[rotaryextreme]

OK,

So as far as suspension goes, Tein-H tech with Progress Anti-sway bars. I have actually downsized to some 17x7.5 Volk TE-37's.

I went with the Tein-H so that I can get around town, over speed-bump, driveways, to obtain a firmer ride and still lower the center of gravity on the car.

I went with the Progress anti-sway bars because they are some of the thickest bars around. They have three holes on each side so that you can adjust the firmness. I have it in the middle on the front and the last one on the back. This was the best bang for the buck because I got less body roll and it gave more predictability on the cars behavior.

I picked up a set of 17x7.5 to reduce un-sprung weight and to allow me to run a thicker sidewall for more cornering predictability. I now have 235/45/17 on the car and the car is extremely neutral in the corners. I constantly had the back end stepping out and causing the DSC to kick in.

What I have noticed with the new set-up of these three upgrades is less body roll, better predictability and DSC kick in on when I really need it to. On a track day at Thunder Hill I was able to get the cars back out just enough to tell that the DSC was not limiting cornering speed at high speed (above 70mph). At braking (from around 90mph) the car was straight and true. That back was solid at did not want to step out as much at corner entry.

I am running Falken 912's if anyone was wondering. These tires take an amazing amount of abuse and suit my driving style on the track with the cars current power. The factory brakes are more than enough for a stock powered car. But I can tell that they will need to be upgraded to support constant braking from 100mph and above.

I have a K&N intake; I did not notice any gains.

The exhaust is the Rotary Extreme dual cat back. This exhaust does not gain or lose power from idle to 6k, but on the track when your 6k and up this exhaust makes a difference. Both sides are 2" diameter but give you overall 4" diameter. With the small piping the exhaust velocity stays high but since there are two pipes there is enough volume to allow the exhaust to exit with ease. Yes it is a bit loud, but it’s a good loud like a Harley.

I have an R-Magic replica carbon fiber hood, which is heaver then a stock hood, but it allows the heat and air pressure to escape from the engine bay.

Next week’s install will be an install of my new Hymee Enhanced RX-8 Short Shifter and my Hymee Pro-Tuner Software.

The whole reason for getting the short shifter was to allow me to install a higher shaft on the shifter. This will allow me to transition between the steering wheel and shifter faster. With the shorter throw and the longer handle I will be around stock throw again, but with better accuracy.

Next post will show these mods.

Ben