Check out my new site, I traded the RX-8 in for a Mercedes CLK55 AMG Coupe.

Well here we go, car #4 on Cardomain. My 2005 Mazda RX-8 6-speed. Velocity Red, Black/Grey cloth interior, Sport Package (Xenons, Fog Lights, Stability + Traction Control).

I chose a non GT-package car purposely, because I didn't want a sunroof (wouldn't use) or power seats (weight). Leather would have been nice, but you can't get that without a sunroof and power seats.

As you can see in the pictures, I have done a few things to fix it up a little.

This car in stock form is just too quiet, especially for a sports car, so my first mod was to fit the Mazdaspeed dual-canister sport exhaust.
I did it mainly for sound, because it doesn't add more than 3-5 horsepower. But it is a good bit lighter than the original exhaust, and of course it sounds good (it screams at higher RPMs).
Soon after that I ordered a new set of wheels and tires. I went with 19" G-Games Wolf 77 wheels by Rays, 8" wide front and rear. I like the nice, open 5-spoke design, as well as the obligatory polished lip. These are a two-piece wheel, and while not super-light, they are only 1 lbs. heavier (wheel and tire) than the stock 18" wheels and tires.
I took a risk with the tires, and went with the Nitto Invo, sized 245/35/19 front and rear. As you can see they have a crazy tread-pattern. I read good reviews on them, and I could not resist the unique design. So far I am quite happy with them.
Shortly after installing the wheels, I was able to get my previously purchased Eibach Pro-Kit springs installed. They are a progressive-rate design, which maintains a comfortable ride, and are designed to lower the RX-8 1.2 inches in the front and 0.8 inch in the back. The slightly stiffer spring rates, in combination with a lower center-of-gravity, help to curb body motions in the corners and improve handling-feel.
I also replaced the ugly, rusty stock rotors with some high-quality pieces from Racingbrake.com. They came with a black electro-static coating to prevent rust, and look fantastic. As you can see they are cross-drilled and slotted, and they perform great. The fronts feature curved internal cooling vanes, greatly improving heat dissapation under heavy use as compared to the stock rotors.
Brake Pads were replaced at the same time as the rotors, and I went with Hawk HPS up front and Mazda OEM in the rear. I had originally intended to use Hawks in the rear as well, but the ones I received didn't fit so I had to improvise. Overall the setup feels great and looks great. I have some red caliper laquer that I haven't put on yet, but hopefully I will have time soon.
Obviously, the engine of the RX-8 is it's most unique feature. The 1.3L Rotary engine, featuring 2 Rotors, produces 232 hp in stock form, and 159 lb.-ft. of torque. Decent power, but the advantage of this engine design lies in it's compact dimensions and it's light-weight. Placed in front of the driver, yet behind the front axle, it is essentially a front-mid engine layout, which contributes to fantastic handling. The engine is also placed very low in the car, also increasing the car's handling abilities.
My Ebay Aluminum Rotor-shaped oil cap. Surprisingly high quality, looks good without the engine cover. I just put in a K&N panel filter, and modified the stock airbox by removing a couple baffles inside of it to free up a little sound. Next step is to remove the VFAD when I have time, for more sound.
I wanted to completely de-badge the car, but unfortunately the "Mazda" name and emblem are secured via holes and clips. So, rather than leaving the Mazda name on the back, I got the idea from a guy on the RX8Club.com forums to replace "Mazda" with this custom "Renesis" badge (refering to the engine of course), to cover up the holes left behind.

I suppose that's it for now, but there will be more to come later. Let me know what you think.

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