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My 8 is a 2004, 6 port and needs plugs and coils. I need to get this done around 150 for all of it. (Hopefully less) I've heard OEM coils are my best bet to go with. I've also heard of "import direct" that are cheaper than from the dealership but are still OEM. Ive got tons of auto shops around me so those are options also. What is the best set of coils I can get for less than 150 and have them last a good bit? ( also my engine is just rebuilt and I'm putting these on before I turn it over for the first time... excited!)
Ok, thanks for all the info. Do you have any advice as far as aftermarket or "Auto Zone" plugs are concerned? (Other than making sure they have a lifetime warranty)
I don't recommend using non-OEM spark plugs. Modern cars are fairly strict when it comes around this. Using the wrong type of plugs can cause a world of other issues, which will ultimately cost you more money. RX-8 also use 2 pretty specific types of plugs, which I don't think anyone but NGK and Denso makes.
There is nothing wrong with buying coils from Autozone or wherever, and leveraging the lifetime warranty for future replacements.
/hand-holding
Hmm... I wasn't aware that coils can be that cheap. I am always under the impression that they should cost at least $50 each. Some of the OEM ones go above $100 each.
And just out of curiosity, what's wrong with the Denso plugs?
Last edited by UnknownJinX; 07-08-2017 at 05:58 PM.
You have a number of options for coils:
- The Cheapest option: BWD/Intermotor coils from auto parts stores like Advance Auto. 4 coils, 4 plugs, and 4 wires can be had for around $190-220 total based on whatever promotion is running at the time, shipped to your door for free. They are considered to be the first coil revision and you should expect to need to replace them around 20,000 miles, 30,000 miles max. They often come with a "lifetime warranty" by the auto parts store, which could potentially be leveraged for perpetually new coils.
- The Best Upgrade: The BHR ignition coil upgrade can be had for around $500, which eliminates the need to continue replacing coils periodically, as well as deliverying a significantly stronger spark for minor mileage and power gains. It is a proven kit with top notch customer service supporting it. It includes the wires, you still need to add plugs ($80)
- The For-Sure OEM: Mazmart sells all 4 coils of the latest OEM coil revision (C) for around $250, (just the coils, you still need to add plugs and wires) Supported by top notch customer service. They will likely last longer than 30,000 miles, but we don't have much solid data on how long the latest coil revision will last.
- The Most Expensive option: Buying from a dealer will run you around $300+ for the coils, $500+ for coils, wires and plugs, and if you have them do the install, expect to get a bill for anywhere from $700 to $1,800. You may not get the latest coil revision. Yes, you are getting shafted if you take this option, so bring lube.
- The Highest Risk option: Ebay coils continue to pop up as counterfeit, mislabeled, dead on arrival, and have zero post-purchase support largely. They are the "cheapest" listed price, but when you add that $92 or whatever to the price of anything in the list above from having to do it over again, you can see that they are no longer the cheapest option. Do it right the first time. "Motor King" coils are popping up at an attractive price on Ebay, but are being proven as ineffective, to the point of being unable to get the engine fired. "Mazda" branded coils on ebay are almost always counterfeit. Check the seller's name though, since some of our vendors sell legitimate coils there. The price will be $200+ though. Anything sold as "Mazda OEM" under ~$26 per coil should really be considered as suspect and probably counterfeit.
Be wary of "LSx D585 coil upgrades", as not all D585 coils are created the same, and the standard generic D585 coil is not properly designed internally for the RX-8's ignition needs. They generally "work", but there are anomalies and performance issues that have to be solved, if they can be solved. Definitely NOT a plug and play option, even if it is advertised as "plug and play"
Thanks again for all the info, last night based on this I went to o'reilly and got their "Import Direct" brand coils. Evidently, its as close as you can get to OEM without paying the OEM prices. They say sometimes they even ship out the OEM coil in the import direct box. (i've read about this online too.) And it cost 30 bucks a coil or something around there. I also got wires from them. And lastly i got Advance auto parts to match Rock Auto's price on plugs and got the NGK ones. All in all I ended up getting everything for a little under 180 dollars with a lifetime warranty on the coils, so good deal.
I don't recommend using non-OEM spark plugs. Modern cars are fairly strict when it comes around this. Using the wrong type of plugs can cause a world of other issues, which will ultimately cost you more money. RX-8 also use 2 pretty specific types of plugs, which I don't think anyone but NGK and Denso makes.
And just out of curiosity, what's wrong with the Denso plugs?
You don't recommend using anything but OE (NGK), and then ask what is wrong with Denso? Snicker!
Originally Posted by Cody Helton
Thanks again for all the info, last night based on this I went to o'reilly and got their "Import Direct" brand coils. Evidently, its as close as you can get to OEM without paying the OEM prices. They say sometimes they even ship out the OEM coil in the import direct box. (i've read about this online too.) And it cost 30 bucks a coil or something around there. I also got wires from them. And lastly i got Advance auto parts to match Rock Auto's price on plugs and got the NGK ones. All in all I ended up getting everything for a little under 180 dollars with a lifetime warranty on the coils, so good deal.
Excellent! Use that warranty!
There are only about 2 manufacturers of coils in this form factor. One is the OE supplier, and the other is making knock-offs. I know Intermotor sources parts from the OE supplier, and many other reputable aftermarket companies do as well. So, you are probably fine. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," is a good rule of thumb when sourcing coils. If it is too cheap, it is probably counterfeit. I think you are fine.
Originally Posted by BigCajun
It is a good deal.
Be sure to change them all again in about 30k miles.
For most everybody the NGK plugs are truly the best.
For my personal style of driving, I like the Nippon Denso Racing Iridium plugs. At least one other esteemed RX8club moderator (who shall remain unnamed, to prevent hate mail) likes the Denso plugs also for his RX8.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 07-17-2017 at 09:39 AM.
07-08-2017, 04:44 PM
Coils and Plugs
