RX8 winter storage in MN
 

Just acquired a 2010 RX8 Sport with 46k that came from a southern clime, and I am in North Central MN and wondering what I need to do to prep it for a cold MN winter?
Thanks

Did you get a rotary engine-specific compression test done before your purchase ? If not, get that done now (has to be a Mazda dealer or someone with rotary engine compression testing gear). You need to first know the true health of your engine (not just how it feels).

-Engine
-Cooling system check , flush and new antifreeze (FL-22 recommended)
-Brakes and brake fluid check and replacement if needed
-Tranny, Clutch, differential fluids should be replaced
-Electrical systems and battery check. New heavy duty battery, new coils, wires, plugs as necessary
-Proper high performance snow tires.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/types...t.jsp?perf=PPW

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/surve...sp?type=W&VT=C

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.

Snow tires and getting the underside treated to prevent rust are typically the recommendations for those of us DDing the 8 through the winter. Adding some weight to the rear could be beneficial, as well. Read this post, in particular, along with the rest of this thread: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...4/#post4533705

This is the advice I'm taking, as this will be my 8s first winter. Also, consider the following: