So I could really use some opinions
#1
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So I could really use some opinions
I realize people post up dumb threads all the time. And this is no exception really, but what else is a forum for? I definitely need some help with what to spend my money on. I've searched around but feel that everyone has their own situation so it didn't help much. So here's mine:
I told myself I was only going to spend $2500 on modifications with my deployment money. I have already purchased some Stance coilovers and a few other things. So if you were in my shoes and had a little over $1500 to spend on stuff for the best car ever, what would ya buy??
My current mods
HKS Legamax
RP Supercat
Stance GR+ Coilovers
CF Trunk
Mazdaspeed Rear Strut Bar
Yellow Fogs and LEDs all over
Thanks, Ryan
I told myself I was only going to spend $2500 on modifications with my deployment money. I have already purchased some Stance coilovers and a few other things. So if you were in my shoes and had a little over $1500 to spend on stuff for the best car ever, what would ya buy??
My current mods
HKS Legamax
RP Supercat
Stance GR+ Coilovers
CF Trunk
Mazdaspeed Rear Strut Bar
Yellow Fogs and LEDs all over
Thanks, Ryan
Last edited by Ryan2008; 06-29-2010 at 06:36 AM.
#8
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You need wheels. Like Red Fox said, they're the first things people look at when judging a car. You might even want to save up another $500 or so just to make sure you get exactly what you want. Wheels are usually one of the larger investments that 8 owners around here make and you don't want to jew yourself out with cheap wheels; you'll regret it.
If wheels are absolutely not an option right now, then I'd spend that money on lots of little things instead of larger things, just to get them out of the way. Clear corners, window tint, lowering springs, eyelids, and maybe an aftermarket lip/spoiler to name a few.
If wheels are absolutely not an option right now, then I'd spend that money on lots of little things instead of larger things, just to get them out of the way. Clear corners, window tint, lowering springs, eyelids, and maybe an aftermarket lip/spoiler to name a few.
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While I could definitely buy some lightweight wheels with tires for $1500, I think I'd want to wait until I got more money than that to get some real good quality, lightweight wheels. Plus it's not like the 8's wheels are bad... they're lightweight, good looking and already on the car. As an 8 owner, we get tired of seeing them but I still get compliments from a ton of people on them.
What kind of sway bars do you guys recommend? I've done some looking around online and they all seem to be just about the same. The progress are adjustable so those sound like a decent choice. Any opinions?
Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. It's so hard to spend money when there's so many different things to buy
What kind of sway bars do you guys recommend? I've done some looking around online and they all seem to be just about the same. The progress are adjustable so those sound like a decent choice. Any opinions?
Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. It's so hard to spend money when there's so many different things to buy
#11
Are you after handling or after freeing some power?
Progress tech sway bars are a great option handling wise but may be overkill for you since they're adjustable etc.
As somebody else suggested, if you are after some power increase the bhr ignition\midpipe + accessport combo sounds sweet too
Progress tech sway bars are a great option handling wise but may be overkill for you since they're adjustable etc.
As somebody else suggested, if you are after some power increase the bhr ignition\midpipe + accessport combo sounds sweet too
#13
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Forgot all about this one. I'm still stock so I have no idea what it's like, but I've read nothing but great things about the AFE short shifter. I've read so many comments that are along the lines of "must have" or "perfect first mod", and "the way the 8 should've felt when stock". It's not very expensive, either. I'd definitely get this.
#14
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racing beat ecu flash
gauges
keep the oem sways with those stiff coilovers you have
cooling mods--i am partial to a secondary radiator set up and mazmarts water pump/thermostat
racing beats ecu flash turns the fans on earier
performance alignment and corner weighted
mazmarts oil pressure regulator
oil filter relocation kit
replace factory air filter with a better flowing one or the mazdaspeed/aem cai--no other
you will still have money left over?
OD
gauges
keep the oem sways with those stiff coilovers you have
cooling mods--i am partial to a secondary radiator set up and mazmarts water pump/thermostat
racing beats ecu flash turns the fans on earier
performance alignment and corner weighted
mazmarts oil pressure regulator
oil filter relocation kit
replace factory air filter with a better flowing one or the mazdaspeed/aem cai--no other
you will still have money left over?
OD
#16
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racing beat ecu flash
gauges
keep the oem sways with those stiff coilovers you have
cooling mods--i am partial to a secondary radiator set up and mazmarts water pump/thermostat
racing beats ecu flash turns the fans on earier
performance alignment and corner weighted
mazmarts oil pressure regulator
oil filter relocation kit
replace factory air filter with a better flowing one or the mazdaspeed/aem cai--no other
you will still have money left over?
OD
gauges
keep the oem sways with those stiff coilovers you have
cooling mods--i am partial to a secondary radiator set up and mazmarts water pump/thermostat
racing beats ecu flash turns the fans on earier
performance alignment and corner weighted
mazmarts oil pressure regulator
oil filter relocation kit
replace factory air filter with a better flowing one or the mazdaspeed/aem cai--no other
you will still have money left over?
OD
#17
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rb intake is ok for what it is. i dont like it because with the cai option---its expensive and i dont like k&N air filters at all. and even with the cai option--the filter itself will get heat soaked after many short slow drives.
rb flash makes less power than oem?--better check again.
individual tune versus cobb may make a very little bit more--but look at the time and expense in getting there for what --maybe 3-5 more hp? Not worth it in my opion in this type build.
cobb is good, individual tune is good--but thats not what the op is asking for?
rather take the extra money for other stuff like gauges and cooling.
rb flash makes less power than oem?--better check again.
individual tune versus cobb may make a very little bit more--but look at the time and expense in getting there for what --maybe 3-5 more hp? Not worth it in my opion in this type build.
cobb is good, individual tune is good--but thats not what the op is asking for?
rather take the extra money for other stuff like gauges and cooling.
#18
I zoom therefore I am.
rb flash makes less power than oem?--better check again.
individual tune versus cobb may make a very little bit more--but look at the time and expense in getting there for what --maybe 3-5 more hp? Not worth it in my opion in this type build.
and the ability to be retuned for anything else you do to your car later on is another plus.
cobb is good, individual tune is good--but thats not what the op is asking for?
rather take the extra money for other stuff like gauges and cooling.
rather take the extra money for other stuff like gauges and cooling.
OP was asking what to spend money on, all these things cost money
To the OP:
For looks alone (lower the car, clear sides markers, body kit, wheels, etc etc etc)
For performance (BHR coil kit, BHR midpipe, MazdaManiac AP, AEM/MS CAI, Lightweight flywheel, mazdaspeed front and rear strut tower bars.)
#20
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rb intake is ok for what it is. i dont like it because with the cai option---its expensive and i dont like k&N air filters at all. and even with the cai option--the filter itself will get heat soaked after many short slow drives.
rb flash makes less power than oem?--better check again.
individual tune versus cobb may make a very little bit more--but look at the time and expense in getting there for what --maybe 3-5 more hp? Not worth it in my opion in this type build.
cobb is good, individual tune is good--but thats not what the op is asking for?
rather take the extra money for other stuff like gauges and cooling.
rb flash makes less power than oem?--better check again.
individual tune versus cobb may make a very little bit more--but look at the time and expense in getting there for what --maybe 3-5 more hp? Not worth it in my opion in this type build.
cobb is good, individual tune is good--but thats not what the op is asking for?
rather take the extra money for other stuff like gauges and cooling.
I thought the RB kit uses a dry air filter? It is a moot point, anyway, as we all know the OEM intake is pretty friggin' good.
"Individual tune" versus Cobb? From MazdaManiac the Cobb IS an individual tune and about as close to custom as one can get.
The OP is implicitly asking all of us for suggestions on mods that will offer the greatest value for the buck, not all of which are power-related gains. Coincidentally, the BHR Ignition System and Cobb AP from MazdaManiac address several issues at the same time (simultaneous improvements in power, reliability, longevity) which is why they have been suggested more than ony other mods in this thread.
Colossal jewels............
"Individual tune" versus Cobb? From MazdaManiac the Cobb IS an individual tune and about as close to custom as one can get.
The OP is implicitly asking all of us for suggestions on mods that will offer the greatest value for the buck, not all of which are power-related gains. Coincidentally, the BHR Ignition System and Cobb AP from MazdaManiac address several issues at the same time (simultaneous improvements in power, reliability, longevity) which is why they have been suggested more than ony other mods in this thread.
Colossal jewels............
Correct. Not too many NA mods can do much, as this whole forum has gone over many times.
higher OMP output makes it a great addon for any car
and the ability to be retuned for anything else you do to your car later on is another plus.
To the OP:
For looks alone (lower the car, clear sides markers, body kit, wheels, etc etc etc)
For performance (BHR coil kit, BHR midpipe, MazdaManiac AP, AEM/MS CAI, Lightweight flywheel, mazdaspeed front and rear strut tower bars.)
and the ability to be retuned for anything else you do to your car later on is another plus.
To the OP:
For looks alone (lower the car, clear sides markers, body kit, wheels, etc etc etc)
For performance (BHR coil kit, BHR midpipe, MazdaManiac AP, AEM/MS CAI, Lightweight flywheel, mazdaspeed front and rear strut tower bars.)
Lowered the car; clear corners are way over rated but may pick some up anyway; body kit is probably not something I'm getting anytime soon, I like the clean look of the 8 so maybe just an OEM Aero Kit; wheels are coming after my next deployment next year. Big Money = Nice rims.
Coil kit is on the list; got a midpipe already; AP a definite; CAI no thanks; Lightweight flywheel when the clutch goes; got the strut tower bars, forgot I had them actually.
Thanks for all the input guys, greatly appreciated. If anyone has any more ideas, definitely post em up!
Ryan
#21
I zoom therefore I am.
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I will also look into the clutch bracket, does only one company sell it? If not, who has the best/cheapest?
Thanks again,
Ryan
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caught me again---!!! I meant to say an individual tune PER cobb unit. I plead old age, bifocals's, distraction of strippers and maybe even gun shots being fired when i posted earlier. All that is now gone as the family reunion is over.
op has his head on straight.
good luck on the build.
Do get gauges though.
op has his head on straight.
good luck on the build.
Do get gauges though.