Zero Weight Project – Part 3 Dyno Bust and New Beginning
The Zero Weight Project has taken a slight detour. I actually had plans to post an update on my lightweight battery install. After my baseline dyno run, I needed to troubleshoot the reason for high RPM power loss. It is no secret that RX8’s are a little weak in the power arena. However, when I had my car tested on the dyno, the results were, well……..pathetic.
According to the test results, from 7k and above, there was a significant loss in torque and horsepower. I had hoped the reason for this was a clogged cat. I decided to take the car to my local Kings Mazda dealer. There service has always been excellent. I explained the problem to them and showed them the dyno results. They told me that the results were not acceptable and that they would investigate to determine the problem. I wish all dealers offered this level of service.
ZWP RX8 Dyno Baseline Run from Paul Sonoda on Vimeo.
I got call late Wednesday afternoon, “Mr. Sonoda, we have ordered a new engine for your car and will get the car back to you in about a week.” WOW! This was definitely not what I expected. I was informed that the motor was diagnosed with low compression. This is probably the culprit for my less than stellar fuel economy.
Let’s see. Engine out of car. Hmmmm…….
That might be a great time to replace the clutch and flywheel. I called the Kings and asked them how much extra to install a new clutch and flywheel. Shock again! They would do it for no charge. But I would need to get the parts fast.
After doing some checking, I decided on an ACT upgraded clutch and lightweight flywheel. The flywheel weighs only 9.8 pounds. That is about a 7 pound weight savings in rotating mass. The clutch weighs about the same but increasing the holding force by about 34%. The clutch is rated to handle a maximum torque of 330 ft/lbs which is more than adequate for my vehicle.
With the change in wheels and flywheel alone, the overall weight reduction is now at 27.8 pounds. Next mod planned is a lightweight high-performance battery.
Can’t wait to get the RX back.
