Reliability
Ignition coils + spark plugs
Restores lost power
Easy$150–$3501.5–2.5 hrs
Home › Mazda RX-8
Mazda RX-8 mods
Start with reliability. Healthy ignition and strong cooling keep a rotary alive, so do those before chasing power.
Your RX-8
Pick your year so we only show parts that fit your car.
Engine 1.3L Renesis rotary
Stock ~232 hp (manual)
Weight ~3,000 lb
2004–2011
Reliability
Radiator + cooling upgrade
Protects the engine
Medium$330–$6503–5 hrs
Power
Cold air intake
+3–6whp est.
Medium$350–$5001.5–2 hrs
+5–10whp est. · Best with a tune
Medium$200–$6001–2 hrs
⚠ Changing the catalytic converter can be illegal for street use where you live. We only link to parts that keep a catalytic converter. Check your state's emissions rules before buying.
Power
ECU tune
+8–15whp est. · With intake + exhaust
Medium$400–$8001–2 hrs
⚠ A bad tune can damage a rotary. Use a well-known rotary tuner, not a generic one.
Sound
Cat-back exhaust
+0–3whp est.
Medium$400–$1,0001–1.5 hrs
Handling
Coilovers
Handling + stance
Hard$1,100–$2,0004–6 hrs
Stops better
Medium$180–$3202–3 hrs
⚠ Brakes are safety-critical. If you've never done brakes, have someone experienced check your work.
Horsepower numbers are estimates at the wheels (whp) based on typical results. Real gains vary. Some exhaust and emissions mods aren't street-legal everywhere, so check your local rules.