I have a rearend that may or may not be authentic MS on my used RX-8. How can I tell if it is authentic MS? Is there some part number or logo/ID imprinted on the thing?

Thanks!

 

post up a pic and we'll be able to help you. I currently have a true MS rear, and also have had a replica MS rear. In my case, the replica was a full bumper replacement, where as the true MS parts fits as an addition to the stock rear bumper. Also, with my replica, there was greater exposure of the exhaust than with the true MS part. Often the replica is attached to the heat shield surrounding the exhaust...at least mine was.

 

and the fake ones tend to look like shyt...the authentic MS rear its much better.

 

post a pic and my Jedi Powers will be able to tell you...

 

I will post some pics asap. Thanks!

 

a underneath shot of exhaust shroud
paint color pix is really not needed if done right.

 

MS- just under bumper
everything else- complete bumper replacement and usually fits about as well as a shoe that is 4 sizes too small.

 

Pics attached. Thanks for everyone's help. So is it authentic? From your helpful comments, I think it is.

 

Looks authentic enough... Just like mine (which I know is authentic), except, my bumper is yellow where yours is black.

It was just the Gray part that was "new" right?

 

I'm the second owner of the car or I'd hopefully know.

 

Just to set you at ease, I found some pics of my car with a replica, and now with the authentic, taken on the same day as the bumper swap....from the same angles. (1) The replica is an entire bumper swap, where as the authentic fits over the stock bumper...having trimmed a portion of the lower plastic parts. (2) Notice the exposure of the exhaust on the replica.

Hope these pics set you at ease.

 

Thanks for your pics! What a difference in quality and fit. You'd think the knockoff would be a better quality. It looks really poor. Your car def. looks better with the MS version.

 

they're not, most of them are complete crap, put out by companies who could care less as they're only out to make a quick buck, not all replicas are bad (although I have not seen a SINGLE one fit right out of the box compared to my real MS which bolted right up no problem) but the majority of them suck ***. I learned this the hard way, it is just a crime to put a 200 dollar kit on a 30k car, pure blasphemy.

 

Now I have to work on trading it away from a stock BB bumper. Anyone in NorCal?

 

why do you want the stock bumper??

 

The rest of the car is stock. The first owner got in a minor bumper tap and was too lazy to wait for a stock bumper to get repainted so he got the MS rear. I don't want to put on the rest of the MS package so it's gotta go since it doesn't match that well.

 

only if my car was bb.. sorry bro

 

caranddriver...post in the Norcal thread (In the western Region)....there has to be someone up there who wants the rear MS.....Most people avoid that due to the cost, as well as the trouble fo cutting up a stock bumper.