Ok so i have been thinking about getting some kind of kit as i am just beginning to get horrified by my stock front and rear bumpers...... particularly the front. Anyways I know how all you guys say dont go cheap go expensive to buy the best and all that....... but some of us are on real hard budgets. now I know there are some good kits out there but what are some of your guys opinions?

Here is one I found that i like and would like something like this/similar as I like the style and the price is right around in my price range:
Duraflex® - Mazda RX-8 2004-2011 Velocity Body Kit

 

Search. Duraflex is crap. Just Google Duraflex Camaro, even their SEMA car was a POS nightmare.

 

yes i do search but i prefer personal opinions to my point of view. plus not everyone has a ton of cash to just go out and spend

 

If you have cost concerns, just get a replacement OEM bumper.

Spending more for a body kit to save money will never make sense, and spending less for a body kit will always look worse, defeating your point.

 

Charles what i am more concerned about is the front bumper. My front is not exactly the best and i like to have a decent look to her. Believe me if I had the money I would make her more beautiful, but i gotta start somewhere and thats why i am asking for peoples opinions.

 

I had my insurance company pay for en Extreme Dimensions urethane MS bumper and DTM had to do a good amount of work and even the fitment is 7/10 mostly around the headlights and the under panels and fender liners are ziptied on because they wouldn't line up right. Although from a distance it looks good the little detail bug me. You are better off saving a little extra for a quality bumper and less headaches in the future. I'm ordering a LegSport bumper or may going Kenstyle since we may have one laying around in the warehouse but I thought I would just share that from personal experience.

$755 for a Vertex

LANG MAZDA RX-8 SE3P FRONT BUMPER :: 2003-UP RX-8 :: Mazda :: Vertex USA

 

thanks for sharing speedracer i will check that out

 

what about the lip attachment that can go onto the stock front bumper?

 

You can get the OEM appearance package for $600-$700 depending on shipping. Add more if you have them paint it as well. Personally, I prefer that over most of the full kits. The OEM package (Front lip, side aero flares, and 4 splash guards) adds a lot to the look while keeping the already awesome lines of the car. Most of those kits that are >$2000 seem to just be fast and furious wannabes.

I don't have any experience with the kits you're looking at currently so I cant speak to the quality. But I did buy the OEM appearence package. Instal was pretty easy for my body guy who doesn't do much with body kits. No fitment issues whatsoever. But everyone has their own taste, that might not be the best route for you, just something to consider.

My $0.02

 

I love my Mazdaspeed but I miss my OEM with the Burn Out sides and shaved front emblem.



I just purschased the MS rear, it took me forever to find and was expensive but it was money well spent. It will be installed in the next couple of weeks along with the RB wing.

 

Not worth it at all. Might as well just save up a bit more to get a better non-authentic body kit. Especially since the season is almost over. I ordered my kit sept. 1st and I'm not going to get it until a week before I store my car...

If budget is the problem, just wait and save

 

So sad that you guys have seasons for cars. And I agree 100% on waiting and saving, that is something guys have a hard time doing now days.

 

9K,

I agree it is sad to have seasons for cars.

I did live in TX for a while though.

I'll stay in PA

Yes even though the Cowboys are my favorite team.

I do agree with Charles on this 100%, use your money for performance/reliability before looks. It's basically putting the cart before the horse.

Many people have had issue's with duraflex in all seriousness. I know it's a lot, but unless you are very good at bodywork/fiberglass work your going to spend just as much having it fitted and painted as you would just buying an MS or similar bumper.

On a side Note, 9K, nice wax job there.

Travis

 

My buddy just bought a car with a duraflex front already on it. The guy he got it from had a lot of work done to it to have it fit properly. Most likely way more than he should have. It actually did end up fitting fairly well.

Then we tried the bumper on my car.. What a mess. Don't do it.

 

actually i kinda like that route. know of the site where I can get that kit?

 

Yea I know what you mean. I have all my minor performance parts that I can get before starting to get into the 1k+ range. Was just looking for something to "spice" up my exterior a little. But if what McGridDLe says is true I would much rather get the upgrade OEM kit since it might cost me around $800 and I wont have to worry about something that doesn't fit and has a tendency of breaking.

Thanks for all the pointers guys, its been really helpful


Question is where can I buy the upgrade kit?

 

I actually love having seasons From the day you store your car to the day it comes out you cannot wait! It's like a kid waiting for Christmas

 

I actually ordered mine off of ebay, I'll see if I can find a link to the seller that I purchased from. The customer service was great and shipping was quick. I was also able to confirm when that box arrived that it was all genuine mazda.

 

2004 2008 Mazda RX 8 New Primer Complete Body Kit JG | eBay

This is the seller that I bought mine from. I called and had them take out the wing since I already have the GT model. IIRC mine was $450 unpainted without the rear spoiler.


EDIT:

And actually now that I look a little closer at your sig picture. It looks like you already have the splash guards. You could give them a call and see what the price would be like if you exclude those from your order. Or if they are cheap, you could pick those up for spares in case you get a little carried away on a speed bump and break one.

 

ok that will be cool, thanks

 

saw this
NEW Oem Velocity Red Appearance Package + Spoiler ? BennettBuilt Performance

not sure if it is different or what

 

Woah is that for real?! I really wanted that appearance package but that price makes me want to get it right now

The fact when I put it into my cart, and the terms and conditions page doesn't exist, and no taxes are applied is fishy.

 

That is a bit fishy LOL. Still a great price if it is legit

 

That is legit, bennetbuilt has a pretty good rep of selling stuff, check the good guy/bad guy threads.

 

Never noticed that site as I have been wanting the appearance package for myself as well. I think the OEM appearance parts have greater looks than any aftermarket kits anyhow. Especially without the fitment issues.