I just got an RX8 a few weeks ago and I was wondering what are the best performance mods to put on for the best value? I was looking for a cold air system but I have doubts actual performance. What will it do for the sound of the car? My roomate has an s2000 with a cai on it and it sounds like a jet plane. Will it better the sound of the rx8 like the honda?? I also have questions about hot wires, are they worth the $$$? Also will the renensis keep up with the S2000 in a flat out drag race or road course>>??? Help asap thank all for info

 

1.Forced induction.
2.Louder intake noise.
3.The 8 does not have Vtec.
4.?
5.No & yes.

 

its simple...

my gearbox and clutch are > then yours...
your rear diff > mine...
my jetplane sound > your future body kit


as competative as we are, this race could be damn expensive



I can't believe how many mis-statements there are about the s2000 on this board, I know its not an s2k forum, but sheesh...

stock s2k roughly:
HP 240, RWHP 200-205ish
torque 155ish
1/4 about 13.8-14 depending on how much the s2k driver values his rear diff

0-60 : 5.5ish
0-100 : 14.0ish
top : 160ish

(all comes down to how aggressive launch is since this isn't a launch kinda car)


When looking at my S2k, it came between an Rx8 and mine... Haven't regretted for a day, but still do love the Rx8.

-cmrs2k

ps, tell Juggs your car doesn't have paddles on the wheel... she is confused.

 

I have written about this recently and here are my suggestions for the RX-8:

1) Get the "M" flash from your dealership. I have noticed better driveability and measured a 20 h.p. gain at the wheels using my G-Tech.
2) Rear swaybar from Racing Beat to eliminate wheelhop.
3) Front swaybar and end-links from R.B to balance the rest of the car after you do #1.
4) Spring set, also from R.B to complete the package.
5) Cat-replacement mid-pipe w/silencer because cats are the single-most restriction in the exhaust. At least get a high-flow cat.
6) Lightweight flywheel, around 9-10 lbs. with no need for a new clutch unless you go for FI/nitrous. This is probably one of the best mods-per-dollar we have going as the rotary loves to stay above 6,000 rpm's and this helps it to get there quicker.
7) If you do go with nitrous, the Zex Smart System(#82021) is the simplest way to get a solid 55 h.p. to the wheels and it can be mounted in a very inconspicuous fashion with no ECU alterations being necessary. I can give you a tutorial if you decide to install one.


Most intakes are a useless waste of money and I now only use mine for looks. As such, the Rotary Extreme intake seems to generate the most compliments. The same for cat-back exhausts but they do tend to turn heads and make a statement. I have the Borla, which sounds great, but I am sure the Racing Beat and others are nice, as well. These two mods together will cost around $900 so I list them last because they provide little to no gain in performance.

If you do all of the above you can reasonably expect to run high 13's N/A and low 13's-high 12's with the nitrous on factory wheels and tires. At least, that's what I have found with all my stuff.

Charles

 

Read this :

http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm

Bascially exhaust and intakes are a less then efficient use of $$$....unless you like paying money for extra noise. Focus on light weight flywheel and Underdrive pulley kit.

Do not use Nology Hot wires...search on this and you will see people have had major issues with these.

I would also suggest Redline MT-90 for your manual transmission.

 

I also have the pulley kit from SR but at over $400 I tend to place that in the same category as the intake and exhaust systems for most people. I tend to be a spending fool on this car so I cannot suggest that others do the same who find themselves on a tight budget.

I have yet to do the fluid swap but after winter I will do all the fluids. Those are being well-reported on this forum.

Charles

 

You don't think we would just be a little bit biased?

 

whats funny is that most the misquoted info is way in the s2000's favor... I saw someone post a stock top speed of 175 for the s2k! (I wish that was true)

 

It's not? Then maybe we can beat you guys in a drag race if we can somehow get our 8 to reach that speed. LOL :p

 

Let's not forget that to compare the RX-8 to a roadster is a bit of a stretch, but I'll consider myself complimented by the S2000 owners' feeling threatened by the RX-8's presence.

Charles

 

BTW, have you had a chance to drive the S2K yet Charles?

 

Nah, I may get to it but it doesn't seem to be one of my priorities right now. I know that you have been urging me to do so, so I hope you don't think I am rude to have not gotten to it yet.

Charles

 

Certainly not Charles, I know you're too busy "experimenting" with the 8.

If you find the time, I would prefer you spent it "researching" diff ratio changes on the 8, then test driving a hi-revving open top hairdresser's car.

 

Keep in mind the flywheel will help acelleration, not just 'to keep the rpms' up - frankly, a heavier flywheel is better at keeping the RPMs from falling too quickly.

I had found a handy flywheel calculator, to show the 'percieved' gains one can expect when lightening a flywheel...note attached link. Know that the benefits of a lighter flywheel are best felt in 1st gear...sorta felt in 2nd, but by 3rd or 4th, the 'gain' is about gone.





www.d-mphotos.com/movies/flywheelcalculator.xls


Simply enter the gear ratios, etc, and it does the math for ya. What you can find is the amount of power the car will 'feel like' it's gain, for each gear.

 

I just got done blowing hard about the math being already done when it comes to mods and cars on another thread. The funny thing about the discussion on fly weights and acceleration comparisons is that it is regularly pointed out that a heavier fly tends to help the launch, while a lighter fly helps the engine to wind through the rpm band quicker. What is strange is that the launch perspective is only part true. Once there is 100% clutch friction, the heavier fly becomes an impediment. In my opinion, heavier flys are used to make a manual transmission car more driveable by a wider group of people. Lighter flywheels tend to need a bit more finesse in their use while heavier flys are more forgiving, so those who desire comfort in their sports cars are satiated. I tell people who are interested in street/strip/road racing to get the lightest fly one is willing to manage. So far, my 9.75 lb. fly works great and now with the "M" flash I don't even need to apply throttle to get it to leave from a stop without stalling.

Charles

 

Not that this is on topic, but it's actually 176, not 175. Check out s2ki.com...PM drizzles2k...he has a video showing it.

 

I have an s2k also... its not gonna do that stock

(Can't see s2ki.com from work, long story... will look later on)

 

Why not stock? All you need is a long enough road (that's not uphill) and have the top up...it's got the power to do it.

Most people get up to 150 pretty quick, but you need room to get the rest of the way (and not worry about getting pulled over). Not too easy here in the states.

 

Why do we have 2 S2k owners arguing about their top speen on an RX-8 messge board? At least take this to the lounge...