So I recently bought an 04 RX8 with 86K miles and after reading all the threads wrt coil/plug/wire replacement and compression check I checked out some of the local shops. I received 3 quotes for parts, labor and the compression check with the lowest at $1300 (comp check ~$250, parts ~$700 and labor ~$400). The previous owner showed me his receipt for this job at 45K miles originally.


When I checked several on-line parts sites I consistently come up with ~$325-$400. I'm pretty capable of performing the job myself and would expect to spend 2+ hrs on the effort (less the compression check). However, something doesn't make sense with the disparity in parts cost between dealership and on-line as well as the labor charge. I would expect another 25-30% for parts but not 50% difference. Also each dealership stated 4-5 hrs labor for ignition job and compression check. Seems way to much!


Am I off base here? Does my parts cost seem low?

 

You aren't off base. For some reason shops, especially dealers, upcharge the hell out of labor and parts on this car. It's why so many RX-8 owners start out not knowing much about cars and end up doing all their own maintenance. Far far cheaper.

You can actually get all 12 ignition components for as low as $192 shipped to your door for free (Advance Auto Parts online). Replacing the ignition takes an hour with simple tools if you don't know what you are doing. Many of us can replace it all in 15 minutes. REALLY easy.

We have seen repeated dealer quotes for as high as $1,800. Yes, it's retarded.

If you are going to pay $400 for the parts, you may want to consider bumping it to $500 and getting the BHR ignition, so you don't have to worry about coils or wires again. Just plugs periodically.

The New Owner's thread has a section on ignition, and gives you your options if you want to read through them all.

 

Thanks for the feedback! I'll check Advance on-line. I'm assuming 2 hrs as I've not worked on this puppy other than changing the oil so far. The oil change took 20 mins including jacking up the car. Maybe i'll get lucky and the ignition parts will go in an hour. Any tricks or potential trouble steps on this job?

 

You will find that a rocker extension will make the plugs easier (avoid the actual u-joints, you don't need much flex for the rear plugs).

And this picture is useful to make sure you get the wires right:




But yeah, it's easy.

 

great! thanks for the pic. i'll let you know how it goes this weekend.

 

If you jack the car up and pull or turn the front left tire you can take the small plastic cover off and its almost a direct shot to the plugs. Saves time and risk of cross threading them, and you can get a grip on the plug wire caps to pull and install them.

 

Yes, do it through the wheel well. Some people have had success doing the plugs down from the top, but I never could. You don't really even have to remove the wheel (depending on your suspension), but it is a bit easier if you do.