First time RX8 owner: Mod list, Opinions welcome
09-09-2008, 10:08 PM
#26
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Although I have experience with borla (86 Countach with borla exhaust and test pipes)
09-09-2008, 10:47 PM
#27
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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?
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?
09-10-2008, 11:07 AM
#29
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
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
09-10-2008, 02:02 PM
#31
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
09-10-2008, 07:10 PM
#32
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
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
09-10-2008, 11:51 PM
#35
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
What's good for one is not good for all, especially when it comes to suspension.
09-11-2008, 12:14 AM
#36
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: calgary
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
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
09-11-2008, 12:18 AM
#37
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: calgary
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
09-11-2008, 03:30 PM
#38
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!)
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!)
09-11-2008, 04:48 PM
#39
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If u had money limit, why dont u do something that will make u feel like its worth the money u spent.
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.
10-08-2008, 11:06 PM
#41
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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)
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)
Voodoo **** (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).
10-10-2008, 12:47 PM
#43
VRX8
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Oroville, WA... 4 miles from Canada
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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 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.
Last edited by Fathead_03; 10-10-2008 at 12:48 PM. Reason: our - out, me = tard
10-10-2008, 01:00 PM
#44
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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 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.
10-10-2008, 04:02 PM
#45
400whp RX-7+05 RX-8=BROKE
Join Date: May 2007
Location: lancaster pa
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
10-11-2008, 04:46 PM
#46
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.