should not be the last mod, in fact i feel it should be the first performance mod, as it can take any bolt on and upgrade its effect.

Why would anyone want to modify the RX8?

:rolleyes:

Welcome to the club! As for the GT's sunroof that I have, I hardly ever drive with it open. If I do use it, it's the tilt feature that I use, so the GT adds money that you could save and apply to your mods if you don't see a need for it. I'm 6'1" and I touch the ceiling in places.

thanks for all the input so far. I'm a member of a couple exotic car forums (as my family is a collector and my job is to sell them) and I've seen the effects of flaming on new members and I was determined not to fall prey.

Winglebeast, I definitely would like to do AP first, except for a single part it's alot of money, and I'm more concerned about handling before power.

Also, I need my car to be smog-legal so what high flow cat do you all reccomend? (I would do research but I'm quick posting before class).

I will definitely buy the grills to protect my radior and oil cooler because you're right, that could lead to unwanted spent money.

Also, I know that for most cars, an exhaust really doesn't yield it's full performance if it does not have more air to suck in (more air in needs more air out and vice versa) but is that different for these cars? I mean from reading I've seen that the exhausts all yield very small horsepower gains and are for sound most of the time (I listened to clips and I think I'll go with the borla).

And a quick note about the sway bars, I have heard good things about the progressives, but I'm not the most technical savvy guy, and the least amount of adjusting I can do, the better, hence why I'm not opting for coil overs.

And no worries, I know that once I get my suspension mods that I need to get a proper alignment, and I've already bookmarked the alignment settings thread here.

Finally, do you all think that progression of mods (other than the Cobb AP) is good, or should I switch things around (like get pulleys and a flywheel first)

PS. Any input on good flywheels based on experience, I was leaning toward the ACT prolite or Fidanza.

Thanks again everyone, and keep the suggestions/comments coming!

I'm confused. Your mod list does not include an LS1, 20b, 2JZ, a park bench wing, a RHD conversion, under glow, side pipes, or cams. Are you sure you are new here?

As for the GT, I was a big fan of the leather and I drive with my sunroof open all the time. YMMV.

Good set of mods to start with :)

I do not see a set of wheels on your list. Not sure you need the rear brace or even the 4 point front brace. The rx-8 chassis is already very stiff (more than the FD). Since you plan to add shocks/springs after the sway bars, be sure the combo is a good match.

I use my sunroof all the time :)

I prefer to keep the car as stock looking as possible because I love the look of it. I know some people enjoy their body kits and what not, and to each his own, but I'm a bit of a purist for looks.

I like the stock rims and would only upgrade for larger tires. I was sort of hoping to do the sways and the swift spring and tokico strut combo at the same time as the RB sways, and it seemed like such a popular combination among forum members I figured I wouldn't have issues.

I just did a bit more research and I think I am going for the Agency Power or Unorthodox pulleys.

I'll be posting pictures as all the work gets done.

Oh, and yea, the leather and sunroof would be nice, but I like the cloth because a) it doesn't get as hot as leather and b) you don't slide around as much in it (I may switch to some corbeau or recaro seats for a bit more lateral support but something that still looks good.

If anyone knows of places where I can get some good prices on some of these parts that would greatly be appreciated. Hope I'm not hasseling everyone too much.

Yeah I agree that the cobb should be the first performance mod.

I have the AFE Short throw shifter (love it)
Progressive adjustable sway bars (love it and cheap)
Falken 912's ( haven't squealed yet)
Steel braided clutch and brake lines (worth if it you are changing everything anyways)
RB catback exhaust ( I love the tone, not too aggressive or ricish)
Hawk pads (research the different pads)

I also have the ACT prolite flywheel and IMO, I wouldn't change it until you needed to change the clutch. Pulleys don't do to much, you might notice it revs quicker.

Thanks for researching and not asking dumb questions like where is the dipstick.

Thats what I get for living 30 minutes from the Ocean I guess - the Olympic Rain Forest is 45 minutes hour North of me also.

:lol:

90 days of sunshine per year in Portland so I use it when ever I get the chance!

I actually JUST read that conversation with the guy who asked where the dipstick was and then got banned. XD completely priceless. Okay, I may hold off on the flywheel, I just want it to rev quicker and be more responsive and I figure if I do a lot of this at once, why not just get it done?

So how would you compare the progressive adjustables to the RB's? Like I said, I don't really trust myself adjusting things (too much)

Good list scwchapman!

I'd skip the pulleys and move the AP/MM up to the front!

S

Thanks. I did a lot of research before even attempting to post (flaming is no fun).

I wanted to edit my list, and say that I want to add a RP Super-Cat with the RB exhaust.

Question for all: Should I forgo the pulleys and flywheel for later and instead do the AP/MM?

Thanks again

I have an MM/AP and I did not buy it as a power adder. I bought it for the increased oil from the OMP, the smoother idle and the smoother overall powerband. More oil from OMP = happier engine. Now if I decide one day to go FI it can handle that as well, if I stay NA then I'm still covered.

Yea, that's a good point. Time to re-organize my list :)

the clutch is on the same resoviour. do it!

like this guy---welcome.
my 2 cents worth.
Handling-- the shocks are the weak point on the track--konis or Toks are ok your call most hard core trackers would choose the Koni's. remember to balance the suspension. springs and sways need to be match if you will. i personally like the rb bars with their end links and the tein h springs and koni shocks. I too, do not like too much adjustability.
brakes-- the rx8 has awesome brakes. very front bias. i run the carbotech xp 8 on the front and the panthers in the back. that way i only have to change out the fronts on track day they last a long time and are rotor friendly. dont forget speed bleeders so you can bleed your brakesby yourself and dont forget good brake fluid. get high temp lube in the calipers(ceramic based). the stainless lines are a personnel choice--i couldnt tell the differance myself. also do not forget to have a mastercyinder brace like on the mazdaspeed front tower brace. the firewall is weak.
engine etc-- stock intake in fine--just get a k&n filter for it.,
keep good coils and plugs,
premix good for the track,
run at least a 10w40 oil on the track
keep 1/2 tank of gas in it
light flywheel not needed but it does help with rev matching.,
stock clutch is fine,
swap out the trans oil and diff oil for synthetics.
short shifter!!! you will like that!
real gauges is a must oil/water temps have to be monitored
dedicated wheels and tires for the track
you may want the cobb unit so the fans can be turned on sooner and the omp can be adjusted (not absolutely required but good to have)
you may want the upgraded water pump.
ground the coils/ignitors better
enough for now
olddragger

heh thats what i moved the AP to the top. if i put the expensive things last, i always seem to find some sort of excuse to get somthing cheeper in front of it.

example = next mod is a turbo, unfortunetly i have to wait 6 months, which will kill me. however if i get somthing elts it will just delay the turbo.

damn patience

thanks for all the input. I don't plan to be a hardcore tracker per se, just because this is my daily driver and I drive from PA to MD every two weeks for my job. I've heard a lot of good things about the RB sways w/ tok's struts and swift springs but I'll look into Koni springs.

I don't really think I'll need to upgrade the clutch as that's really to handle more power and torque, although I like the flywheel and pulley's for rev's (but cobb is probably better worth money for overall performance gains).

I will however be upgrading to better fluids like you said and will definitely have a dedicated set of wheel/tires (I'll need three, one for winter, one for summer, and one for track events, and I plan on keeping a stock of pads and normal wear and tear track items (I'll also look into the speed bleeder).

I really just want a phenomenal car that I can bring on the track and then drive home, with minimal adjustments and wear (hell don't we all)?

Although on a side note, I'm a few lessons away from getting my SCCA club sport license and in that case I'll be working on a dedicated track car (pictures will be posted).

I've gotten a ton of good suggestions so far but keep them coming. It's greatly appreciated guys!

Yeah you have a nice list of mods. I myself have the Racing Beat Sways and Borla Exhaust. Both of which I would highly recommend. I to do AutoX and will soon be tracking my car once I get some track wheels/tires. I definitally noticed a difference with the sways, and the Borla sounds like sex.

Everyone says sways will give you the biggest difference in terms of driving. I really like the sound of the RB exhaust with the RP Super Cat, but the borla did sound good. I just really like the look of the dual mufflers from underneath the car.

Although I have experience with borla (86 Countach with borla exhaust and test pipes) :)

If you haven't bought the car yet and you really want to be competitive racing buy the sport or even the base!

There is a 150-200 lb difference between that and the GT.

Also I'd skip the strut bars(or if you do get the mazdaspeed front only, only for the brake bracket) b/c the car doesn't need struts.

I'd also move sways, springs, and shocks(koni's IMHO) to the very top.

If you haven't tracked before I'd go out on stock tires and brakes. If you have why not get a good set of R-compounds and racing brake pads for track days only?

i have the borla exhaust with the RP supercat. and i love it. it is a little raspy around 3,500 - 4,500 rpm but that is it. it sounds amzing and nice and deep. and the warranty with the borla is amazing and it is really good stuff

if you do get dedicated track wheels tires get the 17 inch size--tires easier to find and less expensive(most of us run seconds), the overall gear reduction really helps with corner exit , overall pull and gives you good weight savings.
A slightly modded rx 8 (such as you are speaking of sans the cobb) is holding NASA TT class records here in Ga at multiple tracks. Drives it to the track and is a daily driver with approx 70K on the odometer and approx 6-7K on the track!!
Oridginal engine!
olddragger

also, one thing i might add is there is never such thing as a final mod with the car until you sell it. lol

agreed!

I will definitely do the strut bar (mazdaspeed) later on, and forgo the rear strut bar.

I will also take a look into Koni's for the springs, and decide after a little more research. How do the koni's match up with the tokico's?

I agree with the 17in wheel by the way (had a 94 lotus Esprit SE with 17in 0Z's) Big wheels do not mean better handling all the time.

I'm really excited to get the project rolling and plan to have dedicated track tires and pads

Question: Rotors worth even looking into or will pads do the trick? I know the RX-8 brakes are phenomenal (not far off Z06, Porsche, F430 in 80-0 and 60-0 according to C&D and R&T)

I think I am getting a sport (from auction if all goes to plan) Red on cloth. I'll post pics of everything as soon as it happens!

dont need discs use the oem--- track pads only will do. on the 17's make sure they are at least 8 inches wide.
koni springs ? dont know those. i run the tein h springs with koni yellows.
the sport is the way to go.
once you get it, many more hints to come.
olddragger

I'll let you know as soon as things get put on. Unfortunately I may be set back a few mods now that I have to pay a speeding ticket I just got! :banghead:

What?! You dont want a Ebay chip that will give you an instant 20 hp and 5 mpg for only 19.95??????

But for real you will have a very nice 8 soon

Also where do you live? Check your local forum for meets and such. Usually someone might have a set up you are interested in that you can test out first before you buy.

What's good for one is not good for all, especially when it comes to suspension.

u might want the mazsport cluth pedal reinforcement kits cuz our stock clutch pedal is so week. if u get a chance to take it out and have a look at it, u will notice the last piece of metal to the firewall is really thin and u can even bend them by ur hands. I believe people on thie forum have had broken pedals which can most possibly cause an accident if ur on highway. After reading that thread, i bet ur gonna be more worried and wanting to get the reinforcement kit asap. I just installed them, i didnt feel too much difference after driving with it for couple days cuz my stock one hasnt broken or close to be broken yet but there will be a little difference that u can definitely feel right after u install this kit.
Ur list is nice and if u do installations urself, its even gonna be more fun. I went wrong ways on mods cuz I didnt do lots search as u did when i first signed in here. but good luck with modding, hope u enjoy

get some small mods first to make ur car sound like a fast car, then do handling if u track it, lol. at least its what i think cuz i dont plan on going FI and really the power that NA mods will give to ur car is only a little. If u had money limit, why dont u do something that will make u feel like its worth the money u spent.

I don't want people to think I have a fast car. I'm all about the sleeper (as much as an 8 can be that is). I want to retain the stock look aside from maybe wheels and the guards for my radiator and oil cooler, as well as exhaust.

I will look into the cluth pedal reinforcement kit.

I live in Baltimore but go to school in PA (guess that's double the potential for meets!)

While everyone is going to have their own opinion, the one thing that makes this car feel like its worth every dollar I put into it is autocrossing. The group of RX-8's that show up EVERY event aren't the fastest but we have the most fun.

Another thing to add to your list is oil filters, engine oil, premix(if you decide to), transmission fluid, cleaning supplies. And as soon as you have springs & shocks installed, get an alignment. An alignment will definitely change the feel of the car.

yea. Tat's what I wrote in my initial post. I thought I said somewhere in the post that I plan on upgrading the fluids of the car but I might not have.

time to scratch off some of the list!

Voodoo knob (check), Added Axial Flow master cylinder brace (ordering soon) BF goodrich T/A KDW tires (check) AF STS (ordering soon) Hawk pads (on order) Steel braided lines (on order).

Check us out!

https://www.fluidmotorsports.com/s-84-rx8.aspx

Man, just last night and this morning, i was expecting another newb to get pwned. Glad you didnt. Hope your here to stay.

I havent started upgrading my 8 as much as most on here, but I can say I absolutely love my borla. Its an amazing sound. Best exhaust on an 8 IMO. I use my sunroof all the time here in oregon, even a little when its raining, but how tall are you? I know you said your looking to get a sport, but if you get a gt, the sunroof really takes away from the headroom. Im 5'11"-6' depending on who you talk to, and i sit rather close/upright(no gangster lean or looking out the rear door windows) but im not sure how im going to rock a helmet when it comes time for the next drift even. Maybe stick my head out the sunroof.

I got a black sport. Pictures are posted in the media section. I'm an experienced forum user with other cars I've owned and such so I try not to get owned in the face when I make my posts, but it occasionally happens to everyone. haha.

hey scwchapman where in pa do you live? if your local i could help you out installing some of these things as i am a dedicated rotor head and i love working on these cars plus you could check out my 3 rx7s and my new rx8...lol its a must see collection for any rotary enthusiast.

I would LOVE that man. I am in Hungtingdon PA. I could definitely use some help too.

oh yea.. i go to raystown once in a while to visit freinds

yea that's right by here.

i live in lancaster tho so i think im about 2 hours away from you...not sure tho

I could always do a meet half way kinda thing if I get enough parts, that way I can just get it all done in a day.