I'm a driving enthusiast, but not an autocross or track driver - I only drive my RX-8 on streets and highways. I'm mainly interested in improving the quickness of the steering response and overall driving feel of my RX-8. With that in mind, which of these mods would have the greatest impact on driving feel and performance if upgrading from stock?

1. Tuned suspension (looking at SR Motorsports Compete Suspension Package)

2. Upgraded clutch/flywheel (looking at SR Motorsports Extreme Kit with 9.25 lb. aluminum flywheel)

3. Lighter wheels (looking at Volk RE30), possibly plus 1 sizing (for lower sidewall)

Upgrades like FI or coilovers are probably way beyond my needs as an enthusiast. I'm guessing that the upgraded suspension would have the most noticeable impact on daily driving, but I'll defer to the judgement of the experts on this forum.

Thanks in advance!

 

1. Tires. My current Toyo T1R's made a significant steering response improvement over my prior very good Dunlop 8090's. I stayed with stock size 225x45 so I could possibly hand down to my daughter's Mazda6, but most move to 245x40 on stock or 18x9 rims.

2. Lighter wheels, e.g. Enkei RPF1, although again the stock are quite good.

3. Mazdaspeed lightweight flywheel. Quicker spool up.

4. Cobb Accessport tuner.

5. AFE short shifter. A feeling of greater shifting quickness.

The stock suspension and clutch are quite good. Mazdaspeed coilovers would be nice tho'.

jmho

 

^ thats a good list. I would also say change out the sway bars, that will definitely change the driving dynamics for the street and highway.

 

I'm currently running Toyo Proxes 4s, which came on the car. I believe they are 225x45, stock rims. I'm in NY, so I may eventually use the stock rims as winter rims (with Blizzaks) and get lighter wheels with summer tires.

 

Driving course.

 

sr motorsport stuff is over priced.

i'd get toyo t1rs in 245/40. great tires. i love mine.

bhr flywheel.

afe short shifter.

cobb accessport.

enkei rpf1 or wedsport tc005.

 

tires, short shifter, bhr flywheel, light wheels

 

Progress Technology sway bars, lighter flywheel (BHR, i love their custom Spec ones) and an AccessPORT that never hurts.
Tuned suspensions etc are overkill for street use since you barely use your car's potential there.
I believe that Charles R. Hill of BHR sells Progress Tech. stuff as well so you might want to pm him for some further infos and save some money as far as regards the shipment of the flywheel and the sway bars.
The access port on a NA untuned car is a good safety gizmo

 

btw: although I think the stock clutch is very good, if you go for the lightweight flywheel you may as well change out the clutch at the same time while you're in there.

 

Lightweight wheels/tires......and the AP...IMO

 

What size are your wheels?

 

x2

beers

 

the size 245 40 is very likely an 18" wheel.

and sways, and driving school.

beers

 

kersh4w is a little busy these days, but I believe he's got 245x40 on the stock 18x8 wheels, which again is a popular option.

 

Tires, alignment, suspension