My 2004 200K RX-8 resto thread
 

Seems kind of weird huh? Restoring a 2004 car?

Well here it goes.


Specs-
2004 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring
6 speed
196,115 miles
Navigation
Leather
Heated seats

I got this RX-8 for stupid cheap. The dealer said they just wanted to get rid of it. They thought the clutch was toast, and their local Mazda dealer quoted them $1800 to replace it. Compound that with the mileage, a busted tail lens, and a few minor dents and it wasn't worth it to them to fix it.

So yesterday, it was finally delivered from Miami to Murfreesboro. We had to push it to the driveway, since you can't get the car into gear when running.

The first thing I noticed was the clutch pedal looked skewed towards the brake pedal. I have done my research, and know that the pedal bracket is prone to failure. After they helped push it into the driveway, I got down on the floorboard and check it. Yep! Broken!

That is really good news, as this means saves me a TON of work, and money.

Here are some pics:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00525.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00527.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00528.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00529.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00547.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00559.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00559.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...800/intrx8.jpg

I have already ordered the clutch pedal assembly, a new shift knob, and steering wheel from Tom at partsgroup.com (thanks man!!!) Found a mint tail light at the local yard for cheap. Also just put on a set of Kuhmo SPT's (thanks reddozen). While the wheels were off, I noticed alot of surface rust on the brake rotors (sitting since November). So I am getting new rotors and ceramic pads. I got a little cheesy and picked up some black lug buts as well. Lol.

Did a compression test this morning with a Rotary Diagnostics Compression Tester and it is perfect, which makes me wonder about the age of the engine. Apparently it was replaced at 30K, so if this thing has 160K, and is this strong then I made out. Figured out why it was cranking so damn slow as well. The dealer put a 540CCA battery in it. WTF? So I threw the 1000CCA from my FC in it, and now it fires right up. The CEL popped up today when it was idling in the driveway, so I will out the Scan Gauge on it.

Plans are:
-PDR the dings
-gangsta tint
-Tein S-Tech springs
-RB sways
-tires
-BHR Ignition upgrade
-Cobb Accessport
-catless mid-pipe

Nothing too gnarly right now. Both the wife and baby are going to get rides, so I have to keep it comfortable. I would like to get an MS front bumper and skirts, as well as a catback system. We will see.

Just checked the HU version, 9.50

That sucks. How the hell do I upgrade it so I can get an iPod kit?

You're starting with a nice car. To me, it sounds like a couple of your "plans" are little off.

Gansta tint? NO!

Black lug nuts? NO!

Why are you changing the brake rotors again? Are the warped or worn? You realize those things show rust if you so much as breath on them? Yah. You probably don't have to replace them. Just drive it around, and if you don't like the rust on the hats, paint them, but search to know how to do it right.

Good luck. Keep that car "clean"... not in a "wash it" sort of way, but with the style. You obviously found a great deal. I'd like to find an RX8 like that. I'd buy it in a second.

Good to see you here man. It's kind of a different world though, this forum is way different than the others. Be prepared to be told to
"search" by people who know less than you already do but wish to flex their e-muscles on someone they perceive as a "noob". Do your research about vendors on this forum before buying...there are a few who are lazy sellers and don't really give 2 shits about their customers. With a couple of exceptions, I'd rather buy from some random ebay vendor before I'd give my money to these fools.

Sounds like you are going to have some good times with the car! Hope your plans go as you wish

The black lug nuts are kind of a joke. My friends say I should 'murder it out' because up until now I have had all white cars (I had 5 just a month ago). The 'gangsta tint' is just dark tint, it gets hot here.

I am replacing the rotors and pads because they don't cost me anything. I work for a major import parts company. The fronts looked a little worn, and I have DGRR coming soon.

Good to see Kevin here. Lurking around I have noticed what you are saying. Lol.

I'm actually complimenting you on your find. It's not easy to get a read on your experience or tastes by one post, but I certainly didn't want to see a nice find get strung out with crap mods. I know you're looking at like it's a "disposable car" for what you paid for it, but from the photos, it's looks like it's in pretty damn nice shape for that many miles. Murder it out if you want to... just not my style.

Oh trust me, I'm not one for cheesy, pointless mods. The lug nuts on the car are crusty, and need replacing. The black ones are just awesome ;)

Fender strakes, led bling lights, bling rotor accents....all will never be on this car. I'm even debating if I want to even get clear signal lights. Lol.

Here is my FC for reference. Nothing dramatic.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/SA...800/dgrr13.gif

Very nice looking FC... I look forward to see what you do with the 8. I'd like to know what challenges you experience, because I might be doing a mild project 8 that would be very similar to your's. Good luck on it... keep us updated.

What import comany do you work for?

djmtsu, once you finally get this car running again, please let us know what your final out the door cost comes out to. Especially if you end up having to put in a new engine at some point too.

Looks clean as hell for 200k

Subscribed. I was looking forward to your thread since you posted about your 200k "find." Thats really awesome from what it looks like. So what is the "stupid cheap price" if you don't mind me asking? :rollingla

damn thats a good deal. rx-8's are soo underestamated.

I don't want to divulge that info. I did once on the 7club and I had every retard from here to the Ukraine PM'ing me for parts. We only have OEM stuff anyway.

I paid 5K for it.

So far I have into it:
-clutch pedal assembly $100
-stock shift knob $50
-stock steering wheel $50
-Kuhmo SPT's $200
-Flip key w/remote $35
-tail light assembly $50
-air filter, cabin filter, case of oil filters :)

Notice that the only thing 'needed' for it to run is the clutch pedal assembly.

So I have $5485 into it as we speak.

So damn lucky! Just for that, I'm going to PM you for parts :mchase:

:squint:

For 200,000 miles that drivers-side seat looks nearly brand new! The rest of the interior looks fantastic as well.

Nice buy! That's awesome that the engine checks out as well as it does. I look forward to seeing more from this thread!

200k is the most miles I've heard of on a 8. Other than the steering wheel the interior looks to be in great shape. The paint looks to be in good shape as well. Is that a dent behind the left passenger door? I see the exhaust shrouds have faded but that is normal. If you do not get new ones then I'd paint them and the lower part of the bumper black to match the car.

Wow, she sure doesn't look 190! Nice catch!

should get a compression test just because. Be nice to know, maybe a foaming as well.

He has already done a compression test. Shows it checks out. Thats the amazing thing: Aside from getting a killer deal (so far), this is prob. the highest mileage '04 yet. Awesome!:evil_laug

sorry, guess my reading comprehension today is poor. That is awesome. It just shows that the engines are capable of high mileage without major issues.

Damn sharp car for an 04 with 200k. You got a steal there!

You gas light is on. Lol looks like this will be a neat thread to follow.

According to KBB it's actually worth about 8K...but then again their numbers don't take into account real world factors, like finding someone who will pay 8 grand for an 8 with 200k miles on it, or 10% unemployment.

I am roughly estimating that after the price of an engine + labor, he'll end up owning an 04 with a fresh new engine for well under 10 grand when all is said and done (not including accessories). That's pretty sweet. It really does pay to buy used.