Hi guys,

I've been split and a bit worried about keeping my 2004 RX-8. I've recently had a compression test done last week and I'm getting 90psi for front and rear rotor.

My concern is that I don't have the money to rebuild the engine soon and the car starts fine cold or hot (it had trouble starting before because battery was bad, MAF was dirty and Eccentric shaft sensor was full of crud...got that all fix plus the ignition system was overhauled new)

I really love this car because it's a blast to drive and I've accepted the bad MPG lol

I just recently got a SOHN adapter for it and plan to upgrade ignition with a BHR ignition kit... I hope with feeding 2 stroke oil directly via the OMP will extend the life of my engine for years to come.

Also this car has had a great service record all from Mazda running on it's original engine (engine has never been replaced)

Car has 86k on the clock...


So my question is... Should I get rid of the car or keep her?

 

It sounds like your under compression, yes. But the money for a new engine in a car you already own

and love is going to probably be cheaper then buying a new car. Maybe, I don't know what else you

would want to get into. I say keep it, But I don't think I will ever get out of eight.

 

The compression number you reported is irrelevant to a rotary engine...

 

Yes psi numbers mean nothing. You wasted money if this is what you were given. Where did you go to get this done?

 

Check the car-part website to figure out what a used replacement engine would cost. If you pay someone to do the work you're looking at a minimum of about $2500 for parts and labor.

 

If your looking for a brand new one or 2-3 year used car, sell it.

It doesn't makes sense buying an old car then it will break down the road.

 

Get a rotary specific compression test from a dealer, 2 sets of 3 numbers for each rotor face, and then see what your results are.
I've read many posts from people who have sold their 8s and regretted it.
Don't do anything until you know what your actual numbers are.

 

If car starts fine cold or hot, compression is not bad…Who did the compression test? Our engines are not piston engines, so you need a special compression tester. You should get numbers for all 3 faces of each rotor.

What do you mean by ignition was overhauled?If you changed all the ignition components I see no reason spending money for a BHR kit in the near future. You are good for about 30,000 miles. T

here other factors besides premixing that could extend the life of a rotary engine. There are a lot of members here with high mileage engines who are not premixing.

From reading your post I do not see an overwhelming reason for getting rid of the car.

 

Why bother posting then?
Cynical replies discourage new member participation.
It makes sense, he PLANS on buying a BHR kit. Not everyone has $500 bucks laying around to spend on non-essential purchases. It takes time to save money in some cases.
He obviously wants to keep the car, but is debating whether it's financially viable.
I see no issues here.

 

^Fixed my post…Did not intend discouraging new members from posting. I was more polite than others have been here.