Hask

Hi all,
This is my first post here. I have always wanted a Mazda rx8 and finally I think I am ready to make the purchase. However, after reading through the numerous helpful reviews on this forum, I am very scared that many things will go wrong with the car.

I am looking at the sport trim with manual transmission.

The biggest problem is I will not be driving it very often as I spend half a month on business trips. So I expect maybe I will be putting 300 miles/month. Would that cause problems?

Also, the other problems such as flooding and stalling, has Mazda addressed them on this years model?

Finally, I am very confused as to what weight oil I should use. I live in southern California.

Any and all advices are greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

I wrote up this thread specifically for new and potential owners to answer the basic questions: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

Once you have read through it, post additional questions there.

Hask

Thanks RIWWP. Was going over it. Do you suggest that I ask them for a compression test on new vehicle too? If yes, then what numbers are acceptable?

Hask

Sorry pressed submit instead of preview. My other question is that is there a need to "break in" the engine.

I know new cars theses days really don't need to. But since many people suggest oil change every 3000 miles I was just wondering do I treat the rx8 sort of "old school" when buying a new car?

8 Maniac

iTrader: (1)

There shouldn't be any problems with not driving it often. Most of the fluids have recommended intervals based on time or mileage. Just be sure to change them with the time intervals instead of the mileage interval since you wont be racking up the miles. Are your trips for a solid 2 weeks, or is it multiple trips that add up to about half of the month?

There was never really a flooding problem with the RX-8. The problem was that the engine needed to be at normal operating temperatures before shutting it off. People would not properly warm the engine and that's why it floods. They did make some changes so it is harder to flood, but it's still a good idea to let the engine warm up. It only takes a few minutes. If you have to shut it off while cold, there is a procedure recommended in the manual to prevent flooding. It's definitely not something I would let me dissuade me from the car.

I'm not aware of any stalling issues with the RX-8. The only time there should be stalling issues is if there's something wrong with the car or if the car is a manual and you stall it like any other car.

The oil weight is a bit of an on going debate. 5W-20 is the recommended weight from Mazda. You definitely DO NOT want to use anything lighter. A lot of people say you should use something heavier, and I agree with that. Others will swear to use nothing but Mazda's recommendations. There's also a debate about synthetic vs non-synthetic. I think the best advice would be to read a few of the oil threads and decide for yourself.

Hask

Thanks 8 Maniac. I am usually away 2 weeks at a time or it's 1 month home 1 month abroad.

I have already put a down payment and will pick up the car tomorrow. Very excited, since when I was in college I fell in love with the rx7 but could not afford it, as time went by I have always wanted a rx8 but sometimes other cars appealed more to me out of need or what not.

But if you were to recommend what weight oil would you say I use?

And also, can you please give me some info on " break in" procedures and how do I read compression tests.

Thanks again for help

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

click the "google" link in my signature. Coincidentally, it will bring you to your first question. After reading up on that, use "compression test numbers" as your key word. Then, use that method of searching for the remainder of your stay here at rx8club.com

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

You don't need a compression test on a new vehicle unless you want the "beginning" chart for a reference point. You would likely pay out of pocket for it, since you are unlikely to convince a dealer to do it for free on a brand new 8.

Hask

thanks for your input Rx8soldier. it was very useful.

Any suggestion on "break in"procedures? i dont know why but i seem to be baying this car more than my others . i guess because i have always wanted one. Others are cars that i happened to be able to get now. A few more hours of surfing this forum and I am sure i may even name my rx8

Seriously though, thank you all for your help and advice. This is my first time posting and it has been very beneficial and everyone here has been very kind and helpful.

I hope there is a gathering of rx8club.com owners in california.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

I gave you the "tool" to search the forum (site:rx8club.com "insert key word/question here"). It's up to the user to take advantage of the tools given to them

Hask

Actually that is a very good suggestion, RIWWP, i dont mind paying since i really dont know much about engines in general. Except for looking at the bhp and torque. By, doing so, I have a very good idea of what is normal for comparison sake.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

This weekend (tomorrow) is the 14th annual Sevenstock near Ontario CA. It's rotary only, RX-7s and RX-8s primarily, with prior rotaries and rotary swaps also present. Biggest rotary gathering in the world. So I guess it depends on how close to LA you are?

Hask

Hi RIWWP, I am on the wilshire corridor. I dont think i can make it tomorrow. Hopefully there will be more meets soon.

My final question is: in order to prevent carbon buildup, i should drive hard occasionally and before i turn of engine rev it past 3000 rpm?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Might want to swipe your mental slate clean for a moment regarding "how to drive this engine".

(mph numbers are what I believe S2 numbers to be)
"driving it hard" isn't really the way to think about it. You want a regular WOT run from ~4k RPM to redline. This can be done in 1st gear, though it doesn't last all that long. Gets you to ~35mph. 2nd is better, and you hit 56mph, still entirely legal. 3rd is around 85mph or so, and that that point you are talking ticketing speed, though it's easily the best gear to do it in. Learn to not be afraid of the revs. The engine can take it fine. Just don't sit at high revs all the time, because you are needlessly generating heat, and that's bad. Don't lug it low all the time to avoid heat though, as that just builds up lots of carbon. Think of it like an oscillation between the two, though you will spend more time lower than you will higher. Unless you don't mind the gas cost at all and then might spend more time higher
~6k rpm is about the limit you want to hold the engine at for more than ~20 seconds or so. If you are on a track and in 5th or 6th and hanging up there, it's a bit different since you have massive levels of airflow through the radiator.

The "3k rpm beore shut-off" is largely a needless preventative measure against flooding. Sure, if you have failing ignition and are turning it off cold, it should help against the potential flood. But if the engine isn't cold (< 100F) or if your ignition is healthy (or both), don't worry about flooding, and just use it like normal. Even with healthy ignition, I'm just in the habit of not shutting it off cold. I even avoid shutting of my piston engined cars cold now

Being as your car would be a series 2, there are alot of the prior issues that have been fixed, and not nearly as much for you to worry about. It's still a different engine, so you still have to treat it like a rotary and not like a piston, but the little tricks of the early series 1s aren't necessary.

Hask

Hi RIWWP, thanks for your speedy reply. So actually higher rev is better for the rx8?

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Follow this, and you'll be fine.
Oil: don't go below 5W-30. That's the recommended oil weight everywhere in the world except for the US. 5W-20 is too thin.
Not driving the car a lot is not a concern (but it's a waste really ). For the first 5+ years, my car was driven only less than 15K miles. No issue whatsoever, it runs great now at over 49K miles and 8 years.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

It's a balance. Not a "hold the line" balance, but a balance between the extremes. High revs are only bad if that is all you do (overheating, side seal problems). Low revs are only bad if that's all you do (carbon caking, clogging of injectors, seals, etc...)

Pounding full throttle up to redline isn't bad for the engine at all, and is often healthy. Just don't overheat your car doing it


I bought mine 4 years and 1 day ago with 8,600 miles, it has 89,600 now, and other than some simple mileage wear and tear, it does just fine. It's been across the country and back and many other long distance trips accounting for about 50,000 miles of the 83 I've put on it, the rest daily driven miles, including 4 New England winters and all the associated temp swings and salt.

Hask

Hi all,
Demo'ed the car today. Quite nice. Very very smooth car, but I felt the sound from the exhaust somewhat lacking. Don't get me wrong, it is a very unique howl. But, I was hoping for more. Maybe I cannot compare to my other cars. Still, I like it very much.

In any case I made the purchase and will be picking MY car up on monday. The only thing I can really complain about is the colour. Black on black. Ugh! this will be my 5th blk/blk car. I guess that is fate.

Can't wait to pick it up. If there are any gatherings of rx8 owners club please let me know.

Joe-the_tattoo_artist

Black cars can be so demanding. Really makes every tiny scratch and speck of dust stand out. Always begging for a bath and polish and wax... which reminds me that I am running low on elbow grease.

Hask

Got my new car. Can anyone tell me of a good body kit?

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

the SE-arch kit has been around for a while. Check it out

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

not much point in getting a compression test when the car is new BUT

if you are buying it new from the dealer, I think it shouldn't be a problem to tell them to do a compression test for you for free. Just tell them you have a friend who knows what he is talking about and he WANTS it as a reference point.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

not much bodykit out for the S2. some Japanese companies have them but the Yen vs Dollar these days ... don't think you want any of that.

to be honest, the S2 has lots of improvements not found in S1. its all about aerodynamics and improved cooling. so you might want to keep that.

I mean S1 bodykits works with S2. but you need to change a lot of stuff. front bumper for example, you need to change the undercover(the plastic piece), both fender, and both head light (the price of each light will rape you)

Roidz

Congrats man. Lookin forward to some pics.

RX8sold4EVO

Congrats and best wishes with the new car.