Hey guys. I have a 2007 RX-8 6-speed with a front end collision. I was wondering if I should just part it out, or repair it and drive it. Damage extent is from the bumper to the radiator support. I'll post pics as soon as I get home.

 

Depends on mileage, condition of the car, engine's condition and etc

If the frame is not damaged, and ur suspension components appear to be in good order then repair it.
Make sure the frame is not bent or damaged

 

I'm currently disassembling the front

 

From what I can see in the pictures, it appears as though it will be repairable though a bit on the pricey side. What you will have to do, though, is look VERY carefully at all the frame members ahead of the firewall for any signs of buckling. If any exists, it will usually manifest itself as irregular rippling of the metal when compared to other areas of the frame rail. If that checks out ok, you will be looking at a rad cradle, rad, oil cooler(s) and both front quarters plus the hood, assuming it took a good share of the impact as evidenced by what I saw in the pictures. Overall, if the frame rails look in good shape, your best bet might be to look for a wreck that took a rear end hit and just salvage the entire front clip to repair yours.

I assume that you are certain that the engine condition justifies the cost and that you will be willing to avoid scrimping on the ancillaries like oil lines, hoses etc. If not, I would STRONGLY advise towing it to a rotary specialist or dealer and getting a compression test done before starting to buy panels etc. so you can be certain that it won't turn into a massive money-pit.

 

I didn't see anything out of the ordinary with the firewall. It seems to be in good condition.

 

 

Where can I get a compression test done in Atlanta

 

Mazda.

 

Just to clarify, start at the firewall and carefully inspect the frame rails for signs of damage/buckling. As I said, if they are buckled, the damage will manifest itself as rippled metal and/or tears in the metal. From the look of the car as pictured, it appears that the worst damage is above the rails, but one can never tell especially when trying to do an estimate from pictures.
As for the compression test, the best bet is the Mazda dealer. They will have the proper equipment to do a rotary compression test as it differs from a piston engine test.

 

There wasn't any buckling or rippling of any sort. I am having someone from a local body shop to take another look at it this weekend.