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Hello all. Newb here.
I picked up a 2006 Automatic RX8 in trade. It's got the Bose sound system and touring package. It's been sitting since 2017 under a carport as it had lost compression.
I sold him a 2009 4wheeler for some cash, swapped trailers, and he asked if I wanted this car. I'm like.... sure... I knew it wasn't running. I was happy with the deal before the addition of the car.
This thing is super clean, inside and out. He had started stripping the motor down for removal and gave up.
So, I've since ripped out the motor and transmission. Found a JDM replacement locally for $1700 cash. 30 day warranty
Now just about to swap wiring harness and other items that were broken, and will attempt to shove it all back in!
I've been lurking for a bit on the write up and posts. Thanks everyone for the info! Wish me luck!
Update.
This is a great forum. I've had lots of reading to help me get this engine swapped. Thanks to everyone who has posted how to's and such.
New (used) engine is in and it started!!! Took a bit to get all of the old gas (5 years old) out and refreshed. Jumping the connector for the pump to drain it was a snap.
I did have to pull my other vehicle over to jump it. Letting the starter cool before going at it again, and again, ...
I'm simply idling/running in place now to check for leaks and such. I'm chasing a pretty bad oil leak. Thought it might be the rear main as that's where the oil was dripping from. Took the bell housing cover off and it was bone dry. Turns out it's pouring out of the oil filter housing. I'm hoping to get that knocked out in the next few days. Trying to figure out if I can get to it with minimum removal of upper intake..
Smoked quite a bit at first but has since settled out, almost none now.
I'm only getting a front O2 sensor heater error. I'll run that down after the oil leak fix.
I also need to adjust the shifter linkage. Just a bit off.
Then polish out the headlights.
Then, maybe get it over for inspection once all of the CEL are gone.
I had intended on sell it, but am somehow getting attached to her...
Oh, I also busted the fittings on the top of the old radiator. Had to get a new one. Went with and all aluminum one. also replaced the fan (as one motor was bad).
Looked pretty sweet as a package, I should have taken a pic.
Latest update.
I've been troubleshooting a MOP error and couldn't get it out of limp mode. "stepper motor circuit #4"
I had to swap out the sensor because the new (used) engine's one was broken.
I didn't know that you shouldn't remove that stupid sensor from the metering pump!!!
Anyhow. I've finally been able to get that sensor in the right position so that the code cleared.. Took about a week of fiddling with it. Seems that you have to get it on at about a 1/2 turn so there's a bit of tension on the switch. And then adjust it. Mine cleared when the sensor was rotated almost all the way clockwise.
Man, this is a cool car. Now that it's out of limp mode, jeeze.. I could have fun with this car.
Polished out the headlights, they look almost new now. Vacuumed out the AC and refilled. It's blowing cold air.
Now just need to put back the splash guards and get a new set of tires. The brakes are working ok for now, but I'm expecting to swap pads/shoes soon too.
It's a shame this thing had been sitting for 6 years.
I already found another one I might try to pick up and do the same. Just don't tell the wife.
It's been my first ever engine swap and I gotta say that I'm enjoying working on this car.
This forum is a great place to research. Thanks all for posting info!
I have a 2004 6 speed, the compression is starting to go. It still runs great but can't start once the engine is warmed up.Once it cools down it starts fine.
