MarshmallowMochi

Hi, long time rotary owner. I've had 3 FCs and an 8.

I'm hoping to be getting another 8 in the window of about 6-12 months if plans go accordingly. My hopes is to find a Stormy Blue GT with low miles. It looks like they only came with Ivory from all the ads I've seen, which is acceptable (better than painting one a non-factory color imo :P).

Scouring the forums and have had a few times i've wanted to ask a question or two or add in a bit of my limited knowledge

Trying to feel out all the things I'd like to do to my future car both maintenance, reliability, looks, and a bit of performance thrown in for good measure.

My goals will be nothing drastic. No major offset wheels. No staggered tires. No major body kits. No forced injection.

After all maintenance is done to a new-to-me car; and any reliability mods I need to perform is completed; my upgrades would go as follows (in no particular order).

I plan to keep stock tires, but have a good set of summer performance/grand touring and a set of pure winter tires to properly handle any wet weather in the 3 seasons and respectable handling in the winter.

I had the 'performance winter' tires on my old 8 (blizzak LM something or other?), but it still felt squirrely but quite manageable for me (I wouldn't want my wife to drive like that though lol). Those tires also were slipperly in a curve when wet as well.

With respect to wheel and tire choices, I've considered going lightweight 17" year round; finding a style I like and getting two sets (and maybe a couple spares :p).

I've spent some time on YouTube trying to listen to as many exhausts as possible. From what I could tell, the Mazdaspeed dual muffler had the lowest note and not too loud either. I've had a few big blocks and I prefer a low rumble, not a glass pack or tinny sound. Some of the ones I've heard have hit the spot. I'd probably do a bit more than that; but that would be the initial plan there.

The sound that makes me believe I prefer the Mazdaspeed exhaust: . I think that sounds beautiful and pretty much exactly what I'd look for; assuming I might go for something pre-cat at some point in the future. Maybe someone will point me in a different direction before that time comes.

Not sure if I'd do an intake, I know the RB cold air is high rated by members, I want to keep a stock look under the hood.

If I ever get to the point of suspension, I will go Mazdaspeed springs and shocks, despite the testing weights of it. I'm not autocrossing or racing. I'll do some spirited driving, but not a crazy amount. The more supple ride would be nice; and I'd assume those two are TUNED for each other; meaning the springs do their job at holding the car up in the proper range for the operating range of the shocks. If I want less roll, I'd get slightly beefier bars.

I've looked over the flywheels, and I know the prolite is recommended, but the designs seem to change and I prefer the sturdy design of a different one I won't mention because some members find it a waste of money (my car, my ultimate decision; if a respectful, sensible discussion is made, reconsideration is a possibility).

If I did anything 'body kit' wise; it would be the factory stuff. I like the rotor accents, so a front lip, side skirts and rear dress up ... basically clean, understated, nothing 'flashy'.

Speaking of flash ... lighting. I'd want to try, or pay someone to work on some of the LED modifications. I'd need to do more sifting to decide exactly what and where I aesthetically prefer. On the inside, I'd be a bit more aggressive. I want dark blue or purple lighting; including dash and center console which I would not take on myself, but pay someone with lots of experience and skill to take on that daunting task.

Finally, I'd be considering whether I'd add additional bass; the bose system was mostly there, but I recall being left a bit ... wanting. I know some have claimed just replacing the factory unit works wonders; but I want to leave it looking completely stock, so no crazy kits are acceptable to me, no single din or double din kits that change the smooth design into a square hole in a curving peg. I need much more research into this when I have time if there is something other I can do; but adding a sub isn't too much trouble imo.

I am strongly considering dampening around the car, with thermal style on the floor/transmission tunnel. I recall great warmth coming from this area; though I enjoy that classic smell that seeps in as well; all my rotaries were like that


One hell of an intro, eh? figure get all of that mess out of the way, and in the 'newbie' area so people can correct me politely, tell me I'm crazy, etc before I'm out grazing in the open fields only to be pounced on by the alphas and predators



My wife and I both have felt that getting rid of our 8 was a big mistake; our Jeep works great for the kid(s). So she wants me to get another 8 but in the color I want; and to compensate, she will buy a brand new Evo X MR (in a similar color no less). Jeep gets tossed :p 12 mpg city in that big V8; but the car/booster seats go in the Evo!!! :p

wcs

iTrader: (2)

Nice write up.

Welcome back? I think?

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Welcome, don't choose your exhaust based on youtube videos, they sound much different in person.

monchie

Welcome to the club!

MarshmallowMochi

I have speakers that do the sound justice, and I watched many videos; while not perfect, it is the only choice I have available to me. I chose a video that best represented what I like from many videos I've watched, and the Mazdaspeed ones were consistent overall.

I'd like a deep, mild tone (low Hz, low dB). Something mild enough that if/when I upgrade cat to block, it won't be too loud. I have run no mufflers on a 7 before and it sounded great, but quite loud, especially at the driver's seat (not nearly as loud in the passenger seat oddly enough).

I'm open to suggestions, especially if you have any examples you can direct me to of being relatively accurate; and I'd spend time browsing further.