View Full Version : Is the switch worth it 04- 09? E85?
heyarnold69 12-27-2009, 11:15 AM I was just wondering if it would be worth it to get a series 2 now or wait for the 16x?
I really love many (not all) of the improvements but there is still the overwhelming issue of power, efficiency and reliability.
Mainly - Has the Gen 2 fixed or at least mainly fixed the issue of keeping the seals lubricated? Also what about boost applications?
Also is there any indication that the 09 - 10 will run on e 85?
For me cost is a huge issue -- E-85 seems to be a excellent solution (0.65 less per gal. (91 octane))
You could wait...but...I have this funny feeling that the 8 will continue, styling change, even 4 doors...and the RENNY II will remain...that is the 13B Renny II..
Could be wrong, but, reading between the lines, Mazda wants to replace the 8, but the 16X is even more thirstier than the Renny, my source has told me Mazda just can not get the Direct Injection to preform as well as their present fuel delivery systems...
They will not release a NA 16X because it will use more gas...NO GOOD!...
So we are stuck with the GREAT Renny 2..
Frankly, feck the 16X, I don't like the idea of Aluminum Side Housings anyway.
Again IMO they will give Mazda more "reliability issues"..which this engine just can not afford...anymore.
Plus, Mazda are waiting to see how the 09's are going "reliability wise".
Yes, IMO the Gen 2 has fixed the Apex Seal Lubrication...it is the best system Mazda has ever had.
Not sure about E85, if you are that miserly about the cost of gas the 8 is not for you...
TeamRX8 01-01-2010, 03:57 AM you'll be waiting a looong time for the little engine that can't ....
LPCOKIE 01-01-2010, 08:26 AM i was having the same thoughts. but i was afraid i would never be able to get another one if i waited. bottom line is, this is a car i can live with for a long time. if mazda dosnt come out with another 7 or 8 i am still happy.
olddragger 01-01-2010, 09:17 PM i would but 09/10 rx8--it seems that those models are holding up?
If you want the future--transplant the 09 renny engine into the mx 5:)
OD
Flashwing 01-01-2010, 09:21 PM The cost for an E85 conversion as well as the increased fuel cost will be way more than if you simply stuck with gasoline.
While E85 might be cheaper, it's propped up by government subsidies (which you never know if/when they will stick around) and the fuel is less dense so it takes more of it to do the same job. Unless you're looking for a max performance vehicle E85 will never be as good. It's primary quality is it's very detonation resistant.
i would but 09/10 rx8--it seems that those models are holding up?
If you want the future--transplant the 09 renny engine into the mx 5:)
OD
How very true you are OD...
I think this will be the new rotary, same platform as the new ND MX-5 in 2011 with a RENNY II engine, so it will be light...
PM you OD
StealthTL 01-01-2010, 09:30 PM I don't even think E85 will be around long - it's just not sustainable. I mean that from a government perspective, not some 'green' point of view - they are subsidizing it too much, and they will soon realise it's just a loser.....
(However, anyone who runs a methanol injection system should be filling their MEOH tanks with E85, it's the best deal in town!)
Symbioticgenius 01-09-2010, 05:53 AM E85 has nothing to do with cost. Even though you don't see it at the pump, the fact that you fill up more often offsets its lowered cost. In my opinion the best use for E85 is its detonation resistance for boosted applications, its cleansing properties for all applications, and lower engine temps (huge for track days). There are a few threads on the subject on 7club. Definitely look into them.
Lubrication is definitely better, Premix FTW, but its not as necessary.
No clue about boost yet.
To correctly answer your third question, there is no indication that E85 wont work. For NA purposes, bigger injectors and a stronger fuel pump should be all thats needed, the ECU will adjust fuel trims on its own. For Turbo apps, it suffers from the Computer aspect. Most of the ECUs preferred here don't work directly with an S2 Rx8, although with more money spent I'm sure Microtech or Haltech can get something for you.
To Recap, E85 is best used for Reliability, wouldn't use it to save money, then again, more reliability offers less in repairs.
Lastly, I hope E85 does last... now you got me worried lol.
More on the 16X...
I also read (net) that Mazda are not happy with the Mid Range Performance , nor are they happy with Peak RPM...
TeamRX8 01-09-2010, 04:03 PM http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=73061
alnielsen 01-09-2010, 05:24 PM How available is E85 in your area. They are more plentyful here in the midwest. But Georgia, according to an E85 website ( http://www.e85refueling.com/ ), only has 3 stations in the whole state. The reduction in gas mileage that you get with E85 will mean you will have to fill more often.
I'm also afraid of that much alcohol washing away the oil that is there to lubricate the seals in the engine.
TeamRX8 01-09-2010, 05:37 PM There are oils you can add to the fuel just like pre-mix, but in general it's not regarded to be a rotary engine issue
it looks to me like a simple injector modifier setup (just a black box with harness that mounts between the injectors and OE harness that alters pulse width and a ground wire) can work on a stock RX-8 with the fuel pump and injectors working properly and it's switchable between running regular gasoline and E85 :dunno:
.
heyarnold69 01-09-2010, 06:59 PM The plan is to have 2 cobb maps /// one for e 85 second for 91 octane
Symbioticgenius 01-10-2010, 05:05 AM Keep in mind Cobb doesn't work for S2's and I wouldn't expect it anytime soon.
I'm not really sure how to say this, but are there still places that don't have above 87 Oct Gas?
The reason I ask is because if you ever take a road trip it might be worth it to have the tune setup for that. I think it might be safer to tune for 87, and run 91 than to tune for 91 and be forced to run 87 in the middle of nowhere.
Chad D. 01-10-2010, 09:20 AM I would use E85 in my old FD if I still had it. Like mentioned already, and on the 7 site, it applies to a Forced Ingection System very well but our NA X's would prefer a good dose of 94. (with some 2cycle in it!)
TeamRX8 01-10-2010, 01:34 PM You will make more power on E85 for sure, probably could set the NA Renesis power record with it and the right parts on a solid engine, but you'll need to upgrade the fuel system if you intend to use a Cobb.
invasion08 01-10-2010, 03:54 PM I have yet to see a gas station that has E85
nycgps 01-10-2010, 07:11 PM Shit, Im actually thinking the same thing (trade my 05 Shinka to 09 R3)
lol
Cuz for some reason I think Mazda will not be able to come out with a "good, working, reliable" 16X anytime soon. at least not for another 4-5 years.
and there are too many "known, and it will happen" issue that has been fixed in Series II.
dont know man ....
Razz1 01-11-2010, 11:16 PM ha ha... wait until you have transmission problem with the new series.
And you have to look at a Fukn ugly fromt smile and jeep wheel every day.
Have 20,000 KMS (12K Miles) with No Transmission problem so far..
Looks, I think my car looks Fantastic, in fact when I see an S1 to me it looks a little old looking, much depends on the colour for both Series..
We don't have E85...only E10 if you are lucky to find it!
nycgps 01-12-2010, 09:20 AM Well, I think S1 have far more transmission problem than S2.
but it might have something to do with the amount of S1 vs S2 (40K vs maybe ... not even 3k?)
They updated the Transmission for a reason ... same thing for EMOP, fuel Pump, etc ...
As for the Looks, well, again, they changed it for a reason, it improved the aerodynamics ... it improved the oil cooler efficiency ... etc.
Smily face ... well, it looks kinda weird at first, but I think Im ok for now ...
Dont have E85 in NYC ... we have E10 ... which I f-ing hate ... tree hugger think its helpful ...
The "jeep" wheel ... well ... I think it depends on what body color you pick .. Blue I think will be ok with it ...
I was checking the Stock around and I found a couple of 2009 R3 left ... If its still there by April I might restore my car back to stock except for Flywheel and trade it in ... who knows.
seadooman 01-16-2010, 07:45 AM Bought an 09 in October with 4k on it at a great price. Gotta say I love it. Can't really compare to an S1 as I never had one but glad to hear of all the improvements they made in S2 over S1 as noted in various threads in these forums. Absolutely love the styling - the subtle changes over S1 make a world of difference imo.
No problems so far - knock on wood. Well, did have slight problem with the Sat radio - known issue, mazda tech bulletin, needed a reset.
Now at 10K and running it through the winter. Again without any issues other than shifting is stiff when cold takes a bit of work - mostly from 1 to 2. Again, this is well known. Keep in mind I live where it gets real cold.
Symbioticgenius 01-16-2010, 07:55 AM Yo NYCGPS, there is a spot on rt 109 and another on 107 (or Jerusalem ave I forget) here in LI. Not even that far from queens bro. Just FYI
plain ole wanker 01-16-2010, 10:31 AM Now at 10K and running it through the winter. Again without any issues other than shifting is stiff when cold takes a bit of work - mostly from 1 to 2. Again, this is well known. Keep in mind I live where it gets real cold.
Same here by the way excellent color choice.:icon_tup:
nycgps 01-16-2010, 07:05 PM Yo NYCGPS, there is a spot on rt 109 and another on 107 (or Jerusalem ave I forget) here in LI. Not even that far from queens bro. Just FYI
Those were the ones I was talking about :)
If they're still here by April .... I might ... :SHOCKED:
but I dont know, I feel kinda proud being a S1 owner so ... Argh ! tough choice ...
Symbioticgenius 01-16-2010, 09:13 PM You said E10 though, they have E85
TeamRX8 01-16-2010, 10:21 PM it would make less sense to drop 30 large for a new R3
nycgps 01-17-2010, 08:47 AM You said E10 though, they have E85
you should know all pumps we got are E10 (10% or less Ethanol)
They have E85 in Long Island? I didn't know that. never seen that in the city
it would make less sense to drop 30 large for a new R3
Hmm, might be true but -------
if I can talk them down to something like, say, 22-24K, cuz dude, its 2010 already, they have 2010 on the lot PLUS 2009. so it shouldn't be too hard for me to get them down to 22-24K range. Plus Factory incentives + trade ins (probably not a lot). might be able to go OTD with something less than 20K
Will have to see.
TeamRX8 01-17-2010, 02:31 PM The only thing a new RX-8 can guarantee you is debt. There's no guarantee that it won't have problems and you'll probably mod it anyways. How far can that money go towards repairs and mods on your S1?
Ps: your Dad made me say all that
Symbioticgenius 01-17-2010, 04:59 PM Yeah, I know all stations have 10% ethanol, which is why I was confused you mentioned it, I think that's an accepted thing nowadays so no one really thinks about it.
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=DSe&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=sunergy+gas+stations+new+york&fb=1&gl=us&hq=sunergy+gas+stations&hnear=new+york&cid=1556752605186255839
Thats where I go, and there are two more, Ive seen. There are a few sites with listings, but they aren't too comprehensive.
http://e85vehicles.com/e85-newyork.htm
thats the best one I've found so far, and its still missing 3 of them I know off hand.
Best way to plan this out, find a few E85 Stations in your area\ common areas of travel. If there is one close enough\ or enough of them. Then consider E85. Keep in mind your job\gym\other common areas too (find one close to it, or in between work and home).
Razz1 01-17-2010, 08:10 PM umm.... E85 wil make you use 30% more fuel. That's not a cost savings.
Look at it this way... If you get 14 to 18 MPG now, that would be equalivelent to 9.8 to 12.6 MPG
Plus the inconvience of alway going to the gas station.
nycgps 01-17-2010, 11:43 PM The only thing a new RX-8 can guarantee you is debt. There's no guarantee that it won't have problems and you'll probably mod it anyways. How far can that money go towards repairs and mods on your S1?
Ps: your Dad made me say all that
hmm, well, you have a point. 20,15, even just 10K can get me lotzamodz :)
thats why Im "thinking" about it.
and for the record. I pay all my bills. even rent. Well, if I get it my parents will bitch for sure ... so ... maybe I should give them the money instead ? :)
Yeah, I know all stations have 10% ethanol, which is why I was confused you mentioned it, I think that's an accepted thing nowadays so no one really thinks about it.
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=DSe&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=sunergy+gas+stations+new+york&fb=1&gl=us&hq=sunergy+gas+stations&hnear=new+york&cid=1556752605186255839
Thats where I go, and there are two more, Ive seen. There are a few sites with listings, but they aren't too comprehensive.
http://e85vehicles.com/e85-newyork.htm
thats the best one I've found so far, and its still missing 3 of them I know off hand.
Best way to plan this out, find a few E85 Stations in your area\ common areas of travel. If there is one close enough\ or enough of them. Then consider E85. Keep in mind your job\gym\other common areas too (find one close to it, or in between work and home).
I hate Ethanol. It sucks.
I bet most people never read any of those stickers on the pump.
E85 ... Argh ... Im not gonna try that in my 8. and I think one day it will disappear on the market.
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