hi ...im a new owner of a 2004 rx8 ....yah ....

anywayz ...i want to mod my rx8 but i have no idea where to start for performance ... so basically i want to boost my car performance/horsepower ...any suggestions ? ....AND no,i dont want turbo ...anything besides that , i'll probably do it~

 

If you dont want to Turb your car you can get a Supercharger

 

intake, exhaust, midpipe, flywheel, coilpacks, PCM reflash, lightweight wheels = pretty much all you can do

 

From those, what would you recommend for the most efficient power gain?

 

Start with the basics. Open up the motor and let it breath, intake and exhaust.

The intake is very good from the factory and very little if any HP is gained by replacing it because any modification from the stock box can negitivly effect how well the MAF sensor reads. So keeping the factory box is not a bad idea but maybe get a high flow reuseable filter (K&N sytle) and maybe get the racing beat revi intake scoop http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm it can be used with the racing beat intake (which is one of the best intakes in my opinion) or with the stock box.

Next go with exhaust. Racing beat has 2 nice kits, 3" 304 SS but the pipe is reduced down to the stock 2.5" inch pipe at the mid-pipe flange (almost all catbacks are this way). For even more power you can get a mid-pipe, either one with a cat or one without. If want to keep the CEL from coming on and your tail pipe emissions down, the rotary performance supercat is a good option http://www.rx7.com/store/rx8/rx8exhaust.html

If you get a mid-pipe without a cat it will be louder (unless it has a resonator), the cel will come on (sims dont work) but it will make more power.

Last and one of the best mods is computor programming. Take a look at the Access Port ecu programmer. The best part about it is that no matter what mods you do, the programmer can be used to optimize performance gains. It will also raise your rev limiter, turn on cooling fans earlier, allow you to check and clear any cel and even eliminate them from coming on (so if you get a mid-pipe withot cat, you can eliminate that code from coming on) If you do ever decide to go with a turbo or supercharger, the access part can be used instead of a add on EMS. Check out http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/accessport.htm if you get it from Mazda Maniac you get a lot of MAPS and he can customize a map for you based on your individual needs if required.

keep in mind that you are not going to get huge power gains from any or all of these mods. You might be able to get up to 200-210 HP at the rear wheels.

Intake 2-3HP, Catback maybe 5HP, midpipe (with cat maybe 5HP, maybe 10 without a cat), Tunning with the access port, another flash device or a piggyback computor might get you 15HP. All togeather 30-35HP (if you are lucky) over the stock 175-180.

If you have to replace your clutch then consider getting an upgraded clutch and lightweight flywheel. If you have to get brakes, consider a light weight 2 piece rotor. if you have to replace your coils consider an upgraded coil set up, can make a few HP on a NA vehicle.

Hope that helps, if you want to save money then look at the for sale section and you might find some deals to save a few dollars.

 

Thanks Highway, that's a perfect write up! Some good info there