Eikenberry's Project RX-8 Appears at Hot Import Nights

Eric Eikenberry's Project RX-8 (featured in MazdaSport Issue 15 and upcoming in issue 16) made its first appearance at a major car show over the past weekend. Hot Import Nights held a “Nightshift” event at the Los Angeles Convention Center near downtown which was well-attended by folks seeking a glimpse at the hottest rides in the world.

"I was allowed to enter the show at the last minute by the HIN staff, so a great big thanks to Thanh over there. Faced with the challenge of a missing hood striker at the eleventh hour, Puente Hills Mazda came through with a loaner. Give them a big round of applause," Eikenberry says.

Project RX-8 featured:

First set of adjustable anti-roll bars from Progress Technology

First set of front and rear Wilwood brakes from TCE Performance Products

First Shine Auto Project body kit for an RX-8

First set of NRG Innovations hood rams

Balanced tire and wheel setup from Bridgestone and Enkei which saves weight, provides additional grip, and can be rotated from front to rear.

G-Force helmet signed by Tarzan Yamada (although no one really noticed it inside the car)

Overheard comments included:

“Nicest RX-8 I’ve ever seen!”

“That’s the FACTORY paint? Not custom? Wow!”

“Nice hood!"

“Wow, look at the brakes!”

Eric says, "Thanks to everyone who’s helped to make this car the success that it is today. None of this would be possible without your sponsorship. For that I am truly appreciative!"

Stay tuned for Mazda Sport Magazine Issue 16 for more installation stories featuring Eric's Project RX-8.

(Photos by Eric Eikenberry)

Comments

[Eric Eikenberry]

Just as an on-going update: Currently I'm trying out Cobb Tuning's Access Port flash programmer for the RX-8. I've had dialog open with Scott Brood at Cobb about a couple of changes I'd like to see to their software. Expect a full write-up on this powerful tool soon.

Also in the works, I plan to head over to Mazdatrix in Signal Hill, California. There Kyle Mohan and the guys will install a Fidanza lightweight flywheel and Stage One clutch. This should drop the flywheel weight (with counterweight) to just 12.5 pounds! I'm excited.

Although changes at the point are merely incremental, all the glory's in the details!

Please feel free to email me at eik_photography@npgcable.com if you have any questions. Thanks for reading Mazdasportonline.com!