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That looks great!! Do you have any pictures from behind? (You can PM me a pic if you have one.. Don't want to hijack acroys thread). Thanks again man. Definitely doing this soon
Last edited by ZoomEricZoom; 02-28-2016 at 07:06 PM.
I touched up the rock chips on the wheels with a Toyota color another member found. A near-perfect match.
I'm doing the stereo very similar to Steve Dallas as well. Sound deadening in doors and package shelf, Alpine SPS-110TW tweeters in the sail panels, and a small sealed sub in back.
I tried something different for the sub: a 'low profile' all in one. This is a 'Rockford' 8" model, what swayed me were all the positive reviews and low price point. If it does not work out, it'll go in my wife's Fiat 500 Abarth
The install was pretty simple. It is 'mounted' to the floor with heavy duty Velcro. The Velcro sticks like glue to the factory carpeting material, it's not budging; and in fact is difficult to remove! It sounds, surprisingly, quite decent. It will not blow out the windows, but the bass is tight and reasonably deep.
Finally, a stealthy 'Save the Manuals' decal on the rear passenger window. Black on black, very low key. Those who notice will appreciate it
Fodi: Ya honestly, cause it was before I started tracking. Saving up for some ohlins and new wheels for autox. She runs great right now though, just trying to learn with what I have.
Guys that Autocross: do you rev high and "dump the clutch" to get off the line? I did 5 or 6 autox events with my FD but it had plenty of power off the line, it was easy to get moving without a lot of revs. I rode along with an S2000 and it made me cringe how they took off. It took a beating over and over again though. I guess thats just what they have to do. I assume the RX-8 is about the same.
Love all the R3 pictures by the way. Hopefully I'll be joining the owners club pretty soon.
Guys that Autocross: do you rev high and "dump the clutch" to get off the line?
No. I care about my car too much to get the possible extra couple tenths.
I find that the Rx8 is geared so low that 1st is rather traction limited (on street tires). Modest revs, balance throttle and clutch slip slightly, and you're off.
No. I care about my car too much to get the possible extra couple tenths.
I find that the Rx8 is geared so low that 1st is rather traction limited (on street tires). Modest revs, balance throttle and clutch slip slightly, and you're off.
Glad to hear that about the gearing. I too would have a hard time abusing the clutch and from what you've said, you don't need to.
Typically are you able to stay in 2nd once you upshift? When I autocrossed my FD and also my IS300 I was able to keep it in 2nd gear after the start. Both cars had reasonable grunt though. I'm not trying to rag on the low torque on the RX-8, it's just a fact. I'm just curious if you find 2nd works through the course. I know all courses are different but generally speaking?
Minor update
-Installed 5mm/15mm shims. Looks very nice. Subtle, the way it should look from the factory. No fender interference. I will remove the front 5mm for track days as they are purely a washer and reduce hub/wheel contact.
-Exhaust: Auto EXE header sent to Swaintech for coating. Debating options for midpipe and exhaust. May stick with the BHR and source a Racing Beat Rev 8, as they are proven solutions.
-Mazdaedit: removed the check engine light from catless midpipe, reduced cooling fan temps. Will increase oil injection rate 10-20%. Will tune myself or have it professionally tuned when exhaust is done, couple local options here.
those of you with the R3s that are going to Ohlins, let me know - if you're going to the ohlins before the suspension goes, I may be interested in buying the old setup off of ya!
those of you with the R3s that are going to Ohlins, let me know - if you're going to the ohlins before the suspension goes, I may be interested in buying the old setup off of ya!
Note the R3 Bilstein dampers are available, something like $600 for the set, not bad. I will most likely stick with the stock setup for now.
Looking into aftermarket seats to replace the Recaros. They are just to tight for me.
Received the header back from Swaintech. Beautiful work.
Now to find some time to work on the car. Been very busy with home improvement projects recently.
I abandoned the wheel spacer idea. 10mm was too much. Ideally 5mm would 'correct' the stance, but then it's converting the wheels to stud-centric instead of hub-centric, which is a terrible idea.
I went back and forth on spacers, finally fit Eibach 5mm front and 15mm rear spacers. It looks excellent, the way it should have come from the factory. They are aesthetic only and will be removed for track duty.
Tint done
Mazdaedit: stalled. I did a couple minor mods myself. Called PRT Performance | Lewisville Performance Shop | Dallas Auto Services | Dyno Tuning and was told no-can-do tuning
Stereo done
Fluids done
Grounding kit done. I know some folks think this is snake oil, but $12 worth of wire... no biggie. I've had it help some cars stereo noise, etc.
Alignment done
Still have stock seats... still debating changing.
Race Roots engine mounts
Whiteline differential mounts
NVH is increased slightly. Not noticeable unless you're very familiar with the car's sound. The shifter no longer flops around. It is noce and tight, has a nice zing to it now, no longer feels rubbery. The engine mounts helped, but diff mounts really helped tighten things up.
Vid