Hey, I'd just like to introduce myself,
People call me Leon, I currently own a beautiful 2008 Mazda rx8 as a gift from family for my auto-tech schooling next year.

I've read threads to death on here and have a few confused remarks still, but I am ironing them out.

So far this is what I have looked into/have to do to my car.

As of being bought, there are a few tiny dents in the doors (the car had 4owners I'm surprised it survived because it looks like the past 2 owners didn't do anything except kill it).

a cracked rear light and a smudge (being fixed atm)

But my main concern is the startup. (I've owned this car since last winter and its having start-up issues as of the past month). Now we did sort out one issue which was the battery, but now it seems the fuel pump is not cooperating with us. As of now (after the back is fixed) I will be installing new ignition coils, sparks, and wiring. The connection from the starter to the rest of the car is all clear.

My only concern is the pump still, since it seems to be on the frits but I'm honestly not sure what to do with it. I am going to replace it but my only question is,

Should I buy a factory pump+ assembly or buy an aftermarket pump+ assembly?

The only other concern is that I'm a very artistic abstract person so when I look with fashion, art, and style, I reeaallly don't want to rice my rx8 but i LOOOOVE abstract so RIP me in the future of the rice field forums

 

I replaced my starter alone and my startup time was at least 3/4 quicker. Huge difference. I never knew they were supposed to fire up that fast!

Also, when you change your coils, post pics of your "rings of death"! Should give you a good idea just how bad off they actually were. .

 

White spots on coils don't mean anything.
Coils need to be tested, or replaced every 30k miles with the plugs & wires.

 

Most people say aftermarket pump assemblies from reputable sources like NAPA, AutoZone, etc. are acceptable.
If you plan on keeping it or making a hobby of working on RX8s, I recommend buying the BHR fuel pump ring tool.
Rentals are junk, and damage the ring.
I did mine with a rental, and it was a struggle.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys yeah I'm ordering a bhr tool soon when I get my paycheck, I just landed another job so hopefully I'll be able to work on this beauty. Just fixed my rear lights they were cracked and then my car did about die. The starter did go about 110ft from the store.... where I was about to order my parts. Just got it replaced and its all good again. The fuel pump must wait though since my money went with the new starter