Rx8s, talk to me....

Grant Monkhouse · December 14, 2014, 05:38:59 PM

Right so iv been thinking if an mx5 2006 ish model and then eventually putting my engine it.... However pointless if it's easier to already start with a rotor powered motor

So what should I be looking for? I don't want a low comp one as I want to drive it hassle free, apart from maintenance.

Obviously a 231 model but what? An R3? Can I stretch too that cost. Probably looking at no more than 3500 to spend.

What's the first thing apart from coils that should be done? ARBs? Lowered springs?

clive · December 14, 2014, 06:11:34 PM

Stay with a series one Rx8 check it starts hot and has had coils in its life and you should be ok

Don't be put off by a bargain 192 as they go up the road and round the track just as fast as a 231 model

Arb's and springs are a good place to start to get it handling better

Don't forget you should be able to drop the subframe with the engine and gear box in place and drop and bolt the Mk3 body straight on as they share the same floor pan.

boosted · December 14, 2014, 06:56:24 PM

Have a chat with Carl Grant...im sure he'll have a 8 to scratch the itch or be able to source you 1. Last time i was over there Brad 1 of the mechanics was thinking about selling his 192.

Thing is with an 8 you get 4 seats so with the new addition to the family theres room for everybody!

3500 should be able get you a nice lovely spec;d PZ

However cars with rebuilds are not fetching the money so this is an option older car with fresh or recent rebuild.

56 plate onward.....big tax bill!

Grant Monkhouse · December 14, 2014, 07:41:02 PM

What's the difference between a 192 and a 231? Is one a 4 port and the other a 6 or something?

Grant Monkhouse · December 14, 2014, 07:43:12 PM

The 8 is more practical with having my son now tbh, I was being a little selfish thinking of an mx5 as some one would have to get left at home...(the gf)

Grant Monkhouse · December 14, 2014, 07:46:14 PM

What rpms do the different models rev too? Clive's rev to 9750 around corners... Remember that very well

boosted · December 14, 2014, 09:36:04 PM

Quote from: Grant Monkhouse on December 14, 2014, 07:41:02 PM
What's the difference between a 192 and a 231? Is one a 4 port and the other a 6 or something?

yep.
6 port 231 6 speed
4 port 190 5 speed

boosted · December 15, 2014, 11:22:08 AM

My s type revs to 12 k and thats why its 250bhp.....lol

Grant Monkhouse · December 15, 2014, 12:06:09 PM

S type??

boosted · December 15, 2014, 12:47:54 PM

Mines a jap import....S type....for special!

no seriously its a JDM but basically a 231. subtle differences but basically the same.

stated as having 250 bhp but prob down to the higher octane fuel....it dont feel like 250 more like 200...my old 200sx had 250 for a bit and not as potent as that.

ive never driven a 190 so cant comment on that.

I change at 9250 rpm when having a play.

most 231 come with leather my old 1 did and tbh i didnt like it...slippy slide in seat and cold in winter and hot n sticky in summer. ive got the velour interior in this 1 and allthough not as showy i much prefer it....however the recaros in the wifes R3 are stunning...you get in them not on them!

If your in Wiltshire area more than happy for you to have a rag of mine....its running new MRP coils leads and plugs and 6k old engine and i believe to be running best it can for a standard car...would be a good benchmark when looking at others.

Grant Monkhouse · December 15, 2014, 01:49:26 PM

Wiltshire? Anywhere near huddersfiled or leicester? Lol.

How much was the r3? Tax in them is 409 a year isn't it?

re japi · December 15, 2014, 04:06:04 PM

Grant, I talked to Jon and Steve G at RS11, and they really convinced me that RX-8 has really big potential.
And if you look what Carl and Clives says about them, I really think that you should go and test some

Carl:
"Seriously best handling car I have ever driven is the rx8. With a few minor mods they can out handle most cars on track. Best combo I found was eibach lowering springs and racing beat antiroll bars. Stock discs and uprated pads."

Clive:
"Yes the RX-8 will out handle other RX\'s in stock trim, but then to be fair it should is an evolution of previous RX models, plus it has electronics to assist it and any one who has seriously driven an RX-8 on track will know these cars can carry tremendous corner speed.

Going in the reverse, having driven all the RX-7 / 8 models, drive an RX-8 and you can feel the FD in it , then drive a Gen 2 and you can still feel the Gen 1 in it, all these cars have very good handling but as I say you can feel the evolution through the RX range, but then that\'s how it should be surely, i.e. Mazda getting better and better over the years at something they are very good at / making cars go around corners"

Also, funny thing happened few days ago. Local pro drifter here got 8 and he loved it. He said that he didnt realize how good car 8 really.(allthough needs more power

Grant Monkhouse · December 15, 2014, 04:24:45 PM

I think I will most likely buy one, although my passion is with drag racing I would much prefer a street car as it's more practical for my life right now.

But what do I get?

An R3 seems best but dunno about price?

boosted · December 15, 2014, 04:50:27 PM

We paid a fantastic 7600 for the wifes 2010 with 30k and bhr coils/ mazda speed lowering springs....was cheaper as private sale and we went to up North toget it.....however all the probs on s1 may not be solved on r3s....jury still out me thinks.

Grant Monkhouse · December 15, 2014, 04:56:03 PM

Out if my range. Gonna have a look on autotrader, see what's cracking. There's a fair few to go through though