sweet find, good luck with it. I'm up to 145k on my original motor and haven't had any issues directly with the motor, but I'm onto my 3rd set of coils (switched to BHR this time) and I had my airpump burn out, but a buddy let me borrow his for a couple days to get through inspection :p

Welcome to the club, and slick FC, my dad has a 90 GTUs and an 89 TII, I've got an 83 LE.

 

Sorry guys, been busy selling parts off the FC. Its being parted out, unfortunately.

The engine, if it does have the 160K it should have (given the Mazda reman at 30K) is ridiculously clean and good running. I am suspect that this is not the 2nd engine, maybe the 3rd, or a rebuild. I don't know, and don't care!

Whoever said the gas light is on, not anymore!

 

There are 2 dents on the car. The passenger rear fender (wheel arch) and the c-pillar on the driver side. A good friend of mine run the local Dent Wizard and is going to take them out as soon as I can get the car to him.

Free.

 

Wow, your paint is immaculate!

 

Just replaced the clutch pedal assembly and fired it up!

She pulls hard, and the trans feels like new. It pulls a little to the left, so it will need an alignment. The tie rods look really good, so hopefully its nothing big.

The battery in the car is grossly underrated at 540cca. I am going to put my 1000cca Optima in it this afternoon. She is really slow to fire up. Engine spins fast, but it doesn't want to catch.

The dealer said they put new plugs in it, but I doubt it. Also, who knows how old the coils are. Judging by the great compression numbers, I would say that those two factors are why it takes a while to catch.

Everything else works like it should. Still handles good, and no odd noises. I programmed the new flip key (well, the remote part for now) and it works perfect.

Liking it more and more. Just hope the ignition parts will fix the slow start.

 

Nice update djmtsu. I was beginning to wonder if you gotten into too much fun : ) Let us know if replacing the coils and plugs will help.

 

you probably need the updated starter
there was a tsb for it awhile ago

 

It seems like it cranks fast, but is slow to start (fire up).

It has the sticker on the door jam for the starter campaign.

 

Nice find man. I'd pick one up too if given the opportunity. Good luck!

 

In that case, yeah, plugs and coils are the most likely issue. Great buy!

 

Drove it to work for the first time this morning. Everything seems to be fine. It fires right up when cold, within 2 seconds. Hot start, not so much.

I think the new battery has helped a little, but I am still putting plugs and coils in it this week. I also picked up an iPod kit from a member here.

I think my drivers side door speaker isn't working. I'm going to have to check that out. Its a Bose system, if it makes a difference.

 

No highs, no lows, must be bose.

IF it's the door woofer, they are plenty common. My rx8 bose door speaker appears to be the same one in my dad's 97 corvette and my wife's 03 envoy, and probably numerous other vehicles with bose. They usually use the same speakers for each position/stage and just make a custom enclosure for each vehicle, and call it a day.

 

^ yup thats exactly what they do ... congrats on the ride bro and nice find for 5k in that condition is a steal have fun with her!

 

Good luck with the resto. 196K (160K on new engine) - wow. Looks pretty good for the most part. There is a dent in the driver's C pillar though.

 

Yep, and another one of the passenger side fender flare.

A good friend of mine runs a Paintless Dent Repair company. He is going to take care of it as soon as I can take it to him. Not an issue.

With that many miles on the car, I am surprised it doesn't have more body damage!

Picking up new plugs tomorrow, and coils later this week. Unfortunately I won't have time to install them until next week. At the same time I am putting on the new steering wheel, then taking it to get the replacement keys programmed and cut.

 

I know a guy that works in the auto parts supply industry and might be able to get a discount on the plugs and coils, let me know if you want me to give him a call.

 

Sure man! Can't hurt.

Shoot me a PM.

 

We need updated pics to keep up with the Resto! And maybe a list of stuff done thus far for reference purposes.

-Chris

 

LOL, it's you, genius.

 

D'oh!

 

Doh!

I was wondering if you were referring to me. We don't deal in spark plugs. Too many variations to stock and catalog that many items. Besides they are cheap enough that we would not make significant profit.

I wish we had the coils, but nobody is making them. When you see them from brands like Standard Motor Products and Airtex, they are actually OE Mazda coils. Both of those companies buy them from Mazda and rebox them. Sadly, not any cheaper than I can get them from the dealer.

All we have for the 8 is filters, chassis components, alternators and starters. Which is good, for OE replacement parts.

 

Sorry I have been slacking on the updates guys. I have been collecting parts to knock alot out at once.

I have also been stripping and selling off my FC.

So far I have:
-new tires (installed)
-new tail light (installed)
-new shift **** (installed)
-new steering wheel (not installed)
-new plugs (not installed)
-new coils (not installed)
-iPod integration kit (not installed)
-air and cabin filters (not installed)

Once those are done, my friend is doing the PDR work on it. Then off to the local tint shop to get both the RX-8 and the Volvo tinted.

Its coming slowly guys, the FC part out has really slowed me down.

 

IT's cool man, some of us already know that you move at a sloth's pace, and the rest here will learn soon enough as well.

Guess I'm gonna have to overhaul my rx8 so I can hurt your feelings at DGRR this year.

 

Not gonna hurt my feelings! I don't think this car is special in anyway other than it has a rotary, like my old RX-7's.

You will impress me if you do an RE swap with a single turbo before then. Otherwise....get back to work hillbilly!

 

Got alot done today.

New plugs and coils are in. Changed the oil, replaced all the filters, replaced the nasty steering wheel.

Installed the Axxess iPod kit, and that is where the problem began.

Hooked everything up and ran the cable. Turned it on, stereo will not come on. The display above the HU lights up, but nothing is displayed. Stereo has no output, and there is no reference for the HVAC or outside temp, or clock.

I took it all back apart, and took the Axxess adapter off, still nothing. I hope I didn't fry the stereo, but if I did, looks like it is time to find another Bose.

The plug wires are also in need of replacing, I am ordering those tomorrow. Also, I have a CEL now, so I will scan it tomorrow as well.

The good news is the car feels like it has alot more power, idles much smoother and generally runs better. Still does not like to start hot.