Help a Momma out
02-11-2016, 10:45 AM
#1
New Member
Thread Starter
Help a Momma out
I need some advice pretty please...
I bought my 17 year old son a 04 Mazda RX8 a few months ago.
We have had a few issues with it-clutch problem and he hit a fire hydrant.
When the car was in being repaired we were told it needed new brake rotors, calipers, pads and a tie rod. Their estimate was $1000.00.
I decided we would do it ourselves (have a friend with a lift).
Anyway, my questions are this:
Yesterday morning, very cold, it was running "jerky", took it and had it diagnosed at Advance Auto Parts. They said it was the catalytic converter. My son wants to "straight pipe" it and do away with the catalytic converter. Is this recommended? What all will I need to purchase if so?
Secondly, I am looking for the best pricing (of course) for the brake work and tie rod, any suggestions?
A rotary engine is new to me.
Any help or advice would be deeply appreciated.
Thanks so much!
I bought my 17 year old son a 04 Mazda RX8 a few months ago.
We have had a few issues with it-clutch problem and he hit a fire hydrant.
When the car was in being repaired we were told it needed new brake rotors, calipers, pads and a tie rod. Their estimate was $1000.00.
I decided we would do it ourselves (have a friend with a lift).
Anyway, my questions are this:
Yesterday morning, very cold, it was running "jerky", took it and had it diagnosed at Advance Auto Parts. They said it was the catalytic converter. My son wants to "straight pipe" it and do away with the catalytic converter. Is this recommended? What all will I need to purchase if so?
Secondly, I am looking for the best pricing (of course) for the brake work and tie rod, any suggestions?
A rotary engine is new to me.
Any help or advice would be deeply appreciated.
Thanks so much!
02-11-2016, 10:49 AM
#2
FULLY SEMI AUTOMATIC
iTrader: (9)
imo no rotary should ever have a cat. you would need to buy a mid pipe.
check the parts f/s section for parts or look through the vendors on this site. i have a part out thread going from my wrecked 8 and may have some of what you are looking for. btw have your kid read all the new owner threads on this site and keep up on maintence/ignition
check the parts f/s section for parts or look through the vendors on this site. i have a part out thread going from my wrecked 8 and may have some of what you are looking for. btw have your kid read all the new owner threads on this site and keep up on maintence/ignition
02-11-2016, 10:56 AM
#3
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Join Date: Oct 2007
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Tie Rod: MAZMART - Mazda Used Parts, New Parts, Performance. Since 1980. or https://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/
Rotors and Calipers: https://www.rockauto.com/
Pads: It really depends on what you want, there are so many options out there. One of the above sites can get you something cheap, though with pads you get what you pay for, and I personally get picky over what pads I have
The only way Advance could really diagnose the jerkiness as the cat is if you have a CEL code, which you didn't mention. Being jerky is more likely to be the ignition though. Coils, plugs, and wires need replacing regularly, like every 20,000-30,000 miles. Chances are the prior owner hasn't. Failing ignition can also kill the cat.
Best option for ignition parts is a parts store like Advance. You can get all 12 pieces (4 coils, 4 plugs, 4 wires) for about $190ish total, shipped to your door.
Removing the cat is certainly viable, many people do. Just pay attention to the emissions regulations and requirements.
However, a proper midpipe is better than a straight pipe. A straight pipe is cheap, but neither you nor your son are going to like driving it that much. A straight pipe is louder, raspier, and drones on the highway. It literally can turn into a headache, and it only sounds "good" if you like obnoxious sounds.
And on the last point, none of this has anything to do with the unique rotary engine. It's all just car maintenance and repair.
Rotors and Calipers: https://www.rockauto.com/
Pads: It really depends on what you want, there are so many options out there. One of the above sites can get you something cheap, though with pads you get what you pay for, and I personally get picky over what pads I have
The only way Advance could really diagnose the jerkiness as the cat is if you have a CEL code, which you didn't mention. Being jerky is more likely to be the ignition though. Coils, plugs, and wires need replacing regularly, like every 20,000-30,000 miles. Chances are the prior owner hasn't. Failing ignition can also kill the cat.
Best option for ignition parts is a parts store like Advance. You can get all 12 pieces (4 coils, 4 plugs, 4 wires) for about $190ish total, shipped to your door.
Removing the cat is certainly viable, many people do. Just pay attention to the emissions regulations and requirements.
However, a proper midpipe is better than a straight pipe. A straight pipe is cheap, but neither you nor your son are going to like driving it that much. A straight pipe is louder, raspier, and drones on the highway. It literally can turn into a headache, and it only sounds "good" if you like obnoxious sounds.
And on the last point, none of this has anything to do with the unique rotary engine. It's all just car maintenance and repair.
02-11-2016, 11:03 AM
#4
Here is the link for the new owners thread that your son (and you, if you're interested) should read
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
02-11-2016, 11:13 AM
#5
Tie Rod: MAZMART - Mazda Used Parts, New Parts, Performance. Since 1980. or https://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/
Rotors and Calipers: https://www.rockauto.com/
Pads: It really depends on what you want, there are so many options out there. One of the above sites can get you something cheap, though with pads you get what you pay for, and I personally get picky over what pads I have
The only way Advance could really diagnose the jerkiness as the cat is if you have a CEL code, which you didn't mention. Being jerky is more likely to be the ignition though. Coils, plugs, and wires need replacing regularly, like every 20,000-30,000 miles. Chances are the prior owner hasn't. Failing ignition can also kill the cat.
Best option for ignition parts is a parts store like Advance. You can get all 12 pieces (4 coils, 4 plugs, 4 wires) for about $190ish total, shipped to your door.
Removing the cat is certainly viable, many people do. Just pay attention to the emissions regulations and requirements.
However, a proper midpipe is better than a straight pipe. A straight pipe is cheap, but neither you nor your son are going to like driving it that much. A straight pipe is louder, raspier, and drones on the highway. It literally can turn into a headache, and it only sounds "good" if you like obnoxious sounds.
And on the last point, none of this has anything to do with the unique rotary engine. It's all just car maintenance and repair.
Rotors and Calipers: https://www.rockauto.com/
Pads: It really depends on what you want, there are so many options out there. One of the above sites can get you something cheap, though with pads you get what you pay for, and I personally get picky over what pads I have
The only way Advance could really diagnose the jerkiness as the cat is if you have a CEL code, which you didn't mention. Being jerky is more likely to be the ignition though. Coils, plugs, and wires need replacing regularly, like every 20,000-30,000 miles. Chances are the prior owner hasn't. Failing ignition can also kill the cat.
Best option for ignition parts is a parts store like Advance. You can get all 12 pieces (4 coils, 4 plugs, 4 wires) for about $190ish total, shipped to your door.
Removing the cat is certainly viable, many people do. Just pay attention to the emissions regulations and requirements.
However, a proper midpipe is better than a straight pipe. A straight pipe is cheap, but neither you nor your son are going to like driving it that much. A straight pipe is louder, raspier, and drones on the highway. It literally can turn into a headache, and it only sounds "good" if you like obnoxious sounds.
And on the last point, none of this has anything to do with the unique rotary engine. It's all just car maintenance and repair.
02-11-2016, 11:19 AM
#6
New Member
Thread Starter
Tie Rod: MAZMART - Mazda Used Parts, New Parts, Performance. Since 1980. or https://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/
Rotors and Calipers: https://www.rockauto.com/
Pads: It really depends on what you want, there are so many options out there. One of the above sites can get you something cheap, though with pads you get what you pay for, and I personally get picky over what pads I have
The only way Advance could really diagnose the jerkiness as the cat is if you have a CEL code, which you didn't mention. Being jerky is more likely to be the ignition though. Coils, plugs, and wires need replacing regularly, like every 20,000-30,000 miles. Chances are the prior owner hasn't. Failing ignition can also kill the cat.
Best option for ignition parts is a parts store like Advance. You can get all 12 pieces (4 coils, 4 plugs, 4 wires) for about $190ish total, shipped to your door.
Removing the cat is certainly viable, many people do. Just pay attention to the emissions regulations and requirements.
However, a proper midpipe is better than a straight pipe. A straight pipe is cheap, but neither you nor your son are going to like driving it that much. A straight pipe is louder, raspier, and drones on the highway. It literally can turn into a headache, and it only sounds "good" if you like obnoxious sounds.
And on the last point, none of this has anything to do with the unique rotary engine. It's all just car maintenance and repair.
Rotors and Calipers: https://www.rockauto.com/
Pads: It really depends on what you want, there are so many options out there. One of the above sites can get you something cheap, though with pads you get what you pay for, and I personally get picky over what pads I have
The only way Advance could really diagnose the jerkiness as the cat is if you have a CEL code, which you didn't mention. Being jerky is more likely to be the ignition though. Coils, plugs, and wires need replacing regularly, like every 20,000-30,000 miles. Chances are the prior owner hasn't. Failing ignition can also kill the cat.
Best option for ignition parts is a parts store like Advance. You can get all 12 pieces (4 coils, 4 plugs, 4 wires) for about $190ish total, shipped to your door.
Removing the cat is certainly viable, many people do. Just pay attention to the emissions regulations and requirements.
However, a proper midpipe is better than a straight pipe. A straight pipe is cheap, but neither you nor your son are going to like driving it that much. A straight pipe is louder, raspier, and drones on the highway. It literally can turn into a headache, and it only sounds "good" if you like obnoxious sounds.
And on the last point, none of this has anything to do with the unique rotary engine. It's all just car maintenance and repair.
Thank you so much for the info!
There CEL was on. However, he was told a while back that the vis control solenoid needed replaced also (the CEL was on then also).
When driving to school yesterday he said he had it in 1st gear and letting it roll with no foot on the gas it jumped and jerked, additionally he said it would go from 6 mph to 3 then back up to 6.
I have no doubt the previous owners did not take care of the car...
I guess I didn't mention foamy oil-I freaked on that thinking a blown head gasket, only to find out rotaries don't have them...
02-11-2016, 11:21 AM
#7
New Member
Thread Starter
Here is the link for the new owners thread that your son (and you, if you're interested) should read
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
Thank you! I have read through some of it. I am at my "real" job now and work my "fun" job tonight (liquor store) so time is limited today but it has been certainly enlightening.
02-11-2016, 12:13 PM
#8
Glad we could help..
I would add one to the reading list, it is the congrats thread in my signature. The other one has already been pointed out. I would run through the congrats thread before spending money on much, paying attention to things with the word "clean" in them. Again, this is maintenace stuff, not rotary specific. The feature of this car is that it will run well beyond when things have gone completely to hell. So, things can get a lot worse than they would with a piston engine before you notice them.
I would add one to the reading list, it is the congrats thread in my signature. The other one has already been pointed out. I would run through the congrats thread before spending money on much, paying attention to things with the word "clean" in them. Again, this is maintenace stuff, not rotary specific. The feature of this car is that it will run well beyond when things have gone completely to hell. So, things can get a lot worse than they would with a piston engine before you notice them.
02-11-2016, 01:06 PM
#9
Thank you so much for the info!
There CEL was on. However, he was told a while back that the vis control solenoid needed replaced also (the CEL was on then also).
When driving to school yesterday he said he had it in 1st gear and letting it roll with no foot on the gas it jumped and jerked, additionally he said it would go from 6 mph to 3 then back up to 6.
I have no doubt the previous owners did not take care of the car...
I guess I didn't mention foamy oil-I freaked on that thinking a blown head gasket, only to find out rotaries don't have them...
There CEL was on. However, he was told a while back that the vis control solenoid needed replaced also (the CEL was on then also).
When driving to school yesterday he said he had it in 1st gear and letting it roll with no foot on the gas it jumped and jerked, additionally he said it would go from 6 mph to 3 then back up to 6.
I have no doubt the previous owners did not take care of the car...
I guess I didn't mention foamy oil-I freaked on that thinking a blown head gasket, only to find out rotaries don't have them...
Last edited by FunRun8; 02-11-2016 at 01:12 PM.
02-12-2016, 10:57 PM
#10
The "jerkiness" when creeping along with your foot off the gas in 1st is normal. Both of my cars do it. Just put your foot on the gas or roll in neutral.
Hate to be a Debbie Downer, but I feel like purchasing your son a sports car (especially an RX-8) isn't the best choice. My first car was a crappy $2500 Mazda Tribute (Rebadged Ford Escape). That car never let me down, and in 3 years of driving, I've never had a accident. If he somehow hit a fire hydrant (fire hydrant certainly didn't jump in front of him) I might question his driving skills. One of the benefits of my first car being a fat slow turd was if forced me to focus on driving, not speeding or driving recklessly.
Obviously all cars have to have maintenance and repairs during their life time, but I feel it's more so with sports cars since they are usually driven rather hard.
I strongly suggest reading up on this forum and learning as much as possible. This car isn't your regular car since this has a rotary engine. It's a fun peppy engine, but if you don't take care of it, and don't fix things before they fail (ignition, catalytic converter, cooling system), this car can get really expensive quickly.
Hate to be a Debbie Downer, but I feel like purchasing your son a sports car (especially an RX-8) isn't the best choice. My first car was a crappy $2500 Mazda Tribute (Rebadged Ford Escape). That car never let me down, and in 3 years of driving, I've never had a accident. If he somehow hit a fire hydrant (fire hydrant certainly didn't jump in front of him) I might question his driving skills. One of the benefits of my first car being a fat slow turd was if forced me to focus on driving, not speeding or driving recklessly.
Obviously all cars have to have maintenance and repairs during their life time, but I feel it's more so with sports cars since they are usually driven rather hard.
I strongly suggest reading up on this forum and learning as much as possible. This car isn't your regular car since this has a rotary engine. It's a fun peppy engine, but if you don't take care of it, and don't fix things before they fail (ignition, catalytic converter, cooling system), this car can get really expensive quickly.
02-22-2016, 05:32 PM
#11
Life After 8K RPM....
Wow you are one kool mom :-)
Congrats on getting an 8 and welcome to the club!
YOu have been provided with some great info above.
First thing first, don't be scared of Rotaries, these are amazing machines and can be as reliable as piston if not more, but the key term here is "if taken care off"
I would suggest you and your son read through this thread a few times to gain a better understanding of the beast you acquired.
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
Milky substance on the dipstick is normal.
Jerkiness can be due to weak ignitions, clogged cat, vacuum leak but most likely it sounds like your son needs to work on his clutching skills :-)
As everyone stated above this car requires maintenance and attention and it can be rewarding, if neglected it becomes a money pit real quick. Rx8's tend to have love and hate relationships there are no middle grounds, if you are aware of what you got yourself in then there will be far far few disappointments :-)
All the items you have listed above are normal wear and tear items.
I hope you got the compression test to ensure engine is in great health.
Make sure your son is aware of checking the oil every 2nd or 3rd gas fillup, yes by design this car burns oil.
If you have any questions, please feel free to post em up :-)
All the best
Congrats on getting an 8 and welcome to the club!
YOu have been provided with some great info above.
First thing first, don't be scared of Rotaries, these are amazing machines and can be as reliable as piston if not more, but the key term here is "if taken care off"
I would suggest you and your son read through this thread a few times to gain a better understanding of the beast you acquired.
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
Milky substance on the dipstick is normal.
Jerkiness can be due to weak ignitions, clogged cat, vacuum leak but most likely it sounds like your son needs to work on his clutching skills :-)
As everyone stated above this car requires maintenance and attention and it can be rewarding, if neglected it becomes a money pit real quick. Rx8's tend to have love and hate relationships there are no middle grounds, if you are aware of what you got yourself in then there will be far far few disappointments :-)
All the items you have listed above are normal wear and tear items.
I hope you got the compression test to ensure engine is in great health.
Make sure your son is aware of checking the oil every 2nd or 3rd gas fillup, yes by design this car burns oil.
If you have any questions, please feel free to post em up :-)
All the best