Hi,

*NOTE TO MODERATORS, As I've been on here less then 30 day's I could only post this here. If you think it's worthwhile to move this thread to more appropriate section then please do!*

Being new to mods for cars and working out what I wanted to do with my RX8 I've spent a lot of time on forums and general browsing of the internet at RX8 images and after market part manufacturers. I've bookmarked and downloaded a lot of information now and have started the quote process with suppliers I've found (some local in Australia for me and several overseas).
I'm pretty much done with research, so my day job brain kicked in which is used to do Project management, budgets and ROI etc.
I had to make a simple build plan tool for all these mods to plan and track the project, also deals with my OCD!

Good old Excel is more then suitable for this, so I've made a template and I thought I'd share it for anyone else who is thinking about starting to modify their RX8 or has started but is in need of some organisation!
It's pretty simple and covers the main areas of the car, it will deal with priorities, area of car to be modded, budget, exchange rates, shipping cost, installation cost and most important the planned date and status.
RX8 Build Plan sheet:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/q8l62a0uqv...ild%20Plan.xls

The other sheet I made was a A3 worksheet (based on one of my Engineering worksheets from my company I use everyday!).
One sheet is blank, the other has several views of a Series 1 RX8 (that's what I have!).
This will be handy for me to jot down what goes where and to play around with colour ideas etc.
The idea is to keep adding sheets which I can put photos I've downloaded in for detail on one area.
This will make it easy to show a mechanic (as I will be too busy and don't have all the knowledge to do myself).
Between this and the build plan, which I'll work through with the mechanic I will end up with the best order for install to minimise double handling to help reduce time and labour costs.
RX8 Design Worksheet
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2wczw0dfox...%20Rev%20A.xls

Hope some of you find either useful!

 

You left me in a little bit of a quandary. I wasn't sure where to move it to. We don't have a "builds" section. We do have a interior section, but I don't think your going to stop there. So, I've moved it into the good old Discussions area. We'll see what others have to say.

 

al: Aftermarket performance mods, maybe? Wouldn't be the first rando build thread in there.

Telinoz: Welcome and good luck!

 

Thanks!

My version is filling up fast with mods, onto exhaust, rims and suspension at the moment.
1 week break now, off on holiday to Whitsunday Islands then back to finish this and see what final bill will be (Mazdaspeed original bumper is proving a challenge to find).

 

It defiantly will be a challenge to find.

In regards to exhaust, wait until BHR releases header (no current midpipes, even the BHR midpipe will fit it). Then I would probably pair it up with whatever smaller midpipe BHR comes out with, and the catback is up for grabs.

Though, my setup right now is the BHR midpipe (current, normal one) and the TurboXS cat-back. Love it. I am not sure if I just got used to the sound, or it quieted down a LOT since I had it installed. Either way, amazing sound.

 

Got real busy with first week back at work, spent more time on my build plan and it's now at 90% and around AUD$27,000.
This is a N/A project, no FI or NOS for me.

Will post up the file during the week, still waiting on a few quotes to come to me via email.

Look forward to the analysis and feedback on my choices, again some are personal for appearance and noise I'm after so that is always subjective.

 

Well, after some delay's from getting back from holiday and some issues getting figures off suppliers (some people forget they are trying to sell things!!) the plan is basically done (95% ish anyway).

All projects I've ever done that are personal or work based, this statement has held true;
80% of all project work is in the planning stage.

It was above my gut feel, but the damage for my vision of a great N/A RX8 is going to cost me a shade over AUD$35,000.
Sobering figure, but will be worth it.
I'm sure most of you who have done this have spent more, some no doubt don't really want to know!!

Here is my build plan, I paid a lot of attention to the advice given on RX8Club.com and RX8Club.com.au.
The newbie sections are very good, so thanks for making a lot of research easy!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p63gehh41s...0-Sep-2013.xls

If you have time, have a look and see if I have the combinations right for the mechanical side of things.
Some of it might be new ground and I'm basing that on the lack of threads and other searches I've done.
Already started spending money, but baby steps at the moment!!

The next stage is to now get the baseline done on the Dyno.
I will be using the same Dyno and Mechanic for any RWHP upgrades to try and keep it within acceptable tolerances to gauge additions.
I will also be working with him on the sequence of the build, again in an effort to reduce time and cost if one panel is off what I can do whilst it's open!
This will set my schedule as far as priorities go.

However, due to my frustration with lack of Bluetooth the Audio section will be done first

I also have one asset to sell off, this will finance the entire project so I don't have to dip into my savings account.
I'm enjoying reduced mortgage payments after selling an investment property, don't want to slow that down too much as I want to be free of the bank ASAP!
So that will drive the time frame once the priorities are locked in, I sell that asset though and it's full steam ahead within 3 months I think and most of that will be waiting for parts to get shipped here!

 

To save cost for the In Car Entertainment, why not buy the Metra faceplate (already doing that, btw that is NOT ~$450.. The actual Metra kit is only ~$160-$170. I just bought mine recently.

Then, you can buy a tablet (I am using a new Nexus 7) and that will cover all of your needs for the rest of that ****. In regards to the steering wheel adapter, I have posted on here a bit about me making an Android based application that will allow that, as well as bluetooth stearming in between devices.

Just a thought. I am honestly surprised at how much you have it priced out. Do you even own the car yet? If so, the majority of the parts, in my opinion, should not = $35,000.

I did not look at your complete list, but that just seems like you are building a brand new car. Do you have to rebuild the entire outside?

 

The quote for Metra here in Australia is that price, I went to Metra they sent me Australian dealer who was wholesale only. From there I got sellers and installer list for Sydney, that's it.
You'll find things are different and more expensive in Australia then USA.
This company I'm using is a car audio specialist, has used these kits before in RX8 and the finish (especially wiring) is professional.

I looked at tablet options and examples of installs, was not impressed to be honest.
Ones in Navi hood look good, but I have series 1 AND I plan on putting a 3 gauge pod in that location.
I could buy cheaper head unit, but that Pioneer is extremely good (did you read up on it?).
The sound quality is fantastic as well.

Did you notice my signature? Yes I own the car already and have posted pics on here when I joined this forum.
It is good to have opinions, but why are you trying to dispute facts on cost?
The prices are off suppliers websites and quotes I have, that's the reality and that's the cost!
There are a lot of parts on the list, it all adds up. The total is $35k.

Your last question can be answered by yourself if you do bother to read the list, it is done in sections. But quickly, no. Only front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and hood.

Sorry to be a bit frank on my reply, hopefully you didn't mean anything in your line of questioning but it came across a bit negative and attacking.
I don't BS, so if I post something I will stand by what I say and I always make sure I can back it up with evidence etc. I've been around the block with my hobbies and always try to do my research right, I've lost count on how many forums I'm on these day's but I go through the usual routine of getting to know who is who and building up a rep for being a straight shooter. Early day's on this forum I guess, anyway I'll leave it at that for now.