Hello-

Tuesday night I bought a 09 RX8 R3. It was a rather impulsive decision on my part, but I am glad I did it.

I read the FAQ and the Updated FAQ, thank you. I have a couple lingering questions.

1. I know the FAQ stated that you could get away without using 91 Octane fuel, but could you get away with running 89 and add Octane Booster? Would it be ok to use the mid grade gasoline?

2. The fuel economy of the RX8 is much different from my Hyundai Elantra I traded in. Anyone have good suggestions on how to maximize the fuel economy of the RX8? Currently I am trying to drive the car around 55MPH / 65 MPH on the freeway in 6th gear. Is this the recommended gear for this speed? I am not accustomed to having 6 gears so I don't know the best way to use that gear.

3. PCM Updates. I called my dealer and they told me that since I bought the car on Tuesday that I should have the latest PCM update. Is there anyway I can independently confirm this?

4. Any random suggestions or anectdotes welcomed.

I do now know I need to keep a bottle of 5w/20 oil in my car at all times (with a funnel) and to check the oil every other refuel. I am glad I read that.

I did own an 1984 RX7 GSL/SE when I was 18. Bad car for an 18 year old driver. After killing the throw out bearing, putting too much oil in the car, and being nailed with 4 tickets in 6 months, I traded it in for a Ford Festiva. At 36 I think I learned my lesson... I hope.

 

1. use only 91 the motor will suffer and you will have carbon build up
2. from what most of us know the cars mpg are the same at 55 or 95

most other questions have allready been answered or discused use the search function so you dont get flamed. welcome to the club.

 

Answers:
1: Many use 87 octane. Booster shouldn't be necessary and it's a waste of money.
2: Drive in 6th gear when cruising at that speed.
3: The PCM hasn't been updated in 2 yrs. You will be fine.
4: Nothing at the moment.

I'll bet you haven't learned your lesson. I haven't.

 

Congrats on the new car.

I don't bother driving around with quart of oil (unless I'm heading to a track day). I just check the level in the garage every 1-2 weeks and top-off as necessary. You may also want to use a heavier grade oil (do a search for lots of reading material).

 

You should have kept the Elantra to drive to and from work or what not... I kept my G20 for millage. I also enjoy my 8 a lot more as a second car. Every time i get in it it's like the first time.

I am not knowledgeable enough to say if it is ok or not to use 87, I don't... I was told not to. I do know that that octane booster wont make any difference.

Good to know I should look into a heavier grade of oil though, thanks. I had always questioned that.

 

^^^^ +1

So called "octane boost" is a complete waste.

Why the hell would you use it anyways? Say premium is 15 cents more per gallon than mid grade. A 15 gallon fillup would cost $2.25 more. A bottle of octane booster costs $3 to $5.

Stupid.