Hello I'm Chris!
I am buying a brand new 2006 car in April.
I have it between a WRX (NOT an sti just a WRX), or a RX8 GT.
I know a great deal about the WRX.
I know very litle about rotor engines.
I would like to know what I can do to upgrade my RX8 power performance WITHOUT using a turbo or nitrous.
Also I would like to know how much power I am looking at gaining for the parts you suggest.
And any insite you have between my two cars that I have left to narrow down.
I am likely not to be able to check this thread.
Could you please e-mail me or add to MSN @
freestylecj@hotmail.com
I greatly welcome and look forward to hearing from anyone with educated input.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Chris.

 

If you are starting out wondering how to increase the "power" in this car perhaps you're looking at the wrong car? The RX-8 is not about "power", it's about a fast, balanced car that a blast to drive. There is little HP to be gained short of adding a turbo. Go to the Racing Beat web site and read about their attempts to increase HP in this engine. Basically, they have concluded that Mazda has squeezed about all the HP they could in a NA configuration.

 

^ like what he said. Not long ago (perhaps only a few weeks ago) I was really looking hard at 06 WRXs. I have a very nice rx8 GT with navigation and this car has been so good, but living in the northeastern region, I needed a car with AWD without sacrificing the fun factor of the rx8 that i could drive all year round.

I drove quite a few WRXs' (04, 05 and 06 limited) and the best was the 06 wrx limited. It has more amenities and is more comfortable especially with the leather heated seats from the older models. I really wanted to sell my car and get a wrx since it became a more practical option that's cheaper as well but, after prolonged test drives (and I did punch them) I came away appreciating my 8 a lot more. I can't stand rattling and wind noises at 80mph cruising.

The upside of the WRX (especially the 06's 2.5L engine) is that they are very easy to tune. You can spend 2k and get into STi territory, whereas it would take a lot more money to make an 8 as quick as an sti. The 8 is THE most balanced car I'd ever driven, delivering some practicality while hanging with the best of them through the twisties.

my biggest gripe is city gas mileage.

 

I am not JUSt looking at power.. but i did want to know the ability to add it if i wanted to down the road... i was told to ask here because its a good sport that ppl know about there 8's... and wanted to know more thats all...

 

Adding more than 20-30whp without FI isn't going to happen. And if you are going to get more power without FI you will need to port the engine and get a new ECU, which would put your money invested close to that of FI, anyway.

 

get an older STi... the new ones have a fugly front end

 

ok thanks for your help people