Hey peeps, great bits of feedback from everyone!
To answer some of the points raised (as I've discussed some things with Alex already):
- Track days. Alex said that the reception to their BMW track weapon (and other track stuff they have done) hasn't been as widely received as some of the more 'every day' stuff, so sadly major or regular track excursions are not likely to make an appearance.
That said I have chatted to him about coming along on the 23rd of Feb to the AGM day. Whether or not he brings a film crew, goes out in Felix on track or whether he just jumps in with some of the enthusiastic owners I dunno. Time will tell.
- Remapping. That isn't something I've discussed with him, but it is something I've chatted to Ben about and there is not an appetite from Ben to discuss the intricacies of the mapping options for 8s. Whether that is different on the video they've done (there is a video coming out of their mapping and dyno session up at RR) I don't know - so it may well have been addressed.
- Long term goals - Alex doesn't really have one AFAIK. It's really going to be steered by what people request - hence putting this thread out there. I think discussing plans around future mods would be a good one - is he planning on modding suspension? is he planning on modifying the bodywork (beyond repairing the knackered door/ wing)? things like that. I'll add them to the list!
- Trying to kill it - Awkward spoiler here, his adventures with a rotary aren't going well
Ignoring the rebuild (they intentionally bought one that would need a build doing) it has had a few little issues, including a fuel pump and an intake issue which I believe is ongoing - but SHHH, it's a secret. On the flip side, I do agree that getting him to abuse the engine like there's no tomorrow with a view to disproving the reliability concerns would be a good one.
- DORIFTO - definitely, although probably along the lines of the track days
- bang-per-buck stuff - Fully agree. I think the reason it's focussed on what it takes to get it in the right place is because that is where a lot of '8 buyers are going to be. Buying a 'lemon' of a car for £600 and then it needing a rebuild. There are plans to put the car through it's paces lots over the next few vids.
- Comparison with other cars - I think that's a great one, personally, and will definitely push Alex on it. Even if you total up the amount of cash he's 'spent' on the car and rebuild, there still isn't much - in our opinions - that comes close for that kind of money. Assuming he paid list price for that engine build, you're talking the whole thing has cost him maybe £3,500. Not much comparable you can get for that money, so comparing to a golf or other hatch, or perhaps something like a 350Z would be an interesting one. OK it was done when they were released, but now the cars have aged, which one stands the test of time better etc?
- How good the car is - One thing that I need to point out is that Alex really does love the car. It's not come across in the videos yet because he hasn't been shown actually driving it. Let's not forget, the reason this series exists is because he drove my car and fell in love with the rotary engine and the RX8. I'm 99% certain that will come across in later episodes
That is an interesting note on the AGM track day, maybe offer him a 'complimentary' 20 min session or something? One of the reasons I wanted him to come along is to showcase just how enthusiastic the OC is and the kind of events we offer. He has already said that he's going to sign up as a member of the OC, which is great, but perhaps it would give us an opportunity as a club to show off what we're all about?
I imagine that there are lots of RX8 owners who watch the series without even knowing the club exists...
EDIT - ultimately the whole point of the CT series is to try and reach/ appease every petrol head, so I imagine it's a hard balance of nerdy technical stuff and 'OMG IT SOUNDS GREAT' kinda stuff. I, personally, think they're doing a good job of it so far!
