Wilki1

So I've read for several hours and it seems as of 2012 there were no mods for series 2 RX8 worth buying to improve power unless you have an extra engine for when you blow the one you're trying to improve, and at least $10,000 to start. Is that still about right? Or has something changed in the last few years that I'm unaware of?

I've had three stock 8s. And to be honest, I'm just looking for a little more excitement than what stock gives. Any suggestions?

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

What's your question?

Edit: what are you trying to achieve?

CelestialGryphon

iTrader: (1)

I mean, if you've got a relatively healthy engine and $1500 you could do a nitrous setup for an extra 50 WHP on demand. If you're really looking to get into real power with a Renny though you're gonna have to do some work. It's a high compression rotary, pretty much at it's limits for power without any real assistance. That's not saying it can't be done, it is saying that pretty much everything else out there is really gonna require some footwork, elbow grease, and a bit of cash.

iAchilles

A good nitrous set up wouldn't be a bad idea. I have a full kit, minus the fuel tap.(currently on its way from BHR.) Includes 2-6 second controller, purge kit, blow down. 10 lb bottle with heater. Switch for heater, button for BAM NAWWSS! And throttle body spacer. I spent 1240 ish for my nitrous setup. And the last piece I'll probably buy, is an automatic bottle opener.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Mazda didn't leave much on the table with this one. The only real path is boost, be it turbo or supercharger, but that requires a large investment to do correctly. It need not be an engine killer, but it will become one if corners are cut.

On the flipside, depending on your goals, weight reduction is much cheaper and easy to start with. Else suspension upgrades, that should be plenty exciting if you're into turning corners.

Wilki1

Hey thanks. Sorry. I lost the post. Haha. I was just hoping for a little more power than the stock R3 because I've outgrown the driving experience a little. I've pushed it to its limits (and gone over the edge enough to know the limits). I'm a confident operator of the car. Now I'm ready for what's next and I don't want to move to a different car. But I worry that mods will decrease engine life and provide little improvement for a lot of money spent.

Wilki1

Yup. That's what I've seen so far.

Wilki1

Sounds interesting. But what does it do to the engine over time? I've read a lot about decreasing engine life with mods that increase power too much.

Love_Hounds

A bit of a snap judgement but how about driver mods before car mods... https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...rashed-263353/

Or, was the bumper not your fault?

Wilki1

It's a 2009 R3. Already has a stiffer suspension stock. I feel that the car is absolutely designed for corners and everything else is a byproduct. I love it. Not sure if I can go any stiffer though and gain any significant corner speed. I'm looking for a little more in the straights now.

Williard

iTrader: (18)

If it turns out you want a nitrous kit. I have a ZEX kit for sale. Way cheaper than what was quoted here.

Travis

Wilki1

Not my fault... Well not really. I'm a pretty safe driver in bad conditions. 24 years no accidents worth claiming on insurance till now. I was entering a freeway at 45 because of rain so not entering at 70 as usual. But the great state of South Carolina did a shitty patch job on the ramp. Created about a 30 foot long bowl that was holding water. Couldn't react other than to aim for the ditch instead of traffic and gun it. I was recovering from that move as I approached the grass and was in an almost completely controlled angle on the edge. But a rear tire touched the grass and that was all she wrote. I might as well have been on a sled. Just started doing 360s. Was going about 40 when that started. Hit a small metal post. $7000 in parts and labor is estimated. Haven't even put it up on a lift yet to see under the car. Go figure.

Wilki1

Thanks. I'll look into it. Have to get body work done first though.

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

op i ran n02 for a few years (travis has my kit fs)

yurcivicsux

if you're bored with the car move one to something else. even with all the effort for a boost to get 300- 350 hp isn't too exciting vs. cost and effort. read through some build threads to motivate you into something else.

Wilki1

I understand. It's sound advice. I just love the RX8 for other reasons and want a little more out of it. Hard to just upgrade to a new car for sentimental reasons.

Also the monetary logic is this:
$4000 for upgrades (I know that's low), and $4000 for a new engine later is still cheaper than another car that's good enough. This one is paid off.

Love_Hounds

Are you handy(welding, mechanical)? Can you tune the car yourself?

If so, those numbers aren't bad, if you shop around.

Wilki1

I was 20 years ago. Pretty rusty now. But I can get beer. Lots and lots of beer. Just need to make the right friend!! 😜

Khurram

I've had the stock 04 Renny for 2 years pushed it to its limit on the daily, tracked it upgraded the suspension and it made quiet some difference., overall it helped me become a better driver.

Now I have had my 06 Ported Renny for a year, with full 3' header back, intake, upgraded suspension, cobb tune it made 226ish at the wheels. It's definitely more responsive than the stock renny however, I find myself thirsty for more performance at this point. Based on my research, you can boost your rx8 on a safe tune with 300-330 whp for under $7k even if you don't move a finger yourself..

I've driven in a 305 whp rx8 and the car felt like a beast..

Correct me if Im wrong, I am still researching and trying to figure out the best way to boost my car :-)

Williard

iTrader: (18)

You could build/piece together a kit for well under 7k.

Travis


The best way to boost is with a turbo kit of course.

Wilki1

I've been reading about a turbo kit by
Protech Performance that seems legit. About $7000 to get the additional 90-100 horsepower. Kit comes with a lot of parts.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/protech-performance-rx-8-turbo-specialty-file

Khurram

Could not locate a seller for PTP Kit however, Esmeril seems to have a good kit for under $6K promises 414 wHP with 302 Torque at the wheels. Now over the years I have seen many manufacturers come and go. Not sure if Esmeril is legit and direct bolt on.

Esmeril Racing HP Turbo Kit for Mazda RX-8 - Mazdaparts.com


I have also found Turblown top mount promising 425 RWHP costs $6800 but it also includes bhr ignition and ACT clutch..

Turblown Top Mount Rx-8 Turbo System - Turblown Engineering

Khurram

Also came across Rx8Performance Turbo kit offers 350 RWHP costs $6400

RX8Performance Turbo Kit by RX-8 Performance | RX8Performance.com

I know Greddy made bolt on kits for our cars, then MazdaManiac had an upgraded Greddy kit and they both are discontinued.

The above kits look and sound good on the manufacturer's page and their legitimacy is still a question. so hopefully some experienced members will chime in...

Williard

iTrader: (18)

If you get a Greddy I would say make sure it had the BNR upgrade.

The RX8PERFORMANCE kit is a good way to go.

Decisions decisions...

Travis

Wilki1

As a manufacturer Greddy has a good rep as far as I know. I'm also under the impression that they were the only
Manufacturer of a turbo for the 8 in the early years. But their original model only gained about 15 HP. Honestly that can be gained by removing all unnessary weight. So I ignored it way back when I had my 2006 and 2005 8s. Don't know if they have a better model now.

As far as kits go, the trick is to find one that actually comes with everything you need. A few years ago no kit supplied everything so there were additional costs and modifications required.

And it would seem, above all is the need for a computer controller (for lack of better words) to really tune the car and manage all the little things that make everything sync. I've heard early chips and programmers were basically useless because the car is already near peak performance stock and when you bolted something on, those controllers couldn't control fuel, ignition, or what ever, etc correctly.

The kit I mentioned previously was supposed to be $5000 but you need the $2000 controller mentioned in the article to really make it work. And still not sure if the kit has absolutely everything needed.