Thank you in advance for your help. A little background: I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, Sportronic (4-cyl, 4G64, Automatic). I love the car, and have had great times playing with it, but have hit way too many issues regarding FWD, Auto-ECU tuning, unavailability of quality parts, and overall hitting a metaphorical "wall" in tuning. NTM, I have a child on the way, and would love the ease of the "freestyle" doors.

First off, I'd like to say that I'm not new to tuner forums, I've been a part of Club3G for over 2 years (Benz01GS). I've looked around in RX8Club, and have loved the information available, I'm just looking for a bit more "me" specific information to be available in one place.

I'll be buying an RX-8 Friday, there are two options available to me. An '05 Velocity Red 5-speed, and an '05 Galaxy Gray Auto.

1.) What are the major issues regarding Auto v.s. 5-Speed? I know in a race situation, and all that, I'm speaking specifically to the RX-8. Are there ECU tuning issues, are there specific mechanical issues, etc... The auto would be nice, as my g/f can't drive a manual, and I don't want to burn up a clutch teaching her. But if there are specific issues concerning the Auto, I don't want to invest.

2.) I've been researching and working towards F.I. on my Eclipse (basically an Evo set-up) for over a year, and would hate to give up on my Turbo dreams just because I bought a new car...What are the most reliable and interesting "build threads" for DIY turbo systems for the RX-8? I've noticed alot of Greddy Turbo Systems being put on these cars, as well as "fixes" for the issues concerning this system, but I've always preferred the system you put together yourself. I've got alot of parts already (including FMIC, BOV, Oil Lines/Block kit, etc...) Here's a link to my DIY Turbos thread on Club3G.

3.) Who are the most knowledgeable people on these forums, kind of a group of people who have built up their cars to shine above the rest, and have to knowledge to back their car's performance/looks.

4.) Has anyone tried fitting an '09 front to '04-'08's? I love the look of the '09s (especialy getting rid of the dumb-looking side marker at the bumper line), and would love to have the '09 Mazdaspeed front (when they finally release it).

If anyone can help with any of these questions, it'd be nice. Thank you in advance!!!

 

a 5-speed in the US?

 

1) the manual is a 6 speed not a 5 speed. and dont get an auto, if you care anything about power get a manual. who says you have to teach your gf? they come and go but clutches stay longer
i dont know if you have looked into it, but the manual has about 30 more hp then the auto and it redlines at 9k instead of 7.5k. the auto would be annoyingly slow for daily driving because this engine NEEDS to be reved and you simply need the control of the gears to assure you have power when you want it

2) i dunno about any individual thread but i would go with the greddy kit and MM upgrade (satan's hairdryer). cheapest kit, runs a lower psi then the other kits, makes power sooner, and peaks around the same area as other kits.

3) spend awhile here and you will start to recognize the people who know what they are talking about and are always answering questions

4) if you dont like the sidemarker try looking at the tsunami bumper. as to your question on if any1 has fitted and 09 bumper to a 08 or earlier car... i havent seen a thread about it yet.

hope this helps

 

you must buy a MT and the tsunami bumper (see sig pic)

 

I have a ATX rx-8 and I must say you shouldn't choose your 8's tranny based on ur girl.

 

AT RX8's acceleration would compare to a Celica GTS or a Sentra SER

MT RX8's acceleration would compare to S2000, 350Z, etc.

That's the main difference.

 

if you're going to get an automatic, get a 2006 or higher.

any rx8 below that has the 4 port and 4 speed...i think. can anyone confirm this?

 

Ok, well then, the 6 speed it is!!! I'm glad because I've already had the guy at the dealership working on numbers and getting this car prepped.

The car has a Greddy exhaust (I'm guessing Cat-back, but I haven't done an underbody inspection yet. It's lowered on Tein S-Techs (which I have on my Eclipse, mated to KYB GR2s..I'm satisfied). It also has a Fiberglass Veilside D1-GT (knock-off I'm guessing), so I also asked him to look into a MazdaSpeed, or OEM front bumper to include at closing (due fitment issues with the current kit). The dealership took the car to my local Mazda today in order to have all factory recalls performed (if not already done), and get the paperwork for my warranty extension. All this at no cost to me.

$15,500 for an '05 Velocity Red RX-8 with 37K miles. $3,500 for my '01 Eclipse with horrible paint and ALOT of modifications. I'll be driving this thing daily, but I'm a weekend warrior...I just need to find a road track around Columbia, SC.

 

you might get more out of selling your eclipse privately

does it have a full veilside kit or just the front bumper?

 

I wouldn't be able to sell the Eclipse privately... The first thing people see is the horrible black-fade to- grey/white paint (Mitsubishi's lack of a recall on their horrible black paint), Evo Wheels, a 3.5" 'Tuner Can' Muffler (2.5" Cat-back), and Blue interior...then they see 99K miles (I'm in the ARMY), and say NOPE!!!

Just the front, the sides are stock with the 'factory aero kit'. The rear is OEM.

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'll like being a rotary-head.