I just switched from a turbo Miata to my new RX-8. In the Miata I was in the habit of letting the Link ECU initialize before turning over the engine. I would turn the key to the regular running position, listen for the fuel pump to cycle, let the ECU read the manifold pressure, then hit start. Took about five seconds.

I have found with the '8 that I am unconsciously doing the same thing, esp. since it takes a few seconds for the fuel pump to cycle and "RX-8" to disappear from the display. Is there any reason to do this, other than pure fun?

Also (bonus question): I saw somewhere that the RX-8 tach needle turns blue at redline. I'm at only about 200 miles on my new car so I haven't tested this claim. Is this true? Thanks.

 

i haven't noticed it turn colors, but then again, generally i'm not looking at the tach and looking at scary stuff that may jump in front of me when i'm approaching redline.

 

i do it . wait for all the lights to come up and the pump to cycle etc

 

No, it does not turn blue. The blue panel lights remain illuminated when the ignition is on, even when the headlights are turned on. Sometimes the blue light reflects off the highly reflective needle surfaces. In the case you mention, the driver was in just the right position for the reflection to reach his eye while the needle was at redline. You can actually see this "phenomenon" with all of the needles at multiple positions.

 

I've had a passenger turn blue at redline.

 

Hey hey hey Link? FMII I assume. I have the same setup on my '92 miata. I have a pic posted on the "painted mesh" or "painted vents" thread. Check it out. Anyway I have the exact same habit and I think it is a good thing to let it initialize and let the fuel pump get going before cranking. Do you still have your miata?

 

Thanks, guys. And yeah, I have an FM 2 on my 1.6 '92 Sunburst, but I just sideswiped it and now I'm fixing it up and putting it back to stock for sale, to rationalize my RX-8 purchase. (I'm selling the FM 2 kit on eBay right now. ) It's a bitter pill to swallow, giving up my Miata. But I figure the used ones are so damned cheap I may pick up a beater sometime for $1,500 or so and bring it back to life. I love wrenching on Miatas. It's just so easy; always makes me feel like a hero.

 

I agree. I blew my first engine the first time i installed the turbo. I accidentally reset the link for NA 440 and probably blew about 23 psi into the engine. I cracked all 4 pistons. It was a learning experience though and I have had so much fun. I just cant bear to sell it because I have so much money in it. How hard was it to take it back to stock? Did you keep all the original parts? i.e. header, ecu, injectors, etc.

 

Wow. That must have been a horrible feeling when you blew it up. It's way easier to take it all off than put it on. I'm just loosening a million fasteners, cleaning and bagging it all up. I'm almost done already. Maybe 8 hours total.

I still have the OEM injectors and someone sold me an OEM header. Now I just need a cat-back and a few odds and ends and I'm good. Gotta plug up that drain-pan hole, though. Should be easy with a trip to the hardware store. I'm also selling off the ACT Extreme Clutch, FM Findanza 1.8 flywheel and Torsen diff with all the goodies.

Just to prevent too much thread drift, I'm about to hit the road for lunch in my '8: Looking forward to hearing that sucker boot up!

 

I briefly wait then crank the car. But what is really weird is; I had a first generation RX7 for 21 years, so I sometimes find myself reaching for the manual choke with my left hand. It's sometimes a bit disturbing not finding a **** there.

The RX8 is a HUGE improvement over my old RX7. Both cars are wonderfully tossable but the 7 road like an ox cart. I felt every bump in my kidneys. I thought the 7 had great handling, but it is nothing compared to the 8. I still have an emotional attachment to the 7 but the 8 has fully replaced it in my mind.

I've had the 8 for three months, and like others, I continually look for excuses to drive it. To bad my daily commute is almost constant stop-n-go. On the weekends I can stretch her legs.

 

I have an '83 FB with Yokohamas on it and I'm surprised at how well the 7 handles compared to my new 8. It doesn't feel like an ox-cart at all. I have both insured so I swap once in a while.

I did the "choke thing" today But it was for the first time. I seem to be playing more with the side mirrors now, since the visibility of the 8 compared to the 7 is a bit worse.

Oh, and the few times that I don't "initialize" the 8 before I start it -- it seems to take longer to turn over. I don't think this is my imagination either... try it and see what happens.

 

I'm guilty too....I not only initialize, I actually let the car idle for like 30 seconds before I shut it off when my trip is complete....this was a common thing to do on 2nd gen Turbo II's But instead of just sitting there I play with the NAV and make her talk to me. Boy would I like to customize what she says when i park. :D "Oh Dave, That was wonderful, thank you for the ride"