So I took it to the dealership and they're diagnosed it with low compression. They've given me two options:
1.) Decarb the engine and replace the plugs for $535 with no guarantee it will work
2.) Replace the entire engine for $5k

Please to god tell me there is something that I can do that's actually affordable.

 

As vipres586 said, give Randy a call. 262-719-0141. Is it not under warranty?

 

Just called and they said they checked the VIN and I'm not under warranty.
I'll give Randy a call in a bit. Thank you for the number and whatnot guys

 

Randy was amazing, he was ecstatic to hear people were suggesting him on here lol. He said he could swap my engine with a new one for half the price of the Mazda Dealership's cost.

 

I would recommend you take it to Don Miller Mazda in Madison. Not Randy or Hall Mazda.

 

why?
towing fees.
same diagnosis.
same replacement cost.

randy is the ****. he did all my warranty work when he was at hall mazda.

 

I agree....

 

You took it to a dealership that diagnosed low compression. Their fix for that was to decarb your engine (which is not a fix for low compression), or replace the whole engine. So you get on the phone, and Randy offers to replace your engine for half the price. Whichever dealership you took it to should be crossed off your list. Also, the fact that Randy is offering to do work for you without first diagnosing the issue for himself seems suspect to me.

You clearly know nothing about the engine you have in your car. If I had a dealership tell me I needed to replace my engine because it had low compression, I would be trying to find somebody who would give me a second opinion, not trying to find somebody who would replace the engine for a cheaper price.

You wanted a cheaper fix, but it seems like you only want to throw money at your car anyway. Good luck to you sir.

 

My post is directed at George, not VIPREZ...

 

Well somebody has their sassy pants on today.
I was hoping I'd get a second opinion here seen as how most of you know much more about this car than I do, and you guys suggested Randy. He has reasonable prices so I figured it was a good idea.
So, would you like to contribute to this conversation instead of bitching about how I know nothing?

 

Um.

First of all I've seen print outs of compression sheets before, immediately after, and after putting miles on the car after the decarb process(which happens because carbon and oil re-saturate in the combustion chambers and increase compression) and it does change compression.

Second, Randy has TONS(8+yrs) of experience with rotary engines, builds and that's all he does. He worked at Hall Mazda like i said earlier and did work on my rx8.

If he wanted to throw money at his car he would pay the crazy labor rates and insane parts department rotary core mark-up you would find at ANY dealership.
Or pay half via Randy for the same, if not better engine if he has any he's rebuilt.

Third, its VERY well known these engines fail in multiple different ways. It's not surprising to find a bad one. I'd assume the dealership that diagnosed it did a compression test as one of they're first steps. If you find low compression - there is absolutely NO need to diagnose further. Low compression doesn't ignite a fuel/air mix its plain and simple. Especially when compression is so low the car will not start.

What I just read from you had more of an opinion bias than anything.

At any rate, Randy is a good guy. He's no crook and with his business being kicked off in the last few years I HIGHLY doubt he would be looking to screw anyone over.

 

Randy's probably your best bet...
I believe Rotary Resurrection was charging $1500 for a basic rebuild, but that was after removing the engine yourself and getting it to him.

If Randy can get you a new* engine locally and install it for $2500, he's your best bet.

*I can't believe it would be a new engine... probably a rebuild as Mazda isn't even offering new engines.

 

right thats what I meant to say I can get mazda remans for under $2500
my best guess is thats what he quoted ya

 

Hey so I just picked my car up from Randy today.. as I said before, he's great and ended up fixing my car for $300. Long story short the dealership lied about doing any tests on it and pretty much listened to the engine and diagnosed it with a bunch of bullshit.
Anyways, he's having this get together on Saturday and the Minnesota RX8 club is going to be there as well as a lot of other people. Are any of you guys planning on going?

 

Hey so I just picked my car up from Randy today.. as I said before, he's great and ended up fixing my car for $300. Long story short the dealership lied about doing any tests on it and pretty much listened to the engine and diagnosed it with a bunch of bullshit.
Anyways, he's having this get together on Saturday and the Minnesota RX8 club is going to be there as well as a lot of other people. Are any of you guys planning on going?

 

I will be getting a compression test done there that day.

 

Sweet! what was wrong with it?
glad you got it worked out!

damn, I didnt know it was this saturday. I got ASE testing and a bunch of other projects going on. theres a small possibility ill show.

 

Can you post a link or info on the get together?

 

spotted gray one on 43 and morgan

 

out again. checking in. near Milwaukee.

2005 blue

 

Ladies and Gents!

The RX Club of Wisconsin is hosting a touring day this coming Saturday. We will start off at Don Miller Mazda on Odana Road in Madison at 11 am. They will be catering a lunch for us. After that we head off to tour the countryside west of Madison. After the drive we will end the day at the home of the Club's president for a BBQ style get-together.

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/427833500630666/

I look forward to seeing you there!

If any of you are interested please contact me (Erik) at 262.506.4285 - email:rx8guy79@yahoo.com
-or-
Michael Pflughoeft
President
RX Club of Wisconsin
Cell:
262-501-0098

 

Gentlemen,

please accept my apologies for my posts from a couple weeks ago. I came in with the guns blazing, and I was out of line.

GeorgeDubyah, I am glad you got your car fixed.

I hope I havent upset anybody too much. Again, I apologise.

 

eRX8ik, that sounds like a great event! If I hadn't already scheduled another RX8 outing, I would be there. For anyone unable to make it to Madison or who would like possibly a little more spirited event, I'm going to Road America on Saturday to do the On Track Touring at noon. These 30 to 45 minute events are a lot of fun. Just being on the track and experiencing a little bit of what the racers experience is cool. If anyone else thinks they might attend, let me know here or pm me. Perhaps we can meet and go on the track together.

Zoom Zoom

 

I gladly accept your apology, and I hope you'll forgive me as well for being rude.

 

Oh, and I saw a silver 8 at the round-about outside of the Ridge Cinema in Muskego.. was that any of you guys?