my 8 will be in this week, i had to settle for no appearance....i will be putting on the front and side within a week from trussville. i will write back when it is done.

 

Great! Tell me how it goes.

 

i'm in the same boat as you guys. my 8 should come in either this week or next, and i'm also looking into buying the front air dam from trussville. let me know how easy it is to install it and maybe i'll buy one too!

 

Can someone who has actually installed the Mazda factory already-painted side skirt and rear skirt let me know how easy this was to do? I've already ordered a spoiler, and want to finish off the look. I'm only looking for info on the Mazda factory parts.

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi All,

Has anyone installed the appearance package by him/herself? I wonder how difficult of a job it could be.
Are holes to drill involved or everything is in place and it is just the matter of applying the body pieces and bolts, screws?

Erik

 

Yippee, I just reserved my RX8, GT with spoiler. However, it also comes with the appearance package. Has anyone had any problem with these scratching against speed bumps or steep driveways?

I LOVE the way it looks on the car, I'm just concerened about ground clearance.

 

The appearance package has surprising good clearance, speed bumbs and driveways should not be an issue. Someone did mention about an extremely angled driveway that he/she had issue with, but I have had absolutely no problems with this.

Do be careful when parking, such as, pulling up to sidewalk curbs or parking islands.

 

I have the appearance package and have not had any trouble with speed bumps. I am careful on extremely steep driveways to go up and down at an angle. The problem area I have is tire stops. Sometimes I have lots of clearance and at others it very nearly rubs. They don't seem to be a consistent height. I came within 1/4" of one today. I try to stop before I go over them, but it's hard to remember every time. Either way, I'm glad I got the package because it really adds to the appearance.

 

I agree, the apperience package does have good ground clearance compared to some cars I've owned and driven. Just watch out for those parking blocks. But who cares if it does get whacked, just another reason for a body kit.

 

just another reason for a bodykit--thats excatly what I was thinking

 

The appearance package is only a half-inch lower than the standard bumper- I've had no problems with anything, speedbumps, steep driveways, or anything else.You'll be fine.

 

Folks,

I know I have only asked questions so far but that is because I don't have my car yet (should arrive in 4th week of October). Therefore, I can not really contribute to the forum with useful info on the RX8.

Please pardon me for this.

However, I am still hesitant whether to have Mazda port-install the appearance package on my 8 or I should just do it myself. I simply can't decide if I indeed like how it looks.

If it is easy to do, however, and does not involve drilling holes and such then I would rather wait and see if I like the 8 without it. Then I could always add the package later on if I decide so.

Any info would greatly be appreciated,
Erik

 

Sorry no one replied but I guess nobody has actually done it themeselves. I would be a bit surprised if there was no drilling invlolved (even the cargo net needed drilling or at least some effort to expand the holes for the the grommet). If you don't like to tinker around than I would suggest you get it installed at port and save youself the time and effort. According to the invoice sheet the cost difference between MSRP and invoice for the Appearance Package is around $150...

 

Thanks brothervoodoo,

What I meant by not having to drill holes is that I assumed the holes are pre-drilled in the factory and they are just covered with a piece of plastik or are plugged in.

Anyway, you are right I should not mess with it myself.

Erik

 

I bought the car with the apperance package and I think it looks awesome. I dont think anyone has self installed. I guess it depends on how good you are with cars. the front air dam looks like it uses 3m adhesive and the side and back pieces do use screws.

 

Thanks mikeb,

Then the front air dam seems to be a no-brainer to install.

The side flares are the ones that concern me the most.
But if someone who does NOT have the app package could look under his/her car then he/she would probably see if there are any plugs or suspicios holes where the side flares would mount.

Erik

 

I would have thought the same thing, and though I don't know one way or the other, I've been thinking of installing a factory body kit for my wife's Honda Civic, and it doesn't require any drilling at all for the side and rear skirts. Here's the pdf instruction sheet for that. I sure wish someone would post the one for the RX-8 at some point.

www.handa-accessories.com/civic/02civrus.pdf

 

Since I have not purchased the RX-8 yet (waiting till the end of the month), I really considering not getting the appearance package.

I think it looks nice and everything but, I definately like the Mazdaspeed kit much better. So, if I plan on getting this later, would it be a waste of money to get the appearance package. I would think that all the mazda appearance package stuff would have to come off to put the other kit on. Is this right?

 

yes , if you want to add the ms kit later dont get the appreance package. save the cash

 

personally, i like the look of the app package more...it accentuates the lines of the car and makes it look more sporty IMO...the MS body kit makes it look a lot more aggressive but also bulkier which i don't prefer...

in the end i feel that the stock RX-8 is too plain without one of these bodykits...so whichever you get will make your car look a lot better but get definitely get one

 

I agree
the ms kit is awesome but I would be worried about speedbumps and other ground clearance issues with it on

 

I would also be concerned if you put the appearance package spoiler on, and then went to swap it for Mazdaspeed...are you going to have to patch some holes? It looks like you might.

jds

 

I'm sure you would have to match and I'll find out when the ms spoiler price comes down

 

which costs more? the appearance package or the MS kit?

 

MS kit costs more~~