STAGE 1 RX8 UPGRADE

While it may seem like we spend the majority of our time here at Pac Performance working on big power race cars or hypo streeters we actually do quite a bit of work on the more milder modified cars as well. 
Over the past year with the RX8 becoming more affordable we have been seeing a lot more of them on the road and in turn coming into the workshop with owners looking to get a bit more punch from the Renesis 13B.
Since their release in 2004 Rocky has been researching and developing upgrades for the RX8 and after working closely with Mazda Australia and their Targa Tasmania RX8s and thorough in house testing has now released a series of upgrade packages, from mild to wild.
The particular RX8 we’re going to look at here was bought in for one of our stage 1 naturally aspirated packages. This entry level package looks at increasing power and efficiency via removing exhaust and intake restrictions and increasing ignition power. Power increase for this package is usually a healthy 18 to 20hp at the wheels.Strapped onto our Mainline dyno as a complete stocker, the RX8 turned the rollers to the tune of 146whp. 

First up is the exhaust. The standard system, like the majority of OEM exhaust systems is quite restrictive due to the need to keep noise down. Unfortunately one of the downsides of this, on top of drowning out the awesome rotary note is that over time it can cause a build-up of carbon in the engine which will rob it of power and decrease its life expectancy.

To combat this we fit up a free flowing cat-back exhaust system and custom high flow 3in ceramic catalytic converter (cat not pictured).

This upgrade retains the standard original headers and front exhaust section but replaces the highly restrictive rear muffler with free-flowing, not to mention much nicer looking three inch stainless rear section, muffler and tips.

One of the pitfalls a lot of workshops and backyard modifiers fall into is the fact that a lot of the aftermarket catalytic converters and exhaust systems will cause the RX8 ECU to show an engine code due to the components not being compatible. Our packages on the other hand are tested and fully compatible with the RX8 ECU and do not do this.

The new system as you can see fits up very nicely utilising all the factory mounts and hangers.

Next up for the stage 1 package we tackle the intake and spark.

To help the engine breathe a little easier the standard panel air filter is replaced with a higher flowing and serviceable aftermarket K&N item.

In addition to the rotary engine benefitting from increased flow on the intake and exhaust side of things there are also gains to be had from increasing the power of the ignition and so the last piece of the stage 1 upgrade is the fitment of one of our ignition booster kits. This kit is a direct replacement for the standard coils that are known for being temprimental and prone to failure and features 4 upgraded Bosch coils, MSD high tension leads and spark amplifier. The result is a much stronger and cleaner spark.

Once the upgrades have been completed the car is strapped onto our Mainline dyno yet again to ensure everything is as it should be and to see the gains made.

With these three basic efficiency modifications we were able to unleash a solid 19hp at the wheels and while it may not seem like a huge increase compared to a turbo car, for a naturally aspirated setup is an impressive gain and one that can be felt when you’re in the driver’s seat.

The result of the stage 1 RX8 upgrade package, on top of the healthy power increase is improved engine response, a smoother revving engine and a nice increase in midrange and top end pull without sacrificing low down response; all of which were very much welcomed by the car’s owner. 

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DIY RX8 STAGE 1 UPGRADE PACKAGE NOW AVAILABLE

Available for a limited time only is this DIY RX8 Stage 1 Upgrade Kit which includes our MAZDA RX8 IGNITION UPGRADE PACKAGE, MAZDA RX8 K&N AIR FILTER  and RX8 PERFORMANCE EXHAUST UPGRADE (without the catalytic converter section).

The Catalytic converter upgrade can be purchased as an available extra (on an exchange basis only)

This kit can be easily installed at home by any avid DIYer saving you $$ on the installation costs. Shipping available worldwide. 
Click on the link below for more info and to pick up your kit today.

Moving on from this upgrade, if you’re wanting to go to the next level the stage 2 upgrade package is available. Still retaining the 13B as a naturally aspirated combo, the stage 2 package features all of the stage 1 upgrades with the addition of an ECU flash to allow, Rocky to tweak the tune and take full advantage of the upgrades.
Stage 3 and Stage 4 packages are where we move into forced induction by turbocharging the 13B. At this stage we’re currently working on two versions of affordable turbo upgrades for stage 3 and 4; the latter we’re confident will produce an impressive and reliable 500rwhp, similar to the results seen in the Targa RX8s.
To showcase the stage 4 package we are currently working on our own RX8 project car, appropriately named ‘Project 500’ which will feature all the upgrades in the package and be used as our test/demo car. This is going to be a very interesting build so stay tuned for updates coming soon.
For more info on the upgrade packages and pricing drop into our workshop or call us on 02 9792 7076.