New_Mazda_Guy

Hey all! New here and wanted to get some opinions on the RX-8. Never owned a RWD and wondering how the RX-8 copes in winters here in Boise, ID. It seems to have pretty good balance and weight distribution, so good in general? A problem only on the slopes/mountains I suppose?

If you have other general thoughts about the vehicle and it's practicality, maintenance or potential re-sale value, please go write. :-)

Many thanks!

Shnifty

You'll be fine. I'd suggest winter tires if you're concerned and if you've never driven RWD before I'd strongly suggest finding some empty parking lot to learn proper steering correction when your tires break loose.

Gravey

iTrader: (3)

If you are planning on getting one scratch all thoughts of resale value out of your head!

Get rotary specific compression numbers for any car you are interested in.

The traction/stability control is amazing in winter when paired with a good set of winter tires. Even better than some winter beaters, though I prefer to garage it just to keep the salt and crap off it in winter.

wannawankel

Buy it then get a set of all-season tires like the Michelin A/S 3. Drive all year long with a smile.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

I was not comfortable driving in snow with AS tires.
I see most people recommend dedicated winter tires for snow.

Shnifty

I was actually a huge idiot one year and drove all winter with summer only tires. I'm pretty good at controlling the car and didn't have any problems with that. The real issue is when a stranger behind you has to get out and push you because you have no traction at a stop sign. Also I destroyed the tires, they were all cracked from the cold.

gwilliams6

Get dedicated winter tires (best option), or else get the top rated ultra-allseason tire the Conti DWS-06 (newest version of the top-rated DWS, with even better tested performance). They are much better in snow and ice than the Michelin A/S 3.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=199

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...jsp?type=UHPAS



https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

wannawankel

Indeed - lived in the Kingfield neighborhood in SW Mpls. My OH snow skills were put to the test. Best damn Summer (livin' in MN) hands down.

gwilliams6

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...jsp?type=UHPAS

Yep, the new Conti DWS-06 are now the top-rated Ultra Performance All-Season tire by even a larger margin over the Michelin A/S 3 , and all others tested.

New_Mazda_Guy

Thanks a lot for the responses people! It does have AW tires so I'll see how those bad boys hold up before deciding on winter specific ones. And yes, first experience in a RWD car, so pretty excited!

Does the car need a full synthetic oil change and premium fuel? I have been using premium since I got it, though it's not specified. Highly recommended though? Oil wise? I was told Marvin's Mystery Oil could be added with every change to keep the parts lubed.

Also, what's this about re-sale value?!

Thanks!

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

Read the 3rd link that gwilliams posted for you.
As for resale, check your local classifieds

New_Mazda_Guy

Yes sir. Seem to have missed that! Thanks!

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Always use premium. Always.
Don't use Marvel Mystery Oil, it's basically a solvent and reduces the lubricity needed for our rotary engines.
Premix with your gas instead.
I use Lucas semi-syn.
You can use any Low Ash JASO Certified 2 stroke oil, I've also used Echo & Stihl synthetic 2 stroke

KDispel

I drive a Ford Explorer 4x4 in winter if there is snow on the ground in Boise. If I had somewhere to keep a spare rim set with winter tires, I'd probably go with that route to be honest. But I only have so much space.

Hayzertoo

Sorry to stray off track but im brand new to posting on the forums here, i just dont know where i would even ask this question. Okay hear me out on this one. I know there has been a discussion on hybrid engine renesis. But im in the process of doing a NA hybrid renesis build. I have the 84 s4 gsl se housings. Now what if on the LIM i removed the apv valves and the held the ssv valve open, that would allow more air into the motor and with a proper tune on an ecu, i have the rx8 adaptronic, it should in theory run very powerful at the top end for a higher horsepower NA hybrid build. I would need a custom exhaust manifold adn the mpgs would be terrible but who buys a sports car especially a rotary for mpgs.

would this be possible? And im going for more of a track oriented build so i wouldnt care so much about the low end power.