REVIEW: T-Rex ignition kit and oil cooler line kit
 

During my recent engine rebuild, I decided it was time to address two of the RX8’s known weak points: the OEM ignition coils and wires, and the corrosion- and leak-prone OEM oil cooler lines. A few vendors offer ignition kits and a few vendors offer oil cooler lines for the RX8. Texas Rotary Experts (T-Rex), out of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, offers both at competitive price points.

The T-Rex ignition kit uses the GM LSx ignition coils (D585), a custom mounting bracket, and pre-wired adapter harness so that it is plug-and-play with the OEM ignition coil connectors. The wires are nice feeling MSD pieces. Fitment was very good, although you lose the attachment point for the factory wiring loom. I used some zip ties for extra security. T-Rex claims a lifetime warranty, and they were very good about support during installation. A couple of wire color choices are available.

The T-Rex oil cooler kit includes three lines to replace all the factory lines. Installation and mounting is similar to the Racing Beat product. The provided instructions were rather poor, so I used the RB instructions.The kit is designed to utilize the OEM brackets without modifications. The lengths and bends were good, and all hoses and fittings sealed up the first time. A couple of color choices are available for the hoses and fittings.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the initial quality and value of the T-Rex products. Time will tell if they are worthy alternatives to the other options on the market.

texasrotaryexperts

Are you using the stock dwell times with the D585s, or are you tuned?

i have the hypertech flash, but other than that no tune.

How are both items there is a group buy for the Ignition coils going on now. I m Also interested in ss lines for my oil coolers. I usually buy racing beat but they are quite pricey. Just curious how both worked out for you. Thanks

The 1960s called and they want their stainless oil hoses back. Having installed a set of RB hoses on someone elses RX8 I'd never swap my OE lines for a set. Most people seem to ignore that about 1/2 or more the OE line lengths are hard piping that's both strong and light. If you were doing this right you take your OE lines to a hose shop and just replace the flex hose sections only and not with old-style SS braided hose. There's this thing called technology where new stuff has been improved in strength, durability, and serious weight reduction that makes old stuff obsolete

I'll make up for my sarcasm by throwing a few bucks your way for you to ship me your ultra-lightweight OE hoses and piping because I know you'll do it any way.

Everything is holding up great. T-Rex sent me some updated ignition wires that use better terminal material. No leaks from the oil lines.

I wonder if these guys will ever come up with anything that someone else didn't come up with first.

And ditto on installing the SS lines and good luck with them since they are rubbing up against the frame, those cheap SS lines should last a year or so before they wear thru and leak.

Well there's plenty of mistakes to go around for everyone to enjoy the IFDUP party. That's another overplayed subject with varying opinions and ensuing debates. None of it is a revolutionary jump in ingenious technology advancement, but rather copying something over in some form into an application specific variation.

Not far from me; never heard of them before, but I'm not into the street baller scene

Yeah, well some peoples history for counting chicks before they hatch isn't the best either

In order to improve a product that is copied you need to have the knowledge to see the shortcomings of the product you are copying...and have the ability to make an improvement that results in a better product

Look at the new iPhone... is it a cutting edge product...or is it following the innovations of other manufacturers?