EpikNinja

Hi. This is my first time on a forum, so don't be afraid to call me a noob or anything like that. lol. As long as i can remember, i been a fan of the Rx7 and Rx8 due to their anti-piston engine. And now that im working (I'm 19 btw) i plan to take out a loan for 10g to buy an Rx8 and mod it as time progresses. I have researched out the prices of the things i would like to add onto the car but i was wondering if i could get a little help since i am afterall still a noobie. I would like to get a cold-air intake, exaust, carbon fiber hood, intake manifold and exaust manifold for when i eventually turbo it. i know roughly the cost for all these parts but im wondering which brand is better because i dont know.

Pauleman90

I got my 8 just a few months ago and I too am doing it as a project. I got the Borla exhaust and the K&N typhoon intake and i love the sound of both of them.

Flashwing

First, welcome to RX8 club and best of luck with purchasing your RX8!

Before doing any modifications you'll want to ensure your RX8 runs properly and has no issues. You might find that you have some items that need fixing or tending to which will no doubt cut into your modification budget.

Second, a lot of the stuff you listed is either not necessary or don't provide any real measurable gains. I'll touch on those but your best bet is to take some time to do some reading on the forum about various modifications as some are much better than others. Cost doesn't always translate into more HP. I personally spent several thousand dollars chasing 10whp while stock RX8s made close to the same power numbers I was making.

For example, there are a ton of intake systems for the RX8 however none of them produce more than 5whp in terms of measurable gains and it only does this by tricking the computer into altering fuel delivery. The OEM intake system has plenty of filter surface area and flows plenty of air.

There are no easily available intake manifolds and the ones that have been made (only about 4 or 5 members here own them) are mostly for looks and provide no actual performance benefit. Mazda went to great length to engineer the intake manifold to deliver maximum power.

Purchasing an exhaust manifold with no idea of what turbo you're using is wasting money. A turbo kit will consist of many many parts and there is a large expense with that. While many people have installed turbo systems on their RX8, if you don't have the finances to cover a blown motor then I would avoid doing this at all.

Exhaust system is a perfectly good upgrade but I would look into a midpipe setup before a cat-back. Reason being is cat-back systems produce good sound but the stock system is not very restrictive. The midpipe creates the most restriction in the system.

Carbon fiber hood is perfectly fine (I bought one so I can't say it's a terrible purchase) but it depends on whether you're going to for looks or performance. A good hood is pretty expensive and I always tell people to get it covered in 3M clearbra to prevent fading which requires painting/resurfacing.

All this info is on this forum so spend some time searching (google is best) and do plenty of reading. It will save you a lot of money and headaches.

The key is planning long term about your goals with your car and not just randomly slapping parts on the car for the sake of bragging rights. Take it from someone who bought crap parts only to have to buy the good stuff later.

Welcome to your new addiction!

R2D2X8

iTrader: (3)

Well, glade you chose RX-8! welcome aboard! I would suggest, you take your time to mod your 8. Dont rush, you have to really know what ur upgrading before you blow up the engine god forbid! lol Start with the basics, get the clear sidemarkers! intake (aem cai) and some jdm decals lol

Grace_Excel

iTrader: (5)

Before you do any modifications, it will help if you click and read up on RX8Soldier and 9krpmrx8's links.