Its finally available for "pre release". The prices aren't that bad either. It has one of the cheapest set of side skirts I have seen.

I'm one of those people who subscribe to the "subtle and mildly aggresive" theme that Racing Beat is known for. There is a market for mild upgrades in my eyes. I don't want people to see a "body kit" rolling down the street as I drive by. I Just want my car will a little more beef to it.

I have decided on just the side skirts and rear fairings. No rear spoiler and no front nose. I think the side skirts will work with the stock nose because they really don't hang lower than the stock rocker panel like the Mazdaspeed skirts do. They just have a different shape.

Also, they kit doesn't require you to drill holes in your car except for the rear spoiler. But even that uses the stock holes from your factory rear spoiler. The side skirts are fastened using silicone adheasive and the rear fairings use automotive double sided tape. Cars rust like crazy up hear in the north east. Not having to drill four holes in your rocker panel is a good thing.

 

Isn't this kit fiberglass? what are the disadvantages to fiberglass?

 

Good question. I would guess it maybe on the heavy side, but i'm not sure. Also it probably will need a sanding touch up before its painted (these come unpainted).

Actually, I wonder if the car will still qualify for the 5 mph bumper crash test with a fiberglass bumper.

 

Yes, these units are fiberglass. Although we would like to use urethane, the tooling is VERY expensive for this process.

Fiberglass is very lightweight, relatively strong (as long as you don't run into something) and is easy to work with and paint. The nose on the RX-8 still retains the 5 MPH bumper support and Styrofoam pad that gives the "cushion" in case of an impact. (The stock nose offers little in the way of resistance, the foam pad is the first real line of defense.)

Like ALL fiberglass, it is recommended that the parts be installed and tailor fit to your own individual car. The means some minor sanding and possibly some filler material, but this very common with these types of parts.

Jim Langer
Racing Beat

 

Would it be ok to have the parts painted prior to installation?

 

don't like that kit

 

hey,tiggerlee, your avatar is, its way too cool.. :p :p :p

 

Fit first, paint later. If it doesn't fit right, you'll have to take the paint off to fill.

Jim, if you have anything to say about the quality of the fiberglass (technical info is good too), it would be nice to hear.

 

Hey Jim...

I can definitely understand about the costs of tooling for urethane when you don't know how many pieces you can sell pre period. However, I think it has been well demonstrated that there is a significant aversion to fiberglass among 8 owners. I do think that as much as many people love you guys, this will be a deal breaker for a number and cause others to really think about it before purchasing. I personally would have significant conerns about it, because we all "nudge" the car in front at the mall or "love tap" X object when parking or stopping from time to time. No chance of you guys getting your supplier to create an ING+1 "hybrid aero-like" flexible fiberglass?

 

I don't know much about what materials are best when it comes to a body kit (fiberglass v. urethane) but I really like the way that looks. Like Gyro said, beefy without looking "made-up."

 

Does anyone know how this will effect the appearance package? Would I have to take it off to install this? Are there any kits out there that will work with the possible stock options? Thanks.

 

Not to make Fiberglass the bane of all kits... IF the kit is well made fiberglass, it can withstand some good "bumps" and "love taps." If it's the cheesy crappy fiberglass like the ones you see a $200 complete MS replica, then you're going to get screwed.

 

I really like the look of the kit. Are there any rough cost numbers?

I am a little concerned about the fact they are put on with adhesive/tape.

Any pics of the front dam?

 

From their website- Nose kit $499.00,side skirts $420.00,rear fairings $299.00,Rear wing $242.00
You can go to Racingbeat.com for pics of the nose kit.
I love the looks of it. beefy yet refined. but fiberglass hummmm?

 

Thx! yours too!

 

racing beat side skirts and rear fairings... looks like i found my graduation present...

anyone think it will clash with the stock bumber and front air dam?

 

I'm actually contemplating mix and matching kits myself. It would be nice if a site could show
us how these different pieces of different kits would look like on our 8's. I've read several posts
where people have done this(mix & match) but not sure what the overall concensus is.

 

What's so cool about it?

 

Gosh. let me guess.........You must be a republican. awwww!

 

best looking kit on the market, in my opinion. Glad it finally made it to release, er pre release...aw close enough :p


except for the wing. but I hate wings of any size. I'd go wingless.

 

ditto

helll!

 

Can anyone tell me what wheels they are shown in the picture?

 

I think I read somewhere before the rims are Racing Harts. Not sure of the model though.

 

Yeah that kit is hot.

 

These wheels are indeed Racing Hart CR's.

235/35/19 Front
265/30/19 Rear


Jim L
RB