by "AkursedX" (akursedx)
Published 06/08/2017 at 07:45
by "AkursedX" (akursedx)
Published 06/08/2017 at 07:45
Tags: RX-8
; car buying
; budget fun cars
STARS: 77
I love my Mazda RX-8. It’s a car that I truly love driving and working on like nothing else that I have owned. I am also well aware that this car has its issues and is not for everyone. I hope that if someone is considering buying an one, they read this and take away something useful to help guide their choice and are better prepared to take RX-8 ownership on.
Disclaimer: I know there are plenty of other best, worst cars out there. I simply needed a catchy-title and rather not turn the comment section into a fight about better, worse cars, haha.
The first time I sat in a Mazda RX-8 was back at the 2005 Detroit-North American International Auto Show. I remember getting myself into that tiny sports-car and feeling like the car was designed for me. The seats hugged me just right, and my arms and legs reached the pedals and steering wheel so naturally. Did my already-established passion for everything rotary skew my emotions on that fateful day? Probably. But from that moment on, I knew at some point in time, I was going to own an RX-8.
I spent many years looking at, and considering RX-8's, but I always ended up talking myself out of it a buying something more practical. Then in September of 2011 soon after I sold my Fiero , I finally fulfilled my dream of owning my own RX-8.
My RX-8 provides me with a zen-like driving experience. I love nearly everything about it. Its steering provides the best feedback I’ve ever had. Its handling makes the car feel like it rotates right around where you are sitting and the level of grip is remarkable. It’s a car that gives an inexperienced HPDE/Auto-X driver (What I consider myself) an extremely high level of confidence to push the car right up to its limit. Oh, and there is that special feeling of winding out the rotary engine up over 9500 RPM’s. I love the scream of rotaries. While not overpowering, the 232hp and the gearing of the transmission makes you feel like you are driving faster than what you really are.
While the incredible driving experience is my favorite thing about the RX-8, it is also one of the more practical sports-cars out there. While many have issues with its odd-shape and suicide rear-doors, these two things become incredibly useful when you have kids. I have two children (3 and 5) and they both fit great in their car-seats in the back and the suicide doors make getting them in and out a breeze. And for such a tiny car, the interior room is excellent. I’m 6'3" and fit nicely while my kids still have room behind me. There are many other sports-cars out there that I can’t say the same for.
The RX-8 is also one of the easier cars I have worked on. Although the engine bay is cladded with lots of plastic covers, any job I have done under the hood had been a rather disaster-free experience. Brake and suspension work has been the same. In certain spots it seemed like the engineers took the time to make sure that one could actually get ratchets and sockets onto bolts. There have been many other cars I have worked on that I certainly cannot say the same for.
In the 4+ years I have owned my RX-8, I have talked about my love for it and of rotaries in general with the fervor of a crossfitter or a vegan. I own pretty much every rotary t-shirt Blipshift has ever made. I have all kinds of rotary memorabilia. Even my son has this cool 787B lithograph in his room.
So it might come as a surprise when someone I know comes up to me and say to me
“Hey, I’m thinking of buying an RX-8.”
My response is an emphatic:
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Now why on earth would I try to talk someone out of a car that I have just been gushing over like it’s the greatest thing ever? That’s because in the hands of most people, even of many skilled auto-enthusiasts, an RX-8 is like a metal-dorito-whirling-time-bomb just waiting to blow up someone’s wallet, time, and general love of automobiles.
RX-8’s have a laundry list of things that fail on them:
The engine itself failed so often that Mazda extended the powertrain warranty to 8
10
-years/100k miles and they built a facility here in America to handle all of the rebuilds. (This was a result of a number of things, but it was mainly a result of Mazda trying to lower engine-oil consumption to a point where someone would not have to add oil between service intervals.)
Coil-packs last ~30k miles if you’re lucky.
The enormous catalytic converter fails due to the failing coilpacks not providing a proper combustion and plugging the cat with unburned crap. This also increases the potential for destroying the engine.
The original power steering harness was assembled with paperclips and bubble gum. You will then need to start building up your biceps to get the car to steer. (A new, revised version is around $110 and fixes the issue.)
If you shut off the car too quickly after you started it without revving it while you shut it off, you can flood the engine with fuel. The terrible coil packs once again won’t give you enough spark to get it to fire. You will need a tow to the dealer to de-flood it, lightening your wallet by a couple hundred bucks.
(Although there is a
deflooding procedure
you can do on your own)
Carbon build-up from not revving your engine can result in scoring your rotor housings and seals so bad that you will lose compression. Buildup will also stop the various intake valves from working properly robbing you of any power you might have a hope of making.
The starter on early models is weak.
They have the awesome metal-shooting Takata airbags
(I finally got mine replaced)
S1 transmissions like to grenade 4th gear after excessive abuse.
S2 transmissions are a direct swap except for changing on electrical connector and the transmission was shared with the Miata so they are readily available.
The stock clutch pedal mount likes to bend over time and will potentially stop you from disengaging the clutch. This finally happened to me. A welded clutch pedal assembly from Black Halo Racing took care of the issue.
There are 3 solenoids under the intake manifold that control the intake valves that open at high RPMS and the air-pump that like to fail with age. Or the connectors loosen up causing codes and/or power loss due to the valves not opening.
I’m sure there are other common failures I can think of but that’s a good enough list to make nearly anyone steer clear of RX-8 ownership. But if you are still reading this and thinking “Well, I am a bit of a masochist, maybe an RX-8 would be cool to have”, I do have some advice for you in selecting a decent RX-8 as well as ensuring having a trouble-free ownership experience with it.
My first bit of advice is the easiest and really makes all of my other advice pointless as it is all covered in far better detail. Read through these websites:
RX8Help.com
-I stumbled across this site a little while ago and it’s a nice concise place for everything RX-8 without having to sort through a bunch of BS. This site has a comprehensive overview on purchasing, maintaining, and modding RX-8's. I have utilized it a number of times and it’s a great BS-free resource.
RX8Club-Pontential Owners
-
RX8club is still a pretty active forum and there are many people there who can help with general maintenance all the way up to building a full-blown race car.
(Just make sure you search first.)
—Buying an RX-8—
If you have the money, I definitely suggest buying an S2 RX8. The 2008 2009-2011 S2 RX-8’s have far less issues and Mazda corrected many, if not all, of the issues that the 2004-2007 S1 RX8’s had. If you are on a budget and can only afford an S1 RX-8, try to stay away from ‘04’s as they had most of the engine issues.
I would look for a car that has already had its engine replaced and has plenty of service records. A car with 75k miles with service records and an engine with less than 5k miles on it is a safer buy to me than one with 30k miles and no records. There are plenty of RX-8’s for sale that meet this criteria and many can be found for under $7500.
When you actually start looking at RX-8’s, make sure you are able to start the car up cold. If you have excessive cranking, it could mean that the coilpacks/plugs are failing. Then after driving it and the car has warmed up, turn the car off, and wait a few minutes. If the car is cranking excessively without turning over, chances are that the engine is on its way out with low-compression. Both warm and cold starts can tell you a lot about the health of the car.
If possible, ask the seller if they have had a compression test done. If you are really interested in the car, maybe even offer to split the cost of the test for the peace of mind. You don’t want to buy a car with the engine on its way out unless it’s still within the 10 8yr/100k warranty period. Note: Rotary compression-tests are not done like a standard engine. You need to have a special machine and more than likely have to have it done at a Mazda dealer.
When driving the car, make sure you are able to wind it up to redline after it had warmed up. If if feels like it’s falling flat on its face above 7k RPMs, it might be another sign of a weak ignition or it could be a sign that the SSV (Sequential Shutter Valve) is not opening properly.
If you are buying private party, get a feel for the seller. Hopefully he’ll be explaining things about the car the way I am here. If he or she seems like the ‘puts gas in it and drives’ type, I would be a bit weary of buying a car from that type. This is really a car the needs to be enthusiast-owned.
If buying from a dealership, see if you can have a pre-purchase inspection done by a rotary-specialist independent shop or a knowledgeable Mazda dealer. Believe it or not, some Mazda dealers have no techs that have any reasonable rotary knowledge.
I looked at and test drove over 10 RX-8’s before I found what I wanted. I bought my RX-8 with 73k miles on it. It was a 1-owner car with a stack of service records, and most importantly to me, a replacement engine less than a 1000 miles ago. The seller did seem to know a fair bit about the car and she kept up very good on maintenance and even carried oil in the trunk!
—Driving an RX-8—
There’s a relatively common saying in the rotary-world. “A redline a day keeps the mechanic away”. This little bit of advice is crucial to owning a happy RX-8. There are many accounts of RX-8 owners doing a track-day who are amazed at how much better their car is running afterwards. This is because all the carbon deposits within the intake and rotor housings got blown out. A clean engine is a happy one.
I redline my car virtually every trip I make in it and try to do a WOT 2nd, 3rd, 4th pull whenever possible. Besides it being good for the engine, I love the sound it makes and it makes me feel all giggly inside.
I also do my best to make sure the car warms-up completely. With the improvements I have made mentioned below, I really don’t have to do anything crazy to make sure my RX-8 will start up again. Even still, I do my very best to ensure that the car comes all the way up to temp. I do this even if I have to go out of my way a little bit.
Also make sure to run premium fuel. Detonation from low-octane gas could result it broken apex seals rather quickly. And by the way, RX-8's get terrible gas mileage. 20MPG is a good tank. Here’s my Fuelly .
—Things to make an RX-8 more reliable—
This might sound hard to believe after all the bad things I have mentioned, but I have driven my RX-8 for almost 27000 miles with only one issue; a bad power steering harness. The way I acheived this was by saving $1000 or so dollars beyond the purchase price of my car to buy a number of thigns that would help with many of the aforementioned issues.
(08/03/17 edit: Since I first wrote this article, I have come across a number of issues with my RX8: fuel pump failure, MAF failure, clutch pedal broke, clutch hose leaking, VDI solenoid failure, SSV solenoid connector lost connection, and a broken wire to my 3rd brake light caused all kinds of warning lights on the dash and I lost all my brake lights. I was able to fix all of these on my own with the help of the internet and nothing was overly expensive either.)
Here are the things that I consider almost mandatory if you want a good-running RX-8. For many of these parts, there are a few different choices amongst different vendors. I am only listing and linking the parts I have actually used:
—Primary upgrades—
-
Premix Oil.
I run about 6oz of Lucas Synthetic 2-stroke oil in every tank of gas. I have also run Idemitsu Rotary premix, but it’s expensive and I have to order it online. I keep it in pre-measured bottle in my trunk. Whether premix is needed is a long-debated topic, but I find it better to be safe than sorry. Plus, unlike conventional motor oil, it is designed to burn and lubricate in the combustion chamber.
- SOHN Oil Metering Pump Adapter and Oil tank. Like mentioned above, 2-stroke oil is designed to burn and lubricate. Conventional oil is not. The SOHN OMP adapter allows you to run a separate oil tank so that your oil-injection system can get fresh, clean 2-stroke oil as opposed to dirty, conventional crankcase oil. I originally adapted a generic coolant overflow tank to use as my oil tank, but the seller Epitroch on Ebay ( linked above) offers a nice adapter plate that replaces the washer reservoir and adds an oil-tank. Another added benefit is that you can now run quality synthetic oil in the crankcase.
-Ignition coil upgrade- If you’re still reading this, you could probably figure out that many of the RX-8's issues is due to a weak stock ignition system. Black Halo Racing makes an ignition system upgrade based off of GM LS-style coils. These provide a stronger, and far more reliable spark. Yeah, it’s expensive and I know there are competitors that offer a less-expensive version. No matter what upgrade you choose, it will be a huge upgrade over stock.
—Secondary upgrades—
Catless midpipe.
If you live in an area that you don’t have to worry about emissions, I suggest dumping the enormous catalytic converter and replace it with a quality midpipe. Aftermarket companies also make better flowing catted-midpipes as well. An added bonus is that you’ll probably be able to shoot flames out of your exhaust now! If you can’t dump the cat, at least take the time to pull it off and inspect it to make sure it doesn’t show any kinds of clogging. The stock cat holds-in a lot of heat so you want to make sure it’s not already failing. Running premix probably adds stress to the cat as well, so you might want to consider how much, if any, premix you want to run.
Cobb ACCESSPORT or another tuning solution. I have a COBB ACCESSPORT that I purchased from Mazdamaniac.com (I think this is the only place to buy one for the RX-8 anymore). I also used his tuning service in the beginning but ran out of time to get my tune finished. Fortunately I have a decent amount of experience in the tuning department and eventually created my own mild tune. Having a proper tune on your car can help you nab a bit of power and potentially gain some efficiency. An RX-8-specific benefit is being able to adjust OMP-flow rates.
Catch-Can. If you look inside the flex hose before the throttle body, chances are you will find oil pooled inside it. Especially if the car has been over-filled with oil. As with most cars, all this oil and the accompanying vapors are not good for the intake and combustion. A catch-can will help keep all that nasty stuff out of the engine.
So while there are plenty of other things you can do to your RX-8, I consider the above mods and driving habits essential to ensuring a high level of reliability over a long period of time.
I hope this has helped people to understand the Mazda RX-8 a little bit better and if you are considering buying one, I hope this will help not only with choosing the right RX-8, but more importantly, that it will help you to have a good-running and fun car right from day-one.
I also hope that it will help people realize that maybe an RX-8 is not right for them. I’m sure many of us have cars we regret buying and I have read about more than a few nightmare stories with the RX-8 that could have been avoided with some better knowledge.
The author, who goes by Joe in real life, is an avid automotive enthusiast with a particular passion for Mazda rotaries. You can find him at many Western New York SCCA and surrounding area events autocrossing his RX-8. He can be reached AkursedX @gmail.com and more of my articles can be found
HERE
.
03/02/2016 Update: I have made some small spelling and grammatical corrections as well as adding and correcting some of the technical info that I screwed up or omitted.
I am in shock and awe that this article has got over 25k views. Thank you to all who commented and shared my article. I just started writing on Oppositelock a couple of months ago and this is very much just a hobby for me. But the thousands of views and positive comments in a number of my posts have been quite unexpected, humbling and downright awesome. I hope to continue to write things that are enjoyable to read. I think I still at least have a few good ideas left to write about.
08/03/2017 UPDATE: I changed a few photos, corrected some layout issues so it should be easier to read on mobile, and added a few more things that have gone wrong with my car. As this is approaching almost 75k views (seriously, who is reading this?? *humblebrag*) I figured I should probably do a bit of refreshing.
"Michael" (mhanczyc)
02/29/2016 at 08:12, STARS: 10
- Uses pre-mix oil in tank
- Injects oil into combustion
- Uses catch-can to keep oil out of intake
"Tekamul" (tekamulburner)
02/29/2016 at 08:21, STARS: 15
The RX-8 is one of those cars that had potential that far outstripped the manufacturer’s commitment.
See also : S2000, Fiero, and eventually, Toyobaru twins.
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 08:24, STARS: 4
Ha-ha. It sounds ridiculous but it does make sense. The best way to put it is that premix in the combustion chamber is good but oil in the intake track (North of the injectors is bad)
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 08:25, STARS: 2
Yeah, I seem to have a love for those types of cars. I owned a number of fieros before this rx8
"Scott" (merl3noir)
02/29/2016 at 08:39, STARS: 1
Thanks for the article. I love Rotaries as well, and like you I fell in love with the RX-8 at a car show. The Frankfurt Motor Show. when I was going to collage I had an RX-7 (FB) and it is still one of my favorite cars to have owned. On that car I had a seal go out and leaked Coolant into the Motor oil. I wanted to rebuild it, but lacked some of the resources... like a place to work on it. The Priest at my church raced RX-2's and RX-3's advised me to get a rebui.t motor from Japan. When the FD RX-7's came out I really wanted to get one of those, but I could not afford it at that time. I was actually considering getting a used FD when I saw the RX-8 and decided it was the car for me. Lately I have wanted to flip some cars, and considered an RX-8 might be a good car, and would also fill my desires to own another Rotary engine Car again, and a nice project car. I'm very mechanically inclined, and I did a lot of the work on my RX-7s other than replacing the motor. Always good to have an idea of what to watch out for, and what fixes to make.
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
02/29/2016 at 08:40, STARS: 3
Might want to add in a bit about the series 1 “Shinka” special edition. It is actually aimed as more of a GT type experience but the shocks are retuned over the standard RX-8s and the cross braces have been filled with urethane foam to improve ride quality. The interiors are nicer and it comes in this sweeeeeeeet dark cherry metallic.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
02/29/2016 at 08:43, STARS: 2
Thanks for the article. I bought my ‘04 new. The engine was replaced before 30k when it failed a compression test and hasn’t been a problem since. There is lots of debate on RX8Club about oil. I’ve always used regular cheap oil without problem. I finally had to replace the coils 2 months ago, but it’s been cranking too much since, and I think I need to go back to the dealer about it.
Two things you didn’t mention about handling a cold engine. First, they did a software patch that was supposed to help keep it from stalling if you turn it off cold (although you still never should). Second, if the engine hasn’t had time to really heat up, best to rev it up high before cutting off to blow unused fuel that would otherwise sit on the seals. I’m not as versed in rotary tinkering as you seem to be, but mine has served me well for a long time doing these things.
I agree it's an awesome car, but not for everyone. My wife hates mine ever since she went to move it and shut it off cold, leading to it needing to be towed to the dealer. That's the episode that led to the engine replacement.
"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
02/29/2016 at 08:58, STARS: 1
Interesting car is ... interesting.
"SyrianLanister" (syrianlanister)
02/29/2016 at 09:23, STARS: 0
man these cars really were high-potential pieces of shit
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
02/29/2016 at 09:25, STARS: 1
The RX-8 is one of the best handling cars I have ever driven hands down. I almost bought one, but I think the car I drove was suffering from some of the coil pack and carbon build up woe’s you mentioned above. The engine just didn’t feel right (which made me sad). Great article!
"Xkjacob" (xkjacob)
02/29/2016 at 09:25, STARS: 4
Just traded my 2009 (s2) rx8 in for a 2016 focus ST.
Driven v8s, Fe rwd, AWD and now Fe FWD. The steering isn’t anything like the rx8, but everything else is better. After 80k miles of ocd maintenance whileI commuted the 8 to work 1.5 hours each way I’m ready for a break.
"Tom McParland" (tommcparland)
02/29/2016 at 09:25, STARS: 6
Great post. Many years ago, before I really appreciated the uniqueness of the rotary engine I test drove a new RX-8 when they first hit the dealerships. My reaction was something like “WTF! You want how much for this car? This thing is slow!” I later understood the balance that Mazda put into these, but man where they flawed. I had a buddy with one who keep a case of oil in his trunk because it needed to be “topped off” every few days.
Also, at the local ice cream store near my old house there has been a black RX-8 out front with a “For Sale” sign on it for at least 6 years. That’s jut sad.
P.S. one small tip on an otherwise awesome blog. For better formatting, take your largest photo (like the one at the bottom of your car with the aftermarket wheels) and put it above your first paragraph. :)
"my car smells like crayons" (sonicthehedgehog)
02/29/2016 at 09:27, STARS: 3
Mazda Managemenr- “We need something to compete with German cars!”
Mazda Engineers- deliver us the RX-8
Mazda Management - ”Nailed it.”
"James May is my spirit animal" (wvcycling)
02/29/2016 at 09:32, STARS: 3
Step 1: Youtibe: The Smoking Tire - Rx-8 LS Swap.
Step 2: Replicate
Step 3: ????
Step 4: FUN and PROFIT!!!
"Tom Hegedosh" (tomhegedosh)
02/29/2016 at 09:34, STARS: 0
The lack of torque in these cars is downright hillarious
"Michael Cohen" (hofmeisterkinky)
02/29/2016 at 09:35, STARS: 3
How good would this car be with the S2000 engine? A little extra weight but a 9000 rpm redline and Honda reliability.
Great post. Thank you much!!
"da_Bird" (dabird)
02/29/2016 at 09:36, STARS: 0
How was owning a Fiero ever a more practical choice than owning an RX-8?
"archigraphica" (archigraphica)
02/29/2016 at 09:38, STARS: 0
Most disappointing car I’ve ever owned. Traded it after buying it new with only about 9k miles on it. You had to keep it around 4000rpm to get any kind of power which ended up in the 15mpg (or less) fuel economy. That and the frothy white oil was a sure sign of things to come.
"Jeb_Hoge" (jebhoge)
02/29/2016 at 09:40, STARS: 8
I’ve long said that Mazda missed a great opportunity to leverage sales by offering this platform with either the Wankel OR the 2.3L Mazdaspeed turbo (driving the rears). I know that it would have been amazing with the alternative powerplant, even though it would have changed the character of the car in a way.
"syaieya" (syaieya)
02/29/2016 at 09:45, STARS: 1
Ive never owned one, but rotaries have always been the “i want one but it shouldn’ be this one” car. Before i got my first car a black fc in a junkyard caught my eye. It was blown but complete aside from some pinchrail rust and lacking a wheel. But being 15 my wallet couldn save it and later that year i saw it carted to the crusher.
Then just a couple years ago i was flooded with a good tax return and was as far as looking at a fd. It was super cheap for an fd, but for a reason. Interior incomplete from an auto swap, gauges not working, and it had eaten a fence. Ultimately i was over my head and had to pass.
I will own one eventually, but now i run into the issue of where to keep it so itll be a good few more years
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
02/29/2016 at 09:45, STARS: 5
Coming from RE-Sugiyama, specialist in Rotary here, in Nagoya, oil premix is useless, unless you go to a track or seriously hammer on it for a long time. And even there it’s not really necessary. If you were to do it, ratio is 1/200. So 25cl of oil into the tank for 50L of gasoline.
"Chas H" (chashh)
02/29/2016 at 09:46, STARS: 0
The Miata trans is almost the same as the RX-8, except for the bolt where it meets the engine.
There is no oil tank, oil from the engine is injected into the combustion chamber.
"Mr. Lucky" (ericok)
02/29/2016 at 09:54, STARS: 2
I’m the original owner of a 2005 RX-8. It only has 56,000 miles on it but, this may come as a shock, I’ve never had any trouble with it.
"VW-Guy-R32" (vw-guy-r32)
02/29/2016 at 09:55, STARS: 0
This entire article had me cracking up but this was the kicker:
I would look for a car that has already had its engine replaced
"jimmy-buffett" (jimmy-buffett)
02/29/2016 at 09:57, STARS: 2
People’s stories about the RX-8 remind me of that hoarder I dated a few summers ago. Both just as potentially destructive to your wallet, both just a little crazy and that’s what made them fun. For a little while.
And then I married a navy veteran last month, because subjecting yourself to a lifetime of crazy is a bad idea. Nice temps yesterday in Colorado and what does she tell me?
“Can we take the S2000 out today?”
Yes ma’am.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
02/29/2016 at 10:00, STARS: 0
So, Japanese refinement with German reliability. Sounds like a nightmare. The only car I have actually hated working on was my sister’s Mazda 3. The thing was put together as if the engineers never expected you to have to do any maintenance on it. And I’ve worked extensively on BMWs, old (pre ‘70s) GMs, newer turbo Subarus, and a turbo FIAT. I wanted to set that Mazda on fire.
"cam427r" (cameronroberson)
02/29/2016 at 10:02, STARS: 0
Don’t buy it unless you like working on your car constantly. I understand that’s the audience here, so do it, but if this place isn’t where you normally hang out...stay away from this one. I say this as a previous owner.
My Mazda dealer currently has 4 of these left abandoned at the back of their parking lot from people who bought them used and couldn’t afford to replace the engine when it went up.
"jimmy-buffett" (jimmy-buffett)
02/29/2016 at 10:02, STARS: 1
I’m not exactly sure what you want from the RX-8 that isn’t the engine. Hard top, half doors and back seats: those are features in a RWD roadster?
How good would this car be with the an S2000 be engine ?
There, I fixed it for you.
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
02/29/2016 at 10:04, STARS: 3
Nice piece, really enjoyable to read! :)
And don’t forget the most important part of owning a rotary. Don’t go over 3000rpm as long as the engine is not warm!!! EVER! (You can technically go a bit over that, but better be safe than sorry lol...)
I think it is the absolute most important advice one can get when first owning a rotary. IF you live in a cold place during winter, like Montreal or Oslo or whatever) and your car sleeps outside, don’t buy a rotary too, plain and simple. You will go through engines like porn star through condoms.
"HaruFire" (gsben89)
02/29/2016 at 10:05, STARS: 0
I would love to have an RX-8 with a decently powered and reliable V6 with a 6-speed hooked up.
With that being said I had a 1991 RX-7 and loved it.
"Cowpieapex" (elmowatt)
02/29/2016 at 10:05, STARS: 1
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
The experience of owning and driving a Wankle powered vehicle is in several ways more unique than driving a diesel. In fact it bares the opposite distinction compared to a conventional gasoline engine.
I had a ‘74 Rotary truck in a time when mini trucks were notorious for being tinny and underpowered. I made a routine of blowing away unsuspecting muscle car drivers. There was something sweet about slipping that truck from low to drive at 60mph and having it lift it’s nose for the surge to 100.
"nerd_racing" (nerd189)
02/29/2016 at 10:06, STARS: 2
you forgot step 5 where you go home to your redneck lover...
"HaruFire" (gsben89)
02/29/2016 at 10:08, STARS: 1
I've heard the engines go one of 2 ways. People make it to 150k without an issue or replace engines every 50k.
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 10:08, STARS: 2
Thanks for the advice. I wasn’t happy with the finished layout of this artcile, but after 4 days of transferring and editing the layout from my original word file (I write my posts in my free-time at work where I can’t Kinja), I just gave up and posted it with a ‘Close enough’ attitude. Working with the Kinja editor isn’t the most cooperative sometimes. Plus I totally admit that I’m very much an amateur at this stuff. I do write a lot at work, but it’s a ‘just the facts’ style that I have to follow there.
And yeah, the RX-8 can be pretty awesome, but you have to work at it. That’s really the main point I’m trying to get across in this article. I totally understand all the negativity and horror-stories that the RX-8 gets, but for people like myself, it wasn’t enough to scare me off and I have an even greater appreciation of driving and working on cars than I had before.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
02/29/2016 at 10:09, STARS: 2
redneck lover = sister/cousin , right?
"Bob" (rjjablo)
02/29/2016 at 10:10, STARS: 0
My Brother in Law put a smallblock Ford in his kids 1st Gen RX7 after the kid grenaded the motor.
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 10:11, STARS: 3
I totally forgot about the revving when cold. With everything I have done to mine, I don’t even worry about it anymore. I barely turn the key and it fires right up. I’ll add that in when I tweak the article a bit.
"MechaMike" (harkptooie)
02/29/2016 at 10:11, STARS: 0
As a mechanical engineer, I find the Wanker engine to be a terrible, terrible thing.
"ateamfan42" (ateamfan42)
02/29/2016 at 10:12, STARS: 3
Although an RX series car with anything but a rotary wouldn’t really be an RX car, I do see your point.
A few years ago I was paddocked at an autocross with my MS6 next to an RX-8, and the other driver and I were discussing our cars. She mentioned how nice my engine would perform in her RX-8, and I of course was envious of her car’s great chassis that was so much more responsive than my heavy sedan.
It is a challenge to make a car that is good at everything. :)
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 10:12, STARS: 3
I’m a rotary fanatic through-and-through, but I would have loved to drive a turbo-MZR RX-8. That would have been awesome.
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 10:14, STARS: 0
Totally forgot about this. I remember that the Shinka had the ‘softer’ suspension, but forgot that they added the foam too. I drove one Shinka and I do remember it being nicer. I thought it was just because it only had 15k miles on it.
"Scaggnetti" (Scaggnetti)
02/29/2016 at 10:14, STARS: 0
These cars are awesome once you LS swap them.
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 10:16, STARS: 0
Well if you do ever buy one, just remember this article. I definitely think RX-8 ownership is much better when you are prepared and educated for it.
"Rockchops" (rockchops)
02/29/2016 at 10:17, STARS: 0
When you are looking to buy an RX8 make sure it starts WARM, not cold. A low compression engine on these will start just fine when it is cold but will not restart immediately once it is up to temp and is shut off. Trust me...it's why I need to do my fill ups right after starting the car rather than after I come home.
"Jon Cote" (joncote1)
02/29/2016 at 10:19, STARS: 4
On my second RX8 now.... I’m a total fanboy, but I too advise basically everyone AGAINST owning one. My first one was sold to CarMax at 140k with what was essentially a blown motor, but it would start and run. Then, the Mazda dealership I work for had a PEACH traded in with 31k on one of our first launch edition ND miata’s, and I personally know the lead tech that is VERY WELL schooled in the RX8's quirks and fixes... so I jumped on it at a wholesale number.
Absolutely LOVE the RX8, but not for everyone, or even close at all really.
"SgtFancypants" (sgtfancypants)
02/29/2016 at 10:20, STARS: 1
Recovered rotary owner here. I’ve owned two FC RX-7s. What I hate about Mazda is that they build the best, worst cars I’ll never want to own (again). On e of my dream cars has been the FD RX-7, which is even more finicky than the RX-8 (probably). I have the same feelings about the RX-8 you do, it’s an amazing machine I fell in love with..... that I can’t bring myself to buy. Also, all you need to do a compression test is a standard compression meter. You need to modify the check valve so the gauge resets automatically, and you need to disconnect the fuel pump. After that, I believe you pull one of the plugs for that rotor and just turn it over and observe the gauge.
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 10:20, STARS: 1
I understand. I own a ‘16 STi as well. While the STi is faster and roomier, better put together, and overall better, I still enjoy my RX-8 more when the nice weather comes out.
A 1.5 hour commute in an RX-8 had to be much more expensive than the FoST as well.
"notsomethingstructural" (notsomethingstructural)
02/29/2016 at 10:21, STARS: 4
The RX-8 is one of a very, very small number cars that I test drove and was, like, aroused. Not fearful of launching it sideways, not underwhelmed, not impatiently waiting for turbo. It was like the Macbook Pro of cars where it all just fit together and had a purpose. But a Macbook Pro with the longevity of a netbook.
On the far other end of the spectrum, the Rotary Community (capitalized) is more pious than Vatican City. I tried to read RX-8 forums and stuff to see if it was for me (I debated looking for an ‘04 I knew would fail the compression test), but I had to be dragged unconscious from my desk two days later since I was asphyxiated on smug.
But I think you hit the sweet spot, here. Helpful but not “over the top” as rotards are prone to do. I bookmarked this in case I ever want to go back to look for one, because that test drive is among my most memorable. Thanks.
"CalBearsFan99" (calbearsfan99)
02/29/2016 at 10:22, STARS: 0
I test drove one in 2005, settled on a Legacy GT instead. Funny thing, after a spirited drive with the sales rep, I parked it back at the dealership, smoke was coming from the engine bay, and the guy literally said, “don’t worry, it’s supposed to do that.”
...
"Tim the KNinja" (timtheninja)
02/29/2016 at 10:25, STARS: 1
I bought one of these a few years back with some “minor power issues” whenever it was warm outside.
Still not sure what that issue was, but at least two of the oil injections lines were plugged up, rendering one of the rotors oil-less, and at that point (it had about 125k miles), the damage had been done. I revved it one time and when it came down from the high rev, it died. I couldn’t start it. I’d blown the apex seals to hell. I had it rebuilt, and the rotor housings had to be replaced due to excessive scoring, probably due to low oil and lots of carbon.
So now I have a Sohn, catch can, and all new intake and exhaust. I still premix every now and then and rev it up to the nines.
I love my 8. Hell, I have it in my little user image. It’s an absolute blast to drive. But I tell people to stay the hell away from them. I may have gotten it for a steal, but I think I still ended up paying a total of $7500 on repairs and maintenance.
"jtso" (jtso)
02/29/2016 at 10:25, STARS: 2
Why premix if you are already using 2 stroke oil with the Sohn adapter?
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
02/29/2016 at 10:26, STARS: 2
I have to say I’ve never understood the brouhaha people make about the oil consumption. I put an extra quart in once or twice between oil changes. I’m sure it takes more if you drive it more or harder, but still, it’s not all that much. I think the myths about these things being such high maintenance are like campfire horror stories.
"OldManMcKenna" (oldmanmckenna)
02/29/2016 at 10:27, STARS: 2
If you look at the engine as an expendable wear item vs. something that is to be worshiped and coddled, you’ll never be disappointed.
RX8 engine rebuilds cost about as much as a timing belt job at a [SoCal] dealer for a B7 Audi A4 ($1000+), and typically need to be done at around the same frequency 80,000 - 100,000 miles.
Or you could just do what I did - buy “JDM” engines & transmissions on ebay, sell the accessories and transmission, pull your old engine, swap parts over, then sell your old core for $100-200. After everything sells, you’re typically left with about a $1000 net cost for an engine that’ll last you another 3 - 4 years depending on how bad it was when you got it.
Also, damn you AkursedX, now I’m surfing Craigslist again for 8's with smoked engines.
"nerd_racing" (nerd189)
02/29/2016 at 10:31, STARS: 0
not always.
"Ninety-9" (ninety-9)
02/29/2016 at 10:31, STARS: 4
“ an RX-8 is like a metal-dorito-whirling-time-bomb just waiting to blow up someone’s wallet, time, and general love of automobiles.”
Clearly spoken by someone who’s never owned an M-series.
While you probably have a spare rotary sitting in your garage, possibly preventing a stack of papers from blowing away, or god forbid you have to spend a day and a half rebuilding the 2 moving parts in your engine, I have this $26,000 time bomb lurking under my hood (my car isn’t even worth $26k, anymore):
"TooManyCarsMike" (mikeadamsjr)
02/29/2016 at 10:35, STARS: 9
best way to make it more reliable, LS swap it.
"Garlos Chosn (in honor of Mergio Sarchionne)" (amayadam)
02/29/2016 at 10:41, STARS: 0
Looks like my cheap dream car is out of the window
I live in an apartment in Pittsburgh
"ZunesForBaboons" (wesleysniper)
02/29/2016 at 10:42, STARS: 0
F20/22's are notoriously high strung motor, nobody makes a “reliable” (gas and go) motor that revs to 9k+ and makes over 100hp/liter NA.
"syaieya" (syaieya)
02/29/2016 at 10:43, STARS: 1
Any entry level rotary guide is appreciated. So often rotaries are sold with a huge list of mods but rarely the why is covered. And quite a bit of the buyers guide information is just see this page that hasn been overhauled in a decade.
I will concur though, the R3 seems to be the 8 of choice. And even if the fuel economy and oil usage arent great i figure some old mercedes habits will make dealing with that a minimal change.
"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
02/29/2016 at 10:46, STARS: 4
When I worked at a Mazda dealer these were the bane of our rotary tech’s existence. Pretty sure they are what drove him to drink, and retire from working on cars at 50something years old, looking like he was in his 70's.
I was there through the updated battery and starter packages, the first de-flooding procedure (when they WANTED you to use ATF to burn off the carbon and unburnt fuel, now they say to use washer solvent), the warranty extensions, all of that. We also did a LOT of free maintenance to the first RX-8 owners that were lied to about power output.
I will say this, 90% of the engines that went bad were saddled with the automatic trans. Seems they were less likely to be revved, and more likely to be owned by non-enthusiasts.
We did see a couple 120k+ mile RX-8s on their original engines. That was a pleasure.
We also got to deal with some really dumb customers that had “just bought it” and were expecting a cheap sporty car. Yet when started, it cranked and cranked and cranked like an engine with no spark plugs in it.
I also want to add another issue to look out for, though it is a minor one: The GT’s with the automatic height adjustable headlamps use sensors on the suspension connected by tiny little sway-bar link looking things, They are not available separately from the sensors, and cost $500+ each to replace when they rot off and break. Which they did a lot of up here in WI.
Speaking of rust, I want to add a MAJOR concern: Oil cooler lines. They are expensive, hard to replace, and rot out in the rust belt.
That’s all that I can think of that I didn’t see mentioned elsewhere.
I’d love to have one someday but I agree, DON’T. Unless you can find a really nice one that JUST had a motor replaced.
"mycarneverruns87" (mycarneverruns87)
02/29/2016 at 10:47, STARS: 1
This is a damn fine article sir! I have debated the RX8 for a while and you have highlighted the issues I have heard of and really put to bed any doubts I had that I would be ready for one. I have always felt these cars are very budget friendly for the initial purchase due to non-enthusiasts not understanding them and treating them as such which is good for me. I am actually buying an 86 RX7 very soon and if I enjoy that car I will likely own an RX8 in the future just for fun. Thank you for the good read!
"JNova" (jnova)
02/29/2016 at 10:48, STARS: 0
Where was that black rx-8? I have some friends who bought a black one that had been sitting for a long time and turned it into a lemons car. They got LOTS of penalty laps haha.
"HideyoshiJP" (HideyoshiJP)
02/29/2016 at 10:49, STARS: 0
I didn’t get through everything as I have to get to work, but two things:
Can you deflood just by holding down the gas pedal, like an RX-7?
Nice RPF1s! It’s true; they look good on everything.
"TommyKar" (tommykar)
02/29/2016 at 10:49, STARS: 0
My ‘81 RX-7, like a go-cart, and so much rotary fun.
"Tom McParland" (tommcparland)
02/29/2016 at 10:52, STARS: 1
I believe it is still for sale in South Jersey at a place called Lloyd’s Country Custard in Egg Harbor Twp.
"fun4turbo" (fun4turbo)
02/29/2016 at 10:56, STARS: 0
When these came out I ran a local branch of a car rental company. I was so jealous because the local Hertz had a fleet of RX-8's. They were a franchised location, not corporate owned, so I don’t know if they were anywhere else in the Hertz fleet besides where I was.
I worked in rental, so I wouldn’t rule out buying a former rental car under certain circumstances-but a RX-8 that was a rental would be a huge no for me. Plus, they were all automatics anyway.
"RabidWombat88" (rabidwombat88)
02/29/2016 at 10:57, STARS: 2
I tried for a year to get a nice RX8 to replace my Miata, checked about a dozen out in person and each one had major issues or a terifyingly oblivious owner. Very cool cars though, if they’d only had a few less issues they’d be just about the perfect sporty DD for the typical 30 year old car guy. Ended up with an MK6 GTI (‘14), still miss RWD and Mazda repairs costs.
"Sissyfoot" (sissyfoot)
02/29/2016 at 10:58, STARS: 1
Hey, thanks. This was kind of fun. I’ve had my ‘05 GT since 2008. I should pass 60k early this track season.
I haven’t been sold on premix. I can read all the debates I want, but there’s no real science showing that it helps. The car needs to be topped off with oil anyway. I’m convinced that if a separate tank would have really helped, Mazda would have done it.
I have a 100cpi DaveSport cat on my car. It’s tiny. Also, no check engine light with it, unlike complete cat removal.
The S2 transmission is fantastic. I bought one from Mazdaspeed last winter and spent all last season with it. The S1 transmission is a constant headache and a distraction on the track. Put in an S2, never worry about it again. Mazda fixed that problem right.
It really is a fabulous, but very flawed, car. I have no idea how long I’ll have mine. We might be stuck together for a long time to come. :)
"Truedetective" (truedetective)
02/29/2016 at 11:01, STARS: 1
Always had a deep desire for an rx-8 but the problems scared me away. Sounds like an awesome car when everything is running right.
"Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction" (rustholes-are-weight-reduction)
02/29/2016 at 11:10, STARS: 1
Nice write up!
I recognized myself in the first lines. Everything feels so natural in this car.
The seating position is excellent, everything you need just falls in your hand, the steering gives you the best feedback I have ever experienced, and the ride is firm but not to the point to be uncomfortable.
My first one was a black on red 190HP version in perfect condition, which I crashed 2 months after buying it (it returned the favor). I currently have a red on red 230HP version, it was rough when I bought it. I rebuild the engine, street ported it, put a Sohn adapter on it, changed the transmission when it imploded. I absolutely love/hate it.
I considered selling it multiple times, but every time I drive it I think to myself: WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS?
"axiomatik" (axiomatik)
02/29/2016 at 11:11, STARS: 1
Very nice article. I think you hit all the major important points in a nice, succinct and entertaining manner. I have a 2011 RX-8 myself, bought new in the summer of 2012. Less than 40k miles on it, no issues besides regular maintenance so far. Haven’t seen any signs of weak ignition yet, though I think ignition packs were one of the revisions made for the S2.
It’s an absolute joy to drive, and I love winding up the engine on country roads. It isn’t a muscle car, and I think a lot of people get turned off by that; they look at the styling and expect to stomp on the gas pedal and be pinned to their seat. It’s just not that kind of car. It’s a car for taking windy mountain roads, keep the revs up and connect the curves, and it is sublime.
"James May is my spirit animal" (wvcycling)
02/29/2016 at 11:12, STARS: 0
**** YOUTUBE
"Hector P. Malawicz Jr." (sloanbj)
02/29/2016 at 11:13, STARS: 0
One can imagine the Mazda would be an exciting upgrade from the Fiero. In about 2003 I tried to test drive a brand new RX-8 but the Texas dealer which I visited could not start the engine on a single vehicle in stock. I took that as an omen and bought an IS300 instead.
"James May is my spirit animal" (wvcycling)
02/29/2016 at 11:13, STARS: 0
Redneck lover + The Smoking Tire = a lady with a lot of miles on her..... equivalent to the million mile lexus?
"DadsChevy" (DadsChevy)
02/29/2016 at 11:18, STARS: 1
Man, I really miss mine. Sadly with less than a 1000 miles on a fresh rebuilt motor it got demolished.
Just the other day I caught myself looking at ones on Autotrader now that the lease is almost up on the Volt....but sadly I’ll likely do the more responsible thing and get another Volt.
BTW, I also used to own a Fiero and loved it too; I always viewed the RX-8 as a more refined version.
"Ford 999" (kylerohde)
02/29/2016 at 11:24, STARS: 0
Not a big fan of recommending people cut out emissions devices but a great guide otherwise.
"Vintage1982Benz" (vintage1982benz)
02/29/2016 at 11:24, STARS: 7
I also have a Blipshift problem habit. Just got a shipping notification on this one, and I’m more excited about this shirt than any I’ve ordered in the past.
https://www.blipshift.com/products/close…
"Meatcoma" (mastapoof)
02/29/2016 at 11:31, STARS: 1
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
I lol’d because I’m immature.
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
02/29/2016 at 11:32, STARS: 1
I long for an rx8 but I know I’m not ocd enough to daily one and that’s saying something cause my ocd is pretty out there. But if it was a third/weekend car I’d love to pick one up
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 11:33, STARS: 0
I could imagine that the dealerships and techs came to despise these cars with experiences like that. And thanks for the info about oil cooler lines and the headlight bars. Although mine is from MI and I now live in Buffalo, it is a fair-weather car only and it will certainly stay that way. I would imagine it’s pretty much an engine-removal to replace most of the lines.
"Matthew Newberg" (New123)
02/29/2016 at 11:37, STARS: 1
Given how often dealerships overfilled the oil in the RX8, they should of included an oil catch can from the factory.
Pre-Mix system would of been nice as well, but an oil catch system would of been cheap, and save a lot of $130+ dollar spark plug sets.
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 11:37, STARS: 2
But I think you hit the sweet spot, here. Helpful but not “over the top” as rotards are prone to do. I bookmarked this in case I ever want to go back to look for one, because that test drive is among my most memorable. Thanks.
Thank you! This is really what I was hoping to achieve. I really wanted to express my passion for my RX-8, but to not pretend like it’s the greatest thing ever.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
02/29/2016 at 11:39, STARS: 0
My thoughts exactly, the RX-8 would be brilliant with a torquey reliable piston engine.
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 11:39, STARS: 1
I have considered selling my RX-8 here and there but it’s more because of my automotive ADD than anything. That said, the only way I could see myself selling it is to buy an R3, but even then, I’d just keep my ‘04 as a track car and buy a winter-beater (something I’m actually thinking about right now...)
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 11:42, STARS: 6
Thanks. A good part of the reason I wrote this was because with RX8's being so cheap, a lot of younger people will start buying them because of that low initial purchase-cost only to be inundated with all kinds of problems that they don’t have the money or know-how to fix. When that happens to people who are first getting into cars it’s real easy to hang up that passion and find a new hobby.
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 11:43, STARS: 0
Me too!
"Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction" (rustholes-are-weight-reduction)
02/29/2016 at 11:44, STARS: 0
Same thing, when I think of selling it, the second thought is: to get what? What could be better?
"AkursedX" (akursedx)
02/29/2016 at 11:44, STARS: 2
I have a co-worker with an LS-swapped Nova who also had an LS-swapped Miata. I hear this on a regular basis, haha.
"secretlife" (secretlife)
02/29/2016 at 11:45, STARS: 1
I was so, so close to buying one back in 2006 (Ended up getting an Audi TT instead) and am glad I didn’t. The design has just aged so poorly. If the Plymouth Prowler screams “’90s X-TREME LOOKING Car!” at the top of its lungs, the RX-8 screams “Early 2000s!” even louder.
"put-some-turbo-on-meeeee" (put-some-turbo-on-meeeee)
02/29/2016 at 11:49, STARS: 0
Also make sure to run premium fuel. Detonation from low-octane gas could result it broken apex seals rather quickly.
I’ve always heard the opposite.
My understanding is that the design trade-offs of a rotary favor low-octane fuel. The relative coolness of the intake side of the engine and low compression ratio discourage pre-ignition, and the fuel has a very short time to burn before the exhaust valve opens.
"protodad" (protodad)
02/29/2016 at 11:50, STARS: 2
Great post, hit the high points (Sohn, BRH packs). I would also recommend getting on your back and checking out the insanely weak clutch pedal bracket for damage and either have it reinforced or buy a better made one. This made my drive home from purchasing one very aggravating (combined with a carbon-carbon clutch...).
"protodad" (protodad)
02/29/2016 at 11:52, STARS: 0
2nd gear is a huge put off. 3rd however and the whole car starts to make sense.
"ahelmus" (ahelmus)
02/29/2016 at 11:52, STARS: 2
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
This! So much this!! In fact, if you’re considering an RX8, this should be an absolute. Pay for it in full if you have to. Just do it.
Also, I wouldn’t touch an RX8 with an engine replacement and low mileage. When Mazda replaced these engines under warranty, they weren’t replaced with new engines, but re-manufactured engines. You’ll often hear the term “reman”. Essentially all of the failed engines went to a plant where they were disassembled and all parts tested for tolerances/specs. “Within-spec” parts would then be re-used.
Often, these “new” engines would fail again within a short period of time.
This is why you’ll find many RX8's on their third of fourth engine. They are dime a dozen.
Also, stay away from any RX8 that the owner says was “babied” or “not ever driven hard.” These examples will likely have tons of carbon build-up. Buy from an enthusiast who revs the piss out of it from time to time.
I’m speaking from experience, of course. I purchased a 70k mile RX8 three years ago. Had good compression. Had the original engine. I’ve been driving the piss out of it every day since, and it’s been the most reliable car (ironically) that I’ve ever owned.
"Balls to the Walls" (tiderfish)
02/29/2016 at 12:01, STARS: 0
Rotary fanatic here. I have had several RX-7s and the method to clearing a flooded engine is to press the gas pedal all the way to the floor, then crank. This is for the fuel injected FCs but may work for others. You can also remove the EFI fuse under the hood, and crank for a while.
My first 7 would flood when moving short distances, as I didn’t know this was standard fare for rotaries, I took it back to the small-lot salesman, and he installed a fuel cutoff switch. That switch came in handy as a theft deterrent. Until I had work done at a bodyshop. They had the car 2 weeks longer than anticipated. They finally called me and asked if my car had a fuel shutoff switch. I said “yes” and they told me they had pulled half the engine bay apart trying find the problem! The switch was under the steering wheel, and would be flipped when someone got in by their right knee brushing it. After that, the car never ran the same...
"96Formula6spd" (96Formula6spd)
02/29/2016 at 12:10, STARS: 0
I have been still staring at some cheap roller rx8. $1000 shells would make excellent Ls candidates. I know of a ls rx8 and it was cheaper to swap than it was to rebuild the rotary. 20city 32 highway mph and 400hp on tap makes it an awesome swap. Maybe my next car should be one.
"notsomethingstructural" (notsomethingstructural)
02/29/2016 at 12:10, STARS: 0
You got it. But by the way though, I think the extended warranty is only 8 years/100k.
"Michael Cohen" (hofmeisterkinky)
02/29/2016 at 12:19, STARS: 1
Except for guys who add forced induction, the S2000 engines are reliable.
"Michael Cohen" (hofmeisterkinky)
02/29/2016 at 12:22, STARS: 0
Either I’m not understanding you or vice versa. I’m saying the RX-8 package Lois awesome if you want a sportscar with back seats and a hard top. I just wish it was reliable—which it would be with the S2000 power plant.
As for the S2000, it's perfect if you want two seats and and a rag top.
"-408-" (408abel)
02/29/2016 at 12:22, STARS: 1
I have no love for the RX-8 and obviously no plans on ever getting one. But I found this article very informative and actually read the whole thing start to finish. Good read! Thank you.
"CP2" (CP2)
02/29/2016 at 12:27, STARS: 1
me too. I end up getting every rotary related item they offer. though for this one, I opted for a poster...to put on my sub basement office wall.