LatentWagen

c-lo, FWIW the HG job and head refresh will make it feel like new again. Glad I ponied up instead of getting a new WRX or something, which would've cost more in the long run (less car, too).

@ 156k and in the shop for a refresh after I saw some bubbles in the coolant overflow tank. Head gasket failure confirmed, cyl 1/3. Doing the HG, valve job, clutch (the original 156k unit had some meat left on it, but why not do it now) timing belt, plugs, valve cover etc gaskets, oil pan seal, and whatever other related gaskets. Replacing coolant temp sensor, PCV valve & MAF, and some other odds & ends that I'm forgetting. Previously did injector service, IM gaskets, both o2 sensors, alternator, radiator, t-stat, AC condenser, 1 wheel bearing and a CV boot in the 18 months since I bought it @ 130k. Should be good for a while after this. Now watch as I spin a bearing in 3k miles

Sorry to hear this man. Most importantly, nobody was injured. It is a car and it can (and must!!) be built back to its former glory

Ooooo a hand-forged turbo. Hammer on, brotha

The universe will forgive you... this time. Everybody gets one.

Grammar Nazi blitz! Plural = s Example: I like cars. Posessive = 's Ex: I like Max's car. That car's power level is just right. Looks like you've got the abbreviation apostrophe under control, so I won't go there 152k for me today on the way to work!

Thanks gordata. I have been wanting to go 18" but haven't found the right set yet, IMO they fill out the wheel well much better. 245 on an 8" wheel will definitely look meaty. Might feel a bit squishy tho, depends on the true mounting width and tire sidewall. What tires?

Really not sure why so many BM/BR guys post up in these 4th gen threads. Are they jealous of our sleek lines or something? Maybe they're self-concious about being overweight? Or of our generation's spec B option? A little B-ness envy, perhaps? Anywho, here's a few shots of my skinny 245s Specifics: Wheels: SSR Competition in 17x8.5, +48 Tires: Bridgestone Pole Position S-04 in 245/40/17 Suspension: RCE Tarmac, D/D settings Misc: Whiteline sways, Poltec spherical endlinks, AVO brackets, all new OEM bushes F/R Front camber: -1.5 (still on Winter settings, need to get my lean on) Rear camber: -1.5 Toe: 0.0 F/R/C No body or fender mods, doesn't rub at all. Still running the OEM fender liners.

Wow. That piping. Much waiting. Such tension. WBM score = win.

I'd say it's the 8 year old winter tires. They need changing anyway, may as well rule them out first.

Might be useful in first gear, but otherwise, you're just blowing hot air at that RPM on the stock turbo.

Most of my parts links were covered/dead, but can I interest you in some useful information?? Tech Docs: http://www.stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/-warped-brake-disc-and-other-myths (Brakes) http://www.xcceleration.com/wheel.chart.htm (Wheels) http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets5.html (Suspension) http://www.davidandjemma.com/mazda/FAQ/quench.htm (ICE) http://victorylibrary.com/mopar/rod-tech-c.htm (ICE)

RX-8 Larger Oil Filters: http://www.mazdaparts.org/mazda-rx8-oil-filter.html

Nice thread. I have a bunch of links and part numbers on my home computer, will add to this if there's anything I have that doesn't overlap.

Have: '08 DGM trunk with OEM wing and all OEM/spec B badges Want: wingless DGM trunk, don't care about badges Likelihood of trade: Ha.

Money well spent.

That's a good idea. Seems like it's better to know for sure. Car is currently running AP OTS stage 1. In my possession for ~15k miles now. It was having some light hesitation issues early on but replaced o2 sensors, and more recently got off the stock tune. Both improved the car, but it wasn't completely there until I did a fuel injector cleaning with Gumout or whatever. Since then the idle and increased "smooth" has been great. Still, I plan to replace the IM gaskets, clean or replace the OCVs and/or MAF, replace TMIC>BOV gasket, and tighten/replace misc vacuum hoses and clamps. Already have most of the OEM replacement gaskets, as well as a BP TMIC kit, thanks BMB. May as well do the compression check and change the plugs at the same time.

With that kind of mileage on a stock body, you should consider a tune. Apparently that's where it's at. Not sure where I heard that tho Bump for this thread cause I'm sizing up my options. Coming up on 150k miles, still on the stock motor, turbo, and clutch. Since I'll probably need to replace all this stuff within the next 50k, I am thinking about just doing it ONCE with a full build...

Just rolled over 146k on my '08, purchased @ 130k in February. The car was garaged and dealer maintained by the previous owner, who put serious highway miles on the car... the original OEM brake pads were first changed out at 128k, to give you an idea. Since owning it, I've replaced: Upstream O2 sensor (132k) Downstream o2 sensor (132k) Front wheel bearings (135k, rears replaced by PO at 100k) OEM replacement Koyo radiator, OEM thermostat, OEM coolant (142k) Front LCA bushings (145k) Ball joints (145k) Tie rod ends (145k) Also upgraded from the stock suspension to RCE Tarmac 1 coilovers (at 144k, they are amazing), and running Cobb APV3 OTS stage 1 (since 144k). Soon to install a catted Invidia DP, BP TMIC mod, and some misc adapters and gaskets, then get tuned for stage 2. I'm still on the original clutch, and the drivetrain has never been apart. Awesome car so far, made moreso by each fix-up.

For those interested, I went with the Bridgestone 245s and they fit perfectly. No fender work needed, no rubbing. Car is on RCE Tarmac 1 coilovers. http://i43.tinypic.com/mc5ddu.jpg http://i42.tinypic.com/ogxu1v.jpg

Why move brake bias rearward? Plenty of reasons as per this thread. OEM is heavily front biased, Brembo swap makes it more so. A grippier pad in the rear is a decent band-aid until I can get ahold of a full rear Brembo swap. And yes, because racecar.

Awesome thread; bumping this up from the dead. I've got to do some research on brake pad combinations, looking to move the bias a bit rearward on my '08 LGT with front Brembo swap and stock rears.

Bumping this awesome thread with a question or two of my own. I picked up a set of SSR Comps in 17x8.5, +48. I plan upgrade to a BBK in the future, hence the wider wheel. Right now the car ('08 spec B) is completely stock. So I'm trying to decide between the BS Potenza S-04 Pole Position and the Conti DW, both in 245/40. Is anyone familiar with the S-04 PPs, or the DW in this size? The Michelin PSS likely the best option, but it seems pricey for that extra bit of performance, and I've got a set of R-compounds to soothe that urge anyway Also, I'm assuming a light roll on the rear fenders is probably in my future? Any thoughts or feedback would be appreciated.

My new (to me) '08 spec B just passed over 130,000 miles. I have all service records from the dealer, and the previous owner changed the ORIGINAL set of pads @ 128k. Can we say highway miles?