I just bought from a Mazda dealer an '07 RX-8 A/T with 39k miles on it. It looks like the original owner checked every box on the options list...I'm not used to so many gadgets!

Anyway, I've been reading a lot of stuff here on the forum and it's been very enlightening, as this is my first rotary experience. At 40k miles, it seems that certain maintenance items, such as coils and such should be replaced. I'm pretty handy doing work on cars, as I have a Miata that I installed a supercharger on, and I also have '58 Triumph TR-3A that I did a frame off restoration on in my garage.

So, what should I be concerned about taking care of in the near future. Compression check? BHR ignition? And one more question. The dealer stuck the license plate (NY requires one in the front) right in the middle of the front grill. Doesn't seem like the best place for airflow to the radiators. On my Miata, I was able to purchase a bracket that located the plate off to the side. Is there such a thing for the RX-8, or has anyone fabricated something to move the plate away from critical air flow paths?

Thanks in advance,

Art

 

I'm pretty sure they put the plate where Mazda designed it, there are mounting spots just behind the Faux mesh (there are little dents in the design that tell you where to drill away the plastic to reveal the threaded sleeves). One would expect that Mazda designed the car to have a plate there so I wouldn't be too worried about that.

The biggest thing is to stay on top of the ignition. A BHR upgrade would of course be best, but if you don't mind getting in there every 20K to replace the plugs and coils and wires, then the stock will do just fine. I think you already have the upgraded starter, so that shouldn't be an issue.

Many will tell you to premix as an added bit of PM ( I do not ), you can find plenty of threads on the subject.

A compression test is always good to do to give you an idea of the condition of your engine (you know, see what kind of condition the previous owner left it in). You can find lots of posts on what those numbers mean and what is good/bad. If you find yourself on the low end of the "good" spectrum, you could consider a seafoam treatment to remove the carbon goodies in there...

Oh, and pics or it didn't happen...

Good luck with the new purchase and welcome to the club.

 

Edit: BTW, just because Mazda designed the plate to cover the grill opening, doesn't mean it's a great idea. There has to be some air flow lost to the radiator. They did the same with the Miata...right in the middle of the grill opening.

OK, here's a couple of quickies I took after I got the car home.

 

Looks good...congrats.

 

Nice! ...and welcome!

 

Welcome to the club and read the sticky threads on how to take care of this unique car. Good luck and enjoy the ride.