New Owner here
 

So Hey guys I'm new. I got a winning blue Rx8.

A few questions. I noticed when first started runs great. However after a warming up it gets a misfire. I was gonna change the plugs and wires. Should I do the coils as well?

Also the stereo seems to have been cut out by the previous owner. How can I fix the harness so I can install a better radio. It's the Bose sound system if that mad

I can't seem to find where the AC controls plug into either. The middle control is plugged in, however the two on the sides are not and I cannot find the plug.

The little display at the top also isn't hooked to anything either, where can I plug this into?

All in all it's in good condition besides these issues. It has Factory HIDs and a racing beat exhaust system already. I'm hoping to get these issues fixed and start my little tuning project.

I used to own a 1984 RX7 so I'm excited to be back in the rotary family.

Welcome.
If you don't know when the coils were changed last, then test them or change them.
Every 30k is recommended for coils, wires, & plugs.
If you still have a catalytic converter, you should inspect it since misfires kill cats, bad cats kill engines.
Read the new owner stickies, lots of useful info there.

OK I'll look into that. I think I mistyped earlier, there is no stereo and the previous owner cut the harness. What can I do to fix this? It's the Bose sound system so I would like to keep that. Can I get the metra 71-7903 and rewire the harness? If so how can I keep everything working correctly like it should? Thanks again.

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

Yea I'll do most of that, right now I have plugs and wires AWA a front oxygen sensor. I'll do all the maintenance that isn't too expensive as well. Thanks for the list gwilliams6.

http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps9awsbfoh.jpg
http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...psndfmogdk.jpg
http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps6ks9dyap.jpg
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Nice pix .

Can't beat $600.

Contact Crutchfield folks . They can supply several brands that will fit your car, and for anything Crutchfield sells for your car, they provide wiring harness ,specific to your car, and instructions.

Crutchfield: Car Stereo, Speakers, Home Theater, Pro Audio, 4k TV

Did you see the pics I posted? The PO cut the harness connector off the dash wiring harness.

The Crutchfield wiring instructions for RX8 units would diagram which colored wires go where. So you could buy a new Mazda RX8-specific connector from Crutchfields (they do have them) , then rewire the new connector back onto the harness, with a little effort and the easy to use wiring quick-connectors that Crutchfield and others sell. It is worth a call or email to them to see what can be done. If you go to Mazda for a new wiring harness, it will surely cost you more.

This is what I would do first, if i was in your situation. Cruthchfield has extensive support folks and they stock car-specific connectors and supply car-specific wiring diagrams for all do-it yourself people.

I'm going to rewire the stock connector back in honestly. I like the look of the stock stereo. I just want to be able to get bluetooth work with it somehow.....and maybe USB

What was the stock radio in your year's model and trim? Was it the six-disc changer or something else? Unless you have a inexpensive source for a used stock RX8 radio, you would do much better to buy a new radio that perfectly fits the stock location, but gives you bluetooth and usb. Again Crutchfield has affordable radios that fit the stock RX8 location, hook up into the stock connectors, work with your bose speakers and give you modern performance and features like bluetooth, usb, pandora , iheart and sirius.

Take the time and check it out.

I was pondering doing a double din headunit. This is all if the ignition replacement fixes the issues. Should I'm hoping the car ran perfect for a bit.

Cruthchfield has double din units that fit the RX8 man, just check it out.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_905KWR9...?cc=01&tp=5684

Just did a quick look at Crutchfields and this is one of several double din units, new and refurbished, that will fit the RX8, and not expensive. I can only lead you to the water, you have to take the drink. Certainly get your car running first.

Cheers !

Yea I mean I know of crutchfield I've been there quite a bit over the past.....long time. I know of the install kits. I appreciate everything you're helping with too don't think I don't.

I'm really hoping a tune-up does the trick. I'm a very nervous person right now. Granted the car was only $600, I've got like $400 in parts coming.

My friend has a very similar looking rx8! Beautiful!

Yeah, if I were you, I'd worry about being sure the car is mechanically dependable before spending any time worrying about the stereo.
Jus sayin.

Yea thats the plan right now. I'm going to get her mechanically driven and then get a stock stereo in her. The car is basically for the wife and she wants the stock in it.

Yes get it running first. Unless you have a source from a part-out or wrecked RX8, you will pay much more for a stock radio than a newer one with the features you said she wanted.