Here are a few pics of the new Supercharger kit from HKS. These pics are courtesy of a friend of mine who was at the show. Now before you Supercharger hungry people ask me any questions I will let you know right now: I have only a limited amount of information so here are some of the questions I can't answer (meaning, don't bother asking):

Do not ask:

HP Figures
TQ Figures
0-60
1/4 Mile
Price$$$

The only thing I know is that this kit will not be available for a while. They are still fine tuning the kit and yes it will come equipped with the FCON. This is the only kit in existance as of right now. As far as availability goes, maybe sometime around Aug- Sept '05.

Here is more additional information about the kit:

The HKS Rotrex Supercharger Kits are the latest in forced induction systems for the aftermarket. The centrifugal type supercharger features a unique traction drive, with a closed oil circulation system. The traction drive utilizes fixed ratio planetary rollers that are more efficient then traditional gear-wheels. Because the planetary rollers do not have teeth like traditional gear-wheels noise is decreased and reliability is increased. The closed oil circulation system cycles a specially-formulated Traction Oil that lubricates and cools the supercharger, dramatically increasing longevity and reliability. The Traction Oil is cooled through a liquid to air oil cooler included with each kit.

All HKS Rotrex Supercharger Kits are developed as complete bolt-on systems. For certain applications HKS will include a front-mount air-to-air intercooler, Super Mega Flow intake, Bypass Valve, additional injectors, upgraded fuel pump and S/C Fuel Computer. Also included with each kit is a high-performance cast aluminum bracket which has been precisely engineered to reduce noise and vibration.

Enjoy the pics!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

 

me wants really really badly

 

wow
that looks awesome

 

ditto, kinda look like their kit for the 350z. Why does hks favor centrifugal sc so much? Might as well went for a turbo application. Looks nice either way, doubt it would cure the low end woos, but its FI nonetheless.

 

Well the reason why they decided on a supercharger than a turbocharger is because Superchargers will come on sooner. They are also much easier to be carb certified...especially in the US where CARB is an issue. And this was one of their main goals.

 

Here are a few more pix...

 

good point, since when did carb certification stop many of the consumers from getting FI? Especially when there is such a demand for FI for the rx8? Regarding a centrifugal charger coming on quicker is not neccessarily true, a low boost turbo kit like greddy has minimal lag. But i'll shut my mouth early, i'm sure HKS knows what they're doing, just wish they would have stuck there guns with turbo.

 

you have a point there, but that was one of their goals they were working on... Just wait a few months until more information is released.

 

FE3P is getting this kit installed on his car huh? :P

XDEED.. don't you work at HKS? Why don't you hook all the HKS stuff onto your car too?

 

Suddenly Greddy may have to wait........

 

WOW, thanks for sharing!

Just one question...how does the SC help transformablity? LOL

 

I think for me it's going to come down to whether SC or TC is more reliable...

 

yum....

 

wow... that looks so complicating yet so beautiful... i wonder wat kind of numbers that turn out to have

 

Is that a new Intake manifold? Not the black plastic??????

 

Looks like it.

 

HKS???? or another manufacturer??????????? Where do I get it????? :D

 

Hmm.. polished aluminum intake manifold... ahhh..... Wonder if they'll sell the manifold seperate.. if so I'll have to pick one up.


**EDIT** HKS sells the 350z kit for $7250, so I would expect the RX-8 kit to be about the same... **EDIT**

 

well, if you guys are looking for reliability, then u could say goodbye to that, Either a SC or TC would do dramatic damage to your 13B engine, it's just something you will have to sacrifice for FI. your Warrenty is another thing to think about. But none the less any FI so far out for the rx8 is very interesting, looking forward to those figures.

 

So, what you are saying is that FI messes up engines. How does it do that? What causes it to age faster or be unreliable. Someone already said this but I too would (If I use FI) go with whoever is more reliable and messes up the engine the least amount.

What is the lifespan of a Turbo or SC engine? If the engine will still (with proper care) still last me over 130,000 miles, heck maybe even less, then that would be OK.

The more I learn the more I worry about Turbo's and SC's in regards to reliablity and lifespan of my engine. Sure I'll have a much more powerful RX8 for 50,000 miles (if that number is accurate which I have no clue if it is) but is it worth the $3-5,000 if it's just going to last such a short time and will mess up my engine?

Based on what I see over time, I might just go with other mods to make the 8 better and stay away from the FI stuff. I worry that's all...

 

Many owners have gotten 100K+ mileage on their FC and FD turbos. My FC Turbo's original engine went more than 125K before it needed to be replaced. I see little reason to assume at this point that a properly tuned, conservatively powered Renesis (280-300 flywheel hp) wouldn't last just as long.

edit: Thanks for the information. I think I would side with Twin-Screw vs. Centrifugal, but anything that can get CARB certification has a significant leg on the competition as far as I'm concerned.

 

Well as far as the kit reaching American shores it will be a while... And no I don't work at HKS, I'm just your average HKS Junkie!! Ha ha... And why don't I hook my car up?? Well i'll be the proud owner of some HIPERMAXX II 's by the end of the month, and plus I have too many dam hobbies I waste my money on. BTW Did I mention I have an expensive girlfriend!..haha

 

Ya the g/f factor is a major expense indeed... spent about 4g's in Maui for a week this past week.

My plan of not modifying my car UNTIL the warranty expires is still my goal. I don't want them to have any excuses for my warranty to expire.. which is another 20k miles to go. Then I'll think about spending about 15k on the car, or just buy a new car.

Luckily I already paid off the car so that isn't an issue... but SC is the way to go I believe. At least Mazda USA is working on the SC Mazda RX-8, not a TC version.

 

While I do not particulary like the method HKS is using, I do agree that any forced induction which obtains CARB certification will have a leg up on the others out here and with me.

 

The greddy kit is not carb approved...