I'm hoping someone out there can lend some advice. I have a 2005 rx8 with a dead motor. I was able to find a suitable replacement motor from a wrecked 2004 rx8. My local mazda dealer assures me this engine will fit and work properly. My first question is, has the dealership given me correct advice. Secondly, will I have to re use the cars engine wire harness, or can I use the one from the donor 2004 motor as it was removed without damaging any plugs and fully intact. Thank you in advance for any advice. Cheers.

 

As long as both cars are manuals, or.both are automatics, they will fit. No need to change anything just plug and play. 2004 and 2005 are functionally identical

But why would you buy a used rotary? For all you know it's also dead. Far more reliable to get a rebuild from Mazda or a rotary shop.

 

The engine was removed from a running rx8 which was involved in a total loss accident

 

The engine was removed from a running rx8 which was involved in a total loss accident.

 

Ok. Just realize that running doesn't mean good condition. Get it tested if at all possible.

 

The problem is, you don't know how well it was running before that one is wrecked, and unless you can get that engine to warm up, you can't check its compression properly, either. Most places also exclude rotaries from their warranties.

It's all a gamble.

 

Yes it is a gamble. Once the car can move under it's own power, I can take the next step and take it to a shop to be properly assessed.