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Mazda RX-8 Accessories and Modifications

143 messages,  Last post on Jul 11, 2007 at 12:53 PM

You are in the Mazda RX-8 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda RX-8, Audio, Exterior, Lights, Performance Mods, Tires, Coupe

Messages Page 10 of 15

#85 of 143 XM radio in thge RX8 by smshapi

Dec 06, 2005 (5:16 am)

The RX8 comes with a radio that is rather odd shaped. It seems like there is no way to replace the factory radio without paying a fortune for custom work. There is a Sirius radio option. Does anyone know if XM can be used instead of Sirius? I do not want one of those things that looks added-on.

#86 of 143 Re: XM radio in thge RX8 [smshapi] by timbmayb

Jan 31, 2006 (3:22 pm)

Replying to: smshapi (Dec 06, 2005 5:16 am)
There don't appear to be any aftermarket head units targeted for the RX-8, yet.
I've just finished adding a XM Commander radio to my '05 RX8. With a wee bit of modification it fits very nicely in the ashtray pocket, behind the flip-up door, so everything looks stock. The receiver box sits under the back end of the console between the rear seatbacks. It is direct wired into the stock radio via the connector used for the cassette deck and works quite well. PIE makes this direct interface (two parts - #maz/pc-alp and #alp/m-rca). To listen to XM you push the CD button - the RX-8 display says "EX 1" and you hear the XM. If you put in a CD it will switch from EX 1 to CD.
 
I'm puzzled about the MP3 add-on option. Does anyone know what form it takes? I was hoping the CD would play .wav and .mp3 files, but it only plays standard music CD's, not mp3's. What medium does the mp3 player use?
 
Oh- the XM commander takes up most of the area behind the flip up door, so I had to remove the cigarette lighter. No problem, don't smoke. But it's handy to have a power outlet up front. See that little round hole plug in the dash just to the left of the glove box door? There's nothing behind it. I picked up a Radio Shack power outlet and with a minimum of filing it fits perfectly in that hole. Wired it up to the old cigarette lighter wires and now have a power outlet right on the dash.
 
Wow, this post got too long.

#87 of 143 Re: XM radio in thge RX8 [smshapi] by pathstar1

Feb 01, 2006 (10:42 am)

Replying to: smshapi (Dec 06, 2005 5:16 am)
Both Sirius and XM offer units with FM outputs. You select the FM frequency on the sat. unit and then tune it in with your RX-8 radio. No modifications required. Yes, purists would complain that you are converting digital audio to analogue, but in a car the quality of the listening space is low enough you shouldn't be able to hear the difference.

#88 of 143 Re: XM radio in thge RX8 [timbmayb] by pathstar1

Feb 01, 2006 (10:46 am)

Replying to: timbmayb (Jan 31, 2006 3:22 pm)
The mp3 option for the earlier cars was a new CD deck. I think in 2004 Mazda switched to decks that play MP3s stock. It could have been 2005 so don't quote me.
 
If you intend to install one, be aware there is a "hidden" bolt to remove the interior panel. Talk to your dealer about where it is - they were warned after several panels were broken.

#89 of 143 Re: XM radio in thge RX8 [pathstar1] by timbmayb

Feb 04, 2006 (8:58 am)

Replying to: pathstar1 (Feb 01, 2006 10:46 am)
I had read about the hidden bolt, so was prepared for it. But it turned out mine didn't have the bolt installed at all. I found where it should have been. The only bolts holding the radio in were the two on the front bottom. The wiring harnesses are really a bitch to deal with because they are so short and the connector latches are not friendly. Fortunately, I didn't break anything.

#90 of 143 Re: Tires [aphellyon] by harg

Feb 13, 2006 (10:06 am)

Replying to: aphellyon (Nov 28, 2005 12:53 am)
aphelloyon,
 
Have not had the same problem. The tires may not have been rotated to turn in a different direction. Howling can be a problem when this is not done. You can go to Tirerack.com and look up the different ways to ratate non-directional tires. Hope this helps with your new tires.
 
Harg">link title

#91 of 143 Exhaust System for the RX-8 by moadh

Feb 13, 2006 (10:28 pm)

Well lately ive been thinking of upgrading SOMETHING in my 8.. And ive come to the conclusion that i need to amplify the sound aspect. Im sure all of you have noticed that the RX-8 isnt ur regular Ferrari F430, it has more of a purring sweet sound to it. well im looking to change that! i want people to turn their heads when i come up on the corner. Anybody know any good exhaust system for that? Thanks

#92 of 143 turbonator by garryn

Mar 28, 2006 (4:19 pm)

I saw there was one person who said do not install the turbonator. I just purchased my 2005 rx8 and love it. not thrilled with gas milage but knew that going in. has anyone else installed the turbonator? also there seems to be some oil on the air filter and hose. Is this normal? thanks, Garry

#93 of 143 Re: turbonator [garryn] by pathstar1

Mar 28, 2006 (8:20 pm)

Replying to: garryn (Mar 28, 2006 4:19 pm)
First the oil issue. It's normal. It's there because the renesis injects oil in the intake stream and this oil gets splattered back in a phenomonon call "standoff". Something common in "piston ported" engines (yes, the renesis is rotor ported not piston ported but the effect is the same). Some of the oil can also come from the PCV system under hard cornering, but I haven't seen any confirmation of this with the renesis and RX-8 setup - the 3rd gen RX-7 gets a lot of oil in the intake due to hard cornering. If you look closely at the intake tract, on the bottom of the rubber hose leading to the throttle valve you will see a plastic resonator there. If you remove this you will find it contains oil. I recommend draining it from time to time as the oil prevents it from "resonating" as it's supposed to. I'll bet the dealer never cleans it!
 
Turbonator - there is a simple reason not to use this or any other non-stock intake device. Any different turbulence introduced into the intake stream will disturb the air flow measurements, which are done with a heated resistor that is cooled by the passing air. The car has been tuned with stock parts and therefore "stock turbulence" in the intake stream. If you install any different devices, you should then retune the car with the new turbulence in mind. The turbonator is supposed to help with fuel vaporization, but you have to wonder how it can do this so far from where the fuel is injected! It may work in a carburated engine, but is not a good idea on a computerized fuel injected engine - in spite of what they may say when trying to get you to buy one!

#94 of 143 aftermarket moonroof, anyone? by rx8wannab

Mar 31, 2006 (4:45 pm)

I'm getting an 05 AT Sport today. Has anyone installed an aftermarket moonroof? I'd appreciate any suggestions or experience people have.

Messages Page 10 of 15

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