Long story short, I'm working on getting my RX-8, which has been sitting for the last two years, back on the road. I have it running, but it desperately needs some love from a qualified mechanic (I have my suspicions on loss of compression, etc.).

I just tried calling Whitney Auto Repair, and the phone seemed to be disconnected. I figured I would use my backup - Rosenthal Arlington Mazda - but they just told me they're shutting down completely next week, and won't take any cars in for service.

Am I completely out of luck? Does anybody have updated contact info for Ray Whitney, or has he shut down his shop?

 

I wish I had an answer for you. First to Win, Whitney, and PFS have seem to have all closed shop since I last needed major work and I've been unable to find a suitable alternative. I've been doing most of my own work (water pump, plugs, coils, wires, o2 sensor, etc). I just had the airbag recall done at Brown's Chantilly Mazda, but I tend avoid the stealerships at all costs for routine work. Engine mounts will need to be replaced soon on my 8 and I'll be fumbling through the DIYs unless I can find a better alternative.

Did you ever find a good mechanic with knowledge of the 8? I would love to have contact info if/when I need a major repair. I'll post back if I ever find a good shop *crosses fingers*.

 

Well, I myself am in the same boat here in Northern VA. My car has been neglected for years.

Anyone know of any suspension shops around here where I can have coilover suspension rebuilt?

 

I haven't found anyone good, so I've been doing the work myself, which I'm sure is way worse for my car in the long run. I suspect I need a rebuild (105k+ on the original engine, and it's starting to show hot start issues that I masked with the updated starter).

No ideas on the suspension. I've heard good things about PTuning in Manassas, but have no first hand experience. I know they don't do any rotary work, but I imagine they'll be willing to do suspension work.

 

I've had work done at Whitney in Fredericksburg (I know not NOVA but that's as good as it gets) and he did a solid job. It would be a shame if what VTChambo is saying is correct and his shop shut down.

I've had work done at PT Tuning in Manassas on my old turbo setup when the oil return line was hitting the frame. Shop seems reputable and I didn't have any problems.

I've also had work done at Mach V, mostly custom exhaust stuff to fix the TurboXS hanging too low as well as rolling my fenders to fit the back wheels. They mostly specialize in Suburus but seemed open and willing to work on rotaries, I wouldn't rely on them for specialized work though.

Another shop in Sterling is Sportscar Shop Inc where you can actually become a member and work on your own car after hours. When I used to use it a few years ago the owner had just recently gotten rid of an FD race car and was corner balancing another RX-8.