Gigawatz

Hello. I joined this community several years ago when I was seriously considering buying an RX-8. Well, it didn't happen in 2013, but it did happen just recently on April 7th.

I've acquired an 07 Sport trim (I think) with manual transmission. No moon roof or navigation but has leather. I purchased it covered in black plastidip and without confirming that it would start and with the expectation that the apex seals are bad for $1k. I may have overpaid.

https://flic.kr/p/2iXikGE
https://flic.kr/p/2iXm74u
https://flic.kr/p/2iXnC3G
https://flic.kr/p/2iXnC5a
https://flic.kr/p/2iXm768

I will be creating a build/project log/thread to track my progress on this effort to not only put this car back on the road but to do it with a unique style that will have this 8 stand out from the others (or at least, I hope).

turbo1177

Other than the plasti it looks pretty good. Does it start?

Gigawatz

After plenty of hours of combined effort, the bulk of the plastidip is gone. I still have to get into the fine details (body joints, textured areas, and such places) to be 100% free of the dip.

Since I've had it at home, I've had it on a trickle charger long enough to reach full charge. In the condition that I purchased the car, it would start, but it was always a struggle. It would not start hot or idle hot either. Unfortunately, I also discovered that the SOHN device feed bottle was empty. I immediately resolved that upon discovery.

Since I've had it, I've already replaced the stock intake (K&N), new coils (D585 BHR) [plugs and wires on hand/pending install], and upgraded to a 14 tooth 2k starter. The intake was in bad shape from the prior owners. I still need to investigate ducting thru the bumper.

Post upgrade, the car will idle hot and start hot if it stalls. The hot idle is not strong because acceleration out of idle may bog the engine to stall. I have purchased MazdaEdit and ordered a dongle from Tactrix. I plan to raise the idle and extend the dwell time for the D585s. I will also be swapping the plugs and wires as well.

Gigawatz

Additional note: I'm doing what I can from my garage because I still have the pink slip, no emissions, and no tag. I can't drive it to the dealer to get a compression check. However, once I can get to the DMV to get legal, I'll get that done to determineo just how close I am to a rebuild.

To reiterate, I purchased this expecting a rebuild being required. I'll be happy to get more use out of this engine if it proves to be up to the task.

Gigawatz

I've completed installation of an Eonon Android radio with a Metra kit already (not including SWB, backup cam, or amp pre-wiring).

Also, I have Megan Racing EZII coilovers in route to me. Once I get this 8 running well enough to daily, I'll start to focus on the looks.

Due to the plastidip, I have much more work ahead of me than I had anticipated. My plan is to do a 3 color full body wrap. My wife and I have not yet determined if we're going to stay with the stock wheels or not. If we do, we will have them reconditioned and powder coated (color TBD). We are still on the hunt to make the decisions for what ground effects we want to add to complete the body.

To​ that effect, ​I thank this community for the notification to avoid the products from Duraflex.

Gigawatz

Mail man just visited. He delivered my coilovers and another part that I forgot I ordered. I now have Megan Racing motor mounts to add to the work queue.

CaymanRotary

You would be surprised how much these cars are misdiagnosed with low compression when all it needs is an ignition system upgrade. Hopefully, you get lucky.

CaymanRotary

Duraflex works the problem is the modifications needed for fitment. It’s a lot of work just get get them to fit but they do look good. My duraflex body kit still in my warehouse so the pain in the *** was just too much for me.

Gigawatz

Oh, I'm sure they do work. I'm just not a bodywork guy. If it doesn't bolt-on as designed then it won't work for me. So, the precautions have saved me time and money. I can do sanding and primering, but to modify bodywork and expect it to look good/right, that's asking quite a bit from me.

Gigawatz

I am certainly hoping for that luck.

CaymanRotary

I hate bodywork so I have a guy who does it for me. Even he didn’t want to attempt to install it haha.

CaymanRotary

Only way to know for sure is a compression test. When you get your numbers, post them here.

Chrishoky

iTrader: (9)

What did you do to remove all the plastidip? I have some on my back bumper that I want to remove. I heard WD40 works well, but havent tried yet.

Gigawatz

I will speak from experience, WD-40 does work. I used WD-40 on my Speed3 at one point in time - before I knew better about the curse of plastidip. However, in this case the whole car was coated in plastidip and I wasn't trying to make a soupy chemical mess on and around the car on my driveway.

I purchased a $200 electric powered pressure washer and employed the family to assist. Here is a shot of my daughter working it.


My wife and daughter found a rare place where they could peal it off instead of requiring the pressure washer.


At this point the bulk of the car is stripped of plastidip and is ready for me to prep the surface for a wrap. I have plenty to do, but I'll save that for another place and time.

Gigawatz

If you go for the WD-40 route, I recommend you get your hands on WD-40 not in an Aersole can. I picked up 1G at Advance Auto Parts for $20.

​​​​

EscapeVelocity

Wow! Welcome to the driver's seat! I'm really enjoying the clean up, please keep it coming. I got my 40th edition for under a thousand due to being wrecked and impounded. Its been my daily now for almost two years and still rocking the frakensteined bumper so this thread really speaks to me. I'd love to see a post after your first spirited run.

Gigawatz

Today I was investigating an exhaust leak and decided while I was under the car to replace the plugs. When I got to the plugs, I found the prior owner (or their mechanic) had put both tail plugs on the front rotor and both lead plugs on the rear rotor. The low RPM response/power with the plugs in the right place was immediately noticable.

I am hoping at this point that I've dodged the bullet with thoughts of low compression.

Side note: 2 of the 3 bolts were missing from the exhaust junction before the CAT and the third bolt did not require a wrench to remove. I've replaced the gasket and bolts, torqued them down with some blue locktight involved.

So, I'm still trying to get the exhaust sensors to come ready so I can get the emissions done and get a legal tag. I'm hoping one more day of illegal driving will get me ready for emissions testing on Monday.

Gigawatz

Completed getting the emissions sensors set and successfully got my emissions inspection done today. Tomorrow I'll have a legal tag to put on the car.