i drove home my '04 black 8 this past saturday...15k miles drove it home for 21 grand....the insurance was the same with a jetta, so i figued get what i liked!

its a very slick car, but i havent pushed it at all..still trying to learn it...im still bucking through gears *not meaning to, its like no standard ive driven) and the gas prices...i hope its becasue how im driving it..

i ordered a valentine 1 yesterday, living in dallas on the freeways its a fun place to drive....i'll tell you this, i NEVER have a proglem with entering on the freeways..

the only question is the shifting...what are some rules for it, cuz im thinking im screwing up the car by shifting to late or something...

i want to get some new wheels...want to keep it 18's but more of the gunmetal look..any suggestions....ive tried to upload the pics but i cant do it...

black rx8, 6-speed manual, black leather, touring package ...


~Blake

 

It's a very short-throw, light-effort gearbox. All you need is your thumb, index and middle. A flick of the wrist makes it happen. No need to 'shove' the whole shifter.

Mazdas like to be driven with a light touch, the lighter the better. I used to drive my Miata with just a thumb and index on the left of the wheel. The 8 has a touch heavier steering (fatter tires) so I tend to use all of my left hand to drive it.. for now. I'm still learning mine too

ALso, the Renesis is quick to rev, and quick to lose revs, which means you need a light, quick flick of the wrist to get it to change gears smoothly. My biggest problem is 5-6 upshift, this is my first six speed box and i'm still getting used to it.

You'll get it, with some seat time. It's a wonderfully smooth car when driven with a light touch.

A Voodoo shift **** lends the gearbox a rifle-bolt level of solidness and precision.. I don't drive without mine.

 

Welcome to the cult! I see that this is your 1st manual car? My first manual car was an 8 also, and i have to tell you its pretty easy. Here is a link that will give you ideas when it comes to shifting
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...light=shifting

 

yea, that helps alot!!! i love the car, its by far the nicest ive ever had...everything on it is so delicate feeling thats why im scared im messing it up...but whatever, mess it up now and let warranty get it ha

 

the faster you throw the shifter the better and smoother it is, if you go slow it'll hang up and you'll miss and grind the gears especially once you start redlining it and shifting... and you will cause it so damn fun.

 

Congrats and welcome to the cult, lol!

 

Just DO, and think not, and shift well you shall

LOL... seriously though, relax and let your hands, feet and ears get used to the timing. They'll learn what to do. The trick is to match the engine revs to the tranny whenever you release the clutch. You do it by sound and timing, not watching the tach. Patience, young one, must be patient...

 

welcome and good luck with it. :D

 

the best part of the rx8...

the guys that drive past you with their girlfriends in their gt 'stangs...girlfriend are staring, and the boyfriend just acts like your not there

 

Hey blake8581! Welcome!

You should check out the Gulf Region - the DFW group meets quite often and are definitely a fun bunch of peeps. I'm making a trip over on Memorial Day weekend so Dazygirl and I can drive our 8's to the Rotary BBQ in Tulsa that weekend. Can't wait!!! :D

 

that sounds great..if you can, give me some info on the group...

 

Welcome Blake!! What do you want to know about us? :D We're actually having a meet tonight at BJ's in Addison. Some of us from FW are driving out and most of the Dallas crew should be there. We're meeting around 7:30-8 and it's always a good time. It's a great opportunity to show off your new purchase and meet some friendly locals!! Here's the link to where we've been talking: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=61374

And of course you're welcome to join us to the OKC BBQ!!! The more the merrier!! When you get a chance, I'd recommend checking out the Gulf Threads. There's TONS of info there about who we are and what we do and where we go and stuff like that. We're a pretty friendly bunch. D WELCOME AGAIN!!

 

Welcome man!!!!

Yeah the car is great


I hope the best for you.

Hagar