Howdy folks, the name's Ed. I found this site rather quickly once I found out I'd be having the chance to buy my ex's RX8. I've honestly never really been an import guy (I think the last one I owned was a Nissan back in the late 80's) but since my trusty Dodge has been giving me problems lately, and is down indefinitely, the ex was nice enough to lend me her RX8 for a while. Her and her husband both have new cars and nobody is driving the RX8. "It needs to be driven" she says.


OMG!! I've got to say, after driving this little car for a few days, I AM IN LOVE! So sporty and fun to drive! I want it!!! I asked her about selling it to me and she said "sure!". She's giving me a great deal on it. (special baby momma price!)


Here she is, an '04 Mazda RX8 6 spd with just over 92k miles on the clock. All scheduled maintenance has been done on time and they've never had any major problems with the car at all. Original engine.











The car does however, have some small issues. The paint is heavily oxidized from sitting out in the sun forever. Needs a real good buffing, if not a paint job. The front lower bumper skirt/air dam is broken and the front bumper cover itself has broken clips etc. Also the rear bumper is missing the triangle shaped piece that goes around the tail pipe.


Also, after driving it for a few days, the engine light came on. I pulled in to an Advance Auto and had the code(s) read. It only had one:


P0661 - SSV solenoid valve control circuit low


So it looks like I get to fix my first thing on it. I've already found the thread on the SSV here by using the advanced google search method...


https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...ow-2-a-182125/


I'm no newbie to these car forums, btw. Been a member of dodgeintrepid.net since 2003 with my '98 Dodge Intrepid ES. Here's a pic of her and a link to my sig thread.





<<<Intrep_Ed's new sig thread>>> - DodgeIntrepid.Net Forums - Dodge Intrepid, Concorde, 300m and Eagle Vision chat


^^^TONS of pics.... 56k beware!


Anyway, a great looking site you guys have here. Lots of useful info. I'm looking forward to many happy miles and smiles with the RX8! I think I've found the right place here...


Cheers!

 

Oh and as you can see from the plates in the pics, the car did come from VA.

 

Welcome! You'll definitely be enjoying the 8 and congrats on getting one! She's definitely a beauty! And awesome searching unlike other new members around here :P

 

Thanks! I can't get over how agile this car is, coming from a huge front wheel drive 4 door family sedan... totally different animal!

 

Oh, i know how you feel, ever since i retired the rx8 as a daily driver and been driving around my mazdaspeed6, each and everyday i'm reminded how spoiled i was with the rx8 in regards to handling and chassis feel and how nimble it is.

I would choose handling and agility over power any day except for when i'm late to work on an open freeway, then power is always good

 

lol funny you mention that as I was late for work myself this morning! The RX8 (I still need to come up with a name for her) didn't have any problem zipping through traffic and getting me to work with a quickness. God I love this thing!

 

Now... To tackle this SSV thing.

 

Also been reading up on the rotary engines in general and how they naturally burn oil by design.

 

Welcome,

The SSV cleaning video is great. It is just work, no magic. Where in Florida?

 

Thanks..


North East. Just south of Jacksonville in Orange Park.

 

Hmmm I might just do the swap with the air solenoid trick for now, clean em both while I'm at it.

 

Also... just made myself a nice little sig pic.

 

Cool,

I will wave on the way by tomorrow. Heading to Roebling in Savannah from Orlando for a track weekend. Get is sorted and come play in May..

 

Nice pics and enjoy the ride!

 

That sounds like fun. I'd actually like to take this car up into the mountains as well. The Dragon, anyone?

Thanks!

 

w00t! Just passed my 10th post mark!

 

Well, I got in the rx8 this morning and the code and engine light went away all by itself. Haven't messed with the SSV or anything, so I guess I'll just leave it alone until (or IF) it pops up again. Maybe it was just a quirk that threw the code/light the other day, when I was "seeing what this car could do" yeah, I did kinda open her up a little.

Did I mention I love this car?

 

So the p0661 code (and the CEL) popped back up today. I guess it's something I'm going to have to fix. Doesn't look too complicated according to the video posted here.

This'll be the very first time I've ever worked on a rotary engine. I've worked on a ton of vehicles with piston engines, but never a rotary... so wish me luck!

 

Another day with the RX8 and it continues to grow on me. I love it! And you know, I wasn't really looking for a car.. This one just kinda found me.... And I'm glad it did!

 

Here's a couple more pics of her. I'm gonna take her out for a real photo shoot soon... I got a new Nokia Lumia 1020 (the one with the 41MP camera!)...

 

No need for front plate in Florida, so lose that!
Also, don't wait too long before getting Florida plates...........they will nail you eventually.

 

Oh yeah, I know... That's gonna be the first thing that comes off, soon as we do the tag transfer and sign the title over.

 

 

Cleaned up the engine bay a little today...

 

Is there a section of these forums where I should create a sig thread?