rotaryfan2

Hi all,

New to the rotary world. I have a friend that has purchased an Rx8. He is looking to do some mods for some power improvment but isn't sure where to begin. Since I'm the guy with the tools, and know how I thought I would get on here, and see what you all would recommend. The following criteria apply.

1. Will spend 2k on parts. May have dealer do install if neccesary, not part of 2k.

2. Don't want to increase exhaust noise to much, car is used for bussiness clients.

3. Interested in power only for now, no chassis, or brake upgrades at this time.

4. For 2k what hp increase could I expect.

5. What rotary experts are in VA, PA area in case some ecu, or dyno tuning is needed for your recommendations.

Thats it, I think it's pretty cut, and dry.

Look forward to all your thoughts, I'v enjoyed reading the forum.

Rick

Phantom Menace

The best thing to do, if you really want POWER, then put that $2k away somewhere and let it multiply. You'll need at least $4k to get any real power--F/I, there is NO substitute. That said, I don't understand why so many buy the car then trip about its, relative, lack of power. If you want power, F/I is the only way. Bolt-ons will suck away at your money and you'll only get at most 30HP with EVERY conceivable bolt-on.

Either that or you could go back under your bridge and ask these same riddles to innocent passersby...


Bros, don't forget:

FABRO

I agree. Save your money for real mods. I started off with about $1500 as a budget for power. But realized I won't get much back in return with bolt-ons. Took me about a year or two and now Im at 8k cash. I thought by now that I would have bought forced induction, but still haven't. Now im starting to think I should just save that money for a new and faster car down the road, instead of getting boost.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

if you only have $2k be smart and invest it in an IRA or 401(k) rather than a car ...

rotaryfan2

Whew, for a minute there I thought I was talking to my mother.

Seriously guys, my friend would be happy with a 30 to 50 hp gain.

so lets stop babysitting and give me some serious input.

Im not trying to be smart but were grown adults.

I just want some simple input so I guide him in the right direction.

Im off work with some medical issues right now and can't do much.

He mentioned the idea, and I told him I would research it.

Now Im asking this here because I know this is a great forum with great people

who like to help the fellow rotary owner.

So how about it.

Rick

P.S. The car was bought with this whole intention.

He likes to do things in steps with good records of results.

Aero8

this is gonna be fun to watch... /subscribes

devildog1679

OK, I'll bite.

1. Lighter flywheel, either MS (Mazdaspeed), Fidanza, ACT, or racing beat. $600
2. Cold Air Intake $300
3. Exhaust MS is not much louder than stock. $600
4. Agency Pulley $150
5. Swap out tranny and diff fluid for royal purple (more for durability) $80
6. RB flash $300 (I am personally waiting for Accesport $700)

Maybe 15-25 more HP.

That's about 2K, all can be done on your own. Thought the flywheel requires more knowledge. Good Luck

brillo

for power, the best mods are a lighter flywheel, high flow cat and the Racing Beat intake. You need to do the clutch at the same time so thats going to run about $1100 including labor. The HF cat is about $400, also should be installed at the same time. The intake is DIY and also about $400

maxxdamigz

iTrader: (1)

Nitrous + Tires
Nitrous will net you more hp/$$ than basically any other mod. The nitrous resources on this forum are pretty strong if you search. If you want to find a 50 hp kick in the pants with little change at cruising performance, nitrous would do it.
The stock tires are crap. The car isn't a torque monster, so they don't hurt acceleration, but I personally find them less than desirable.

mac11

iTrader: (1)

You are not getting much in the way of responses because bolt ons don't do very much for the car.

And tell your friend if he wants to go faster he needs to be able to stop faster. Upgrade the brakes and suspension first.

rotaryfan2

Hey guys,

Thanks for the input, those posts alone give me alot to go on.

If anyone wants to add their 2 cents I'm all ears.

My only question is this....

Out of everything mentioned in those posts, none of them requires remapping fuel

delivery or messing with timing?

When I ask this I'm focusing on the exhaust, and intake components.

Rick

Phantom Menace

For $2K, put it as down payment for this:

Rootski

iTrader: (1)

I'd have to suggest a mod I'm considering. Look around for Charles R. Hill's posts on how to install a ZEX nitrous system. It gives you the big gains of a turbo (temporarily, of course) for about 1/8th of the cost, it's there when you want it but not when you don't, it's relatively easy to install, and none of the other mods people have suggested will get you the same kind of performance boost.

A full kit with some accessories will run you about $700.

Phantom Menace

Rootski,

You're putting your car on the 'roids?

swoope

iTrader: (5)

you got the time.. here is a tip.

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting.php

second tip. read my sig.

beers

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

wise up and listen to your mother ...

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

First step, Learn how to use the SEARCH function.

There you go, my 0.02

shikataganai

1. local autox school, $30
2. full season of autox events, $30 x # of events
3. evolution autox school, $300?
4. HPDE, $250
5. track days x however many dollars are left



the rx-8 isn't going to be a giant slayer in the straight line any time soon, and certainly not with $2k of boltons. best to make it faster in every other way by working on the driver.

Razz1

Your funny.....

Not gonna get 30 to 50 Hp from that.

Best bet is get the inteceptor abd hope for 15

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

50hp under $2000.00 ,,,,, NITROUS.

rotaryfan2

Aero

Forget fun, this is gettin down right hysterical.

rotaryfan2

Thanks for the deposit thought, but he really wants to tinker with a rotary.
That is what this is about in the end. Doing something different, and learning something new. He actually concsidered a G35 but decided the RX8 was more his style.

rotaryfan2

Swoop

Nice referance material in the link. If only it applied to the situation. Did like the humor though. I've used this forums search alot. I found out there is alot you can do to these cars, all kinds of stuff. So my next logical step is to ask the guys doing it they're wonderfully invaluable opinions on where to start.

Now in most forums this wouldn't be a problem. But here the first thing I get is save your money. Any place else people are saying welcome to the party.

Now that aside, looking at your sig I just want to ask, what you think your gains have been, and are you happy with them. In the end thats what matters, if your happy with your result. If not what would you change.

Rick

rotaryfan2

He's not a racer or anything he just wants to feel a little more zoom when he steps on the gas. He's thinking about doing something to this thing for something to do. It wouldn't be the first time.

I have told him that most people can't feel any gains until they get a .3 sec. or more increase in the 1/4. That usually equates to approx. 30 or more hp.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

how about you take the time to read around a bit. i would start with the stickys... lot of answers there.. if you had read them you post would have be a ? about one item...

i read here for 6 months before i got the car.. do your research... it is here... we are not here to be your bitch..

if you really want to know about my sig.. you can pm me..

you have 6 posts all on this thread, and are doing homework for a friend. i have wasted enough time here..

another link....

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=flywheels

i found that using the albino link from above... dont be lazy..

beers