Finally got my RX8
#1
#6
40th anniversary Edition
Congrats. Read new owners thread completely, if you haven't already
-https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
-Get that rotary compression test to know true health pf your engine (critical)
-There are three Mazda recalls for any 2004 RX8. Just stop by any Mazda dealer with your car's vin number and they can set you up. (all parts and work are free for recalls). It doesn't matter if you are original owner or not, your car is entitled to the recall work (airbags, front idler arms, fuel pump filter assembly and fuel tank insulation pads).
-RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.
-https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
-Get that rotary compression test to know true health pf your engine (critical)
-There are three Mazda recalls for any 2004 RX8. Just stop by any Mazda dealer with your car's vin number and they can set you up. (all parts and work are free for recalls). It doesn't matter if you are original owner or not, your car is entitled to the recall work (airbags, front idler arms, fuel pump filter assembly and fuel tank insulation pads).
-RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 11-08-2017 at 11:24 AM.
#7
40th anniversary Edition
As you go through your maintenance checks on the car you should be aware that Mazda updated the starter for better starting performance, once for the Series 1 RX8s (2004-2008) in 2005, and again for Series 2 RX8s (2009-12). The series 2 starter is the best and strongest, and is a direct fit into any RX8 (2004-12) I would highly recommend you install one. Here is a link to a new Series 2 OEM starter , easily bought from Walmart. (this is new and not refurbished)
https://www.walmart.com/ip/OEM-12V-S...0271/186582984
As you can see in the maintenance schedule, any ignition components not recently replaced, should be another priority for engine and cat health and performance. Coils, wires and plugs should be changed together.
But first get that rotary-specific engine compression test done. Is the engine original or has it been replaced along the way? Either way, you can't tell the engine health by how it feels in driving, only by this rotary-specific compression test. This is the most important thing for you to do first.
Best to you and welcome again !
The RX8 is a great fun car, but you have to stay on top of the maintenance and there are many things to check on any 13 year old RX8, even if it looks and feels great.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/OEM-12V-S...0271/186582984
As you can see in the maintenance schedule, any ignition components not recently replaced, should be another priority for engine and cat health and performance. Coils, wires and plugs should be changed together.
But first get that rotary-specific engine compression test done. Is the engine original or has it been replaced along the way? Either way, you can't tell the engine health by how it feels in driving, only by this rotary-specific compression test. This is the most important thing for you to do first.
Best to you and welcome again !
The RX8 is a great fun car, but you have to stay on top of the maintenance and there are many things to check on any 13 year old RX8, even if it looks and feels great.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 11-08-2017 at 11:20 AM.
#11
Originally Posted by Okki-Jakarta
Looks great man. Hope u did a specified rotary compression test before u got it, wow 2004 in that condition(physical). have fun and let it rip.
#12
Originally Posted by gwilliams6
Congrats. Read new owners thread completely, if you haven't already
-https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
-Get that rotary compression test to know true health pf your engine (critical)
-There are three Mazda recalls for any 2004 RX8. Just stop by any Mazda dealer with your car's vin number and they can set you up. (all parts and work are free for recalls). It doesn't matter if you are original owner or not, your car is entitled to the recall work (airbags, front idler arms, fuel pump filter assembly and fuel tank insulation pads).
-RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.
-https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
-Get that rotary compression test to know true health pf your engine (critical)
-There are three Mazda recalls for any 2004 RX8. Just stop by any Mazda dealer with your car's vin number and they can set you up. (all parts and work are free for recalls). It doesn't matter if you are original owner or not, your car is entitled to the recall work (airbags, front idler arms, fuel pump filter assembly and fuel tank insulation pads).
-RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.
Originally Posted by gwilliams6
As you go through your maintenance checks on the car you should be aware that Mazda updated the starter for better starting performance, once for the Series 1 RX8s (2004-2008) in 2005, and again for Series 2 RX8s (2009-12). The series 2 starter is the best and strongest, and is a direct fit into any RX8 (2004-12) I would highly recommend you install one. Here is a link to a new Series 2 OEM starter , easily bought from Walmart. (this is new and not refurbished)
https://www.walmart.com/ip/OEM-12V-S...0271/186582984
As you can see in the maintenance schedule, any ignition components not recently replaced, should be another priority for engine and cat health and performance. Coils, wires and plugs should be changed together.
But first get that rotary-specific engine compression test done. Is the engine original or has it been replaced along the way? Either way, you can't tell the engine health by how it feels in driving, only by this rotary-specific compression test. This is the most important thing for you to do first.
Best to you and welcome again !
The RX8 is a great fun car, but you have to stay on top of the maintenance and there are many things to check on any 13 year old RX8, even if it looks and feels great.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/OEM-12V-S...0271/186582984
As you can see in the maintenance schedule, any ignition components not recently replaced, should be another priority for engine and cat health and performance. Coils, wires and plugs should be changed together.
But first get that rotary-specific engine compression test done. Is the engine original or has it been replaced along the way? Either way, you can't tell the engine health by how it feels in driving, only by this rotary-specific compression test. This is the most important thing for you to do first.
Best to you and welcome again !
The RX8 is a great fun car, but you have to stay on top of the maintenance and there are many things to check on any 13 year old RX8, even if it looks and feels great.
Fortunately this is just my toy and not my daily. So I’ll have the time to put this together the right way and not put too much wear and tear on the car.
#13
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
You don't need to go to a dealer, you can go online with your VIN and see if the recalls have been done.
https://www.mazdarecallinfo.com/Nort...UaAjOpEALw_wcB
The following users liked this post:
gwilliams6 (11-09-2017)
#14
Originally Posted by BigCajun
Welcome.
You don't need to go to a dealer, you can go online with your VIN and see if the recalls have been done.
https://www.mazdarecallinfo.com/Nort...UaAjOpEALw_wcB
You don't need to go to a dealer, you can go online with your VIN and see if the recalls have been done.
https://www.mazdarecallinfo.com/Nort...UaAjOpEALw_wcB
#15
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
The following users liked this post:
gwilliams6 (11-09-2017)
#16
40th anniversary Edition
Thanks Big Cajun, that does save lots of time. I get free oil changes for life at my dealer, so I am there on a regular basis and I know when a recall is ready to be done (in addition to letters from Mazda as I am the original owner and they have my address on file)
StrictlyTraction did one of your nine recalls include an updated starter ? Just curious.
StrictlyTraction did one of your nine recalls include an updated starter ? Just curious.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 11-09-2017 at 09:53 AM.
#17
40th anniversary Edition
StrictlyTraction after you have your compression test and hopefully get good numbers, you want to change out the coils ,wires and plugs unless all were done recently. Top ignition system health is key to the life of a rotary engine and its cat. This cant be overemphasized. Any weak link in your RX8 ignition system can kill your engine and cat.
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"
GB: SakeBomb Garage IGN-1A Ignition Coil Kit
Cheers !
________________________________________
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"
GB: SakeBomb Garage IGN-1A Ignition Coil Kit
Cheers !
________________________________________
Last edited by gwilliams6; 11-09-2017 at 12:55 PM.
The following users liked this post:
StrictlyTraction (11-10-2017)
The following users liked this post:
StrictlyTraction (11-10-2017)
#19
StrictlyTraction after you have your compression test and hopefully get good numbers, you want to change out the coils ,wires and plugs unless all were done recently. Top ignition system health is key to the life of a rotary engine and its cat. This cant be overemphasized. Any weak link in your RX8 ignition system can kill your engine and cat.
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"
GB: SakeBomb Garage IGN-1A Ignition Coil Kit
Cheers !
________________________________________
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"
GB: SakeBomb Garage IGN-1A Ignition Coil Kit
Cheers !
________________________________________
#20
40th anniversary Edition
Good Start ! Don't know where you are located, but if you can check with a few different Mazda dealers for the best quote on a rotary-specific compression test, that would be good.
If you are near any other RX8club members, you can check and post in the appropriate regional forums section here and see if any members near you might have the proper rotary compression testing gear. Some members and regional groups have invested in the portable testing equipment. Worth checking that out anyway.
If you are near any other RX8club members, you can check and post in the appropriate regional forums section here and see if any members near you might have the proper rotary compression testing gear. Some members and regional groups have invested in the portable testing equipment. Worth checking that out anyway.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 11-11-2017 at 11:40 PM.
#21
Good Start ! Don't know where you are located, but if you can check with a few different Mazda dealers for the best quote on a rotary-specific compression test, that would be good.
If you are near any other RX8club members, you can check and post in the appropriate regional forums section here and see if any members near you might have the proper rotary compression testing gear. Some members and regional groups have invested in the portable testing equipment. Worth checking that out anyway.
If you are near any other RX8club members, you can check and post in the appropriate regional forums section here and see if any members near you might have the proper rotary compression testing gear. Some members and regional groups have invested in the portable testing equipment. Worth checking that out anyway.
I'll check them both ! thanks a lot !
#22
Smoking turbo yay
For reference, I paid CAN$200 for a compression test at the local Mazda dealer. The norm seems to be at around $150~200 for a dealer to do it.
It would be nice if you can get another member to do it for you for cheap. Since I live in the middle of nowhere, the only choice I have is the dealer, although the compression might be on my shopping list.
It would be nice if you can get another member to do it for you for cheap. Since I live in the middle of nowhere, the only choice I have is the dealer, although the compression might be on my shopping list.
#23
40th anniversary Edition
This rotary engine tester can be rented from this RX8club sponsor:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...4/#post4843079
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...4/#post4843079