So I just got a 2004 6 speed RX-8 last week with no previous modifications. I love working on cars, upgrading parts, adding power. I had a 5 speed 98 Trans AM for the longest time and knew pretty much the ups and downs of it and knew the engine like the back of my hand. The rotary engine is completely new to me so of course I don't even know really where to start with upgrading the car's performance. I figured upgrading the exhaust system and getting CAI is the 1st step but beyond that, I don't really know where to go. What are some of the weaknesses of the RX-8 that I should take a look at first? What on the car should be left alone? Any help would be appreciated

 

forced induction is the only way you will get noticeable gains on the rotary......for now have fun with it for what it is....totally different car than the trans am.

welcome!

 

Hello fellow Washingtonian.

Not from personal experience but just from endless searching... Depending on your miles the coils could be a weak point. High-flow cat or mid-pipe are going to be your best/easiest/cheapest bets for some extra ponies. I'll let the pros take it from here

My favorite??? Suspension. It's a good start and you'll love the dramatic improvement it makes.

 

Ah turbos, I had my Trans AM supercharged but of course there were many supporting modifications that needed to be installed first. I'm sure I can't just slap a turbo on this car and call it a day, however I will be looking to forced induction when I know the car is capable of it.

and thanks!

 

Haha Washingtonian, I hadn't heard that one before

The car has 80,000mi but my dad has been the owner since he got the car brand new and he babied it the entire time, it's pretty much all highway miles. I guess there isn't a lot of do-it-yourself projects for this car? I hope there are a few more things I can do on my own before I NEED a car shop to add horses.

Suspension is something I'll look forward to upgrading. Not saying it has bad suspension stock, it's a hell of a lot better than a Trans AM, but a tighter suspension system would be so much more fun!

 

5 speed? Is that a mistake or did you have a manual 6cyl?

The only way to get near that power is FI or light weight flywheel/nitrous/Accessport/midpipe/light weight rims/Yukon coils and some others with will only net you very little. The latter really wont get you too far, but that is pretty much your option for non FI.

Personally, I'd go with an LSx swap (my goal in due time).

How bout some pics/specs of the t/a

 

Add-ons won't make a big difference so it totally depends on your goals.
With 60.000miles on the clock you might just change the catalyzer and the coils to notice a difference.

 

I had a custom built transmission in my Trans AM along with an LS2 engine swap which was a 5 speed transmission.

 

custom built 5 speed? What was the reasoning there? I know a lot of people like the T series, especially the T56. How did the LS2 swap go? I heard it's a PITA for the trans am.

 

Haha long story behind the 5 speed. I have a good friend of mine who owns a transmission shop who did it for me, I'll leave it at that.
And yes, the LS2 engine swap was probably the most painful thing I've done, but the thought of having an LS2 in my car kept me motivated lol.
Unfortunately my car got T boned by a guy running a stop sign a month ago and I got screwed by my insurance company, thus I now have an 8

 

Bummer, sorry to hear you lost your Fbod. Got pics of her? O and as I'm sure you know, Ls1's are pretty cheap. You should try and swap a LS1 into the 8 (with a T56 this time, and other things to keep the drive train in one piece).

Are you on any LSx sites?

 

Well actually you do kinda just slap it on. Then throw in an EMS, and your ready to play..

 

I most definitely have pics of it, but I just started on vacation and most of my stuff is on my desk top. As soon as I get back though I can send some your way.
I never really considered the LS1 swap into the 8...seems like it'd be a really tight fit, but I doubt it could be any worse than the LS2 swap.
I didn't really get involved in the LSx sites, I really only peeked at the forums every so often and don't remember any of my accounts on them.
I'm going to be pretty well involved with this site though with as little as I know about the 8's until I familiarize myself with my new car.

 

Well no ****, I had no clue. I should have done more research on the 8 before I got it