RX-8 Ownership Log

[Huzer21]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RX 8 Ghost @ Mar 24 2008, 11:48 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=35069]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Perhaps I should start a running FI 8 Diary?[/b]

I think you should, too. I started mine as a way for others to track what it's like to own an RX-8, and the results of some mods. The main reason is because of the horror stories you hear from others about rotary ownership. I figured that keeping a journal would either help dispel the myth, or just prove it. I think having one about living with a turbo'd RX-8 will help others that are thinking about that option.

[GR-8]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RX 8 Ghost @ Mar 24 2008, 11:48 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=35069]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Perhaps I should start a running FI 8 Diary?[/b]

Prt. 1

Owning an FI it is a major pain. Please see psycological help before and after installation.

[Huzer21]

[size=75]
Engine Management: Cobb AccessPORT
Mechnical: AFE Short Shifter, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, MS Sport Springs/Shocks, Racing Beat Ultra Plug Wires,
Appearance: JDM Clear Corners, Tint, Clear Bra, Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels, MS Shift Knob, Piano Black B-pillars, Shift Style leather shift boot, IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07, Driver's Side Sun Visor 03.20.08, Parking Brake Handle 03.20.08.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Newly Installed Mods: IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection, Ingalls Stiffy ETD, Reinstalled Door Tint
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines, , EBC Red Stuff Pads
Current Mileage: 36,235
Miles since last report: 675

New mods installed, although I've covered most of them elsewhere. I added the IPT Engine Cover. Looks good, is significantly lighter, and that's the end of that. Cool addition, but I'm not about to outfit my entire car in CF. The Lamin-X looks good, but I'm still on the fence about the gunsmoke. It's noticeably darker with the headlights on. People riding in my car have asked if my headlights were dirty. I'll equate it how your headlights are after a mountain drive on a slushy day, as far as light. Overall, it's not bad in town give the amount of street lights. I have yet to really go on any extended drive outside of city limits. That brings me to the last of the mods, the Ingalls Engine Torque Damper. I prototyped this for them, and received the item complementary. To be completely honest, the only difference I can really note at this point is the slightly increased vibration transmitted through the shifter. Upcoming mods include the on-order rx7store cat, and the RB Rev8 cat-back exhaust.

Suspension impressions. The car has settled a little after the springs/shocks. As noted at the RX8 meet, the drop isn't terribly noticeable visibly. It is, however, felt in the car. I'm scraping where I didn't scrape before (some speedbumps and my work entrance, so I've had to change which entrance I use to enter my lot) and can no longer clear the curbs with the nose of the car in most parking lots. Handling is spot on, and the best way to describe this combination with the RB bars is planted. Point, shoot, go.

AccessPORT impressions. seat of the pants seemed hard to tell at first. Then, I was reflashed by Mazda for campaign MSP16 "lack of power". Seems like I felt a slight decline in performance over the Cobb flash. I did flash back after I received the unit back from Cobb. A few firmware updates (but no new maps) have been applied and they've been decent additions to the AP. Had this not been provided to me free from Cobb and Revolutions Performance, I'd have to say I still would have purchased one.

I've now had the car just over 8 months. It's rapidly approaching the end of warranty. Well, at least the bumper-bumper portion of the warranty. Powertrain is good for another year. That said, thankfully, there aren't any issues with the car at the moment (other than the ongoing 2nd gear problem that NONE of the dealerships will address. Pisses me off!!!).

And that's all for now.

[Huzer21]

[size=75]
Engine Management: Cobb AccessPORT
Mechnical: AFE Short Shifter, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, MS Sport Springs/Shocks, Racing Beat Ultra Plug Wires, EBC Red Stuff Pads, Ingalls Stiffy ETD
Appearance: JDM Clear Corners, Tint, Clear Bra, Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels, MS Shift Knob, Piano Black B-pillars, Shift Style leather shift boot, IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection, Titanium Gray painted center console trim, RX-8 Premium floor mats, IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07, Driver's Side Sun Visor 03.20.08, Parking Brake Handle 03.20.08.
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Newly Installed Mods:
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines, Mazsport Clutch Pedal bracket support
Current Mileage: 37,050
Miles since last report: 815

I've now had the RX-8 just a tick over 10 months. In that time, I've put about 4,800 miles on the car. I had intended to install a new exhaust (cat included) but could never get the parts delivered. That project is currently on hold. I did finally manage a permanent solution to the IBT CF Engine Cover, which was previously using velcro and duct tape to keep it in place. I used some plastic 9/16" bolts/spacers to fashion new mounting posts. Now the cover snaps into place just like the stock cover. Easy solution, I just needed to quit being lazy and get it done. Since the last report, I also installed the Red Stuff brake pads. Nice pads, I like 'em. If you swap out your brakes, just a friendly reminder to be careful with the retaining clips. They are SHARP! The only other hang up I ran into was the horrible flower patterned wheel locks. The front driver side was stripped, so I had to hammer a 12pt socket (19mm) on the nut to get it off.

Car is still as tight, probably a little more so, actually, as it was when I bought it. I'm diggin' the suspension mods that have been done to the car (tires/wheels the only other suspension mods planned at this point, and that won't be for quite a while). The Cobb AP has been nice, I'd like to actually get the car tuned at some point. Probably end of summer. Not much new to update, overall. Regular maintenance needs to be done (alignment, oil change, tranny fluid, etc) and that's about it. Hopefully in the next week or two, I'll get around to installing the SS lines and ATE fluid that I've had since October!

The RX-8 has been a really fun car to play with. I'm looking forward to driving a little more often and getting in some weekend trips this summer to get in a little more enjoyment.

[cory.sparks]

Very nice modifications I am gonna come to you for some ideas on some things.

[Huzer21]

[size=75]
Engine Management: Cobb AccessPORT
Mechnical: AFE Short Shifter, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, MS Sport Springs/Shocks, Racing Beat Ultra Plug Wires, EBC Red Stuff Pads, Ingalls Stiffy ETD, Mazsport Clutch Pedal Bracket
Appearance: JDM Clear Corners, Tint, Clear Bra, Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels, MS Shift Knob, Piano Black B-pillars, Shift Style leather shift boot, IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection, Titanium Gray painted center console trim, RX-8 Premium floor mats, IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07, Driver's Side Sun Visor 03.20.08, Parking Brake Handle 03.20.08, Transmission rebuild, 8.15.08.
Audio: Hardwired Sirius Stiletto 2 radio
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Newly Installed Mods:
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines
Current Mileage: 39,328
Miles since last report: 2188

So, I've now officially had the car for just over one year (1 year and 1 week to be exact, purchased on 9/1/2007). So, everything in the list above is what has been done to the car in the 1 year it's been in my possession. The mods account for more money than I care to admit to, haha. A quick rundown on my favorites:

RB Bars, MS Suspension. Those are probably the two I would definitely spend the money on again. The Cobb AP is a useful tool, even at its $700 price tag. Although if you factor the $100/hp rule, the Cobb comes in at quite a bit under that amount. $70/hp, as about a 10hp gain seems typical for a NA car. Not too shabby, honestly, for an off the shelf map.

Appearance mods are subjective, so I won't really go over which of those I like or dislike. Obviously, I like pretty much all of 'em.

The "not so much" mods? Since I nearly came out even when I sold the AFE short shifter, it wasn't a waste of money. After driving around stock again, I'm inclined to the stock feel. Getting into reverse could be an exercise in frustration with the AFE unit. I wouldn't mind trying it again down the road now that the transmission has been repaired, but the RX8 has a fairly short throw in stock form. My suggestion, don't be an rx8club sheep and just buy the AFE because others say it's the "must have" mod. And if you do think you must have it, peruse the rx8club FS section, they pop up there now and again, and AFE has a lifetime replacement warranty on them. The EBC Red Stuff pads work well, but they produce significant amounts of dust. About 150-200% more than the stock pads. I'll go with something a little less so in the future.

Most frustrating aspect of ownership? The nearly 10 trips it took to various dealerships in the metro area for the transmission to be repaired. It took 11 months for it to finally get fixed. That is uncalled for, and I've let Mazda know about my unhappiness regarding that.

Overall, a good experience in year 1 of ownership. Now that I can shift the car, I'm a much happier camper and can finally fully enjoy the driving experience. I've put 7118 miles on the car (1200 of them last week). The average of about 18mpg isn't anything that has bothered me at all.

[tbot]

Dude, i'm glad u finally got ur tranny fixed. I know the last time we talked it was getting to the point of frustration your were debating selling the car!

Glad its all working and u still have it!!!

[Huzer21]

[size=75]
Engine Management: Cobb AccessPORT
Mechnical: BHR Ignition Coil Kit, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, MS Sport Springs/Shocks, EBC Red Stuff Pads, Ingalls Stiffy ETD, Mazsport Clutch Pedal Bracket
Appearance: JDM Clear Corners, Tint, Clear Bra, Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels, MS Shift Knob, Piano Black B-pillars, Shift Style leather shift boot, IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection, Titanium Gray painted center console trim, RX-8 Premium floor mats, IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07, Driver's Side Sun Visor 03.20.08, Parking Brake Handle 03.20.08, Transmission rebuild, 8.15.08.
Audio: Hardwired Sirius Stiletto 2 radio
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Newly Installed Mods: BHR Ignition Coil Kit, GReddy Air Diversion Panel
Waiting for install: Goodridge SS brake and clutch lines
Current Mileage: 40,0023
Miles since last report: 695

All is well in RX8 land. A couple of new scratches on the car (grr) but nothing a little elbow grease won't fix. I've been able to take a couple of nice drives (Central City, Evergreen) to enjoy the fine suspension that the RX8 has. Now, I just need new tires, as the Fuzions that were on the car when I bought it have just about given up the ghost.

A couple of new things for the car since the last entry. One, the BHR Yukon Coil Ignition Kit has been installed. The kit came fully assembled in the package, and was a simple bolt on procedure. The 8.5 MM MSD spark plug wires are top notch as well. I've already given initial impressions, and I'll uphold them here. So far, improved response in the upper reaches of the RPM range (7500+ especially) and improved mileage (up about 5mpg on average so far). It's only been a few days, but I really like this mod. Spark plugs were also replaced when I installed the new coils.

2nd, I added the GReddy Air diversion panel. This is just a simple piece that goes where the stock plastic one is. The only reason I got this was because somewhere along the way, my stock piece disappeared. This helps keep air flowing over the rad core, and provides a finishing touch over the gaping hole that used to be there. I picked it up cheaply, otherwise, I would've eventually replaced with the stock plastic piece. So instead of more plastic, I have shiny aluminum. Wee.

I also, as noted elsewhere, modified the Cobb Stage 1 map to turn on the cooling fans at lower temps. I copied the numbers from the Racing Beat flash. In town/traffic running temps have been decreased by about 15 degrees, on average. Next up for cooling will be the Mazmart water pump, if/when I get around to it.

And that's about all for now. More mods are coming up soon!

[Huzer]

Sad, I've only put 1,500 miles on the car since the last update.

[GR-8]

Same here. I think I've put less. According to Burt I should already be at 48,xxx. I'm still no close to 41k.

[Huzer]

Engine Management: Cobb AccessPORT
Mechnical: BHR Ignition Coil Kit, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, MS Sport Springs/Shocks, EBC Red Stuff Pads, Ingalls Stiffy ETD, Mazsport Clutch Pedal Bracket, BHR Ignition Coil Kit, GReddy Air Diversion Panel
Appearance:Tint, Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels, MS Shift Knob, Piano Black B-pillars, Shift Style leather shift boot, IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection, Titanium Gray painted center console trim, IPT Engine Cover
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07, Driver's Side Sun Visor 03.20.08, Parking Brake Handle 03.20.08, Transmission rebuild, 8.15.08.
Audio: Hardwired Sirius Stiletto 2 radio
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Newly Installed Mods:
Waiting for install:
Current Mileage: 43,037
Miles since last report: 3007

Short update. New tires (finally) got installed. Goodyear Eagle GTs, stock size. At the rate I drive, these will dry rot before I run them through the mileage warranty!

The 8s been serving me well. I dabbled with the thought of trading it in, as there are kiddos (yes, plural) in my future. But with the Murano, we've decided we'll stick with 1 family vehicle for the time being. Hopefully, I'll get to put some miles on the car this summer, as I've only managed 3000 miles on the car in the last 9 months. And yes, it's my primary vehicle. Public transportation for work has definitely kept the driving to more of a "pleasure" variety.

In the future, the hood will get resprayed, as clear coat peeled from what was a very nasty respray (once again, many thanks to Mazda of Lakewood). Other than a few odds and ends, the modding of the 8 is probably coming to a close. At least for the time being.

[Huzer]

Engine Management: Cobb AccessPORT
Mechnical: BHR Ignition Coil Kit, MS F/R Rear Strut Braces, RB F/R Sways, RB Endlinks, MS Sport Springs/Shocks, EBC Red Stuff Pads, Ingalls Stiffy ETD, Mazsport Clutch Pedal Bracket, BHR Ignition Coil Kit, GReddy Air Diversion Panel
Appearance:Tint, Mazda Leather Parking Brake lever, Piano Black door handle bezels, MS Shift Knob, Piano Black B-pillars, Shift Style leather shift boot, IPT Engine Cover, Lamin-X Headlight protection, Titanium Gray painted center console trim, IPT Engine Cover
Warranty Replacements: Taillights replaced 12.05.07, Trunk Weatherstripping 12.13.07, Bose Head Unit 10.06.07, Driver's Side Sun Visor 03.20.08, Parking Brake Handle 03.20.08, Transmission rebuild, 8.15.08.
Audio: Hardwired Sirius Stiletto 2 radio
Repair: Side window molding. (Hail damage)
Newly Installed Mods:
Waiting for install:
Current Mileage: 43,817
Miles since last report: 780

Wow, if nothing else, this thread is good to remind me of what kind of miles I'm driving. On 7/6/09, I have 43,037 on the car. I've only put 780 miles on the car in over 3 months. Going all the way back to last October, I've only added 3,794 miles in one year.

With the low mileage, I can't really comment on the Eagle GTs. About all I can say there is that they haven't gone flat or simultaneously combusted in the garage. After my repair from my accident with the @#$%* neighbor, the car is back to looking as it should. The body shop did a decent job with the paint, and the respray on the hood is miles better than it was, but still not perfect. Granted I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to that sort of thing.

[Huzer]

Sadly, this thread can now be closed, but I won't. I sold the RX8 yesterday. It was a good soldier for the close to 3 years I had it (which other than the MG, is the longest I've owned a vehicle since I've moved to CO), I just decided I needed something different, and without a car payment, since I drive a grand total of about 2000 miles/yr on average. So, it'll be getting replaced this weekend by a new off-road toy that can be used as the "emergency" family hauler if the need arises. I'll post pics of the replacement once I pick something up.

Farewell, ol' RX8...

[GR-8]

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.....

Well that sucks. One less 8 on the club now. Hope you get something you like just as much or better.