Flex wise, i can't tell the diff either since I installed the MS strut bar BUT the master cylinder brace made a difference in the brake pedal feel on my R3. Quicker response!

For the original OP, i'd also consider sway bars upgrade... I noticed a difference on the track when i installed the race package from AP (swaybar & endlinks).

As for the intake, i have the Revi w duct. I haven't noticed any improvement in performance but my car sounds a bit better!

0.02$

 

of course!

Yeah, there is an EXTENSIVE list of braces that you can get for the Miata, without being alternate versions of the same thing. rails, butterfly, rear end, shock towers, frog legs, roll bar, roof....

I suspect that the RX-7s "suffered" from much of the same flex issues, though to a lesser degree since they had a roof (well, most of them did), and I think that the RX-8's entire frame is just superior in stiffness in general due to advancements in time and the introduction of new designs. Flex is there, I will agree with it. It just so far down the list of places to improve that it shouldn't be somewhere to jump to first

I'd still think that it's tires as the main culprit here. A general loss of grip is usually tires first and foremost. It's also possible that you have simply alignment differences between the two. Perhaps you had more camber in the Shinka?

The Bilsteins are (in my opinion) superior to the Tokicos, though each is valved differently I expect so not an apples to apples comparison.

 

It will fit on my car. Others require a little trimming around the bar. I don't use the cover anyway.

 

agreed...sounds more like a planting problem than suspension
hmm interesting it didnt fit on the AT
the other one I can't say really...there are...other things...in the way

 

A front anti sway bar will make a big difference. Pair it with a good set of tires and an alignment and you will be a happy camper.

Many people also Love their RB exhaust.

 

Any particular sway bar you recommend?

Is there any reason not to put a matching one on the rear as well?

 

If you get AgencyPower bars, they are adjustable. There's no reason to not have matching bars.

 

Are new end links required, too?

 

I like my Progress Tech adjustable sway too
no need for one on the rear but, thats just my preference
new endlinks are not needed

 

Go with both bars.

Progress tech are nice as are the AP bars. If it's just a street car and you dont' want to play with adjustability, get the Racing Beat bars. Adjustable end links aren't needed unless you are really low, or you want to have some preload set in the sways. (completely unnecessary for street use)

 

My favorite bar is the Hotchkis unit. It has really nice urethane mounts (set it to soft). There is no need for a different rear sway bar if you go lower then stock. You don't "need" different end links but i have seen more then a few bent.

A front anti sway bar, tires and flywheel will make the biggest difference in driving. Then again a nice exhaust can make a car sound so much more sporty and fun.

 

Any Hotchkis reseller(s) you recommend?

 

the firewall is an extremely stiff and important part of any uni body, as it a solid panel (or multiple panels) of bonded sheet metal it is very rigid and stiff, on top of that the fire wall is what the main cabin and front engine compartment connect together

it is also where the mid car "rails" and front rails are welded together and to the firewall. i would defiantly argue that it is indeed a great place to mount a 4-6 point whatever bar onto, as its horizontal rigidity is probably the stiffest of the whole vehicle

 

You're no doubt correct. However the GTSPEC and likely most other multipoint braces using the center part of the firewall reuse two spot-welded on little studs (10 mm hex nut). Not the most secure attachment. Hence the "blocking in" between the fender corners.

 

Big Mike check with the Ga Rx8 club people too--many of us have different set ups that they would be glad to share with you.
Start with basic's. The MS front strut bar is used mostly by us to secure the master cylinder only.
Basics- get a great alignment- Grand Turismo East is the go to place in the Atlanta area. Tell them the Ga club sent ya!
Then--what is happening with your car--under steering/oversteering--exactly what?
Dont just throw parts at it.
Alignment first, check tires second.

 

It's more understeer than anything. It just doesn't feel as sharp or as planted as my old 8.

 

most likely that is do to tires and alignment. if those are set up a front sway will be more fun then anything else.

 

^ exactly

 

I would upgrade the driver first.
An experienced driver knows what his car needs...

 

Agreed. For the price of a front strut bar, you're at least half way towards the price of an HPDE weekend if you find the right club to run with.

 

he has a great club available--the Ga RX8 club. We track all the time--have one in August at Road Atlanta. Good you have you there.

 

might rather start out at RRR in November (Darkside event)

also have a NASA event in Dec at Road Atlanta (the event of the year!) if he feels confident enough

 

I dont' know if i trust either of those guys, but there you go. An invite to improve your ability. Best mod you can do.



j/k about trusting those two. Take them up on their offers and have fun at the track.

 

BigMikeATL go with some good tires and a performance alignment first. Stick to the basics before you start adding new parts. It should be better, if not, check for any stock parts that may be worn in the suspension themselves causing the bad behavior. I find it hard to believe just a strut bar could make that thing handle that much better like night and day as you suggest.

 

It's a chicken and egg thing, you know. That's why I'm asking for you guys to give me some pointers!