Hi guys, my name is Chris, i just traded my Mustang for a 04 Rx-8 6 speed. I have a couple of questions, not sure if this is the area to post. When i did the trade the car had 137k on odometer. i skipped over the title on the car, and didn't realize it til i was at the DMV switching the title over which reads 177k. Car to me runs fine, as i'm new to rotary life. I didn't have my scanner at the time, car has a p2070 code, intake valve stuck open, i'm going to check the switch and possibly clean the SSV when i get a chance. My concerns are aftermarket parts, what to buy etc. I'm looking to buy new headlights, but not sure if i need the ones with HID or not. My car currently does have HID and was wondering if i can buy the headlights without HID and put my HID etc on it. For the brakes, i'm not sure which options i have on the car. As i know when i look on websites there are 2 different sizes. I did call the dealer about all the recalls, and they said everyone on the vehicle has been fixed. Please feel free to ask questions, or give me advice, even if it doesn't pertain to my questions. Thanks a lot guys.

 

Looks like a clean 8 to me. Why bother with the headlights? They seem fine to me. Worry about the codes. There are many good vendors here for aftermarket parts, if you are looking for something specific head over to the for sale section. If you have the manual version of the car you need the "sport" brakes. The stock brakes are very good, dont waste time or money on that unless your heavily tracking the car. Also, read thoroughly this thread... https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

 

Looks like someone took care of it. That's a nice strut bar and intake.

 

Thanks guys. I was wondering about the intake and strut bar? And info on them? I want to change headlights because the driver side has marks all over them. And the tail lights one has condensation in one. I'm going to be doing a tune up, I was reading NGK, for plugs and wires. And what's a good coil that's not outrageously priced.

 

It also has a Megan exhaust.

 

Coils I believe the consensus is OEM Mazda from someone trusted like Mazmart (if you think you're getting a good deal it's a scam), or the BHR ignition system. OEM plugs, NGK/OEM wires.

Regarding the Tail Lights, there's solutions all over the internet. From drilling a hole in the light to fixing the seal to replacing them. Google is your friend (as with the the coils, plugs and wires, but you missed Google apparently). Headlights, again, search for it. HID lights require different hardware. If your car has HID, stick with HID, stock or otherwise. Most people upgrade halogens to HID when they want niice lights.


Hope this helps

 

Car looks great, especially for the miles. Good find
What's the engine history like? Any replacements? Was there a compression test performed?

For brakes, the small brakes came with 16" rims on the base model automatics, so you have the "Sport" brakes according to the parts listings. I don't know if you really want to invest in anything more than good pads and fluid, the stock brakes on these cars are really good. Like race-ready good.

What's with the holes on the trunk? Was there a GT wing on it at one time? What intake is that?

 

Welcome, CDRX8!

I bought a 2005 last year, and did the whole condensation in the tail lights thing myself. Your car looks to have been well loved by its previous owner, so you're already in good shape. Some folks on here will tell you to drill the light so the water can drain. Please don't, its just a waste.

If you have the know how to do a tune up, you can fix the lights. I purchased a better gasket from here:

Mazda^® RX-8 Tail Light Gasket

I just did both at the same time, because I was already in there. Get the tail light off, DIY is easy to find. Dry the thing out as well as you can, once you seal it back up, its done. That kit I linked to has the gasket, sealant, and instructions. Both of mine have been in perfect shape since I replaced the gaskets, nearly six months ago.

Also: Mazmart sells, quite literally, a tune up in a box:

http://www.mazparts.com/en/04-11-rx8-tune-up-kit

 

Holes in the trunk are plugged, I'm not sure if it had a wing on it, did wings come factory?
Yeah I have the stock 18's, so I'm assuming it is the sport. Engine history I called dealer and said it was rebuilt in 05, and 08 at 90k. Now all recalls on the car are cleared and have been fixed. I'm not sure what intake it is, brand is simota, not familiar with them, maybe someone can shed some light on it? I have not done a compression test, but the car drives amazing.

 

I don't want to spend all that on a tune up. I am buying the NGK spark plugs from advance auto, I get 30% off, so it comes to 12 bucks a spark plugs instead of 20. I'm ordering the NGK spark plug set as well from them, coils, I want to purchase from them but not sure which ones to get. Rock auto sells new tail lights for not that much, cheaper than a tune up 😂 so I'll just buy them, the passenger side one has marks on it anyway. Thanks a lot about the gasket set.

 

That's a great looking 8 you picked up! For ignition coils I suggest the ones made by BHR. I've been running them for about 30k mi now and they're awesome, no issues at all.

 

THIS, i had the same setup and it works amazing. like a brand new car.