I'm don't own an RX-8, but I'm looking into buying one. 2 questions please:

Is the 230 bhp version noticeably quicker than the 190 bhp one? It's a big difference on paper, but is it noticeable on the road? I'm asking this because it's the same capacity, and not forced induction so the power must come from somewhere....on a "normal" engine I'd assume a cam with more overlap etc at the expense of torque at lower revs.

The only "RX-8" specific check I've seen is the warm starting...i.e. if it doesn't warm start it could imply bore wash/engine rebuild so walk away. Any other vulnerabilities to know about please?

Thanks in advance for any help, I live in England if that makes any difference to the versions of RX-8 engine.

 

The 232 is the 6 SPD Manual with the 6 port Renny.

The 190 is the 4 port Renny.

Yes it is obviously more powerful.

Before you purchase ANY RX8 get a compression test.

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

^ Read through that, it will give you most if not all of the answers your looking for.

When you get the compression test done, if you can't make heads or tails of it bring it here.

IMO if your not showing about 7.8 or higher on each rotor face, unless the cars a steal it's not worth it.

A compression test will have 3 numbers and an RPM
Something like this
RPM: 250
Rotor 1: 7.8, 8.0, 7.9
Rotor 2: Etc...

With any other issue's or concerns dont hesitate to ask.

Travis

 

The 231 version has a few other bits as standard such as the Xenon lights. Not much difference in price, so I'd go with a 231 every time. If you can't get a compression test really do see if it starts straight away when hot - and walk away from anything with flashing check engine lights.

 

Interesting theory, but not entirely correct. My 8 has the 4-port AND Xenon lighting. The better rule of thumb on the series 1's is that the automatic transmission use the 190 and the 232 is used with 6-speed manual trans. In the series 2's, there is no difference as both use the 6-port.

 

the 4-port AT RX8s are limited to a lower top redline than the 6port MT RX8s (do to auto tranny limitations) and don't have the same combustion output as with 6-ports. Rotary engines make more power at higher rpms.

 

I have a S1 6 port and have never driven a manumatic 8 before so my opinion is basis. There are 2 things you should look for in a sports car.

1. Is it fun to drive? Appearance should not matter, it is all about the driving experience.
2. Is it a manual? Any true driving enthusiast will take a manual over an auto any day of the week.

I have both but the drive is what sold me on getting an 8.

COMPRESSION TEST COMPRESSION TEST COMPRESSION TEST

 

++1^...So True.. I picked my 04 rx8 over a 03 G35 based on the driving experience and feedback.

Based on what I have read here, earlier auto 4port tend to be problematic.
Just ensure the car is well taken care off and get the compression test done

 

Original poster is in the UK - no auto RX8s in the UK We have 192 4 ports which don't have xenon headlights and a lower redline (red line nothing to do with auto gearbox in this case) and 5 speed manual. And 231 6port 6 speed manual.

 

Not so. I know enough driving enthusiasts who prefer automatic.

I would not want to tell Jim Hall he was not a driving enthusiast.

FWIW, the RX8 Club User Code of Conduct cites "disrespecting RX-8 owners who chose an automatic transmission over a manual" as an example of the kind of disrespect that leads to problems.

Personally, I prefer manual. The only automatic cars I've owned were $50 beaters.

Ken

 

Personally, I have an auto simply because there is so little left of my left knee joint that it was getting painful to drive a manual (had manuals non-stop since 1993 and several before that). I suppose I could drive a manual but it would dampen the joyous feeling an 8 provides is operators.

 

I guess Auto vs Manual is just a personal preference.
Especially, since technology have advanced so much that alot of sports cars have adapted twin clutch auto tranny's just because they cut the shifting time. and in a race every mili second counts.

But for daily driving pleasures, I'd pick a 6spd manual over auto any day. but hey thats just me ;-)