RX8 Mini Project

WE3RX7 · 03-10-2010, 06:36 PM

Since I'm basically locked down in the house instead of the garage for the next few weeks, you all get to suffer through my endless babble of modifications and works performed on my RX8 as well

This is RX8 #2 for me. The first was boosted, loads of fun, but also - loads of headache. With this car, I want simple power with the reliability to make it to the store and the weekend races. I bought it two years ago with 32k on the clock. It was a leased car prior to my ownership, so the car was mostly well cared for mechanically, but the *cough* woman *cough* driver must have some really huge assed diamond rings to scar up the shift knob and a severe lack of parallel parking skills. All four wheels were curb rashed, and the car had a few scratches, but I was able to use all of this to my advantage come negotiations.

Here she is when I got it home about a month before DGRR '08:

On the day I test drove it, it tossed a CEL too, so the dealership was eager to get rid of it.

Turns out the CEL was only a misfire. Cleared it and all has been fine since. Upon further inspection, I discovered it was leaking oil at the pan, and from the rear of the trans. I wasn't able to resolve these issues prior to DGRR '08 and those around me were very aware of the smell, lol. Sorry.

Shots at DGRR '08:

I also managed top pop a front sway bar end link prior to the event as well which proved lots of fun on the 70-80mph sweepers leading to the gap.

I arrived home and got the guys at my local dealership (whom I'm friends with) to remedy the oil pan leak and replace the rear trans seal. All has been good since.

12arotary · 03-10-2010, 06:40 PM

why did you get rid of the boosted 8?

WE3RX7 · 03-10-2010, 06:42 PM

So DGRR '08 being the maiden voyage, got home and started to really address a few things that really bothered me.

First, flushed the coolant system and the rear diff.

Next, I had tackle the sway bar issue. I didnt' want to just put factory links back on (I had broken these in my protege as well and find them sub-par). I ordered up a new racing beat front sway and solid links. This was when I decided the car would start to serve me as the autocross ride until my FC is ready for track duty.

Got everything in, had the then puppy check it all out:

Drilled out the bar to accept the larger links:

Installed everything:

WE3RX7 · 03-10-2010, 06:47 PM

The boosted 8 was jaded... long story short, when I got it, the original owner was running an e-manage... that got tossed for an interceptor-x which worked great, but the damage was done... it eventually had hot start issues and lower compression, a friend of mine wanted the car so he got it, I started to rebuild the engine for him at which time he fell on hard times and defaulted on his car note. I got stuck with the engine and many parts which he gave me to pay for labor, etc. I sold off almost everything I had of that car left (mostly to phil, lol) and moved on. My buddy is good now though, although he went back to the bmw world now...

WE3RX7 · 03-10-2010, 07:52 PM

After the sway bar and links were taken care of, next up were some brakes. The stock brakes are good on the rx8, but for some autocross, I wanted a bit more bite.

I installed some Hawk HP pads, Stoptech rotors, russell ss lines and speed bleeders. I had to replace my passenger rear caliper all together due to a frozen bleeder - I hate working on northern cars.

To top it off, I coated the calipers with G2 caliper paint and flushed the whole system and now run AP550 race fluids...

vex · 03-10-2010, 08:01 PM

gah... I feel the need to spend money I don't have. Darn you Bill!

WE3RX7 · 03-10-2010, 08:06 PM

To round out 2009, I added some 18x8.5 Enkei NT03M with Kumho XS rubber, just in time for DGRR09

I also added a k&n filter back a year ago (no pics, really... who wants pics of that) and some pillar appliques, just to clean things up - not sure when though, lol..

I made my first race with this car in May '09:

My bro-in-law sprayed my helmet for me

Random event shots, made 4 races in '09.. looking for at least 8 this year but not off to a good start..

Took the car up to KDR for some dyno time and to drool over Brian's FC some more...

At this point, the only performances enhancements were the K&N, RB plug wires and new OE NGK plugs.

Made 180whp. That closes out '09. It was a good year, but things are changing for 2010... for the better...

WE3RX7 · 03-10-2010, 08:37 PM

So for 2010, lots of changes. I found out my wife and I will be having our first child in October this year... so why does that matter for the rx8..... well...

I'm giving up my Jeep for a more family oriented SUV, which means my wife will no longer be using the rx8 regularly... thus I will. And anybody who knows me, knows I cant drive a stock car for TOOOO long. I held off doing more work to the rx8 for many reasons, but a big one is now going away. I still plan to keep it fairly simple as my focus is to complete the FC but I do want a bit more out of the rx8 now.

I plan to compete in circuitcross events, auto-x and hopefully at least one HPDE, so more mods are coming.

First on the list is to install my new LS2 coils. I have everything I need now, just waiting for two working hands and some time...

I also picked up an AP dual resonated midpipe which will be going on shortly.

I want to get these on prior to DGRRX. If it all works out, these will be on, I will make it back to Dave's for some more drooling and dyno time and my new goal is 190whp, but I'm thinking I'll fall closer to 186whp, still not bad.

Also on board, just not installed are a set of JIC FLTA2 coilovers and some tint!! If I get no sleep for the days leading up to DGRR I may even have them on... it would be nice to have the setup ready.. but we'll see...

WE3RX7 · 03-10-2010, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vex

gah... I feel the need to spend money I don't have. Darn you Bill!

Lol... nah, you're good. You should come by some time when you're through culpeper again... I want to see how you're coming along!!

WE3RX7 · 04-12-2010, 08:36 PM

So the cast came off but the arm is still pretty useless, lol... In true fashion to other forum members, I am pushing a bunch of crap at the last minute before DGRR.

On saturday I managed to get an oil change, installed a 2007 starter (holy crap what a HUGE difference) and my AP mid pipe. Sounds simple, but that took all day really. The starter wasnt a big deal, but my lovely northern car under body and lack of strength in my left arm resulted in extra hours getting the midpipe on. My buddy came to the rescue with an o2 wrench set and a swivel sockets. The exhaust studs were so rotted on it even broke a snap on impact socket...

I ended running out and getting new grade 8 hardware which soaked up more time out of the day.

I'll get some pics up shortly...

WE3RX7 · 04-12-2010, 08:42 PM

On Sunday, my buddy and his brother and I spent the better half of the day tearing into more RX8s. I scored the set of JICs I had from my old RX8 that were then on his RX8 so we had to swap suspensions around on those cars, along with some hubs, brakes, etc. Unfortunately, I had to run out on him early and we didn't get a chance to install them on my car, yet.... Somewhat ironic that I started with this suspension on a difference RX8 almost 4 years ago and they are finding their way back to me.

The "old" RX8, now donor, future project (straight body... no poweplant/suspension... maybe a drag car??)

My buddy's '05 (now for sale... thats why all the goodies come off and go on my car

)

He's not drunk, I swear:

The rear of my old but soon to be new to me again suspension:

Today I managed to detail the car and get it ready for the trip. If all works out I should be installing my GM coils tomorrow with new plug wires and MAYBE get the suspension on, but we'll see... even if the coilovers dont make it to DGRR this year, they'll close the 2.2 second gap in NASA-X "D" class I have right now with some M3s, lol..

THE_REAPER · 04-12-2010, 09:02 PM

thats a nice rx8, good car . i have a question for ya. i was just looking at an rx8 today for the 3 rotor motor the 20b i think, it had a nice set of webber carbs on it, it was non turbo it looks like someone put in some time and $ in this car, now the motor and tranny and the rearend were good but body was beat up pretty bad got rear ended but the motor was low mileage. they were asking like $5,000 is that a good price for the car. "i mostly want it for the motor and tranny cause ive seen some vids on what the 20b cant do, and then part out the rest???? sorry i dont have any pics of it to give ya an idea of if its worth the money

JShiz · 04-12-2010, 09:49 PM

^If you don't buy it, I will.

vex · 04-12-2010, 10:58 PM

Tell your friend I'll take the 8 for $5!

WE3RX7 · 04-13-2010, 10:36 AM

Lol, $5k is tough to say honestly - condition of motor/hours of run time (if its a drag setup).. if the body damage is cosmetic only (no frame issues) then its probably worth it. Shells sell for $2k to $7k alone depending on condition/work performed.

Sorry Tyler - that gray car isn't going anywhere. There are plans brewing

03-10-2010, 06:36 PM	#1
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 19	RX8 Mini Project Since I'm basically locked down in the house instead of the garage for the next few weeks, you all get to suffer through my endless babble of modifications and works performed on my RX8 as well This is RX8 #2 for me. The first was boosted, loads of fun, but also - loads of headache. With this car, I want simple power with the reliability to make it to the store and the weekend races. I bought it two years ago with 32k on the clock. It was a leased car prior to my ownership, so the car was mostly well cared for mechanically, but the cough woman cough driver must have some really huge assed diamond rings to scar up the shift knob and a severe lack of parallel parking skills. All four wheels were curb rashed, and the car had a few scratches, but I was able to use all of this to my advantage come negotiations. Here she is when I got it home about a month before DGRR '08: On the day I test drove it, it tossed a CEL too, so the dealership was eager to get rid of it. Turns out the CEL was only a misfire. Cleared it and all has been fine since. Upon further inspection, I discovered it was leaking oil at the pan, and from the rear of the trans. I wasn't able to resolve these issues prior to DGRR '08 and those around me were very aware of the smell, lol. Sorry. Shots at DGRR '08: I also managed top pop a front sway bar end link prior to the event as well which proved lots of fun on the 70-80mph sweepers leading to the gap. I arrived home and got the guys at my local dealership (whom I'm friends with) to remedy the oil pan leak and replace the rear trans seal. All has been good since.

03-10-2010, 08:01 PM	#6
vex RCC Loves Me Not You Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Influx. Posts: 2,113 Rep Power: 19	gah... I feel the need to spend money I don't have. Darn you Bill! __________________ The Official FC Radiator Thread My Project Thread: Cerberus CCVT Virginia Rotary Group

03-10-2010, 08:06 PM	#7
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 19	To round out 2009, I added some 18x8.5 Enkei NT03M with Kumho XS rubber, just in time for DGRR09 I also added a k&n filter back a year ago (no pics, really... who wants pics of that) and some pillar appliques, just to clean things up - not sure when though, lol.. I made my first race with this car in May '09: My bro-in-law sprayed my helmet for me Random event shots, made 4 races in '09.. looking for at least 8 this year but not off to a good start.. Took the car up to KDR for some dyno time and to drool over Brian's FC some more... At this point, the only performances enhancements were the K&N, RB plug wires and new OE NGK plugs. Made 180whp. That closes out '09. It was a good year, but things are changing for 2010... for the better... Last edited by WE3RX7; 03-10-2010 at 08:25 PM.

04-12-2010, 09:02 PM	#12
THE_REAPER The Newbie Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 11 Rep Power: 0	thats a nice rx8, good car . i have a question for ya. i was just looking at an rx8 today for the 3 rotor motor the 20b i think, it had a nice set of webber carbs on it, it was non turbo it looks like someone put in some time and $ in this car, now the motor and tranny and the rearend were good but body was beat up pretty bad got rear ended but the motor was low mileage. they were asking like $5,000 is that a good price for the car. "i mostly want it for the motor and tranny cause ive seen some vids on what the 20b cant do, and then part out the rest???? sorry i dont have any pics of it to give ya an idea of if its worth the money __________________ YOU MIGHT BE A KING OR A LITTLE STREET SWEEPER, BUT SOONER OR LATER YOU'LL DANCE WITH "THE REAPER"

04-12-2010, 10:58 PM	#14
vex RCC Loves Me Not You Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Influx. Posts: 2,113 Rep Power: 19	Tell your friend I'll take the 8 for $5! __________________ The Official FC Radiator Thread My Project Thread: Cerberus CCVT Virginia Rotary Group

03-10-2010, 06:40 PM	#2
12arotary tumor-syphilis-itis-osis Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 191 Rep Power: 17	why did you get rid of the boosted 8? __________________ 82 300d 82 Gsl 84 b2200 Diesel 88 gxl

03-10-2010, 06:42 PM	#3
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 19	So DGRR '08 being the maiden voyage, got home and started to really address a few things that really bothered me. First, flushed the coolant system and the rear diff. Next, I had tackle the sway bar issue. I didnt' want to just put factory links back on (I had broken these in my protege as well and find them sub-par). I ordered up a new racing beat front sway and solid links. This was when I decided the car would start to serve me as the autocross ride until my FC is ready for track duty. Got everything in, had the then puppy check it all out: Drilled out the bar to accept the larger links: Installed everything:

03-10-2010, 06:47 PM	#4
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 19	The boosted 8 was jaded... long story short, when I got it, the original owner was running an e-manage... that got tossed for an interceptor-x which worked great, but the damage was done... it eventually had hot start issues and lower compression, a friend of mine wanted the car so he got it, I started to rebuild the engine for him at which time he fell on hard times and defaulted on his car note. I got stuck with the engine and many parts which he gave me to pay for labor, etc. I sold off almost everything I had of that car left (mostly to phil, lol) and moved on. My buddy is good now though, although he went back to the bmw world now...

03-10-2010, 07:52 PM	#5
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 19	After the sway bar and links were taken care of, next up were some brakes. The stock brakes are good on the rx8, but for some autocross, I wanted a bit more bite. I installed some Hawk HP pads, Stoptech rotors, russell ss lines and speed bleeders. I had to replace my passenger rear caliper all together due to a frozen bleeder - I hate working on northern cars. To top it off, I coated the calipers with G2 caliper paint and flushed the whole system and now run AP550 race fluids...

03-10-2010, 08:37 PM	#8
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 19	So for 2010, lots of changes. I found out my wife and I will be having our first child in October this year... so why does that matter for the rx8..... well... I'm giving up my Jeep for a more family oriented SUV, which means my wife will no longer be using the rx8 regularly... thus I will. And anybody who knows me, knows I cant drive a stock car for TOOOO long. I held off doing more work to the rx8 for many reasons, but a big one is now going away. I still plan to keep it fairly simple as my focus is to complete the FC but I do want a bit more out of the rx8 now. I plan to compete in circuitcross events, auto-x and hopefully at least one HPDE, so more mods are coming. First on the list is to install my new LS2 coils. I have everything I need now, just waiting for two working hands and some time... I also picked up an AP dual resonated midpipe which will be going on shortly. I want to get these on prior to DGRRX. If it all works out, these will be on, I will make it back to Dave's for some more drooling and dyno time and my new goal is 190whp, but I'm thinking I'll fall closer to 186whp, still not bad. Also on board, just not installed are a set of JIC FLTA2 coilovers and some tint!! If I get no sleep for the days leading up to DGRR I may even have them on... it would be nice to have the setup ready.. but we'll see...

04-12-2010, 08:36 PM	#10
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 19	So the cast came off but the arm is still pretty useless, lol... In true fashion to other forum members, I am pushing a bunch of crap at the last minute before DGRR. On saturday I managed to get an oil change, installed a 2007 starter (holy crap what a HUGE difference) and my AP mid pipe. Sounds simple, but that took all day really. The starter wasnt a big deal, but my lovely northern car under body and lack of strength in my left arm resulted in extra hours getting the midpipe on. My buddy came to the rescue with an o2 wrench set and a swivel sockets. The exhaust studs were so rotted on it even broke a snap on impact socket... I ended running out and getting new grade 8 hardware which soaked up more time out of the day. I'll get some pics up shortly...

04-12-2010, 08:42 PM	#11
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 19	On Sunday, my buddy and his brother and I spent the better half of the day tearing into more RX8s. I scored the set of JICs I had from my old RX8 that were then on his RX8 so we had to swap suspensions around on those cars, along with some hubs, brakes, etc. Unfortunately, I had to run out on him early and we didn't get a chance to install them on my car, yet.... Somewhat ironic that I started with this suspension on a difference RX8 almost 4 years ago and they are finding their way back to me. The "old" RX8, now donor, future project (straight body... no poweplant/suspension... maybe a drag car??) My buddy's '05 (now for sale... thats why all the goodies come off and go on my car ) He's not drunk, I swear: The rear of my old but soon to be new to me again suspension: Today I managed to detail the car and get it ready for the trip. If all works out I should be installing my GM coils tomorrow with new plug wires and MAYBE get the suspension on, but we'll see... even if the coilovers dont make it to DGRR this year, they'll close the 2.2 second gap in NASA-X "D" class I have right now with some M3s, lol..

04-12-2010, 09:49 PM	#13
JShiz ZOMG WTF BBQ!!! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mobile, Al Posts: 280 Rep Power: 18	^If you don't buy it, I will.

04-13-2010, 10:36 AM	#15
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 19	Lol, $5k is tough to say honestly - condition of motor/hours of run time (if its a drag setup).. if the body damage is cosmetic only (no frame issues) then its probably worth it. Shells sell for $2k to $7k alone depending on condition/work performed. Sorry Tyler - that gray car isn't going anywhere. There are plans brewing