A G-Note for mods...
 

Hey I got like a g note to spend on some mods for the 8. So far the whole thing is stock. Im thinking the best investment would be to get the COBB AccessPort thru MazdaManiac for 695 and the racing beat custom three panel gauges for 450. What would you guys get if you had a g to blow?
:ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47: :ak47:

^that.

Sounds like you have a pretty good plan already :bigok:

the useage of the term "g-note" and the AK47 smiles make me hate your post already

since ive got almost all i need if i had a grand to spend it would go towards a access port and id use the rest to save for sideskirts.

It's how we roll in Van city! :wallbash:

Spend a bit more and get some Stance GR+ Coilovers :)

The accessPORT is a great investment! You'll love it.

The racing beat gauge pod is also another great idea. I've found my water temp, oil pressure and temperature gauges to be a big help in situations where performance might cause temps to get rather high.

Someone please correct me but I believe the included gauges are mechanical and not electronic. If that's the case, you will have to at least run an oil line into the cabin for the oil pressure. I'd highly suggest electric gauges as they simply require running a sensor wire and power wires. There are also some great gauges out there with peak/warning capability which will alert you when your temps or pressure are in dangerous areas.

I entered this thread expecting to see an "Icy hot stunnaz" link, the Rx8club has let me down. :icon_no2:

Yo WingleBitch, cut the shit posts u hater!

uh oh. free post. ibtl.:grouphug:

access port + midpipe. Then you can save a bit more for the gauges. This if you are not concerned about improving cornering capabilities.

I'd go a different route with a grand. Springs, shocks, sways, and a used intake or exhaust. :)

well overtime, i spent a g and it pretty much went with intake, exhaust, and springs...not much hp gains wise, but its getting somewhere.

in retrospect, a nice set of coilovers will go a long way, and the AP isnt a bad idea either.

go for stance coilovers! I wouldve done that if I can go back

I like to build from the ground up so I start with tires, wheels, suspension and brakes.

BTW if you a new owner then I'd do some general maintenance before "upgrading" anything. Also make sure the coils and plugs are fresh.

In that case you'd be spending more than a grand though.
Suspension alone, to be worth the purchase, are at least around 1000$, then add the sways 300$, brake pas + brake lines another 300$, brake fluid 10$, strut bars 3\800$...
Doing just the sways may be a good idea though, changing the coilovers before having A LOT of seat time and the proper abilities to decide what to choose and how to set it up could turn out to be a waste of money imho.

^^ not necessarily my good man.
I good strut / spring combo should be a less then $1k here. Konis or D Specs + Teins are a great combo and if you install them yourself, you're all set.

- I have to agree with CRH in that Vancouver doesn't strike me as a place where the RB gauge setup would be ALL that beneficial seeing as how you won't see extremely hot climates (which is where I find my gauges the most useful)
- Flashwing: you are correct. The RB gaugepod kit comes with mechanical gauges which is why I went with just the pod and sourced the rest of the kit myself, including electric gauges.

- The AP is a phenomenal buy considering all that it can do for you. PLUS, you could always buy a universal cell phone holder, mount the AP and get your readings that way. :cool:


Here's a few things I'd recommend:
- Clear Corners
- Exhaust (if you want to improve the SOUND and are aware that there isn't much of a performance difference)
- AP from MM
- Screens for your AC condensor / oil coolers. People forget this all the time and when they eat a rock that takes out the AC condensor, they realize how worthwhile the screens are.

No way $1000 gets you everything I mentioned but that is the order I'd start with. IMO tires are the best bang for buck upgrade. Again this is assuming the car's maintenance is current and the coils and plugs are fresh.

tires can be a great upgrade IF you take the time to find a good set in the proper size.
I wouldn't recommend people start there though, especially if they've still got plenty of tread left on the OEM's.
I realize the Potenza's or the Dunlops aren't the greatest tires out there but they're not terrible for daily driving.
If your tires are running low then what the heck... kill two birds with one stone.

Hey modding is an individual thing and that is how I do it :) Always ground up for me. I like to improve braking and handling before moving forward. Which is why I went with wheels, tires, coilovers and getting corner balanced and aligned first. And then followed up with brake pads and lines. Brake rotors are next.

Again this assumes maintenance is up to date :)

Now you two go jump someone else ;)

I definitely respect what both of you have to offer and have sought opinions from the two of you. I know I will in the future as well :)

come to the Dark Side...

Wow... good start to making friends :icon_no2:

Yea i know buy the guy was bein a dick.
Thank for all the post guys...very helpful..
I'm gonna go with Charles's adviceand get the Cobb AP and BHR Ignition System. And, maybe a push button start instead of the guages. I'm deciding on weather to replace the lighter with a button or put it in the dash.