rotarykillz

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys,

I'm starting the search for a body kit. I've never done one before on any car, so I have some questions for you more seasoned people.

First of all...Fiberglass or PolyU?

I saw an advertisement for a flexible like Fiberglass material? Worth looking into?

Duraflex? I've heard it's not very good material, but better than Fiberglass?

Not looking for the cheapest..not looking to spend $1200 on the hardware alone. Would love a Mazdaspeed replica if a good quality one is out there.

Any suggestions from people with experience? I want to be very thorough in this decision and get all information I can.

Thanks,

Derek

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

look around and see the style you really like. i'm very happy with my shine autobody replica of the autobahn. there are some pics in my vbGarage in my sig.

rotarykillz

iTrader: (1)

Looks good....I wouldn't go with it b/c I personally don't like the ...how do I describe...the 'Full Body' look of the front bumper...love the sides though..no good pics of the rear.

And totally agree....but it's got to be a combination of style and value

Looking for Value info right now and material.

Is Fiberglass something I should absolutely stay away from? Once I get peoples opinions on value and material, I will proceed with finding the right style for me

I like the classic look...not a lot of flare, but something that looks classy.

Thanks for the response!

Derek

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

just do some research on particular brands. there are a lot out there that copied the MS style and there are some really, really bad ones and many fit really poorly so you end up spending as much to get it to fit as if you had just gone authentic. that being said there are a few that do some good work and shine (while i don't think they have a MS kit) auto body uses a very good material (FRP if i remember correctly). it's much more forgiving than a traditional hard, brittle fiberglass.


EDIT: i just looked and it is a hybrid FRP. here is a link to another of their kits they were trying to do. i'm linking moreso for the discussion about materials used.

https://www.rx8club.com/group-buy-center-85/group-buy-vertex-full-kit-replica-hybrid-frp-material-round-2-a-112249/

rotarykillz

iTrader: (1)

so basically saying

Find a Style you like

Research it for quality etc

Rinse/Repeat Until you find the right match?

I will do this after I get basic information (in fact I've already done it and is why I'm asking these questions).

I could care less about style right now....I'm just honestly looking for opinions on Material.

I've NEVER EVER EVER EVER had a bodykit before, so I just want to know if there's anything I should 100% stay away from and I'm sure there's people here who have the experience to offer that information.

This is my research asking my trusted RX8 community.

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

what i'm saying is research the threads that are already created and you'll see the experience more people have had rather than the few responses you may get on here.

for instance, i just searched on "material" as the title in the exterior forum and got this right off the bat:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...light=material

so between this link and the one i gave earlier, it gives you a starting point.

rotarykillz

iTrader: (1)

cool thanks...i see what you mean

bee_afraid

Stock is te best bang for the buck...

rotarykillz

iTrader: (1)

so you're saying no body kit is worth the $$? lol

Atilla

iTrader: (1)

Just throwing my $.02 out there...

Burnout Kit Replica and Autobahn kit by Shine Autoproject (local to SoCal.)

Decent price for some pretty good replica's. A couple of forum members had them and had very minimal, if any, fitment issues. Material is Hybrid FRP as well IIRC.

Forum member w/Burnout Kit: Look up sifu or photomunkey


If you decide to go authentic tho...the fitment is usually better and you'll know you'll have the real deal - not sure if that's your style or not tho...most are just happy with replica's.

bee_afraid

Actually yes because I would much rather see that money put into a quality suspension or boost.

Stock cars with cheap bolt ons and 4k in body work really don't do much for my blood circulation.

rotarykillz

iTrader: (1)

lol...i hear ya....suspension and body kit will come at the same time as to make sure there is proper clearance...

but you're right...maybe I should save my money up for a turbo kit!

bee_afraid

Now were talking! Boost then put on a kit.

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

which is why it's good that everyone can have their own opinion. i really don't like the look of the stock front - it reminds me too much of a smirk. i'd love to get boosted but i was able to really change the look of the car by a body kit and wheels for a total of about $2,500 over time. getting boosted would be much more and then you have to make sure you budget for any unknowns to the engine because the warranty is voided. it's all personal preferance and what they can afford.

i'll be boosted eventually but it will almost certainly be after my warranty is up. for the time being i'll just continue personalizing my 8 so it doesn't look like all of the other stock 8s. i still have to get something for the rear (probably a CF diffuser), new shocks and springs, probably an AEM CAI, and at some point Cobb AP by MM.

it's all the fun of being able to make your car your own and everyone gets there a different way.

remixlp

iTrader: (2)

Tsunami. Ive owned the shine autobahn for about a year now. It fits pretty good aside from the clear corner parts. Im switching to tsunami because of material.

rotarykillz

iTrader: (1)

Yah I'm thinking of maybe doing front and side skirts only...I like the stock rear bumper actually. But who knows..if I get a great package deal, I'll definitely go for all 3.