I have purchased a 2004 RX8 with 46K on the ODO. This is the first rotary i have ever owned, 2nd rotary to have driven... i LOVE this car... every aspect of it, from that jewel of a motor, to the body styling, to the cheap-o plastic interior.... Because i love this car so much, i want it to last in my possesion.
Now, i hear that the Renesis or any rotary engines are quite picky about certain things, like:
1. Oil consumpion, (what is the best oil to use? do i follow the Owners Manual, or is there a better viscosity oil i need to use?) i hear that these engines hate synthetic oil... (many mechanics say that it wreaks havok on the Apex and Apex corner seals.) I live in hot and humid Georgia.
2. Spark Plugs (I had plugs priced @ $50.00ea. and it takes 2 different types) (Which is the lead plug, which is the trailing?) Do i have to get premium plugs? How can i tell if any of my plugs are fouling? (How often do i replace my plugs?)
3.Fuel millage... (UGH.... my car gets between 15-18mpg in the city and 18-21 mpg on the highway) is this normal? (will bad plugs deminish fuel millage? and how bad...)
Also, How often do the wheel (AP) sensors have to be replaced?

 

well im also going to be a first time rotary owner so im also a newb but i have picked up some info in the short time i have been here to help you out. First off the engine consumes oil normally and you should check it at least every 2 fill up's to make sure you dont need to top it off and its a good idea to keep a quart in your trunk or so. Its hotly debated as what oil to use but from what i have seen most people in the hotter climates change to like 5w-30 or 10w-30. I know once i get mine (this week) i will run 5w-20 in it until summer time. As far as synthetic oils go some say its bad while others have shown no problems running it. There is a how to some were to change the spark plugs so if you search for that you will find all the info you need on that. The gas mileage is what it is, if you bought the 8 for good gas mileage unfortunatly you bought the wrong car.

 

1. Check your oil with every fill up. Some cars seem to burn oil faster than others, so there is no specific set amount it should be consuming. the oil debate rages on, I use the 5-20 NON synthetic and it seems to be working fine

2. The FD spark plugs work. They are about $10 a piece. Or you can find RX8 plugs online for about $100 for the set. (all 4)
The trailing plug is on top. They are labelled on the engine as leading or trailing

3. You are getting better mileage than most, so you may want to stay quiet before anyone gets angry




Edit - Welcome to the addiction

 

go heavier!!!
5w30 is a pretty safe choice
syn or non, up to you..

 

I think the general rule of thumb is to run thicker oil if you're in hot climates, whether to put synth or not is up to you, I use synth myself and have no problems, I also check my oil level about once a month, and keep a quart in my trunk just in case.

MPGs vary a lot, some get a good amount, some don't.

 

The consensus is to use 5w-30 because of the rest of the world is using that. Hot climate or not, it's not that hot here, or in Japan :P

 

Your gas milage is what I'm getting with my 2004. Also you can get spark plugs from Auto Zone for $80 for the set and and you can order them through BHR (site vendor) for the same price.

 

are you sure you dont have a 350z?
Pls go to this website
http://my350z.com/

 

Yeah im pretty positive its not a 350Z.... :-P

 

i hope you got your flame suit on

 

L - leading
T - trailing

its cast right onto the rotor housing and written on the spark plugs (light blue writing I believe).

now stop being lazy and search

 

Thank You ALL.....
And may the roads you travel be dry and twisty.... :-)

 

Welcome to the rotary addiction, you're going to have a good time. Just keep up on your maintenance and you'll be fine. Also don't be afraid to get up 8k or 9k on that tach.

 

Also don't be afraid to search. How old are you?

 

Grab the Pitchforks again guys.....this oil debate has been goin on forever. I personally use 5w30 Castrol GTX however did run 5w20 when I was living in the north.....personally 5w30 would b good for Georgia or 10w30. I will prob b switching to 10w30 in the summer....Plugs I also hear the FD plugs work great and are alot cheaper than the one for our 8's Welcome to the addiction and pic or it didn't happen.

 

wow,

you are good. dont be afraid to search, that is good.

beers

 

Lol.

 

You should have a dealer see what PCM flash you're running as well. early models had oil injection issues that have been corrected with newer maps.
You can find the plugs online for $80 or so per set and while you're changing them just take a look at your coils and wires. You live in a hot climate and they might be failing.
As for the oil a 5w30 will do its job. Synth or non synth is up to your readings and searchings.
Enjoy the car

 

im 25 will be 26 this november

 

5w30 Castrol GTX non-synthetic here.

Also be happy with 18mpg... I have been doing almost exclusive city driving since I've moved back to my college town and have been getting 11-12mpg. Luckily gas is $1.80 here.