Hey all, I am the proud new owner of an rx-8. I am very VERY new to the rotary engine and have been searching around trying to learn some things thru this forum, well anyways now to the question at hand. I have seen that there are a few ways to tune this car and tuning seems to be the best bang for the buck so I am wondering what you would all recommend. I am looking for something that is just gonna give me some raw power, tho i love this car stock, something about my buddys rsx-s being faster in acceleration doesn't sit right with me (call me crazy) anyways, if you have other ideas as far as performance that would maybe benefit more then the tuner, please let me know as I am very open to all suggestions. You all have a wealth of knowledge and I am hear to just learn. Thanks all

 

try that thread up there called major HP upgrades, i got a suspicion it might help you out.

 

So far it seems as 3 things really help this car out. It really depends on your budget. If you are looking at under $1000 then the Canzoomer ECU chip unit seems like the best option. If you get the unit and get it tuned many people on this board have gotten about 16 to 22 whp. If you are looking at forced induction but can only spend a few thousand $ then a nice 55 shot of nitrous might be the best bet. If you are looking to spend $4K+ then look at the Greddy Turbo + installation & tuning. That will give you 60+ hp.

 

I have actually been thinking of the canzoomer but from what i hear its kind of hit or miss with the tune it actually comes with, I definitely think its a good mod but dont really know anyone here in the South Bay area that might be able to tune it for the best gains. That is definitely what im leaning towards tho, thanks for the input

 

I'm just curious if you have a 6 spd, or auto? What mods does ur buddies rsx type s have done to it? I would think that stock for stock the rx8 should be able to take an rsx type s unless you're new to driving a manual?!

 

That is true. With the "generic" tune for the Canzoomer you are leaving a big boatload of power on the table. I have seen the CZ unit in "generic" tune only deliver about 5-10 whp due to the variability of our cars, but with the same units the cars were dyno tuned/use of the CanScan and the results were around 18-22 whp. If you can't tune it/pay someone to tune it this might not be the best mod for you.

 

My friend has a rsx-s with juts intake and exhaust, but in my defense i had about 500 lbs in passengers and me in the car as for the canzoomer, any1 know if its a pretty universal tool? can any tuning shop do this?

 

u be surprised lol, those thing are pretty quick with just a few mods so how much did he beat you by? Back on topic, xyntax can help you out tuning it, hes in the san jose area and he's pretty familiar with cz. I would probably go to him first if he doesn't mind.

 

With the few mods I have, I'm pretty sure I could pull a car length infront of a turbo rsx type s. Yeah I'm really sure I could *not to say I reace or anything.

 

My standard suggestion with the RX-8 is to first swap at least the rear swaybar to eliminate the wheelhop. If you can, remove the cat and get a light flywheel and pulleys. Make sure you have the M flash and get a piggyback like the CZ/E-Manage units. These are the surest mods that give you the best cost/performance ratio. Of course, nitrous is an option that has worked well for a few of us.

Charles