RX8 problem please help!
 

So I bought my rx8 during 2013 summer. It was driving fine and redlining normally until the engine blew during the summer of 2014. Got new spark plugs and new catalytic converter. Ever since installing the refurbished engine, my rx8 hasn't been able to drive past 6k rpms without the chance of bogging. Also, when I drive between 3-4k rpms, there is a ticking/tapping noise that increases with revs. After 4-5k rpm this noise goes away. There is a video attached at the end of this post showing this issue (2nd, 3rd, 4th gear all from 3-4k rpms).

I checked my coils and they were still in good condition (no white spot). I then started hearing a ticking noise during idle coming from the intake manifold (another problem) and mazda told me the ssv failed and so I replaced that part, thinking it would fix the problem (as was told by mazda). I assumed those two problems were related.

Unfortunately, nothing changed after replacement of the ssv and the ticking/tapping in between 3-4k rpm was still there and my car was still bogging out around 7k rpms. Few days ago I tried red lining it after putting some octane booster, and the car bogged out around 7k rpm as usual, then i let off the gas. When I tried to drive normally again, it would continue to bogg out even at 3k rpm. So I put the car in neutral for a bit then drove carefully home at high gears and low rpms. The next day Im back to the same problem.

I keep thinking it may be an engine problem, but its a refurbished engine and even mazda said it shouldnt be a problem with the engine. Now I would take my car to mazda but they charge a crap load for labour and honestly I doubt they'll be able to find the problem within reasonable costs.

Please help! I want to sell this car but need to fix this ongoing problem beforehand. Any advice helps. Thanks!

The white spots on the coils means nothing. It could very well be bad coils, or a fuel pump/pressure problem, or a clogged cat, or a couple of other things. It cannot be diagnosed over the internet, someone with some skills needs to properly diagnose it. Post less, read more.

That doesn't mean anything, one of the things that kills new engines is old ignitions. If the ignition system is OEM and over 30,000 miles, it is most likely failing.

Beat me to it.

Don't think it could be the clogged cat because this problem originated right after I got the new cat installed. I have been reading over the forums for a few months now and haven't found anyone with the same problem!

Anyone have the same problem with the ticking noise in between 3-4k rpm? I wanna know if that's related to the bogging!

If the ignition is bad, it can kill a new catalytic converter pretty fast...

Fair enough. I guess I just assumed they were okay.

In that case I will look for new coils and see if that helps! Ahh money money money

Thanks for the help guys.

On a side note, anyone know where the tapping noise may be coming from?

Ticking noise issues are well documented. It could be a few things, I would look the Purge valve. But it is also likely that the ticking has nothing to do with the bogging. It could be many, many things. Guessing won't help you.

If it were my car, the first place I'd look for a "ticking" noise is belts, pulleys and tensioners.