I finally got a new job, so its time I get myself a weekend toy. Im looking at getting an 07 touring package RX-8, and spending around 10k to make it quick. Im thinking a GReddy turbo kit, new exhaust and midpipe, Apexi SAFC NEO, and I don't really know what else. Im just wondering what you guys would do, you all probally know a hell of alot more about the car than I do.

 

don't forget to factor in the "extras" for a turbo. Tuning, installation, boost guages, BOVs, etc...that stuff, I've heard, can add up pretty quickly. Suspension mods are the best, IMHO. You notice them right away and everyday.

 

What suspension setup would you recommend? I was under the impression that the turbo kit has a BOV, and the SAFC monitors everything I need to monitor. AM I going to need to worry about a new clutch and flywheel? And how many miles should I put on the RX-8 before I install a turbo?

 

turbo FOR power

suspension FOR handling

how the heck can u bring that up? diff dept alltogether

its like saying; upgrading the HID is also a good mod

 

edit: Id just get the sport model & limit all the accessories. That'll make it faster.. Save money too.

 

How is the sport model faster than the touring? I really want a sunroof :o

 

if you want a turbo kit dont even waste your time with the greddy kit. while it can be made to be respectable, it takes a lot of effort and knowledge though.

for a turbo go with mazsport. they are a forum vendor here and have really good quality and customer service. (http://www.mazsport.net/html/rx8turbo.htm) they are complete kits too. all the parts with Engine management included.

 

I would swap an LS1 in there so i could actually mod it later on and get power.

 

swapping in an LS1 doesnt sound like a good idea for a new car, or for an rx-8

 

it doesnt have a sun roof the sport has less added weight but i say get what you like

 

you should really pm mazsport with specific questions about turbo charging the rx8.

 

Ha, the 2nd turbo kit looks like it would be perfect for what I want. If only I could install it myself... If I had that, what else would I need? I can go over budget, but I would like to keep parts at under 10k if possible. Installation costs can be taken care of.

 

Why buy an 07 if you have plans on voiding warranty right out of gates?

Why not spend 10K less for a used 8 w/ 15-20K miles and then have $20K to spend?

As for upgrades, Mazsport seems the way to for a turbo kit. TEIN coilover kits (BASIC or FLEX) are popular when it comes to suspension

Good Luck and Welcome to the club!!

 

Im weary of any used sports car, and I want to pick out all the options I want. After looking around a bit Mazsport does look like a better option for what I want to do. I've always been a fan of Eibach, they are pretty popular in the domestic crowd around here. I haven't heard anything good or bad about TEIN, I'll have to do some research.

Thanks for the advice, this seems like a good place to be.

 

Why not just take the extra money you'd spend on mods and get a car with a better platform? If faster is all your looking for.

 

Sounds to me that all you want is speed. If all you want is speed and plan on dragging, get a different car. This car is made for skilled drivers who like the twisties. Not for green light sprints.

 

AFE AFSC (assuming it ever gets released)
AFE SS
RB springs, bars and links
D-spec shocks
18x9 light weight wheels with 245-40-18 rubber

 

My recommendations:

1. Wait about 6 months before buying any mods. This gives you time to get to know the car, how it handles, what kind of noises it makes, and if the drivetrain has any issues up front.

2. Get the short throw shifter.
3. Replace all the fluids with synthetic - I like royal purple over redline. Your transmission and diff will run smoother.
4. Racing beat sway bars.

5. Aftermarket exhaust, catless or high flow midpipe.
6. Mazsport cooling fan mod
7. GReddy turbo, but also buy new hoses, afr and boost gauge, boost controller, etc.

You'll be making about 270 - 295 whp with this setup, no body roll, car will run cool. And depending on how your turbo install goes, you should still have $2000 or so to play with for rims or body kit.

 

my advice to you is only get the sport package, I went ***** nuts as this was my first 100% own car and got the GT package with the sunroof and bose and all that jazz. It's a waste of money if you plan on doing anything REALLY fun with the car, and modding.

I ripped out all the bose **** I paid a pretty penny for and replaced it was GOOD stuff, and the sunroof while nice and novel adds a ton of extra weight and makes it hard to be really comfortable on autoX days due to me being 6'1 with a helmet and all that power seat bullshit.

In terms of mods? I say go with a tuned Mazsport (you will be smoking fast), Mazdaspeed Suspension (love mine), RP SuperCat, and Racing beat Exhaust, and finally ACT Prolite Flywheel, and ACT Street/Strip Clutch. You'd have one BADASS RX8 then.

 

He said he wanted to make it quick. Quick is not always achieved in a straight line.

 

I agree with the Sport model - it deletes all the bullshit and keeps the good stuff. Keep it stock for the summer and go to every track event you can (autox, track - whatever floats your boat.) When you're done with that, you will know what you want and it will be easy to decide.

 

10k to spend? Mazsport turbo, I'd get the cheapest one, as they're essentially all the same, just different positioning..

Save up some money, get some coilovers, sway bars..I highly reccomend full synthetic fluid all around, AxialFlow short shifter (love it!), and a good set of tires.

 

Im going up to Cinci and taking a 3 day driving course, gonna learn how to race in a Vette. Im not looking for a drag car, if thats what I wanted Id get a Rustang. I want an RX-8, they look good, handle great, and there just aren't many of them around here.

I think I will wait ~6 months to mod it, except for a short throw shifter, and maybe suspension. I probably will go with the Mazsport Turbo kit, new fluids, sway bars, and either new exhaust, or an electric exhaust cutout.

 

if you got an extra 10k, id rather buy a better car instead of throwing it on mods... like a bmw 335 or corvette etc depending on your budget.

 

I did think about getting a GTO, but the 14 mile times for a GTO, VW GTi, and RX-8 are all pretty much the same. The RX-8 looks awesome, and with 10 put into it I wouldn't be surprised to see it hang with a vette. Its just the car I want, I've thought about it alot, I've test driven alot of cars, and its what I have my mind set on. I think it would make a better weekend toy for what I want than other cars, except for maybe a Noble or Lotus, but I doubt I can get my hands on one.