I have been looking to buy a RX-8. I recently found a 2004 that needs seals but is at a killer price. I plan to rebuild the engine. I know most about their nature, ex burning oil. But, evidently the 2004-2007 models have 1 less oil port in the engine. Is this a big deal, should I stay away? Will it effect the longevity of the engine? Will it go thrugh seals quicker?

 

It will effect the longevity of the engine.

The bigger issue is whether you will be rebuilding it yourself or having somebody who knows what they are doing do it? That will have a much bigger impact on engine longevity.

Seriously, this isn't like rebuilding a 2JZ or LS1.

If you can get the car for $1000 and have a good rebuilder deal with it for another $3000, then you've got yourself a fun car for $4000. If you think you're going to rebuild it yourself, you're going to pay ~$1500 the first time and then, a year later, another ~$1500 to do it again because that's what usually happens when novices rebuild rotaries.

 

If you have experience working on cars and a good collection of tools, then yes it could be a good buy. You seem like you've been doing some research, so you have an idea of what an engine will cost you. These cars are pretty trouble free when they have a good engine. Only small minor issues plague these cars and they seem to be common across the board. So, if you have the desire to own an 8, have the patience to deal with the issues, including an engine with low compression, and have a thick wallet, then yes by all means go for it. These cars are not for amateurs however. You can quickly find yourself in over your head if you aren't educated about the car or mechanically inclined.