RX-8 FAQ
Frequently asked questions and answers
About the Car:
Q: Why did you choose an RX-8?
Q: Did you think about any other cars?
Q: Is it fast?
Q: What kind of engine does that have, a fourbanger, 6, V8, jet engine?
Q: How many pistons and cylinders does it have?
Q: How many doors does it have and do the rear seats fit adults?
Custom Design:
Q: How long did the installation take?
Q: How much did this system cost to build?
Q: How much would you charge to build one just like it?
Q: Why didn't you use W7 subwoofers?
Q: Are there any storage capacitors or extra batteries in the system?
Miscellaneous:
Q: There are no door handles, how do you open the doors?
Q: Do you want to race? I bet my car would leave you in the dust!
About the Car:
Q: Why did you choose an RX-8? [top]
A: Because it is a fantastic car. It has a great design and amazing performance, and had a terrific potential for this project. By itself it is a terrific Grand Touring vehicle, but now I’ve created the Ultimate Grand Touring car!
Q: Did you think about any other cars? [top]
A: Yes. I originally looked at a Mitsubishi Evolution 8 and a Subaru WRX STI, in that order. The RX-8 started out as my last choice. The Evo 8 was quickly ruled out, however, because the US gets a very stripped down version of the car compared to the rest of the world, so all the best features that make the Evo 8 such a great car were removed before it was even brought over to the US. As for the STI, it was my number 1 pick up until the second test drive. Let’s just say that is one grown up engine packaged in a toy car. The final decision came down to the fact that the RX-8 was such a comfortable and awesome performing road car, which is where I typically drive if I can help it, anyway.
Q: Does the car run? [top]
A: Yes. Stock it has a 50-50 weight ratio (front to back) and 238hp. While we’ve obviously lost the 50-50 weight ratio, we’ve added approximately 40hp for a total of 278hp. This is also real-time computer adjustable to allow you to change from better performance to better economy or anything in between.
Q: Is it fast? [top]
A: Yes. This is not a drag car made for doing ¼ mile runs, but get it on the track and it will run with the best. It has been timed on a track and scored exactly the same as a Nissan 350Z and a BMW M3.
Q: What kind of engine does that have, a fourbanger, 6, V8, jet engine? [top]
A: None of the above! The RX-8 utilizes Mazda’s latest Rotary Engine designated the RENESIS engine. While your doctor may prescribe RX-8 for the thrill seeker in you, the RX really stands for Rotary eXport. The 8 in RX-8 stands for the 8th generation production RX car created by Mazda. Unlike piston engines, rotary engines have very few moving parts - the rotors and the crankshaft. In the case of the RX-8's RENESIS engine, this means 2 rotors and a crankshaft (3 moving parts!). When well taken care of, rotary engines are very reliable. They do not take kindly to abuse such as low oil or overheating, however, and many of the stories you hear about unreliable rotaries were from ones that were abused or from early 3rd generation turbo-charged RX-7s that had heat problems.
Q: How big is the engine? [top]
A: 1300cc or 1.3L. The engine is approximately the same height as the transmission, and its small size provides for the overall design of the car as a functional 4 seat sports car.
Q: How many pistons & cylinders does it have? [top]
A: 0 and 0. The engine uses a rotor. This rotor is shaped like a triangle that rotates in a continuous direction within an oval housing. This continuous movement, unlike a piston engine moving up and down, provides for smooth revving and high RPM redline.
Q: How high does it rev? [top]
A: The RX-8 has a redline at 9000RPM and can be pushed slightly beyond to a fuel cutoff of 9500RPM. You need to be warned by the buzzer that you are approaching redline because the engine runs so smooth!
Q: How many doors does it have and do the rear seats fit adults? [top]
A: It is considered a 4-door and it does fit 4 adults comfortably. The rear doors are suicide-style, with the front doors overlapping slightly on top of the rear doors. The rear doors will open only after the front doors are open. This design allows the RX-8 to remove B-pillars to impede ingress and egress from the rear seats.
About the custom design:
Q: How long did the installation take? [top]
A: Approximately 10 months.
Q: How much did this system cost to build? [top]
A: I don't know and don't want to know. (If I ever figure out how much it really cost, I’d probably commit myself.)
Q: How much would you charge to build one just like it? [top]
A: One million dollars plus tips. (Non-negotiable)
Q: Why didn't you use W7 subwoofers? [top]
A: The 10W6v2 was better suited for this system due to the power being used, its smaller box volume requirements and shallower physical depth. Besides, it sounds simply phenomenal.
Q: Are there any storage capacitors or extra batteries in the system? [top]
A: Yes. There are two primary batteries in the system connected together. One battery is the original car battery for powering all the regular vehicle electronics and engine, the second battery powers all the installed electronics.
Q: What does it hit? [top]
A: I’m not sure, every time I get up to 88mph I end up in some other time!
Q: No, smart guy, we mean how much SPL does it hit? [top]
A: I really have no idea, but it gets load enough to hurt your ears.
Miscellaneous:
Q: Is the car all-original? [top]
A: No, it originally came with a first generation Nintendo.
Q: There are no door handles, how do you open the doors? [top]
A: Because the car loves me, it opens the doors for me!
Q: Do you want to race? I bet my car would leave you in the dust! [top]
A: No! Do you really think I want to race? I don't care who would win. I get to drive this every day, and you drive a what? I think I come out on top!