So, i just bought an 06 rx-8 with 20k miles on the engine and 50k miles on the car :D I did some auto cross with it and i have to say, wow.. amazing car. But I'll get the point. I am REALLY interested in getting this car ready for the track and more importantly smoke my friend's SRT-4 since he's always talkin trash bout my rx-8. What sort of handling/ engine/ general performance upgrades can i expect to purchase to top this bad boy out. Here's what i think i might need so far:

Turbo kit
Exhaust tips, mid pipe, catalytic converter?
front and rear anti sway bars
ecu programmer
cold air intake
torque damper?
sport suspension

Basically which one of these are most important for handling, acceleration (major torque increase as well as hp) and what else will I need and what BRANDS are best to look for. Also, for exhaust i do NOT want my car to sound like its farting. I like a deep growling sound

 

Depending on the track u might not even need a bump in acceleration to take him. Go sways, suspension, brakes and get your car's cooling capability up a notch first then worry about power. A track is where lightweightness and braking suddenly becomes a force to be reckon with.

 

The best thing you can do to "train" for the track is seat time. The RX8 is well balanced and a great performer even in stock trim. I've chased down cars with 2 to 3 times my horsepower on the track so power is not the defining factor in performance.

Skill and experience will take you much farther than dropping $10,000 in mods.

 

new brake fluid and pads and a lot of seat time will beat you friends SRT-4 anywhere that doesn't have super long straights and even then you stand a good chance

 

okay! thanks a lot guys! I plan on taking my 8 to the track really soon for a track day. now yiksing mentioned that i should go sways, suspension, brakes, and cooling capacity. What brands/quality sways, suspension, and brakes should i go for, and what would i do to increase the cooling capacity. Sorry I am a total noob with car modding/upgrading/tuning. I'm here to learn :D

 

Since you mentioned you are a noob at all these, then I suggest not modding the car at all besides getting fresh engine oil, brake fluids, transmission fluids, coolants in preparation for a track day. If possible pay for an instructor then you will be able to gauge your skill and his/her against your own.

As you get familiarize with the track and your car's limits, you will know roughly what you want to get tuned in terms of handling, etc. There is no best mod in terms of handling (at least that's what I believe), its all about tuning the car's cornering behavior to match your driving style and skills as your progress.

As for cooling, you can get thermostat and water pump or even an extra radiator.

Forget about beating your friend's SRT-4 for now.

 

if you haven't started, i wouldn't waste any money on upgrades, maybe at best some tires and brake pads. Unless your a seasoned pro, you probably wouldn't even notice the differences between your mods much less know how to take advantage of the behavioral tweaks your mods make to your chassis. Use that money on track time instead, just make sure your car is well maintained

 

Okay! sounds good. I agree I should probably drive it stock for a while until i know what I'm doing. I don't wanna be one of those guys with completely modded foreign cars with no idea how to drive it. I'll repost in a few months if I have any more questions

 

skip the torque damper. and exhaust tips are going to help you on the track

 

The Big Three in this order: Braking - Handling - Power.

 

some more 2c to go with all the other good info. Stay stock at 1st. Learn your car and see what it does. Only prep is to change brake fluid to something better (ATE or some such) mostly just to have fresh fluid, and have a good long inspection time with your brakes (check pads, etc.) but also for it's higher heat range, make sure your tires are suitable, and check all other fluids.

Spend you dime and time on preping yourself for the day. Having everything with you you're supposed (see event details) to instead of worring about everything on the day of the event ...will put your mind at ease and you can concentrate on the event as it unfolds...what you will be learning (I' m assuming you're a 'green' student and will automatically be assigned an instructor) and having FUN - the most important aspect of your experience.

The 8 will support you well AS IS, and I suggest you do not turn off traction control. get used to driving smoothly. Get used to the track. And again have fun!

 

Wow great info from all of you guys! I have been driving with DSC off tho at least when racing just because i feel I can control my car better that way. I will definately be a green student although like i said i have done many auto cross and i play (don't laugh) Forza 3 religiously with the rx8 with a very very VERY nice wheel. its the fanatek 911 turbo s wheel so it simulates all kinds of road, and torque feedback. Not sure how applicable this will be though.

Ok so for right now i should look into at most, brake fluid, possibly aftermarket brakes, and regular maintenance. Other than that just drive and have fun. What company makes great brakes?

 

^Mazda does ...really! Your car has some of the very best brakes...even if they don't look so beautiful like a BBK...they work amazingly well. If you want to spend on pads for track that will make HD tracking better... recommended are some http://www.cobaltfriction.com/compounds/ the last one down "CSR" say from one of the vendors like TMHotorsports. They'll work great on track and also for street, even thou they don't recommend so much for street, they work fine, even when cold or you could swap out with some cheap street pads.

Also a set of front & rear adjustable sway bars is an excellent inexpensive mod that pays real dividends on track. Do those two things and you'll be in great shape for modest outlay

 

awesome! thanks spin9k! one more question, i plan on changing all my oil by myself as well as brake fluid. What are some good links that show me how and what is the best oil/brake fluid