So, I've been out here in Iraq for 8 months now (middle of a year long deployment) and I'm coming home on leave here in about 2 weeks. I've already got myself set up with a 2004 yellow 6speed Rx-8 at a decent price. But that's not enough spoiling myself. I have no idea where to start on mods. Appearence is the biggest priority, but this money can go from anything from rims/tires, window tint, body kit, audio set up, decals/paint job (want a black tribal design on the side), new seats (not sure on this as I love the rotor in the headrest) etc. etc. I just can't make up my mind. I'm upgrading from a 2000 Ford Escort Zx2 s/r (paid off and keeping). I've been dreaming of getting a Rx-8 since before they came out. Hell, I think I humped some guys gas tank in a wendy's parking lot one time. But yeah. Just want everyone's opinions as to what they would do in said situation.

Trust me, I'm good with my money and this is a well earned present to myself, so it's not like I'll have $0 in the bank after all is said and done, so inventing or anything like that isn't really an option.

I was seriously considering getting shaved door handles until I read they are horrible for everyday use. I would LOVE for someone to tell me otherwise (that's what I was leaning heavily on until I had read that)

I won't be able to do much of anything while I'm on leave as buying the car will already be pulling away from my hectic 2 week schedule. Thanks for any opinions.

<--- That guy just looks cool.

 

PARTS PARTS PARTS!!!!! That's what I did when I finished my tour in Bahrain bro. But it's your money.

 

If you're big on appearance, figure out which body kit you like best and go for it. I think that in itself is the biggest bang for your buck.

Congrats on your vehicle upgrade. My old car was a ZX2 as well. Great little car, never had a problem. Wish I still had it for a beater to help keep the miles of my 8, but oh well, the 8 is more fun. :D

 

A set of Koni yellows and a half set of SSR Comp wheels. Or maybe just a whole set of SSR GT2 wheels.

 

Buy wheels... and some springs...

 

Mod the driver - the one mod that you take with you when you sell the car. Go to racing school!

 

Good one Stew!! I like that idea!!! If you have any leftovers, then I would do it yourself install of: front & rear splash guards (protect your car from rocks), side flares, and gas lid.

 

Here's my shopping list..just waiting to see if mazdaparts starts any christmas specials:

REVi RX-8 Intake System-
All Weather floor mats Rx8
Rx8 Rear rotary crest OEM Polished
Greddy SP2 Stainless Catback RX8
REVi Ram Air Duct

Totals about $1200, after shipping, if I recall.


Spend the other $300 on a couple track days.

 

How would I blow $1500?

I would race my stock RX8 against my friends modded 13 second Nissan sentra.

 

150 cheap hookers, or better yet 300 really cheap hookers.

 

HAHAHAHA

 

Buy a learner motorcycle and take up riding. Unless you already do.

 

I suggets using that 1.5k to build your self a carputer + installation. thats a car computer. 1500 bucks is just about enough to build a nice one. Im talking about mounting a 7 inch or bigger LCD touch screen in your car connected to a computer in your trunk or your glove compartment. The basic functions will be GPS Navigation, even voice activated) MP3, DVD and emulated games. Intermediate functions include bluetooth and wifi syncing and internet, and if you get really into it, you can run real time car diagnostics such as RPM, temperature, decipher error codes, in car camera etc etc.

It can do a lot more than your average nav unit and very flexible and cost less.
for more information goto www.mp3car.com
http://media.putfile.com/carputer and this is a video of my friends carputer in action in his g35 coupe. its real sweet, it starts automatically when he turns on his car and shuts off after he turns off his car.

i wouldnt spend money on performance mods for the rx8, because it just dosnt respond well... you drop 1500 bucks on an EVO and you have your self a high 11 second car... drop that on a rx8 and you probably cant break 13 seconds.
just my 2 cents. a carputer would come in handy big time and impress the ladies.

 

If appearance is your priority, then get a set of new wheels. SSR GT10 staggered setup - my favorite.

I personally would spend that kind of money on beefing up the suspension.

 

Wow, that's way more responses than I expected. I realized during all this I totally failed to mention I'm fairly car illerate. I mean I'm learning a lot, but I was sheltered quite heavily towards nintendo vs. changing oil as a child.

With that said, here's what I've got to say back

- How hard is a body kit install DIY. That and matching paint. My last car got rear ended (i was sitting still at a stoplight) and the place that did the repairs couldn't match the color for sh*t. I had to take it back like 13 times.

- djseto - reccomended exhaust and intake? I'm actually for that idea, I had a K&N air filter in my last car and some sort of custom exhaust. Don't remember which.

-racing school - Doubt I'd be able to find time for it, I work two jobs back in the states and juggle a failing relationship

splash guards - check, definatly want that one as I remember hours of scraping crap of the lower ends of my last car -

Gas lid? Like if I lose my current one, or the silvery thingie some people have (see the car retardness shining there?)

Cheap hookers - good thinking!!! BUT, wouldn't you all agree with this car hookers shouldn't be needed anymore!?

Carputer huh? I'm totally going to waste a few hours browsing all that. I had been to the
mp3car.com site looking at the radio attachment thing for the Ipod, I have a creative Zen Mp3 player which doesn't function the same. Oh well, go me for always buying the obscure stuff huh? But that does sound interesting.

Koni yellows - what benefit do they offer the Rx-8? I just looked at them online. I'll probably be on this community a lot and hopefully learning from you guys. Couldn't find the SSR GT10 online as I'm typing this, so pictures/links would be great.

Thanks everyone for your interest and help.

 

I can honestly say that tinted windows made the car for me. I got 20% and if it weren't for having a hard time seeing out on a dark night in a dark driveway I would have loved to go darker. They are fine on the street, just not in a place with zero light.

Also consider if you want a spoiler or not. The stock spoiler looks pretty sweet, and so does the Mazdaspeed.

You might also consider the grills for the oil coolers and such.

Alot of people like clear corners and stealth bulbs.

There are a ton of things you can do for appearance, but when it comes down to it it is your taste. Pick what you like.

 

For me...

RB intake with ram air duct
RB ac condenser & oil cooler grills
RB Catback...
and if its not too loud.. the super cat midpipe

rest of money... royal purple oil/ oem oil filter/ royal purple tranny fluid / maybe power steering fluid/ and maybe that nht+ coolant sounds interesting

 

$1500

Hmm, how about having the stock wheels painted to exactly match the car color (and finish)? That and some tasteful graphics would be different. The basic RX-8 shape is sexy enough that simple things can do a lot- but that also means you can over do it. (and adding body kits over the stock sheet metal add weight- keeping an RX-8 lighter means it will be faster)


-and to staticlad= why would it cost $1500 to race a modified Sentra? A bet?

 

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/need-answer-before-race-time-75731/

 

SSR GT10s - http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Displ...2FPolished+Lip

 

I like this guy!!!

 

All the ideas have been really helpful. Just got word back the car I'm getting does NOT have a spoiler, so that is definatly going to happen. Now I just have to find one I'm happy with. Secondly, Tint. No doubt about it. Seen pictures with and without tint, and it just needs to be done. Professionally. That leaves some cash. No idea how much.

Where is a good place to look for spoilers? And to get one that matches the car. Also, does Mazda install the MS spoiler? I'm certain they would do a good job and get the color right.

Then I think I'm going rims. I saw a pictures of some rims I really liked, but can't find them online. I'll try and post the picture eventually.

Here's a weird one. Anyone know where to buy a one-ball or a nine-ball. I had that done in my old car, just drilled a hole in the pool ball and twisted it onto my shift ****. Looked and responded great. It faded over the years, but still stayed solid.

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

DING DING!
decals or anythingother than stock paint = rice

 

LOL pool ball shifter. doesnt it feel a little awkward? why not a properly weighted shift **** instead to create the perfect amount of interia.