That the majority of people who own RX8's aren't really rotary enthusiasts at all....Do you guys feel this way? I own an RX7 and ever time I see an 8 I appreciate it for the motor....But when I look at the driver, they never seem like a person who would give a flaming flip about a rotary motor. I'm sure if you are on this forum you probably are into modding your 8...But seems most people who drive them just want to get from point A to B...and that's ok.

I don't know where i was going with this but whatdda y'all think?

I'm sure there are a lot of both on here. I'm kinda in the middle, I love the Rotary and know a lot about it. I do like the way my car looks tho and don't plan on changing that aspect of it(Well maybe I'll change my stock side skirts but that about it). As far as mechanics, I'm getting ready to have the Racing Beat Clutch, Flywheel and Pressure Plate installed late next week by RP Performance.

So, I consider myself in the middle...................................

This is my point of view also. On this forum, everyone seems to be so into their 8's and rotaries in general. I know I am a convert myself. BUT on the streets, I pass by other 8's and run into other owners, and they NEVER seem to have any enthusiasm over their car or its engine. Has always puzzled me.

Well if you can judge someone just by looking at them, good on you. No one is a rotary enthusiast without owning one first. Give people a chance.

I beep at every Rotary powered car I see on the road............... but most have no idea why I'm hitting the horn. LOL

Many at this forum know you guys are (on average), more hard core. Many RX-8 owners, like myself, are first time rotary buyers. We don't have a great deal of rotary history, but we're becoming more knowledgeable every day. I believe a great deal of 8 owners are just as passionate about the rotary as you are.

As the RX-8 is more popular than the later RX-7's ever were, the perception that 8 owners are "softer" will change as the 8's get older and more people start to mod them.

Gomez.

I don't know too much about the performance aspect of the rotary but have picked up some valuable info since I joined the forum.

Let me take you for a ride in my 8 from point A to B, and you will want to buy one for yourself. It seems that the majority, as you point out, on the RX7club forum are only into bashing us 8 owners. Maybe that is the reason behind what you have seen on the road. I guarantee you have not passed me :) I have met RX7 owners in my hometown and they are nice to me at the meetings. I waive all the time at other rotaries.

It could also be that the marketing of the RX8 did not fare well with rotarheads of old. What I mean is why there was not a turbo on the 8? And what is the automatic all about? Those are two reasons for 8 owners to get bashed.

It also depends on how old you are. The RX8 is a highly refined rotary engine. It far surpasses the 13B-REW in technology. It is a rotary for the comeback of Mazda into racing. We should ALL praise that Mazda has brought this project back to life, otherwise there would be no RX8club.com as we no it.

Hope to see you on the street,
Kevin AKA "Nemesis8"

I only bought this car for the rotary engine
I have been thru hell and back with these motors. but im staying faithful
p.s we are always gonna get a hard time by the rx7 guys
they forget that they were once the new to rotary cars.

At the light going on base I saw a silver 8 passed by I blinked my headlight je just drove off ..... maybe because he was an old fart and don't know any better snob.

This is my first rotary car. I always loved the 7s, but I couldn't afford them back then.

I think I would have bought a car that handles and looks like the 8 with a piston engine. But since getting the 8, I've learned as much about how this car works as I can. I never torn down piston engines, so I'm not going to do a lot under the hood with the 8. I won't think of any major mechanical mods while its under warranty, and another thing is that with the long time gap between the 7s and 8s, there isn't as much of an aftermarket for the engine as with piston engines.

So maybe I'm not diehard, but I think the engine is a marvel of engineering, and I love how it works.

.........
As the RX-8 is more popular than the later RX-7's ever were, the perception that 8 owners are "softer" will change as the 8's get older and more people start to mod them.

Gomez.

That's pretty much the way I see it too...I am sure when the first RX-7 hit the streets it must have been the same case. I am sure there were not many out there going "I godda get one of those rotay powered cars!" As time passed they grew to appreciate it.

Funny becuase we are hosting a meet here in OK and we have fliers we stick on cars and hand out to RX7 / 8 folks...Well, half the time I am thinking...man, this person is going to think I am some weirdo randomly inviting them to a BBQ/Meet. I just wait till I see the 8s parked and stash a flier under the wiperblade. :D

Well I think that for many people on this forum this is their first rotary car ever so the fever hasn't built up just yet.....give it time. I've had my RX8 (foirst rotary) for 9 months and I love the smooth deleviery of power and the knowledge that I am driving something totally dofferent from 98% of the people on the road. :)

One reason I don't think there are many people modding, is face it there really isn't alot of aftermarket sh!t out there that is worth a damn at this point. And alot of us probablly don't want to see or warranty disolve because we boost the car. Once there is a good amount of aftermarket stuff out there I thnk you will see alot more people do it.

My father has owned RX-2's, RX-3's, an FC and an FD RX-7. The FD was supposed to be my car, but he decided to get stingy. So you can imagine how happy I was to hear that Mazda would again release a rotary powered car. I test drove it as well as the Z and G35, and I still chose it. I come from a rotary family. We love these cars. I'm a 24 year old mixed asian/american guy. I usually wear my sunglasses when I drive, and my hair is short. So by looking at me you can tell if I'm a rotary enthusiast?

Let's turn this around then. Last week I was driving through the ritzy part of town, and pulled up next to an old white guy in an FD. I stopped to waive at him, and he looked right at me, and ignored me. And WE'RE the ones who don't appreciate these cars...

I would say we are all pretty good rotary enthusiast.It is just that you have not looked around enough.I personally have 3,and many others here have or have had several rotaries in their garage at one point in time.I think you are just generalizing a bit with you claims.

I'm a first-timer too, but I've always been curious about the rotary engines in RX-7s. Only thing holding me back was the price for used RX-7s (FD) in my area. I always wanted one so I could start exploring it, and now I have my chance. I have been doing a lot of experiments and data logging on my RX-8.

If you see me on the road, you wouldn't figure me for a rotary-head but I do wave towards drivers in other RX-8s, FB's, FC's, and FD's.

I guess if you are a long-time rotary-head, you would see us first-timers as amateurs in the field. That's ok. I also agree that we aren't getting much support from the aftermarket companies. They're all busy making stuff for Civics still.

Lastly, those clueless RX-8ers you see out there? They're just part of the early adopting phase. Most of these people don't have a clue with what they have, but they know they like the looks of the car. Once they sell it, second hand buyers will most likely modify it anyway. Same thing happened to the RX-7s in the past right?

Just wait for this early phase to go away, you'll see more enthusiasts driving RX-8s.

i honestly care more about how the car looks and drives. i couldn't care less whether rx7 guys thumb their noses at me because i'm not as passionate about the rotary.

I'm not an 'engine' enthusiast...I'm a 'car' enthusiast.

Part of the problem may be that we don't have to meet all the time to FIX our rotary engines....we drive them.

:p

:D

hehe

ill admit the fact that it was rotary had nothing to do with why i bought the car. i know cars and can appreciate the uniquness, but i bought it b/c it drives like a dream. some of that is due to the fact that its a rotary, but most is due to just plain good engineering. what gets me is that most 8s i pass appear to be driven by wives whos husband bought the car and got tired of it. overall, i dont the car is as appreciated as it should be, but give it five years and things will be different.

however, i always liked the rx7 (though ive never driven one) and saw myself owning one. i think its just that were the new generation of roatary enthusiasts, we just dont know it yet :)

I'm sure if you are on this forum you probably are into modding your 8...But seems most people who drive them just want to get from point A to B...and that's ok.

Good God, I'm having a hard time imagining anyone who would ACTUALLY want a car just to get from point A to point B! ;) Not everyone who buys a car wants to know all the minute details of their machine. That being said, I'm in the process of buying an RX-8 because I love the look of it and I hear (mostly from you guys) that it performs and handles well. I haven't decided 100% yet, I've also been looking at the Subaru WRX STI, but honestly if I choose the RX-8 it won't have anything to do with it having a rotary engine. Although, I admit I do like the idea of being unique among the rest of us.

Damn kids. ;)

Some of us have been driving (and appreciating) rotary engine cars longer than the average RX-7 club member has been alive. :) I'm going on my 25th year or rotary pleasure (FB and FC). Many of us who started off in RX-7s now have families and are more mature so priorities change. Many of us appeciate the refinement and practicality of the 8 in addition to the fun factor. We're not out to to wring out 1 more psi of boost. Not that there's anything wrong with boost. :D

Look at the satisfaction polls and the "little things" thread and you'll find lots of enthusiasts.

Good God, I'm having a hard time imagining anyone who would ACTUALLY want a car just to get from point A to point B! ;) Not everyone who buys a car wants to know all the minute details of their machine. That being said, I'm in the process of buying an RX-8 because I love the look of it and I hear (mostly from you guys) that it performs and handles well. I haven't decided 100% yet, I've also been looking at the Subaru WRX STI, but honestly if I choose the RX-8 it won't have anything to do with it having a rotary engine. Although, I admit I do like the idea of being unique among the rest of us.

too me, buying a Subaru WRX STI is like stepping on the spokes of a rake and having the handel smack the snot outa you. Please for the love of god dont buy one of those ugly fart cannons, go in style and have fun. take the 8. :cool:

BTW, welcome to the club RIDAH!

My first rotary was a RX 2. My second is my 8. Loved the 7's but wanted more than 2 seats. Quite a wait between but the wait was well worth it.

I owned a 7, a 1989 convertible. It was the best car I had ever owned - until I got my 8. I knew from my experience with the 7 that the 8 would be a blast. Mazda was kind enough to send me all the promo stuff from the first announcement of the 8. And I drooled over that material and started planning for the eventual purchase of my 8 in February. I understand how the engine works,

I bought the 8, in part becaue of the responsiveness of the engine and the handling that the light and compact powerplant makes possible. But, as others have said, the engine doesn't make the car. It's the entire package. The clincher for my wife is the four seats. It's different for everyone. Let's just chill and enjoy the ride.

Cheers!
Bob

too me, buying a Subaru WRX STI is like stepping on the spokes of a rake and having the handel smack the snot outa you. Please for the love of god dont buy one of those ugly fart cannons, go in style and have fun. take the 8. :cool:

ahahaha watch for ike, he'll go crazy on yo ass

too me, buying a Subaru WRX STI is like stepping on the spokes of a rake and having the handel smack the snot outa you. Please for the love of god dont buy one of those ugly fart cannons, go in style and have fun. take the 8. :cool:

briliant metaphor! :D

Ditto on the "car enthusiast"

I worked my ass off to buy my first car a shit box Toyota Corona, up to a Holden (GM) Torana, (Google it, great car). A MG midget and then my Series 1 RX 7......absolutley bloody loved it, drum brakes n all.

Then you get married, con your missus into a 56' MGA and rebuild it from the dirt up...you get kids and Mazda go strictly 2 seat.

Then the 8 roll's around......family 4 door with a boot! (sorry trunk!!)

Bloody heaven and i can finally afford to bolt on whtaever the hell I want.

We have a sensational Rotary scene in NZ , http://www.mazdapro7racing.co.nz/ check this out! I belong to club with guys from 16 to 70 with every rotary you could imagine and some that they dreamed up. (Miata's, Utes 323s!)

Damn straight I'm a rotary enthusiast and if you have hang with a bunch of stuck up 7's guys well

1) I'm sorry for you
2) get a life! ................on second thoughts don't bother.

I don't know too much about the performance aspect of the rotary but have picked up some valuable info since I joined the forum.


ditto
Im loving it and its my first rotary

My car has a rotary engine? Really? I never knew that. I'm a suicide door enthusiast, that's why I bought the 8. ;)

I bought my car because it is beautiful, fun to drive, had all the bells and whistles I wanted, the cool suicide doors and it wasn't ridiculously expensive. I almost didn't buy my car because I knew nothing about rotary engines, flooding and adding oil every day were also concerns. In the end the 8 won and I've never been happier.

Do I get in the car every day and think, wow this rotary engine is cool? no, not every day. When I drive something else I miss it. I have learned to appreciate the handling and engine and love my car.

Now, to the other point, what does modding a car have to do with being a rotary enthusiast? If I don't put a whole bunch of mazda speed parts on my car somehow that means I'm not into it enough??

just to be a rotary fan i don't think we have to own an RX7 first, but i would never consider owning a 2 door/seat with that kind of hp in CA...too much insurance. Plus there were rotary's before the RX7...did you guys have one?

I wouldn't buy my 8 if it didn't have a rotary engine, period.

That the majority of people who own RX8's aren't really rotary enthusiasts at all....Do you guys feel this way? I own an RX7 and ever time I see an 8 I appreciate it for the motor....But when I look at the driver, they never seem like a person who would give a flaming flip about a rotary motor. I'm sure if you are on this forum you probably are into modding your 8...But seems most people who drive them just want to get from point A to B...and that's ok.

I don't know where i was going with this but whatdda y'all think?

FYI: Motors = Electric

NZarnow, I feel the same way about reading your posts.

While shopping with my girlfriend for a Tribute, I saw the RX-8. We fell in love. Did some research, worked some finances, and now I own her. Never heard of a rotary engine before I bought one. I understand the concept and the Wankel is brilliant. But if it had a V6, I6 or 2 rotors, I could care less. I love the way she looks.

I think the difference is with an 8 you don't have to worry about it being a rotary, it's just a good reasonably reliable engine. The fact that it's a rotary more or less becomes a non-issue. I don't think modding a car is important at all, many of the purists in the hobby frown on modding cars so it really depends on your view point.

Not to be mean or anything but a lot of 7 drivers seem very snobish, especially towards 8 drivers. Kinda sad, if we all don't support the 8 there may not be another rotary.

the main reason i bought the 8 was for its value, you'd be hard pressed to find a car that offers more for the price, plus I've always loved the rotary, the 7, Mazda's racing heritage etc. There were a lot of things that drew me to this car, could I haev found something faster? sure, would it have the styling,suspension,looks, or engine the 8 has? nope. Living in Texas (Austin specifically) there is no need for AWD, so buying a WRX or EVo is like buying a huge H2 and then never taking it off roading, it would be a waste, plus neither of those have the styling or engine the 8 has. So I guess to sum things up, I'm an enthusiast, I love my car, heck, i love all cars (well almost). i really don't give a crap what others may think about it, and i think there's an ad that sums it up pretty good, "it hits on all cylinders, even though it doesn't have any".

Actually--I drive an 8 and think the same. Even when lookin at all the rotary noobs on here and the impatiance when trying to mod and the whining on here about torque and blah blah--I can see that the case is there just aren't as many enthusiast, this is expected considering the target demographic of the car. My previous rotary was an FD--I'm a rotary enthusiast.

I am not a rotary enthusiast. I never owned an RX 7. My garage has power tools, not mechanic's tools!

I did not buy the 8 because it has a rotary engine, though the fact that it did was intriguing. I bought it because of its looks, handling and performance. The more I drive it , the more I appreciate the rotary engine. I do enjoy the fact that my powerplant is unique, supplying a smoothly delivered, high-revving acceleration I never experienced with any other engine. But I certainly would have bought this car with or without it. The rotary is just icing on the cake.

By the way, you will never see anything made by Greddy, K&N, Racing Beat, MazdaSpeed or any other aftermarket company on my 8. It won't be turboed, FI'd, cat-backed, mid-piped or Can-Zoomed. I'm not adding a sub-woofer, neon kit or lighted shift knob. My wheels came from the factory and are all the same size, and I really don't know the difference between Tien springs and the other guy's. I don't leave my engine cover in the garage to save a few pounds. Those kinds of things mean nothing to me. And if that makes me any less of an 8 owner than anyone else, so be it. You enjoy your car the way you want to, and I'll enjoy my car the way I choose.

Am I a rotary enthusiast? No. Am I an RX 8 lover? You bet!

The 8 has been out for 2 frickin' years..the Renesis is YOUNG. I'm sure when the 7 first came out in the late 60s you guys weren't rotary enthusiasts either.

Give it time, dude. Even the guys who are previous 7 owners probably haven't been modding like crazy, especially since all the aftermarket parts seem to be in their infant stages.

See my sig

Yes, quite a few poeple who bought RX-8s have no idea what engine is in it nor do they care. This is a good thing. Don't get pissy or disgusted with them. Welcome and introduce them to the rotary community.

This lack of enthusiasm is probably the same thing that happened with many of the hardcore RX people in the 70's when the RX-7 came out in 1979. When I got my 81 RX-7 I had no idea what engine was in it. It was just a cool car. After driving and maintaining it I began to learn how different the car really was and became an enthusiast.

The hardcore 7 people who are 8 car/owner haters are only hurting the rotary community. Enough of the FD snobbery already. How can you expect new people to embrace the sport when you're flaming with "your 8 is slow/sucks/girls car"? :rolleyes:

Evangelize and make more enthusiasts!

Paul

FYI: Motors = Electric


Dictionary.com:

Motor:
2. A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power. :D

That the majority of people who own RX8's aren't really rotary enthusiasts at all....Do you guys feel this way? I own an RX7 and ever time I see an 8 I appreciate it for the motor....But when I look at the driver, they never seem like a person who would give a flaming flip about a rotary motor. I'm sure if you are on this forum you probably are into modding your 8...But seems most people who drive them just want to get from point A to B...and that's ok.

I don't know where i was going with this but whatdda y'all think?

I agree in most cases, but you have to remember the RX8 is aimed at a very different target audience than the FD, or any of the 7's really. 4 doors, back seats, power everything, heated seats, luxury this and that... that's not the same hardcore sportscar enthusiast audience that the 7 was aimed at. You're going to end up with a lot of people driving this things that know nothing about the rotary or it's history- it's just another good looking, great handling & (relatively : ) fast car to them.

Now I, on the other hand, am a huge enthusiast and the rotary engine is the reason I bought the 8. We have had several 7's in my family, and with 3 kids, the '8 was a no-brainer.

Whats the big deal? Rotary fan, rotary expert, rotary engine? I didn't buy my 8 because of the engine it had. I got it because to me, it was the best car out there in its class. Having the rotary engine is just a added bonus. Do I know what a rotary engine is and advantages/dis-advantages; sure I do. I did my homework before buying the car. But it was NOT sole reason for buying it. I'm I a fan of the rotary engine now? Who cares, I love my car and thats all it matters.

See my sig

Paul

So Paulie- it's official? You're in the RX8 Chicago burbs black brotherhood? Congrats! :D

My RX-8 is my third rotary car. Specifically bought it for the engine.

I've received warm reception from a few 8 owners on the street, and quite a few scowls. The scowls were looks like they don't want me also driving their car. I enjoy that, as I see it, if it weren't for the rotary enthusiasts there wouldn't be an 8 for these people to be driving.

The best reception I've got so far on the road from someone in the rotary community was a guy in a FD. He flashed his lights and gave me a thumbs-up as we passed.

It seems that the Rx8's body style and design have attracted many buyers who are into cheesy sports cars. For instance I see many people on this site who also own Mustangs, or their previous car was a Mustang. Now the typical Mustang driver is either a mullet having Don Johnson wanna-be or some chick stuck in the 80's. I just cant see a Mustang owner being attracted to the 8 for anything other then its looks. After all, they must have bought the Mustang for the "I'm cool factor", because everyone know's that they are P'sOS. If u are interested in a heavy, unreliable, shitbox that only has a good 0-60 time, then why would u then want an RX8? Another example, is this guy that just posted about his Mercury Cougar. This guy has the ugliest, most riced out Cougar I have ever seen, and now he wants an 8. I see this all the time. I guess the flashy looks of the 8 have attracted these buyers. Personally, I dont like the attention I get with the 8. Everybody looking at me. It was cool for a minute, but now I'm like "WTF are you looking at?" I love the looks and think it is the most beautiful car on the road, but the rotary engine is the ONLY reason I bought this car. What does this all mean? Absolutely nothing. I just wish there wasn't so many cheese eaters driving my whip

That the majority of people who own RX8's aren't really rotary enthusiasts at all....Do you guys feel this way? I own an RX7 and ever time I see an 8 I appreciate it for the motor....But when I look at the driver, they never seem like a person who would give a flaming flip about a rotary motor. I'm sure if you are on this forum you probably are into modding your 8...But seems most people who drive them just want to get from point A to B...and that's ok.

I don't know where I was going with this but whatdda y'all think?As much as I hate to admit it, I have thought the same thing.

- 1. I always try to get the attention of other RX8 drivers and VERY seldom find they are even paying attention or looking for other 8's. I find this disappointing as I take a HUGE amount of pride in the car and it's rotary engine and look for the opportunity to click with someone else. Seems that 9 out of 10 don't even care.

- 2. This one really bothers me. The majority of owners don't even know about this website and don't have the privilege of knowing all the details that we learn and they probably really just don't care.

- 3. Since I've owned an 8, about 1 year, I've talked to one person that I met at a gas station that knew anything about what he was driving. He also owned another 8 and a RX-7 but he didn’t not know about this site. One year for god’s sake! I think every car sold should come with a sheet with useful websites listed and this one should be at the very top! These people don't even know about the winter driving, flooding, and use of oil. They bought it because of the looks and the feel good appeal. Not bad by any means but there is just so much more to this automobile.

- 4. Many will probably trade their cars in for a Lexus, Maxima, Camry, Accord or other vehicle and never really care that they have a part of history and a classic car that is truly a steal of a deal.

Thanks ApneaBlue, I've been wanting to say that.

the rotary was a big selling point for me.

- 4. Many will probably trade their cars in for a Lexus, Maxima, Camera, Accord or other vehicle and never really care that they have a part of history and a classic car that is truly a steal of a deal.

Trading in their 8 for a CAMERA!? That thing better take the damn finest photos in the world for that price! :p

Yea, yea, my bad, spell chickars donnt cache stuppididy... Toyota Camry! Do you sit there waiting for the opportunity to catch someone in a mistake? :rolleyes:

By the way Rhawb, I miss Sarasota. Wish I could move back down. Three of the best years of my life. Say "Hi" to Lido and RSAD when you pass by for me. :D

I bought mine SPECIFICALLY because it had a rotary engine, although I had a few other requirements.
I worked in a Mazda dealership in 94-95 and saw my first 7. I was in love, but being a college student and 20 kinda precluded that kind of payment. At the time, I just thought the car was sexy instead of being an engineering marvel. I learned about the engine later.

When I first saw pictures and articles about the possibility of the 8, I was a diehard subaru fan (this was pre-USDM STI.)
I had pretty much decided I was getting a WRX.

Then, the 8 was actually introduced as being a real car, not just some mock-up for a car show.
I drove it once, and I was hooked on the engine, the handling, the looks, and the luxury.

As for modding, I don't expect to do much mechanically or aesthetically to my 8, as I'm still making payments on it and will be for a long time.

I have a 93 Miata for that. =)

I don't look like a rotary enthusiast either.
I'm female and 30, not too excited about getting crap under my fingernails, but i'd be glad to wrench and learn with someone any day.
I always wave at any rotary-powered cars I see, but they're usually the ones not paying attention, or are foo-foo girlies yapping on cell phones.

I'm not exactly the foo-foo variety.

Rhawb...funny...

This past year I finally was ready to buy my first ever NEW/NEWISH car. Alot of people know I researched the HECK out of all the cars in my price range. Since my wife and I are trying to start a family I had to get a 2+2 (which is my preferred sports car setup anyway).

The final competition was between the GTO, 05 Mustang GT, G35 2 & 4dr, and the RX8.

I found this website in August and after extensive research, because I was a little worried about the rotary engine, the RX8 won out. It was based on magazine reviews, owner feedback, and the "rotary experience" of a bunch of members here had that I was calmed down about the rotary.

I loved the RX7 for it's looks and performance but never really paid attention to the fact it had a different engine.

Then, when I saw the RX8 it was love at first sight. It was a great looking 2+2 sports car that performed very well in all performance categories. I did not know alot about the rotary engine but little by little I'm learning more and more and I love it more and more.

If the 8 had a V8 or something, I still would have gotten it since it looked so dang sexy but with my ownership experience I understand more and more how the engine and the car work perfectly together.

I love the 7, I love my 8...the rotary engine is just a bonus and adds to the fun factor of the car. So, go easy on some of the 8 people out there(not everyone is a auto enthusiast) but please understand that I was a auto enthusiast before I met the 8, the RX8 just renewed my love of cars and is teaching me the uniqueness, advantages, and fun of the rotary engine.

Because of my experience (so far) with the Renesis...(while not shunning our piston brethren) I will testify of the great little rotary engine that brings me so many smiles!

Can I hear a Zoom Zoom Zoom?

I bought my RX-8 specifically for the Rotary engine, and I have to say, I am addicted, I don't think I can ever own a piston engine car again.

I did not buy the 8 because it has a rotary engine, though the fact that it did was intriguing. I bought it because of its looks, handling and performance. The more I drive it , the more I appreciate the rotary engine. I do enjoy the fact that my powerplant is unique, supplying a smoothly delivered, high-revving acceleration I never experienced with any other engine. But I certainly would have bought this car with or without it. The rotary is just icing on the cake.What he said.

Dictionary.com:

Motor:
2. A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power. :D

Hrm... I stand corrected. I guess motors can be either and engines are strictly internal combustion :confused:

How can you look at someone and tell? hehe, I think the people who have manual trans over auto are bigger rotary enthusiasts. I bought the car for the very reason of wanting to try a rotary engine.

A question for those of you who say you bought the RX8 specifically for the rotary engine: What specifically is the advantage/difference between the rotary and piston engines?

I have actually researched the car a bit, but I want to hear what the enthusiasts have to say.

A question for those of you who say you bought the RX8 specifically for the rotary engine: What specifically is the advantage/difference between the rotary and piston engines?

I have actually researched the car a bit, but I want to hear what the enthusiasts have to say.

Only 3 moving parts, linear power curve and silky smooth all the way to the 9000rpm redline. For a true driving enthusiast that likes to rev all through the powerband, the rotary is a dream.

A question for those of you who say you bought the RX8 specifically for the rotary engine: What specifically is the advantage/difference between the rotary and piston engines?

I have actually researched the car a bit, but I want to hear what the enthusiasts have to say.


I take it that you've never driven one... :(

It's like sipping fine wine, if you don't know how to appreciate it you may as well be drinking a $3 chilled Chateau le Bubba 2005.

I bought this car because it looked great, handled great, rides great, smooth power, 2+2, and a great price. I don't think you have to mod your car to be an automobile enthusiast. I love almost everything about this car. I didn't buy because of the rotary engine but then again I didn't not buy because it had one. I came very close in buying a Cosmos when they were out but stayed away of the rotory because they had problems with the seals. I have drooled over some of the Rx7s but could not justify the 2 seats at the time. I love the 8 as it is and over time I will see if I am enthusiastic about the rotary engine. I hope I will be but time will judge that. Right now I could not be happier, and I guess as a new member of the rotary world I didn't think about blinking lights at other rotary vehicles. I guess we just need a list of the rules.

So Paulie- it's official? You're in the RX8 Chicago burbs black brotherhood? Congrats! :D
Yep, finally. Picked it up on Tuesday. What a great car.

Slvr8, love you user name! :D

Paulie, I didn't recognize you with the new Avatar at first?

I don't own an RX-8 but I have been in love with them since I first read and saw one a little over a year ago. I have never been into cars but I am totally into the 8 and rotary enthusiasm. It's the only car in the world that I would want to buy right now.

I wouldn't buy my 8 if it didn't have a rotary engine, period.

Likewise

I hate when my car gets HLA tapping...also, I think I burnt a valve the other day... :(

Gotta love yours too :) I did not realize there was another one similar. Didn't mean to copy. Besides imitation is a form of flattery. :p

Ive owned Inline and V6 engines, with and without turbos. Ive owned small V8s, and big V8s. I owned n/a and turbo 4bangers. All of these cars served as my daily driver at one point in time.

I always though the FD was the sexiest looking car out of Japan in the 80s-90s, but it was a heap compared to my beloved Supras. The interior build quality was substandard, and the engines seemed to give even my rotary enthusiast friends too much trouble for my liking. Remember, I drive my cars daily, and my job depends on my ability to be somewhere quick.

Enter RX8. Aside from the cool styling, the interior did it for me. The functional back seat was a major plus for daily driver duties. Add an all new 'Renesis' rotary (perceived reliable), and I had to go drive it. After the test drive, I was hooked and bought one a few weeks later. :) this is my 1st rotary powered car, but Im a car enthusiast over and over again. Hell, I even get to work in the performance industry...which kicks. I love my 8.

Personally, I do not waste time trying to figure out if other rx8 owners are 'true rotary enthusiasts' Such thoughts seem petty to me.

My next daily driver will be powered by an Ls6. :)

I hate when my car gets HLA tapping...


There's something I don't miss from my Miata

I would say anyone who responds on a car forum is going to tend towards the enthusiast side and it is a poor sampling of the general populace. That said, the sheer size of the growth of this forum in the past year indicates a fair number of enthusiasts. We call that in the industry catching a clue.

This is my 4th rotary.

If Mazda relied on just enthusiasts the rotary would already be gone. It is in our interest as many buy this car as they can sell. 50k last year is a good start and expect this number to increase once introduced to China.

There's something I don't miss from my Miata


:D

I switched to 15w50? oil...and it went away...

whats a rotary?

:D

I switched to 15w50? oil...and it went away...

... same here (Mobil1), but when I moved to a colder climate I was afraid to use that thick stuff and the morning tappy-tap came back :)

Yep, finally. Picked it up on Tuesday. What a great car.

Pictures, man... we need pictures!

I'll be honest...

I once was very much into modifying my vehicle. I owned two DSMs and if you know a thing or two about DSMs you know that they are great to modify and break a lot. I had a GST then a GSX. I did everything from body work (body kit, wing, cf hood, 18s...etc (only on gst) to bigger turbo, fuel upgrades, a/f regulating, BOVs, FMICs, suspension, brakes, clutches, flywheels... i mean EVERYTHING! I even got myself a DSMLink and would tune with that. I was never much of a track guy for I owned the GST longer than I owned the GSX. Street racing always gets old, and is very dangerous so I didnt do it much.

But now... that I own the 8

I dont race (its not fast enough), I dont take it to the track (again... its not fast enough), I dont modify the looks of it (car looks great the way it is, why change it?), I dont modify the engine (no way... not while its under warrantee) plus... no mod really will get it anywhere close to as fast as my DSMs were unless you go forced induction... but we all know thats another story. :)

So yea, I like the fact that i'm driving a rotary... but I think most RX8 owners are like me (now)... they enjoy their car just the way it is.

whats a rotary?
Dumbass, it's spelled "rotory". And it doesn't matter, since our cars are V-6's anyway.

This thread should have been over when someone asked...

"So every person that bought an RX-7 bought it because it had a Rotary engine?"

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh that's it.

Dumbass, it's spelled "rotory". And it doesn't matter, since our cars are V-6's anyway.


Quit the personal attacks.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=rotory

No such word as rotory :]

That the majority of people who own RX8's aren't really rotary enthusiasts at all....Do you guys feel this way? I own an RX7 and ever time I see an 8 I appreciate it for the motor....But when I look at the driver, they never seem like a person who would give a flaming flip about a rotary motor. I'm sure if you are on this forum you probably are into modding your 8...But seems most people who drive them just want to get from point A to B...and that's ok.

I don't know where i was going with this but whatdda y'all think?

As it applies to me, you're dead wrong.

It's all about the motor. If I didn't care about the motor, I'd be driving something else, clear and simple.

That said, I do think there are a fair number of folks (the same ones that say "damn, Mazda shoulda put the V6 from the 6 in the RX-8") that don't care about the rotary. But I think they are probably few and far between on this board.

Quit the personal attacks.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=rotory

No such word as rotory :]
::Sigh::

I thought the "rotory" joke was a little subtle, so I added the V-6 line at the end because I figured even on this board, nobody is stupid enough to miss the joke if I make it *that* obvious...

::Sigh::

I thought the "rotory" joke was a little subtle, so I added the V-6 line at the end because I figured even on this board, nobody is stupid enough to miss the joke if I make it *that* obvious...


You're right, i missed it. I shouldnt be moderating when my mind isnt clear :[

Besides, ive had people argue with me in person that its ROTORY. I made ths point to them:

If it Rotates, isnt it a Rotary? Using your logic, wouldnt it be Rototes? :p

teh RX7club says:

PIIDB
Teh 7 can't lose!

If i had the $$ I'd swap a S2000 2.2L into my rx8.

:D

teh RX7club says:

PIIDB
Teh 7 can't lose!

add 'goddamn high school forum' to that list :o :D

What I gather from the RX7 forum is they frown on the rx8 because it's slower than a twin turbo, lacks aftermarket mods, has back seats, its a reliable family sportscar, and alot of sexy chicks drive them. They call it a chick car. Not Macho and primative enough for thier macho tastes.

I bought my 8 for the rotory engine. I had 2 first generation rx7's and fell in love with that engine. It's great to have it back in the refined renesis rx8.

well if the rx-7 was reproduced and looked the same and just had a few minor updates you'd probably see them on the road you just see more people like that with 8's because its more available its harder to find 7's at least around here.

If i had the $$ I'd swap a S2000 2.2L into my rx8.

:DReminds me of something I read about on the GTO forum... someone allegedly has dropped an LS1 into an FD. :eek:

My 8 is the second rotary-car I've owned. I bought an 88 FC ten years ago. At the time I had no idea what a rotary engine was. All I knew was that I needed another car fast, and the dealer had a gold sports car on the lot. I took it for an hour-long test drive. When I got back to the dealership I handed him the keys to my old car and said "Let's talk money." $4800 later I drove off in what would become an obsession.

I kept my 7 for four years. During that time I learned all I could about its quirks and idiosyncrasies. Even though I loved the car, I never appreciated it until I traded her in on an Acura Integra GSR. I thought I would be better off with a front wheel drive car as my daily driver. I actually wanted a FD, but I didn't want all the maintenance nightmares. Within days of trading my 7, I was ready to go back to the dealer and beg them to let me buy back my old car. Unfortunately I couldn't afford both.

I drove my Integra, which was a very good car to me, for nearly five years. The only way I can describe it is it was like being a relationship with a woman you find attractive, and enjoy her company, the sex is good, but there's not enough there for you to stay for the long haul. That's what it felt like the whole time I was driving my Integra.

When I traded the Teg for my 8 I felt no remorse. It actually felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest. Driving my old 7 was a very spritual thing for me. The Teg lacked that quality. Hearing the sound of the Rensis for the first time, opening her up on the highway, taking an offramp at two to three times the posted limit, the cockpit like seating, all of it adds up to a total package that few other cars offer.

For me rotary = zen. :)

I bought mine SPECIFICALLY because it had a rotary engine, although I had a few other requirements.
I worked in a Mazda dealership in 94-95 and saw my first 7. I was in love, but being a college student and 20 kinda precluded that kind of payment. At the time, I just thought the car was sexy instead of being an engineering marvel. I learned about the engine later.

When I first saw pictures and articles about the possibility of the 8, I was a diehard subaru fan (this was pre-USDM STI.)
I had pretty much decided I was getting a WRX.

Then, the 8 was actually introduced as being a real car, not just some mock-up for a car show.
I drove it once, and I was hooked on the engine, the handling, the looks, and the luxury.

As for modding, I don't expect to do much mechanically or aesthetically to my 8, as I'm still making payments on it and will be for a long time.

I have a 93 Miata for that. =)

I don't look like a rotary enthusiast either.
I'm female and 30, not too excited about getting crap under my fingernails, but i'd be glad to wrench and learn with someone any day.
I always wave at any rotary-powered cars I see, but they're usually the ones not paying attention, or are foo-foo girlies yapping on cell phones.

I'm not exactly the foo-foo variety.

off topic, is your 8 white? My sister lives in Mckinney and I might have saw you one day :)

well if the rx-7 was reproduced and looked the same and just had a few minor updates you'd probably see them on the road you just see more people like that with 8's because its more available its harder to find 7's at least around here.
Uhhhhh, no. There are more 8s on the road becuase people are actually buying them. The RX-7 left the US shores in 95 because it sold an abysmal 1,399 units that year. Mazda sold around 27,000 8s in the US in 2004. Bringing back an RX-7 now with a few updates would cost around $45,000 and they would only sell a handful before pulling the plug on it again.

WHY all the ROTARY ON ROTARY hate man

we dont need this; we are stronger together

cant we all just get along and llove rotaries together

I've been a rotary enthusiast since 1985 when I bought my RX-7. I loved that car, but after only 3 wonderful years of ownership, I had to sell it due to a growing family. I cried as I watched the new owner drive it away.

Now that my 2 kids are grown and pretty much on their own now, I indulged in the new RX-8. Doing the math, that was a 16 year dry spell without the wonderful sound of a rotary engine. I love the engine and I love the car. It's a unique car with a unique engine. And it sounds different. I like being different (again) :D

1.3L

If you saw me you probably wouldn't think I owned the car because it's a rotary. I'm only 18 and there hasn't been a new rotary car in america since 1995. But I know a lot. I fell in love with the rx7 because it was a rotary. I find it to be one of the interesting engine ever desgined. I bought the 8 because I knew how great it would be to own a rotary car.
________
condo rentals Pattaya (http://pattayaluxurycondos.com)

I just ordered an 8 b/c of everything about the car.. styling... and especially the motor because its unique.

I really want an rx7 but I don't want to buy a car that has over 100k miles right now. If they only still sold them new.

Wow, what a dumb thread. You guys have been really civil about this- thanks. I can't believe someone would even ask this question. What was the point? To try and cause fights between the two groups?

Well, this is my first rotary and I went to the RotorFest last year and I love rotary engines, I'm absolutely fascinated with them. I can't really appreciate a piston engine after learning about the rotary and driving one for a year and a half now. Everytime I see a first gen I want one so bad, and I love seeing other people with rotaries besides the 8, always give them a beep from the horn just to recognize that they are part of this community.

As for asking this question, pretty dumb question, I mean does it really matter?

If you a car enthusiast in general that cool, the 8 is a nice car even without the rotary in it. When people compliment me on the car they aren't complimenting me on the engine, it's just a nice car overall.

Getting back to the orignal post, the thing I can't understand is how can you look at a driver and tell they are "not into the rotary engine"? Is there some particular facial expression? A twitch? Drool? Prominent eyebrow ridge? ;)

It's all good. The older cars are naturally where most people are going to go if they want to start making big modifications, simply due to cost.

This thread makes me laugh.

Reminds me of something I read about on the GTO forum... someone allegedly has dropped an LS1 into an FD. :eek:
I saw a FD with that same engine swap. The guy is from the Detroit area and setup a lapping day I attended. I have his email address if someone wants details.

I'm pretty sure they make are V-8 conversion kits for RX-7's now.

Wow, what a dumb thread. You guys have been really civil about this- thanks. I can't believe someone would even ask this question. What was the point? To try and cause fights between the two groups?Yup, strikes me as just that - a lightly veiled attempt to start a flame war. But maybe not, and since it was done very politely, it's possible it's a sincere question.

And this is my 3rd rotary powered car. :)

I'm sure most first-time RX-7 owners bought their cars for the looks, performance and uniqueness rather than the rotary engine per se. Same goes for the RX-8 (+ value for money).

I'm pretty sure they make are V-8 conversion kits for RX-7's now.


What horrible news!

I love the rotary, but to have 550 to 600rwhp I'll have to run race gas all the time. Screw that, when I can swap an ls1. Stroke it, great cam, and ported heads=500+rwhp with the entire rpm band as the power band and still be able to rapp out to 7k+some change. All still on pump gas. I'm keeping the rotary for another prodject though...

Oh and I can throw a 200 shot on top of that. Mmmm, tires will be a common exspensive in the end...

will that be a stage 1 or 2? :D (heh inside joke)

It'll be stage 2 unless I go turbo...

Fucker...

ahh ok I get it now (no need to get pissed...sheesh)

I love the rotary, but to have 550 to 600rwhp I'll have to run race gas all the time. Screw that, when I can swap an ls1. Stroke it, great cam, and ported heads=500+rwhp with the entire rpm band as the power band and still be able to rapp out to 7k+some change. All still on pump gas. I'm keeping the rotary for another prodject though...

Oh and I can throw a 200 shot on top of that. Mmmm, tires will be a common exspensive in the end...


LS1's are awsome..but put it in a FD and say "good buy handling"...but to each his own...would still be kinda' cool to see...but it would't be an RX any more.

A LS1 does not screw up the handling that much. It is a small lightweight aluminum block that fits quite well. It is smaller and lighter than a comparable ohc motors.

I'm not pissed. I use the term Fucker as a friendly jab.

The ls1 does NOT change the handling. It was stock vs stock 60 lbs more than the fully loaded 13BREW. But most people relocate the battery to the trunk any ways so the weight doesn't get messed up. In fact when you look at a 13BREW alot of the wieght is placed on the front right of the car from the twin-turbo system. When you put the fully loaded ls1 in there the weight is far more even across the front. Any other Q's?

Let's just stick together people and enjoy our great rotary engines ( Thanks Felix Wankel) and try to help each other.

off topic, is your 8 white? My sister lives in Mckinney and I might have saw you one day :)


Nope, winning blue. There's a couple of us running around town. =)

But like I said I love the RE, just not for the application I'm going with. I want to find an older RX3 body to throw it in with a nice, big port job and single turbo...

I bought it because of the engine. I learned about the rotary in 98, and then I had heard the rumors of the 8 close to the same time and never thought it was coming, so in 2000 I gave up on it and bought an mr2 spyder. Then found out a couple months later that the rumors were building up and looked strong in favor of a new rx. I wasn't too keen on the inital drawings of it, but the thought of a refined engine still tugged at me. I wrecked my spyder in 2001, then I was carless for a couple years and learned about the presale on the 8, I was visiting the mazda site every day tweaking what options I wanted on it. I was obsessed. Ended up loving the look of it. Then I purchased one. :D

Out of all the run-ins with other 8s only once have I actually recieved a sign on commraderie. No more than just twenty minutes ago did I pass an identical car to mine and didn't get any sort of recognition from the driver. But I do have to relize that this will always be the case with cars that are currently in production. Theres no prerequiste that you must be an enthusiast to buy a rotary powered car :(... (and there damn well should be! j/k)

Out of all the run-ins with other 8s only once have I actually recieved a sign on commraderie. No more than just twenty minutes ago did I pass an identical car to mine and didn't get any sort of recognition from the driver. But I do have to relize that this will always be the case with cars that are currently in production. Theres no prerequiste that you must be an enthusiast to buy a rotary powered car :(... (and there damn well should be! j/k)

The same could be said of people driving RX-7s. The ONLY time I've ever gotten any kind of acknowledgement from a 7 driver has been at meets. I've waved/nodded/thumbsupped every single other rotary driver I've ever seen, and the only ones who have ever waved back are 8 drivers(though not all). Except for ne 3rd gen driver I see all the time on my way home from work, and we just stare at each other's cars with that knowing look. It really just depends on the person, I guess.

This so and so aren't REAL enthusiasts stuff is, pardon me, bullshit. And I can't understand why anyone, ESPECIALLY the dying breed of RX-7 drivers, would ever make that kind of claim.

Yes it is true that the same can be said about RX-7 drivers. There really isn't many in my area (probably the same number as there are 8's) and most of them I do already know. Please Elara don't take this thread too seriously because there is a big part of me that think that this thread being started is just another skirmish being started by a member from rx7club.com. Trolling? not really I dont think. Sh** disturbing? indeed.

yeah, I think the same thing- I just find it an obnoxious thing to post. How often do people from here run over there and post stuff like this? Pretty much never. I just get grumpy with this subject- there are few enough rotary cars out there as it is, and to try and create factions where there are none is just silly and self defeating.

You know what?, I couldn't agree with you more.

I luv you guys...

I wave at miata people all the time in mine and rarely get a wave back. So its the same all around the world. I could care less if someone waves back. I go to meets to talk with RX people.

The world has changed a bit since the days when car enthusiasts were the only ones to drive drivers' cars (in large part because those drivers' cars were so quirky). My first car was a 1969 Fiat 124 Spider, which I bought 30 years ago, quite used and inexpensive. I loved it; indeed, to deal with such a mechanical POS, you had to, and I never passed another 124 Spider (or, for that matter MG, Triumph or Austin-Healy) without a full exchange of recognition by both parties. Anybody who drove one of those was an enthusiast who appreciated other similar cars (and the woes which went with them).

With the advent of the Miata, fun cars were accessable to people who didn't want to spend more time in the engine bay than the driver's seat; now that most of the modern sports cars are reliable and comfortable, lots of people who buy them aren't enthusiasts; they just enjoy driving a fine car.

A car as elemental as the S2000 still tends to attract a large proportion of enthusiasts--most of the time I see another S2000, we exchange waves. But the RX-8 is a different kind of car, and many people who drive it (such as my wife) do so because they enjoy the car, but are not enthusiasts. Heck, at least in our area, there typically are a bunch of S2000s at each autocross, but I rarely see an RX-8, even though there are a lot more RX-8s on the road, and the RX-8 is an excellent autocross car. I have yet to see an RX-8 on the track, in eight times to the track.

Actually, this is true even of cars like Porsches and BMWs, which attract lots of affluent people for reasons other than their general enthusiasm for cars.

There's nothing wrong with that; it's just different.