While this is my first post, I'm not entirely new to the forum. I do read a lot of the board, and wanted to get as much research done as possible before posting any type of question.

For starters, I have a 2004 RX-8. I've owned it for a couple months to see if I really want to keep it, and as expected, I'll be an owner for a while. Now is the time where I want to modify it a little -- and from what I read, if you keep it naturally aspirated, you're hard pressed to get power. That was really disappointing to learn, but at the same time, I don't want to dump a turbo in it.

From what I've been reading, and from what I've heard personally, these are some of the general modifications I'm leaning towards. If you have the time, I'd greatly appreciate some suggestions on other options and recommendations on what brands to consider.

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Cold air intake
Headers with an exhaust system and a cat delete
Underdrive pulleys
Sway bars
Short throw shifter

As you can see, there's nothing really dramatic going on here... I'm strongly considering throwing a 50 shot of nitrous in there for fun at the track, etc...

Lastly, I think the RX-8 is absolutely beautiful. I'd lie if I said I was primarily concerned with power, because making the car look and sound good is almost as equally important since I'm driving it primarily, if not more. With that being said, I would like to find some really nice rims for the car. I'm looking into black deep-dish rims, with a chrome lip... maybe some 19s. I've done some research on them, but I really can't find too many models I like. Does anyone have any suggestions on these?

Thanks everyone,

I appreciate any advice you can give me!

 

I'd suggest, (in order of best power sort of) RP cat or cat delete, Cobb should be out soon I think or RB flash, a drop in air filter, RB ram or some sort, flywheel when and if you need your clutch replaced.

I dont have a short throw but some people claims its worth it. Under drives might help... and headers and exhaust have not really shown anything worth the $$$



"I'm looking into black deep-dish rims, with a chrome lip... maybe some 19s. I've done some research on them, but I really can't find too many models I like. Does anyone have any suggestions on these"

19's are most likely just going to slow you down, unless you get some super light rims and low pro wheels, and dish type rims are not so great for this car.

 

short throw makes driving and shifting more enjoyable.

 

Welcome. If you want more power but with little upfront cost then nitrous is a good alternative. Many cars running aroung with 55 shot.

Just an FYI, almost nobody has a header for this car. None of the current designs show much hp gain, especially for the price $1,000+.

The Xdeedubbx mentioned the axialflow short throw shifter makes everyday driving more enjoyable.

If you are looking for NA modifications then :

1. Hi-Flow Cat
2. Racing Beat ECU re-flash
3. Racing Beat or AEM Air Intake (few hp on the low end, about 5 on the top end)
4. Agency Power Pulley (1-2 hp, but cheap & easy mod)
5. Cat Back Exhaust (won't get more than a few hp, but sounds much nicer, and usually tips look better)

Just a caveat. Even with all this you are only looking at about a 20 hp increase, and quite a bit of it will be in the mid/top end. Just the nature of this engine.

 

Don't worry about a header unless you're going to do some porting.

Catbacks don't gain you a bunch of horsepower but you can reduce weight and add a nice sound. A straight pipe (cat delete) or high flow cat (like the RP Supercat) can increase HP.

 

All the quality parts that actually (slightly) increase the HP are usually >$1000.

I think the best things you can do to this car is:
swaybars (and then coilovers)
lightweight rims and stickier tyres
exhaust (just fo the sound)
lightened flywheel



but then again, by that stage, youll want to change everything else

 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions -- I really appriciate it.

From a little more research, and especially from the general consensus here, I think I'll go with a lot of what I had, and just replace the headers with an ECU upgrade. I'll also start looking into weight reduction. I do web-design on the side, and one of my clients owns an automotive shop. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to get some of that done pretty cheap.

I haven't decided about the rims yet... I know the 19s would slow me down some, but it's hard getting over the look. Maybe I'll just lower it a little and go for 18s. If this is my only concern right now, I think that's good to have.

Once again, thanks everyone.