New-ish RX-8 owner...
 

New-ish, always for a reason.
So, I've been at a Mazda dealer in Mississippi for about 2 and a half years now. First year and some change in Service, now in sales. Being in service, fell in love with the RX-7, and it rubbed off on the RX-8.
Now I actually have the time to get and make more of what I want. I originally bought a 2005 auto base that I knew would more than likely need a new motor. It was already on its third, but it was an auto, always owned by women who obviously had no idea what they were doing. We went through the motions, decarb, plugs, coils, wires. Came to the compression test. Front rotor was in the 7s and the rear was dead. Was a cash car and I pretty much knew it was coming.
Luckily, we traded for a 2004 GT manual and convinced my sales manager to let me have it towed to the dealership. Sales rep that traded for it said the guy bottomed it out, busted the radiator, and replaced the water pump. So, it gets here, I throw a new radiator and condenser at it, and it runs like a freakin top! Best $500 investment ever.

Anyway, now I finally have the car I've always wanted with the original motor in it. She only drinks 93 octane or better non-ethanol and every 3rd fill up she gets a gallon of 112 octane. Other than normal wear and tear on a 2004 with 148k on it, nothing else is really wrong with it. Soon, she will be wrapped with a new hood and some plastic dipped OEM shoes on her!
I know even though I have experience in our Mazda service dept and have a Master Tech close, any help and input and is always appreciated!.

148k miles on the original engine? Doubtful...

Welcome, read the info in the links posted in my sig.

Premix


Travis

My input would be do not bother plasti dipping the wheels unless you want to re-do it over and over. I did it to my car, looked great at first. After 6 months it will look terrible I promise you. I went back and powder coated mine which look as good as the day I got them done.