mooneycj

I'm going to hold off on the Stage 1 for now. A couple of folks have posted problems after the "L" reflash and stage 1.1 install. My car is working perfectly, not really sure I want to mess it up at this point.

mooneycj

RXhusker

My Stage 1.1 is now sitting in Omaha while I am here in Arizona -- it may be warm here but my mind is on the 45 HP sitting in a box.

I will let you guys know the real deal on Stage 1.1 when I install it. I am a little skeptical about the one reported issue.

Hskr8 -- I agree with you the "L" flash does add a little power -- you can feel the difference.

There are too many good roads to drive down here -- and I had to rent a minivan

Kain

hey all- snow sure sucked this morning am in the truck today- so a red fd yesterday! kid must have been going over 110 on I80 west near the 60th street exit! anyone know him>??

RXhusker

Snow -- what snow it is 90 degrees? Oh yeah I am in Arizona :D

Huper Optiks is the best but it is also expensive. I got it done in minneapolis. I'll give you the details whenI get back to NE.

Kain

well we still got some snow waiting for you here! another few days without driving the 8 <sigh>

RXhusker

Hopefully it will be melted by Sunday! Next week I am putting in my new Stage 1 and the MS front bumper -- going to be a fun week! I should then be able to get my final ride height adjusted and then a performance alignment.

How are you guys coming on the track info for MidAm Motorplex and our logo?

I have only seen one 8 (yellow with appearance package) on the road down here in AZ. TONS of 350Z/G35's though -- seems like they are as common as a Honda Civic

MichRX7

Just speaking from experience. $1k would be pretty cheap to rent the track out.

Plus...and I'd be surprised if that included insurance (and that is the real killer).

Feel free to bounce questions off me if you want since we are renting IRP's road course this year. I've got to pay track costs, corner workers, insurance, etc...

mooneycj

I had "routine" service today at Olsen's in Omaha on my RX8. Had an oil and filter change (1000 miles) and had front and rear rotary accents installed. I also had the airbag recall service, and am happy to report they didn't break the glove box damper strut during the fix. They didn't "reflash" my ECU, however. I had asked to have them check my car for available updates. The work invoice said "PCM update not needed at this time."

Overall a pretty good 1st experience with Olsen's. I called this am and asked if they could work me in. Angela said they had several no shows today. I was in at 1 pm and out about 3:30.

I'm having 3M clearmask applied at Visual Perfection on Saturday. Will let you know how it turns out.

mooneycj

Kain

hello all. As far as a membership goes pertaining to a "club" I think you are right as to us needing more members, and should maybe go the melting pot way that Hskr8 mentioned till we all want to go more often or get bigger. Maybe we could try to find some local sevens who would want to join in as well>?

blizz81

As long as you guys will let a pithy Maxima owner hang around close by...

Actually, I was up at Reagan(Woodhouse?) today and got a chance to test drive a Mazda 3i base model 5-spd. It was pretty nice for a $15k car. Gotta love that RX-8 style interior (well, you guys probably don't ) My frugal, reasonable side is still trying to convince me that an 8 is out of my league, so I built a 3s to my liking out to something like $19,5. I think the $20k range is more of what I should be shooting for rather than the projected $27k for the sport RX-8.

But at least the 3 would be in the family. Hey, I've still got months to kill myself over the decision-making process, so who knows

RXhusker

Hey guys -- I am back from Arizona -- reluctantly

Installed my new Stage 1 late last night -- couldn't wait.

It took about an hour (I am no mechanic) and I did break a few clips but everything went back together properly. The 8 is much stronger at about 6k and higher. It is a very noticeable power improvement in the upper rev ranges :D Down below 6k feels the same as stock but the car seems to run even more smoothly than with the "L" flash and the "L" was noticeably more smooth than before. Went out for a good drive -- no problems -- lots of fun. The tires will definitely break loose going into 3rd now -- that didn't happen before. This morning when I started her up it seemed like the cold start idle was smoother than before. Well worth the 5 bills and the long wait.

Kain

we need to have just a quick "friendly" race stock vs. canzoomer and see what the difference is there!!! and glad to have you back- at least it is supposed to be nice here for at least a week!!

Blizz81-ANYONE is welcome! and I do like the new wagon threes quite a bit!

RXhusker

Sounds good Kain -- you will have to have Hskr8 or Blizz81 ride with you to make up the weight difference

RXhusker

I also think the new 3 is a great little car -- very impressed!

I stopped in at Vivid Racing when I was down in AZ and visited with Huff for over an hour. Got to check out his car and a few others they had there and take a tour of the facilities. Great bunch of guys -- would highly recommend if you are thinking of any purchases (exhaust, intake, body kit stuff).

I am having a hard time not ordering the Volk SF Challenges -- need to talk myself down or go to an RX-8 Mods Anonymous accountability group this morning.

mooneycj

Hey RXhusker, welcome home.

Just got my PCM updated today at Olsen's - they didn't squawk after I told them my wife flooded my 8 this weekend, took about 1/2 hour. Didn't do the "brake pump/oil gauge swing" thing to verify, also didn't see a sticker denoting the "L" upgrade under the hood. Engine seems to idle a bit smoother, starts fine. I miss the kick I used to get about 7500-7800 RPM though. Where did that go? Guess I'll have to get the CZ-1 upgrade. Can one of you guys help me install it? I'm a klutz around a toolbox.

My "clear" nosemask install went well on Saturday at Visual Perfection, looks good. I have to see Mark (the owner) in the morning, however, as the Mazda badge on the nose doesn't sit quite flush, I think it will be a simple fix.

RX8husker, when can I get a demo of your stage 1?

mooneycj

RXhusker

You will be in my building when you see Mark @ Visual Perfection -- just come on up to suite 204 and I will give you a peek at CZ Stage 1 :D You will probably see my 8 when you pull into the garage. NOTICEABLE power improvement at upper revs and much smoother as well. Mark is supposed to put on my MS sideskirts tomorrow -- I will be around all day except for a lunch meeting I have at Greek Islands -- hate to go to that place

p.s. -- your car looked great today -- wish mine was that clean! The blue looked really really good in the sunshine.

Put my summer wheels/tires back on tonight -- my hard driving checking out the CZ inspired me to make the change a little earlier than planned.

mooneycj

I'll try and come up and say hello. Should be in the building about 8:45-9:00 am. Weather permitting, should be golfing about 11.

Had a couple of short trips this pm after picking the car up, but took a longer drive tonite. My car feels much better now. I'm not sure it's faster, but feels different and smoother. I think I'm going to like the "L" PCM mapping.

mooneycj

blizz81

I'm jealous. We should get a club 4-some going sometime here in the spring/summer


What secluded location are you guys gonna do this at? I was always tempted to see how the maxima would fare against a stock (and now, non-L) RX-8....

Kain

"What secluded location are you guys gonna do this at? I was always tempted to see how the maxima would fare against a stock (and now, non-L) RX-8"

I was thinking maybe here in front of my work at 72nd and Mercy?? LOL, jk! I am sure one of us knows a secluded location! and I would be curious about the maxima as well!

I saw a yellow three this morning on the way to work! it was pretty cool looking- the yellow really accentuated the grill! it was quite sexy.

Would this race be considered the next "meeting" of the club?

RXhusker

When I really want to go for a high speed run I head out to Elkhorn -- there is a secluded paved road down by the river north of town with only one way in and out (not even really sure why it is there) -- when you want to go triple digits -- this is the place to go.

Kain

well we definitely have the weather to do a few passes- this place sounds perfect! I wish Ike could be there when would work for all you guys? friday night?

RXhusker

Friday night and Saturday I am tied up with my son's cub scout Pinewood derby -- some real racing We are going to take the big trophy this year with our secret renesis powered Pinewood derby car! -- only engine light enough to be used (5 oz. max weight).

For some good twisties head up to Hummell Park area and drive up to Ponca hills on the back roads -- plenty of fun to be had exploring that area -- if you find the right road you will hit a great stretch that goes all the way over to Ft. Calhoon.

RXhusker

Had a lunch meeting at Greek Islands today and as I was heading down Dodge to the Interstate I see a red 8 in my rear view mirror -- I think it is Hskr8 so I wait for him to catch up -- not you Hskr8 -- some guy with the in-transits from Woodhouse still on. Well we do a little checking each other out as we head down 680 (It must be frustrating to get your new ride and then see RXHusker's 8 cruising down the road :D ) -- I'm in front and take the big sweeper on to 80 and I hit redline in 3rd shift to 4th -- you guys know what speeds that means XXX mph. I see a state patrol merging on from 80 East and hit the brakes to get back to 70 -- I then notice that an STi was trying to keep up with us in the other lane -- he passed me still accelerating an almost locked all 4 tires up trying to slow down when he finally saw the patrol officer.

Kain

THAT was a GREAT story!!! especially cause I could picture the whole thing I am gonna try out those spots you mentioned as well! So maybe we could do a get together/race the next friday-weather-permitting?

omahawk

I followed the two of you until I had to get on 80 west.