Hey guys,
I work at a dealership here in Wyoming and I just picked up a 2004 RX-8. I was able to grab the car up for $1k, and it obviously needs some work. Sounded like a fun project to me, and I will be getting it back in shape. I used to own a '87 Turbo II and an '87 N/A, so I'm happy to get back in the rotory game.
The 04 has about 94k miles, and has a couple mods on it. Previous owner has installed; Tein coilovers, upgraded ignition system (some Australian brand can't think of the name off the top of my head), air pump delete, mid-pipe with cat delete, and an aftermarket intake. He threw some nicer wheels and tires as well as some StopTech rotors and pads.. Body is a little rough, but I'll be cleaning it up and repainting it.
Currently it is having the ABS/ E-brake/ Steering error and check engine light. Pulled codes and they are all ABS related.
U1900
U2516
B1342
C1155
C1145
U0121
P0410
I'll be going through the ABS speed sensors this weekend and making sure wiring is all intact. If anybody has any incite on these issues please let me know. Been doing a little searching, but lack of time has brought me to this rant.
I'd like to get the issues resolved before pulling the motor for a rebuild.
I'll be doing the SOHN metering pump adapter kit, high torque starter shortly. Any other must needs on these series 1s?

 

The coils were the biggest issue with the series 1 Rx8's and the cause for most of the failures in them. I have the BHR coils myself.

 

We need to start specifying if it's the old BHR GM coils or the updated ones.

 

The ignition coils he put on it are by NP boosted. Not sure if those are decent or not?

 

Anybody have the electronic steering module fail on these? Trying to figure out these codes before I can continue on.

 

I guess I didnt know you changed them, I am guessing they are the older ones as I got them at the beginning of 2016 (about 15k miles ago lol)

 

I got the ABS codes figured out and it has been running much better. Just received my rotary compression tester in the mail, going to do the test this weekend to see if I'm going to have to rebuild at this point. Does everybody have hot start issues in the 2004 8s?

 

Not everyone, but the major reason for the failures was the coils, which also caused the CAT to fail and on from there. Once you figure out if you need a rebuild (and get it), I would get the BHR Coils and a SOHN adapter and you will probably need find a new CAT (I think BHR has one as well). That will keep your (most likely) rebuilt engine going strong for a long time.

 

I do have a sizeable pile of RX8 parts sitting in my basement that is looking for a new home, which do include some of the parts you're potentially searching for, that I'm looking to let go at a steal of a price if you're willing to drive down I-25 a bit. Parts in my pile include...

Agency Power Catback exhuast
Racing Beat MidPipe
Exhaust Finishers to reduce the damage of the flaming exhaust above
OEM Coils with < 1000 miles
Aftermarket Wires
Voodoo II Shift ****
Metal mesh grill cover for the center grill
OEM Brake Pads with < 2000 miles of use
Tuner Lugs
Driver Side window switch panel w/ switches

For the right price and timing I'd be willing to head north to help you out and shave a couple hours off your drive.

 

Good Luck! I have an 04 as well. Living in WY (I live in CO), do you know about the flooding problem if you start in cold weather and shut off quickly (like to back it out of the garage)? You need to warm the engine up for a couple of minutes before shutting down.

 

You still have the OEM Coils? Need to replace mine!