I recently purchased my first car, an 04 velocity red rx8. I plan on driving it this winter and have a few questions. I have heard of people using pan heaters so I took it into the dealership in Sherwood Park to get one installed just to find out my oil pan is grooved so it won't work. They suggested just a battery blanket and I should be good. Is this true or is there anything else I can do to improve starting during the winter?

Any help would be appreciated. I know majority of people will say put it away for the winter but Im one who wants to be able to enjoy the car year round.

 

Replace your starter for an upgraded one, then you will be fine. Never have a starting problem in winter.

 

Give a search on the forum, as there are lots of threads about getting an RX8 ready for winter. Here are a couple to get you started.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/how-well-does-rx8-start-winter-looking-buy-2005-rx8-207956/

https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/winter-preparation-check-list-207566/

https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/block-heater-rx8-187718/




Lot's of people buying 3rd party stick-on type oil pan heaters. (The dealership is probably the last place you would want to buy one.)

I got on for my race car at Princess Auto. (In spring/fall, the 20W-50 I run in that needs the help.)

With the rotary tendency to flood, and how long they take to warm up, I would strongly recommend something to pre-warm the oil.
Some people have had no problems, but, winter in Waterloo or Halifax (for example) is TOTALLY different than how cold it gets in Alberta.