I purchased an rx8 today (after my type-R was
stolen, weeks of agonizing STI or rx8, STI or rx8, STI
or rx8, ad nauseum).
Anyway, I pick the 8 up later in the week...

I already know that I need to stiffen up the suspension to make the ride somewhat more to my taste, and in a
concession to this wish (or not, who knows?), the salesman
promised I could purchase the mazdaspeed suspension stuff
from them and have it installed by them all at "employee
discount cost" (but I have to decide in the next few days).

Question 1: Does anyone know what "employee discount
cost" should be for the MS shocks/springs/swaybars?
Even a rough estimate would be helpful!
(And how many hours to install - if the mazda dealer
installs I get the full warranty)

Question 2: The showed me a current mazdaspeed brochure,
which included coilovers (part # RAMS-8M-K01) for
the RX-8. Do these really exist? Has anyone used them?
I'd possibly get them if they are real and if the mininum drop
isn't too low (I'd like to balance corner weights and
stiffen things up; *not* lower the car.) Any feedback
would be great!

Question 3: (and on this, yes, I realize there's a lot
of stuff in prior threads and I'm still trying to condense
this). I'd rather replace the wheels with something
lighter weight. More important, I'd much rather go to 17" as well, if
possible (various reasons, notably more/cheaper/better
tires).
Can anyone recommend any forged (or similar, light) 17" wheels that fit
the rx8 (in place of the 18's obviously) _for sure_?

Thanks!
-Adam

 

Sounds like he is just trying to make it sound like you will be getting a good price. I just took my car in to get full mazdaspeed suspension installed and he is giving me a deal on the labor costs cause they never done it before on an 8. They dont even know how long it will take but they did give me estimates: 2-3hrs for side skirts, 1 hour for front mask, 1.5 for rear underspoiler. 3 hours for the front and rear shocks. 4-6hrs for flywheel but they really dont know how long that will end up taking. I will find out in the next few days....

Dont know what the Part Number is sorry...

I havent got any aftermarker wheels yet couldnt say.