New 8 Driver - Tips?
 

Hey guys, I just got an '04 Black RX8 with 10k Mileage. Was wondering if anyone had any tips or information they would like to share about the RX8's I should know :)

Heres a good start for you 10 worthwhile pointers. :)

https://www.rx8club.com/australia-new-zealand-forum-37/10-things-new-rx-8-owners-should-know-day-1-a-35405/

Don't know how old you are or what hobbies you're into as far as cars are concerned so just remember; the 8 is a track car, it's designed to go fast around corners. The 8 is not a drag car, sure it's fun in a straight line as well, but it really shines in the corners. Otherwise, happy revving!

Welcome to the family, or cult, depending on how you look at it ;)!

Well, I'm a 20 year old male, I started out with a Camaro V6 as my first car. Eventually that car was totaled due to but not limited to women drivers. One pulled out infront of me, and completely wrecked the front end, the next on the way to my insurance company to give my story about the first wreck, I was hit at a dead stop by a women going 45 MPH, I guess she didn't notice the Red Light :(

Anyway, after that my family used the insurance money to get a 1997 Trans Am. Although the car is a V8, and very powerful, you have to remember, they're american made...So it started falling apart around 96k Miles. I had to replace the transmission at 93k, and the rotors on the front brakes were warped so bad by about 96k. Not to mention all the cosmetic damage done to it due to me parking it at school...In the parking lot that didn't require a parking sticker. So lets just say it was a very unsafe enviroment. Also, the plastic covers for the side rear running lights and the third tail light eventually just started falling apart. So my father decided it was time I get a more reliable car, something new, and something that will last, and something that will last the "sporty" life that I've been in.

So two days ago I went up the local Mears Dealership and my parents helped me get into a 2004 Black RX8. I remember coming across this forum the night before I went up to test drive it, I was just looking for the satisfaction others were getting out of their RX8's, and honestly, if I even have 1/10th of the fun you guys have in your 8's I should be twice as happy with this car than my TA or Camaro.

I do regret getting an auto. But techincally I guess you could say the only difference is the 2 gears. I like the paddle shifters the 8's have, I had no idea how...luxurious they were I guess you would say.

It may not be a drag car (And believe me, I don't need another, my driving record is bad enough. Too many tickets from street racing), but it is a track car, and when I test drove it the dealer had me take it to a parking lot and weave in and out of the light poles there going ~30mph. Me coming from a muscle car to this, all I can say is the smile from my face still hasn't lifted. The handling on these things is AMAZING.

And as someone stated above, they might not be drag cars, but I do plan on modding it a little bit, starting out with just basic bolt-ons, some exhaust, FIPK, and eventually if I get a wild hair, I'll get FI. Until then, I'm more than happy.

I actually did beat a Stage 1 Roush Mustang/Z28 in a 3 lane race on one of the bigger streets in my city last night. It was, really, really wet. And I'm sure we all know what I mean by that. With the Automatic Transmission, There isn't a lot of power hitting the wheels until 4 grand, then it just starts to fly. Unfortunetly these V8's don't have that option, all I saw was both of their tail-ends fishtailing. Once they caught traction, they'd start to keep up, then they'd shift gears, start slipping again, and I'd pull away even more. ;) Maybe not something to brag about, but hey, if you want to drag with an 8, atleast use the weather conditions to your favor.

I got the 8 because I don't want another V8, even though the gas mileage is about even on both engines. I like the 8 because it's a mix of a Sports car, Luxury-ish, and family-ish (Due to the double suicide doors, and from what I've heard, "not so bad" backseat room) :)

I'm really excited to own an 8 now. Basically what I wanted to know is about how high-maintence they are (Because the dealership said these cars are very high-maintence).

I heard every 1,500 Miles I need to fill it up with some oil, a quart I think? And since I've never had a rotary, what kind of oil should I use? Anyone have a favorite? :)

I also heard about the flooding thing, the dealer said something about if the engine is too hot or cold (I can't remember which it was), I need to rev it to 3,000 and as it slides down turn the car off, and that should purge the chambers of all fluids. Anyone know more about this and when I should be doing this?

I just want tips how to keep it running past 96k :)

just a few pointers:

1. street racing is not welcome to this forum, so any stories about past street races will get you in trouble. If you did it before or plan on doing it again (your funural) just don't talked about it on the forum. :nono:

2. everything you need to know is here, there is a search function at the top of the page that will search the site for anything. Before you ask a question it is safer (you won't get burnt) to search for a topic.

3. the stick version of the rx-8 is alot more than "2 more gears" ;)

Snow tires in winter.

Bridgestone Re040s (if you have them) can kill you or your car if the temps are <50F, if you don't let them warm up before driving around corners hard.

Short trips = terrible fuel economy.

read the manual and quick tips books

Well, in a way.

If you're talking about the horse power gain, it's because of the manual transmission, and the fact it has 2 more gears. And a higher rev limit. 8400 on manual I believe?

Sorry about the street racing thing. I didin't know it was so taboo :(

You didn't have to be so nice, you could have just said RTFM! :p

I already planned on thumbing through it, just haven't done it yet :)

Well, I live in the pan-handle of Texas, so <50 is possible, but highly highly unlikely that I'd be driving in it. It normally doesn't get that cold outside until after about 1am and until 6-ish

Hey congrats on your car, but watch that high speed in the rain, let alone racing in the rain. Your asking for it big time! Traction control, DSC, ABS won't help you when you hydro plane into a tree, person, or wreck your car. You are only going to hurt your pride and your car or even worse kill somebody for your foolish action. :icon_no2:

We all love speed here, but you have to know when and when not to do it, and speeding in the rain is a major DON'T!

Use high octane fuel (91+). The oil is 5W-20, Castrol GTX is good. Check your tire pressure. Read a lot of articles here.
And drive it like you stole it! :jump: :jump: :jump:

Don't get crazy in the rain. These things slide rather easily on wet pavement. Try not to drive in icy or snow weather. RX8's are horrible on snow unless you have the snow tires. If you drive on ice, you're asking for it.

Many people will want to race you on the street when they see the car. Dont do it because:

1) It is illegal and looked down upon on this forum.
2) You will probably lose.

Other than that, be ready to change the oil plenty, and add oil in between changes frequently. Check your pressures. Be ready to say thank you a lot to all of the people saying, "Nice Car". Have fun!!

6 port vs 4 port, 2 oil coolers vs 1
there seems to be this surge of people saying "it's just 2 gears and 15hp"
9000 rpm by the way

:rofl: True.