New old guy

[DeadGeneration]

I hydro-locked my Protege5 two months ago and now I got a 2004 RX8.

Spending the first two days just detailing it, but I am already going to order the racing beat exhaust system. This car I bought has a check engine light on for a catalytic converter problem so I figure I am going to upgrade anyway.

Is K&N a good choice for the intake system? No plans to go turbo any time soon.

 

[chiefmg]

Welcome! You will love the 8.

For the most part Mazda optimized their parts so you won't get very much from intake/exhaust etc. From what I have read the K&N isn't the best choice for the car. I have put the Racing Beat intake and inlet duct on my wife's car and it works very well. You can pick up used ones for reasonable prices elsewhere if you keep an eye out.

 

[bedwards6954]

K&N will work fine thats what I use, I would not use the duct in your area Texes, because it does block alot of airflow from the radiator people in warmer climates have had overheating issues...

 

[rx865]

I wouldn't go with k&n, some dyno's have shown that it actually makes the car produce less power and I can't remember if it was the v.1 or v.2 that caused odd idling issues. I've heard good things about MS/AEM and racing beat, but bedward6954 is right about the air duct blocking the radiator and causing overheating.

 

[bedwards6954]

ah I forgot the K&N kit, I was just referring to the drop in filter.
there have been no more then 1hp gains and even power decreases as rx865 stated on any after-market intake for the car. it will change how it sounds thats about it.

the stock intake is very good, thats why I just use the K&N drop in filter, or the Green one

 

[DeadGeneration]

Okay cool, good to know. I got the car at a value price so I am not trying to waste money on it, besides the gas tank.

Like I said I bought the resonated mid pipe from racing beat because my cat is shot. I am looking at add the catback eventually.

Beyond that I just have some body repairs to look into, and I have been reading about PCM reflashes but still not sure.

 

[bedwards6954]

A Cobb AP was great but they stoped selling them, you could try to contact MazdaManiac from rx8club, he might have a few left, and if you get one have him tune it best mod i have done