I'm sorry, I'm wrong
10-04-2011 | 10:08 PM
#1
I'm sorry, I'm wrong
Okay here goes,
I'm new here, I have no idea on where to put this so in the tech forum it goes. Here's the story, I am buying an 04 6MT in a few days and I need advice. I have spent the last three or four days poring over multitudes of information on the RX8. So go ahead and hate if the question has been asked before, but there is simply too much information for me to even begin to make a less than educated guess on what I would like to do.
So to it. I have $3000 surplus (I had originally planned to buy a much more expensive RX7) and I want to get a few upgrades.
From what I read on the 30 plus pages of the exhaust thread (alone), there is little to be gained except aurally pleasing tones. Even with a mid-pipe you're still looking at minimal hp. I think I saw the highest NA mod was up around the 205whp mark. Judging from his/her parts list, he/she spent well more than I would like to for minimal gains. I see that you guys tend to love MM's Cobb too. What can be achieved with it alone?
FI is plain and simply out, I don't have the cash nor do I plan to.
I have heard the the RX8 is, to use his word, responsive to suspension and weight reduction upgrades. So I would be interested in the gains of a lightweight flywheel, tires, shocks, anti-sway bars etc. I don't know about pulley, gains from lightweight pulleys seem to be minimal and I don't particularly want to underdrive anything.
Since someone helpful will probably ask. I want my car to outperform my buddy's stock RX-8 by a little bit. Straight-line and cornering. I plan to have at least a couple of open-track days in my future, but nothing competitive(unless it's infectious).
So in summary, what is the opinion of the sea of knowledge? Engine modding or suspension and drive-train upgrades? Or a combo of both? Anyone know any good parts dealers hear in the B.C. interior?
Oh and by the way, to the admins. How hard would it be to fix the search bar? Even if it just did a google search. I spent around 20 minutes looking and found code that would allow you to search the forums the same way many of the members already do (ie site:rx8club.com + whatever you are looking for). Here it is. I modded it from an existing set of code, that was open-source and stated that it was free to use.
<html>
<head>
<title>Google Search</title>
<meta name="author" content="GUJUm0deL">
<SCRIPT LANGUAGE=JAVASCRIPT>
function googleSearch() {
if (document.doingasearch.searchbox.value!="") {
window.open("http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=site:rx8club.com " + document.doingasearch.searchbox.value) ;
}
else {
alert("Please enter something to search.")
document.doingasearch.searchbox.focus();
}
}
</SCRIPT>
</head>
<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<table width="700" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td>
<FORM name="doingasearch" id="doingasearch">
<INPUT name=searchbox type=text size=20>
<INPUT type="button" value="Search" onclick="return googleSearch();">
</FORM>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</body>
</html>
I'm new here, I have no idea on where to put this so in the tech forum it goes. Here's the story, I am buying an 04 6MT in a few days and I need advice. I have spent the last three or four days poring over multitudes of information on the RX8. So go ahead and hate if the question has been asked before, but there is simply too much information for me to even begin to make a less than educated guess on what I would like to do.
So to it. I have $3000 surplus (I had originally planned to buy a much more expensive RX7) and I want to get a few upgrades.
From what I read on the 30 plus pages of the exhaust thread (alone), there is little to be gained except aurally pleasing tones. Even with a mid-pipe you're still looking at minimal hp. I think I saw the highest NA mod was up around the 205whp mark. Judging from his/her parts list, he/she spent well more than I would like to for minimal gains. I see that you guys tend to love MM's Cobb too. What can be achieved with it alone?
FI is plain and simply out, I don't have the cash nor do I plan to.
I have heard the the RX8 is, to use his word, responsive to suspension and weight reduction upgrades. So I would be interested in the gains of a lightweight flywheel, tires, shocks, anti-sway bars etc. I don't know about pulley, gains from lightweight pulleys seem to be minimal and I don't particularly want to underdrive anything.
Since someone helpful will probably ask. I want my car to outperform my buddy's stock RX-8 by a little bit. Straight-line and cornering. I plan to have at least a couple of open-track days in my future, but nothing competitive(unless it's infectious).
So in summary, what is the opinion of the sea of knowledge? Engine modding or suspension and drive-train upgrades? Or a combo of both? Anyone know any good parts dealers hear in the B.C. interior?
Oh and by the way, to the admins. How hard would it be to fix the search bar? Even if it just did a google search. I spent around 20 minutes looking and found code that would allow you to search the forums the same way many of the members already do (ie site:rx8club.com + whatever you are looking for). Here it is. I modded it from an existing set of code, that was open-source and stated that it was free to use.
<html>
<head>
<title>Google Search</title>
<meta name="author" content="GUJUm0deL">
<SCRIPT LANGUAGE=JAVASCRIPT>
function googleSearch() {
if (document.doingasearch.searchbox.value!="") {
window.open("http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=site:rx8club.com " + document.doingasearch.searchbox.value) ;
}
else {
alert("Please enter something to search.")
document.doingasearch.searchbox.focus();
}
}
</SCRIPT>
</head>
<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<table width="700" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td>
<FORM name="doingasearch" id="doingasearch">
<INPUT name=searchbox type=text size=20>
<INPUT type="button" value="Search" onclick="return googleSearch();">
</FORM>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</body>
</html>
10-04-2011 | 10:23 PM
#3
FAQ’s https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx-8-faq-please-read-before-posting-959/
New and Potential Owner’s, Start Here https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
Congratulations, you got an 8 https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/
New Owner FAQ’s https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...&highlight=FAQ
Also, make sure you read the “stickies” in each sub-forum
New and Potential Owner’s, Start Here https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
Congratulations, you got an 8 https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/
New Owner FAQ’s https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...&highlight=FAQ
Also, make sure you read the “stickies” in each sub-forum
10-04-2011 | 10:48 PM
#4
Nitrous might be a good option for you.
An MM tune using the Cobb AP might net you 15+ hp maybe more if you already have a cat delete midpipe.
K&N drop panel filter, nice and cheap.
You could have a complete nitrous kit + installation for a 1000 usd easy.
A 55 shot of nitrous has proven plenty safe and reliable and will give 35-45 hp to the wheels.
An MM tune using the Cobb AP might net you 15+ hp maybe more if you already have a cat delete midpipe.
K&N drop panel filter, nice and cheap.
You could have a complete nitrous kit + installation for a 1000 usd easy.
A 55 shot of nitrous has proven plenty safe and reliable and will give 35-45 hp to the wheels.
10-04-2011 | 10:48 PM
#5
Best way to beat your buddy in his stock RX8 is "driver mod".
I'm not joking... learning how to properly drive your car on the track and getting a feel for how far you can take your car will improve your course times.
Then focus on tires and suspension along with a high-flow/resonated midpipe.
Also... keep up with maintenance and having a good set of spark plugs and ignition coils.
I'm not joking... learning how to properly drive your car on the track and getting a feel for how far you can take your car will improve your course times.
Then focus on tires and suspension along with a high-flow/resonated midpipe.
Also... keep up with maintenance and having a good set of spark plugs and ignition coils.
10-04-2011 | 11:16 PM
#6
Nitrous might be a good option for you.
An MM tune using the Cobb AP might net you 15+ hp maybe more if you already have a cat delete midpipe.
K&N drop panel filter, nice and cheap.
You could have a complete nitrous kit + installation for a 1000 usd easy.
A 55 shot of nitrous has proven plenty safe and reliable and will give 35-45 hp to the wheels.
An MM tune using the Cobb AP might net you 15+ hp maybe more if you already have a cat delete midpipe.
K&N drop panel filter, nice and cheap.
You could have a complete nitrous kit + installation for a 1000 usd easy.
A 55 shot of nitrous has proven plenty safe and reliable and will give 35-45 hp to the wheels.
wtf x 3
:facepalm x 10:
10-04-2011 | 11:24 PM
#7
wtf ....
FAQ’s https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=959
New and Potential Owner’s, Start Here https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=202454
Congratulations, you got an 8 https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=202548
New Owner FAQ’s https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.ph...&highlight=FAQ
Also, make sure you read the “stickies” in each sub-forum
New and Potential Owner’s, Start Here https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=202454
Congratulations, you got an 8 https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=202548
New Owner FAQ’s https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.ph...&highlight=FAQ
Also, make sure you read the “stickies” in each sub-forum
Nitrous might be a good option for you.
An MM tune using the Cobb AP might net you 15+ hp maybe more if you already have a cat delete midpipe.
K&N drop panel filter, nice and cheap.
You could have a complete nitrous kit + installation for a 1000 usd easy.
A 55 shot of nitrous has proven plenty safe and reliable and will give 35-45 hp to the wheels.
An MM tune using the Cobb AP might net you 15+ hp maybe more if you already have a cat delete midpipe.
K&N drop panel filter, nice and cheap.
You could have a complete nitrous kit + installation for a 1000 usd easy.
A 55 shot of nitrous has proven plenty safe and reliable and will give 35-45 hp to the wheels.
Best way to beat your buddy in his stock RX8 is "driver mod".
I'm not joking... learning how to properly drive your car on the track and getting a feel for how far you can take your car will improve your course times.
Then focus on tires and suspension along with a high-flow/resonated midpipe.
Also... keep up with maintenance and having a good set of spark plugs and ignition coils.
I'm not joking... learning how to properly drive your car on the track and getting a feel for how far you can take your car will improve your course times.
Then focus on tires and suspension along with a high-flow/resonated midpipe.
Also... keep up with maintenance and having a good set of spark plugs and ignition coils.
The other issue is, and this really is more the reason for my desire to tune the car, I really wanted that 7. Blasphemy I know, but it kicked ***. I've been in some fast cars before. My parents own an 04 Mazdaspeed6, and I've been driven in a 400hp STI before. The seven would have competed, if not blown out of the water (at least the mazdaspeed6). It also only had 49,000 kms on it, less than the 8 I'm buying.
My problem is I have an interest in cars, not experience with cars. I have much to learn and I need to start somewhere.
Last edited by bwilk; 10-04-2011 at 11:27 PM. Reason: spelling
10-05-2011 | 12:02 AM
#11
If you want to outperform your buddies stock rx-8 buy a better car...
10-05-2011 | 12:09 AM
#12
upon a re-read. I will admit that the website stuff in my original post sounds a bit pompous. I am sorry, it was actually meant to be a question/suggestion not a statement. I don't actually want to step on toes. It just seems like a simple fix. Mind you, I can't see the back-end of this site, so maybe I have no idea.
10-05-2011 | 12:25 AM
#13
https://www.rx8club.com/faq.php?faq=...q_user_conduct
15. We do not have a street racing or "kills" forum on this site, and threads or posts about street racing will not be tolerated.
10-05-2011 | 12:31 AM
#14
Didn't read other's suggestion, anyways, there are my .02.
BHR coil kit + Cobb AP w/ MM tune, for better ignition performance, and last much longer than OEM.
The best reason to get catback is weight reduction, but full titanium is pricy.
Sway bars and strut bars are good and reasonable price for handling/suspension mods.
Get some gauges for better readings.
Upgrade ur cooling component if you can. Personally I would focus on cooling mods (radiator/thermostat/water pump/ventedhood) to keep engine happy.
Get a set of lightweight (used) rims if you got budget.
Intake is...hum....owel, depends on ur plan.
Pulleys and lightweight flywheel are good combination for faster rev.
Get reinforced clutch if you drive hard.
Relocate/replace battery is another option for weight mod.
I would put coilover and brake at the bottom of the list since they are pricy and aren't necessary.
BHR coil kit + Cobb AP w/ MM tune, for better ignition performance, and last much longer than OEM.
The best reason to get catback is weight reduction, but full titanium is pricy.
Sway bars and strut bars are good and reasonable price for handling/suspension mods.
Get some gauges for better readings.
Upgrade ur cooling component if you can. Personally I would focus on cooling mods (radiator/thermostat/water pump/ventedhood) to keep engine happy.
Get a set of lightweight (used) rims if you got budget.
Intake is...hum....owel, depends on ur plan.
Pulleys and lightweight flywheel are good combination for faster rev.
Get reinforced clutch if you drive hard.
Relocate/replace battery is another option for weight mod.
I would put coilover and brake at the bottom of the list since they are pricy and aren't necessary.
10-05-2011 | 12:54 AM
#15
Originally Posted by bwilk View Post
Perish the thought...
https://www.rx8club.com/faq.php?faq=f...q_user_conduct
Quote:
15. We do not have a street racing or "kills" forum on this site, and threads or posts about street racing will not be tolerated.
Perish the thought...
https://www.rx8club.com/faq.php?faq=f...q_user_conduct
Quote:
15. We do not have a street racing or "kills" forum on this site, and threads or posts about street racing will not be tolerated.
10-05-2011 | 01:20 AM
#17
RX8 & RX7 owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 3
From: So. California
A lighter car is a faster car... someone once said. I can tell you this, I changed to an Aluminum Racing Beat Flywheel in my RX7 N/A and it was a huge difference in performance (along with a Stage 2 clutch) Not to mention the original flywheel was 24lbs compared to RB Alum Fly at 12 lbs. How you said that whoever said "responsive to suspension and weight reduction upgrades" well, its True. + Drive Time in the seat. 
10-05-2011 | 01:57 AM
#18
Dude.
Search, Read, Search some more, Read some more, and then make a decision based on that, not based on a bunch of strangers opinions.
Search, Read, Search some more, Read some more, and then make a decision based on that, not based on a bunch of strangers opinions.
While I certainly see the annoyance of noobs like me bringing up topics that have been discussed to death(for which I am sincerely sorry), it's because we want to learn. Having someone explain things to you is merely the way most people learn. Since tuning is so application specific it's reasonable to assume that the question someone else already asked may not fit your build. Not knowing any better, we may come to a conclusion that may not be in our best interest or plain wrong. I don't trust my opinion with mechanics. I do trust a community's opinion. Because it is likely that unless there's some sort of scam going on, people with good reputations will have been confirmed, while people with poor reputations will have been outed.
So to everyone, thanks for the help
10-05-2011 | 07:46 AM
#19
You're right, he should just stick with a straight nitrous kit. One of my first power mods, installed by Ray from BHR.
Fast, simple, cheap, safe.
The K&N comment was just put there to mitigate the intake discussion
And you and I both know how hard it is to follow those Instruction Instructions for the Mazda tuning process
j/k
Fast, simple, cheap, safe.
The K&N comment was just put there to mitigate the intake discussion
And you and I both know how hard it is to follow those Instruction Instructions for the Mazda tuning process
j/k
Last edited by wcs; 10-05-2011 at 08:16 AM.
10-05-2011 | 11:43 AM
#21
I'm not sure I understand. I suppose you're suggesting just buying a non-spyrograph powered machine? Which cars out there have less than 60,000kms on them (40,000mi), are rear wheel drive and are still in the same performance category? Oh yeah, and cost less than 17,500 CAD. Sure I could buy a Speed6 and go faster in a straight line, but it has double the mileage and you can't really have the fun of oversteer. I mean, I just don't see many options. I looked at STI's but they hold their value, and they all have way too much mileage. 350z's are in the right range (for an older one) but again, double the mileage. I dunno, I wanted to stick to a rotary.
Also 17,500 cad is the same as 17,500 usd
Here you go
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2623162365.html
Merry Christmas and I saved you $1500 which you can spend on importing the car over.
A lighter car is a faster car... someone once said. I can tell you this, I changed to an Aluminum Racing Beat Flywheel in my RX7 N/A and it was a huge difference in performance (along with a Stage 2 clutch) Not to mention the original flywheel was 24lbs compared to RB Alum Fly at 12 lbs. How you said that whoever said "responsive to suspension and weight reduction upgrades" well, its True. + Drive Time in the seat.
10-05-2011 | 11:45 AM
#22
or even better a 2007 350z for $300 more and the same mileage
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/2628952760.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/2628952760.html
10-05-2011 | 07:38 PM
#23
Thanks for your insight. I had read up on how hard it is to get a vehicle across the border in my search for a 7. It doesn't look too difficult, but if I'm going to import a vehicle I'm going to do it for the car I want, not the car I'm settling for. Which is kind of the case here.
While this may be true, that doesn't mean there's 130k on the whole car. Sure the engine doesn't have the same durability that a piston engine does, but pretty much all the other components do, right?
40k in an rx8 is like 130k in a piston engine.
Last edited by bwilk; 10-05-2011 at 07:50 PM. Reason: grammar
10-05-2011 | 08:25 PM
#24
Ehhh... Dude if you really want it and read all the new owners threads then go for it. My first engine lasted to 120k, some people last about 30k, some a few days.
If you really want an 8 I would shoot for a 2006-08.
Getting an 04 is not the best idea, transmission was junk and a few other little things that they ironed out later.
EDIT* it appears I am a dumbass and the trans stayed the same until 09.
If you really want an 8 I would shoot for a 2006-08.
Getting an 04 is not the best idea, transmission was junk and a few other little things that they ironed out later.
EDIT* it appears I am a dumbass and the trans stayed the same until 09.
Last edited by shadycrew31; 10-06-2011 at 01:49 AM.