patriotjj

Okay so I just got a 2008 Mazda Rx8. The previous owner was a good friend, and currently has put 65k Miles on it. He kept the car in good shape by riding it how it is supposed to be, changing the oil on time WITH the right type of oil, and put the gas in it that it NEEDs, not just regular gas. It is an automatic by the way. But it has been sitting for 8-10 months, and all it really needed was a new battery to start up. The problems it has, is a VERY slow start(4-5 seconds), but it is able to start up every time. The acceleration is REALLY slow also(5 seconds to get to like 12-15mph), but once after 1st gear, it runs like a champ with no problems. I currently took it to the shop and it had a really banged up o2 sensor, so I had replaced it. I'm leaning toward it might need plugs/coils/wires, but not so sure? Can anyone help me, thank you.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Did you add new gas? ?

patriotjj

Yes, I went and put a good 3 gallons of complete new gas also, My friend had warned me prior that he started to get this problem prior to him getting the truck, and told me that It might just need a tune up, but not so sure what is wrong..

wcs

iTrader: (2)

Banged up O2 sensor?
That must be the rear O2 sensor on the catalytic, I hope.
The front O2 is mounted up on the exhaust manifold.

If the rear O2 was faulty it should have thrown a cell however it would not likely have much of an impact if any on performance.
That said if the Catalytic is clogged that would/should throw a cell and have a dramatic impact on performance.

Plugs/wires/coils are a good start especially if they've never been changed.

Do all the regular stuff.
Clean Maf
Clean ESS
Airfilter

If you can a compression test is always informative.

patriotjj

Thanks for the replies, seriously, this forum has a lot to offer. I took it to Mazda yesterday and they have also said it would probably be the coils/plugs since they have never been changed, waiting for the phone call. BUT they said if it is that, it would cost 800-1 grand to fix.. Would it be cheaper to just buy the parts at a auto store, and find a different mechanic place to install these, because 800-1grand for that seems outrageous.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Yeah that's way too much. If you've ever held a wrench you can do these yourself, and the parts should not be more than a couple of hundred online or at a parts store. There is a DIY guide here somewhere, but it's really straightforward work.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Regarding ignition:
New and Potential Owners Start Here: Ignition Health
^ has the options for ignition replacement costs

Otherwise clean the sensors, reset the profiles and fuel trims, and then give it a few days to let the fuel trims re-build. Then see where you are at. If you still have problems, take it to the dealer for a compression test. Don't take it there and say "this is my problem, can you diagnose it", say "I am here for a compression test".

patriotjj

Hey thanks again guys for the information, it's really helping a lot. Yeah that's what I'm going to do for sure if I need new plugs/wires/coils. 3-400$ beats a thousand dollars by far, I'm just hoping it isn't a serious problem, and it just needs these replaced. Appreciate the help

04Green

iTrader: (1)

there are a few more things in the $100 thread (congrats you got an 8) that might help as well. grounds come to mind, but these guys pretty much covered it.

patriotjj

Thanks for the replies again. Will give that a check, Dealership will be calling tomorrow with the "problems", but im just leaning toward it being plugs/coils/wires since they have NEVER been changed since purchase.

hoosier1104

iTrader: (2)

Spend the money on BHR ignition. You will not be disappointed.

patriotjj

Just got the call back from the dealership, two of the coils happened to not even be firing and the other two were slow to fire. They tried to charge me 920$ for the coils/plugs and installation, so i went ahead and went to local stores and got the NGk plugs with some direct import coils AND wires for 250$!! Took it to a family friend mechanic to put them all in for 80$(beats 500)!! And the car runs like brand new!! Thanks everyone for the replies!!