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Automatic RX8 mods 03+

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Old 11-16-2010, 03:06 PM
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Guys I have been offered a interesting proposal, as some of you know I have been running my auto 4-speed RX-8 in a circuit race here in Panama and now a company that just opened up wants to exchange my TC for an upgraded unit. I'm iffy but I do know that this is the weak link to unleash some usable power on the 4 speeds.

Other than that I have worked on my friends 2008 6 port- 6 speed auto and with very few mods his car is running ok on the street scene. He is a honda freak and all his friends drive em... nonetheless he races with some n/a guys for kicks and he is not doing bad. Major HP difference is due to an unrestricted exhaust system and the fact that he has 16"s light wheels helps in acceleration, and his car is the 300lbs lighter version, no DSC, no leather, no sunroof, basic sound etc.

I understand tha the auto rx-8s are very very slow, but other than the lack of hp, brakes suspension and looks are superb on these cars and are excellent daily drivers if you have the money for gas and like to abuse the car everyday (you have too).

I personally only have a drop in K&N and Tein S-tech coil springs, both because I needed to replace the stock components. I just bought some Hawk brake pads because my stock pads are on the last breath. Basically I drop the money in my other money pit an FC3S turbo.

My only recommended mods for the auto would be reliabilty mods (extra oil cooler, upgraded cooling, racing fluids etc) and then free flowing exhaust, drop in k&N and if the TC/tranny mod works that would be it, everything else is a major waste of money and buying a better car would be the best option.
Old 11-16-2010, 03:18 PM
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Old 11-16-2010, 04:12 PM
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Hey Pico did you ever get your ignition problem fixed?

Last edited by invasion08; 11-16-2010 at 04:16 PM.
Old 11-16-2010, 04:14 PM
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I have had an upgraded tranny and tc for over 3 yrs now. The Cobb AP, BHR Ignition System, and Midpipe are not a waste of money

Last edited by invasion08; 11-20-2010 at 03:11 PM.
Old 11-16-2010, 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by invasion08
I have had an upgraded tranny and tc for over 2 yrs now. The Cobb AP, BHR Ignition System, and Midpipe are not a waste of money
invasion, what is the tc you speak of please. And what level of improvment would you give the level 10 tranny ugrade?

Thanks
Old 11-16-2010, 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by invasion08
Hey Pico did you ever get your ignition problem fixed?
Yea problem solved

It wasn't ignition at all, just a slightly sticky SSV valve. Pulled the SSV, cleaned it, and threw the car back on the dyno at KDR. Instant 12hp gain, I've been trying to get in touch with Jeff to make some small adjustments with my AFR's (hitting around 11 @WOT) at the 6.5k-8.3k marks. With the minor tweaks maybe I'll gain a few more ponies.

The car is running strong, very please with the performance
Old 11-16-2010, 06:49 PM
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nice, you ended up with pretty good numbers then
Old 11-16-2010, 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by ZOOM-I-DO
invasion, what is the tc you speak of please. And what level of improvment would you give the level 10 tranny ugrade?

Thanks
Level 10 in NJ
They can beef up your OE converter which will increase the stall speed, giving you better shifts at 8K+ without delay, and will hold up better to high heat situations.

However, my OE 6port A/T converter doesn't have a delay when shift past 8K, and the car has 41K on the clock. I am running Royal Purple Max ATF, which is much better in performance when compared to their MT products. I have no complains, just flush it yearly.

Last edited by Pico; 11-16-2010 at 06:54 PM.
Old 11-16-2010, 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by invasion08
nice, you ended up with pretty good numbers then
mid 170's with a 6 port A/T is pretty good in my book
Not far off from stock MT numbers
Old 11-16-2010, 07:04 PM
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I still need to order a midpipe, but iIam in no rush since I am in my cast for another 2 weeks. I will be happy with 140-145. The Level Ten tc made the car come alive even in the lower rpms
Old 11-16-2010, 07:14 PM
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^ Yea, I believe it.
I've thought about doing the TC mod, maybe one day when my 8 isn't my daily driver.

I would suggest going with the BHR mid-pipe. You'll get better longevity out of it compared to the competition. Other pipes can't really handle the higher temps as well as BHR , which would result in burned out resonator cans (usually the front). BHR made their pipe specifically for the rotary's higher temps, while other companies haven't. Just some food for thought.
Old 11-16-2010, 07:33 PM
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My TC is very streetable and comes alive when you step on it. I haven't decided if I want a high flow cat or not yet.
Old 11-16-2010, 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by invasion08
My TC is very streetable and comes alive when you step on it.
I just can't afford to be without wheels for up to a week while they're building it. So, if I do get another ride for my daily this would be one of my first mods.
Old 11-16-2010, 08:45 PM
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that mod does sound awesome and you say no delay on take off man thats what i need can you send me more details on this i'm really geared now to upgrade my car unlike before when i was thinking about trading it in for an honda si. and pica this bhr mid pipe what website can i get that off of and will it fit on my factory exhaust i'm not really to happy with the sound of other exhaust to loud kinda like my factory sound.
Old 11-16-2010, 10:47 PM
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blackhaloracing.com
Yes it will fit. if your looking for a modest exhaust note check out Racing Beat's Cat-Back. Een with a mid pipe this system sounds great.


Raising the stall speed of the converter will allow you power launch from higher then 3k, where the OEM converter peaks. Furthermore, with the OEM converter (at least 6port A/T w/raised redline) you will find that even at 8.3k shift are instant.
Old 11-17-2010, 12:34 PM
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awesome i'm about to go on youtube and see how this exhaust sound along with others and pick one up is this bolt on or is there some welding needing to be done to put the cat back on?
Old 11-17-2010, 09:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Pico
mid 170's with a 6 port A/T is pretty good in my book
Not far off from stock MT numbers
Now get the bhr ignition and get closer to 180
Old 11-17-2010, 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by invasion08
I have had an upgraded tranny and tc for over 2 yrs now. The Cobb AP, BHR Ignition System, and Midpipe are not a waste of money
you have a 4 port 4 speed auto or 6 port 6 speed auto?
Old 11-18-2010, 12:10 AM
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i think he has 6 port
Old 11-18-2010, 07:28 AM
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i have the 4 port
Old 11-18-2010, 09:49 AM
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invasion, can you say that the best bang for the buck was the TC mod?

our 4 speed cars suck in the tranny gearing... so I am seriously thinking about doing this mod.

I do have an available 6 port 6speed auto swap coming soon, but I want to see if there is something else that can be done to the 4 speed.

for anybody else reading this 4 port autos and 6 port autos are two totally different cars... not even close.
Old 11-18-2010, 09:52 AM
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Originally Posted by mperformance
My only recommended mods for the auto would be reliabilty mods (extra oil cooler, upgraded cooling, racing fluids etc) and then free flowing exhaust, drop in k&N and if the TC/tranny mod works that would be it, everything else is a major waste of money and buying a better car would be the best option.
Let me correct what I said...

My only recommended mods for the 4 speed auto would be reliabilty mods and then...

Old 11-18-2010, 02:59 PM
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ok i'm confused now
Old 11-19-2010, 05:47 PM
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I like the TC. Keep in mind that when my transmission went the price between the stock rebuild or level custom build was a few dollars more. I do not want to tell someone to spend like $500 dollars for a higher stall speed TC and be disappointed and blame me. I personally like the higher stall speed.

Last edited by invasion08; 11-19-2010 at 08:16 PM.
Old 11-19-2010, 07:52 PM
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so true... at the end all that matters is personal taste. Best regards.


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