RX8 Exterior:
Changes to the exterior of the vehicle didn?t occur until much later in the build due to there being little to no need to alter the appearance. Changes included adding the full Mazda Aero package which included the front lower lip, side and rear aero flares, and the rotary accent package. These were acquired through a close friend who was upgrading to the Mazdaspeed Body Kit.
Other major exterior changes included adding the SEIBON TS-II Carbon Fiber Hood. This hood was purchased because of the venting ability which would aid in removing hot engine air from under the hood. Due to the hot Arizona weather, removing as much heat as possible from the motor will not only make sure the car runs better and longer but also help maintain performance during hot conditions. The hood was also treated with 3M clear bra installed by Rock blocker to help prevent fading from the sun as well as holding in any cracks that might develop over the years. I?ve seen a lot of trashy Carbon Fiber hoods and it was worth the extra money to ensure mine stays looking nice.
Other minor exterior modifications include Evo-R Carbon Fiber eyelids, wire mesh replacing the front grill plastic pieces, new fog lamps, strakes, and also Mazdaspeed Carbon Fiber B-pillars.
For extra lighting, I swapped out the stock halogen lights for Apexcone HID?s. It?s their 55-watt racing kit with the 8,000 Kelvin bulbs. I also purchased vinyl headlight covers which give the headlights a slight tint to blend in with the rest of the car without seriously limiting my light output.
To further reduce rotational mass as well as to add a bit of flare, I changed out my stock wheels for the ever popular 5zigen FNO1R-C wheels. These wheels are available in various colors and styles. I purchased the painted black version with a polished lip. These wheels also weigh approx 19 lbs in the 18 x 8.5 inch size. This is half an inch larger than the stock wheels while keeping the stock 18 inch size. These wheels have been one of the biggest eye grabbers of the car. These wheels are very well made, easy to get a hold of and not so expensive that a broken one cannot be replaced.
Other exterior changes have been replacing various lights with LED replacements and tinted windows.
