My first Wankle. Driven/ owned lots of race vehicles. Is it really ok to spin my 2004 to 7/8,000 rpm. I love scaring the **** out of traffic with a quick 2nd gear 8,000 rpm pass.

 

Yes? Don't drive like an idiot, but if it's a manual, it's designed to go till 9000, so if the car is healthy, have fun.

 

I do it all the time.
I don't know if it's harmful or not, but my engine has low compression at 76k, and I drive like an idiot.

 

I keep reading about low compression.
I've never used a piston engine that would produce power at rpm like this Wankle. Most times poor compression on a piston engine results in no rpm.
so how does a Wankle with low compression measurements result in face curling hi rpm acceleration?

 

even if one rotor is blown (no comp but not destroyed) it will run but like ****. it loses power as it loses compression, if it will start it will run but poorly

 

So, if it runs good, it's good?
My race motors, from 2cycle karts, to LMS NASCAR always ran really well (passing where I previously couldn't) just before they blew up.
Have 138k miles. Should I worry?

 

Compression in my engine is about 15% below the pass/fail point and it still runs, starts hot and idles hot but definitely down on power.

I think one big factor in the difference you're seeing is that piston engines can only really leak into the crank case, intake or exhaust. Rotaries can also leak between faces of the same rotor. Think of it as reducing the effective displacement of the affected rotor faces. If combustion pressure from face 2 leaks to face 1 after its exhaust stroke, that takes up some of the volume that would be filled by the intake charge. Additionally, pressure during the combustion stroke of 2 will be lower because some leaked into 1. Similarly, if pressure leaks from 2 into 3 then that will also reduce the effective displacement of 3.

 

you should get a rotary specific compression test and read the new owners thread 10x

 

Just because it pulls strong, doesn't mean something isn't wrong.

We always recommend a compression test prior to purchase. But it's your car, your money.

Read the new owners threads until you get the story of the renesis engine...

 

This car is all about preventative maintenance. Not a lot of it, but at the right time. If it starts showing symptoms, expensive parts have already been damaged. Read and absorb this: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

 

The harder you drive it and the more often you drive it hard does effect engine life. These engines are designed to rev but I wouldn't beat on it every time you're behind the wheel. I take my 8's close to redline at least once per drive but otherwise I don't drive them hard. So far so good. Been the same way with all of my 7's over the years as well and I've never had an issue.