My 04 RX-8 I just bought. Right now its all stock with an AT. I wanted an MT but I can't ask for everything because I got the car for cheap since I'm in the military so I bought it from one of my battle buddies a girl who's deploying to Afghanistan. I was planing on converting it to a MT but the cost and amount of work required to accomplish that would be too much, so I'll just keep it as an AT and just slowly modify it to my liking. So far I'm in love with the car . But I had a couple issue with it so far, sometimes the power steering just randomly goes out when I start the car and then I have to restart the engine to fix it. I don't know what could be causing that problem and the parking brake light is always on even when the parking brake is disengaged. I did a oil change and put some pennzoil 5w20 in it and I don't know if I should go ahead and change the plugs and coils on it to be on the safe side. Let me know what you guys think.

 

1. Before the 'tough love crow' attacks you, please take a few hours to read this: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...t-here-202454/

All the answers to your questions are in that thread.

2. Before the the AT haters attack you; expect a lot of negative opinions about the AT - especially on the early RX8s. Why? Read the thread I suggested above. But you should know that most people on this forum would say MT is the better choice for these cars.

3. The cars does seem in good shape for its age. That 'girl' kept the car in good shape; personally i would prefer the OE wheels.

4. Thanks for serving in the US Army

 

I was stationed in Ft. Stewart, Georgia (Hinesville) in 95-97. Anyway, it will cost you time and money to convert it to MT...keep the AT and save your hard earned money. Next, did you get a compression test before you bought the car? (you never mentioned that). If you did not, then its better to change the plugs, coils, and wires to be on the safe side. Finally, read the stickies on this website and learn from it. Good luck and welcome aboard!

 

No I didn't get the compression test done so in that case ill just change the plugs, coils and wires over the weekend. Thanks for the welcome and I heard Ft Stewart was different back then.

 

Thanks i read it today after I get home from the motor pool. I'm a mechanic so I know about piston engines but i'm trying to learn as much about rotary engines. About the rims, i'm going to change them soon so i'm not really worried about these ones.

 

Skip replacing with oem coils, wires, plugs and just buy a BHR kit!

 

Black Halo Racing ignition kit.

 

OK thanks i'll look more into it

 

How different? I left in March of 97...never really seen or heard anything since i left the Army.

 

just had a cat put on my 04, and replaced the motor mounts, wow! ready to go now. Car was cutting off after about half hour of driving, didn't know the cat would shut the car down. roatary enegines are easy to work on but a learning experience. o4 w/ 34K still new! Enjoy