Things seem to have become very quiet on t/c or s/c for the 8, which I find very surprising

Surely, there is now a reasonable critical mass of 03 & 04 cars off warranty, yet I get a sense there are less than 20 FI cars in Australia.

What's the problem??

I imagine cost would be a factor for some people...

I was hoping that $10-$14K kits would start dropping to $7-$8K once more and more people purchase them.

In addition, there still seems like there's potential teething problems with some of the kits so I'm hoping for an iron clad solution in the future. I've still got another years warranty so hopefully more people do start tweaking their cars

I'm also still hoping/dreaming that Mazda will bring out an MPS 8 or equivalent. If this happened, I think it would become too hard not to upgrade

Certainly money is a factor, but I enjoy racing in the NA form so much that I may keep going. Always keen to be underdog on the track.

Seriously I want to see someone crack the engine open and see what the FI does to the engine, and perhaps modify it to suit the problem.

Just crack open a turbo 13B from an FD RX-7. Very similar engine at the end of the day. If you're worried about blowing the engine, have it rebuilt with ceramic seals and a few dowels.

it also seems everyone is so hung up on wanting a plug and play kit rather than having custom work done.

I am only familiar with the ProMaz kit. There are 4 of them around at the moment (possibly 5th soon). Its being offered for 12k which includes an engineers certificate to make it roadworthy and EPA legal. This is where a large portion of the cost comes into it (around 2-3k I believe). I also noticed they are offering extended warranty as an add on.

Cheers
Andrew

I agree with you to the word Rx-8,those are my thoughts exactly. Too expensive at this stage,major teething problems,one year warranty left, etc, etc..
After doing a few track days now I also like the challenge of being the underdog now at the track and seeing how well I can go in a category of mostly FI cars.They have no excuse but I do and it is good getting the most out of car and driver while I wait to get a FI kit that I like..

Well my car is now FI. Its currently on 8Psi and putting out just shy of 200rwkw with semi slicks so the standard ProMaz 200rwkw for me. I have been asked to take it easy for the 1st 1000k. Once that is up I will be doing my best to report back how it goes on the track.

A little off topic but I think relevant, ProMaz are starting to do some nice things with the 8. They have access to balancing and lightening of rotors and have been experimenting with porting (both intake and exhaust). I didnt take up the option as its not cheap but there are others that have and I would love for them to pipe in with their opinions.

Cheers

Andrew

Yes the pro maz kit looks great and i'm sure it will be awesome, it is just the cash(and lovely wife) that are conspiring against me at the moment. The porting I am very interested in..

Andrew, I thought the yanks had tried porting with less than impressive results?? Am I remembering it wrong?

Please tell us not just about track results but also how it goes on the street, re: driveability, reliability, tuning problems, etc.

Congrats by the way. Really glad you got there mate.

PS - I wonder if Promaz have considered affiliating themselves with a rotary workshop in Sydney, so Sydney buyers can purchase their kit safe in the knowledge that they can go somewhere local for a tune up, servicing, upgrade, spares, etc by someone with an inside line to the developers of the kit?

Thoughts on this anyone?

I have had my mazfix turbo on now for just under 3000k. After some initial teething problems the car is now running great!! On 8psi i have 212kw at the rear wheels! Zoom this is not saying the promaz kit is not as good. I know the cars vary so much from standard plus my car only had 1000ks on before the turbo on!! My first tune after the turbo went on was 204kw.

As for driveability on the street, you dont really notice any difference until you put your foot down!

Fuel economy has surprised me. It seems to be better with the turbo on. Last tank i got 398km out of 49l. This has been the most economical tank so far.

Cheers
Col

Mazfix are another mob who might do well if they tapped into the Sydney market properly...

Without wanting to start FI wars (again ), don't you have -- in Rotormaster and DNA -- one of the more experienced RX-8 FI shops in Sydney? Remembering that Rotormaster started with t/c before moving to s/c. I know they are located west of Rookwood cemetary, Dave....but then so will most workshops

Have you never heard of healthy competition for business??

I have a high regard for RotorMaster and the guys at DNA, as you know, but it would be nice to get more local options going.

And I don't mind trekking if the product and service is good.