Raptor75

It’s a done deal. I’m the proud owner of a new Grand Touring RX-8 (Build date 8/05) 6 speed with rear spoiler. I think the price was great $26,500 out the door, including $1,500 back from Mazda and $1,000 back for Mazda financing. This pricing and the surprisingly good experience at the dealer was compliments of the good folks at the Autobarn in Evanston (Chicago land) I dealt with Dave Soth and Mike B. They were both great and deserve a plug.

Here are a couple of quick observations from the first day.

- As for the fuel Octane issue the manual states that the car can use 87 Octane (regular) fuel with slightly diminished performance. I have never read here that Mazda approves the use of this fuel.
- The low torque of the car makes smooth starts some thing that you have to practices, of course I may be a little out of practice. 5 years since I owned a stick.
- Acceleration seems better then anticipated.
- I’ll be keeping a log of the mileage and MPG.
- Car feels great on the road, no surprise.
- Visibility is good except out the back window, once the car becomes familiar this should not be an issue.
- Build quality is excellent

Since I live in Chicago the first thing I’m doing is stripping off the tires and putting on All-Season performance tires. So I have a set of brand new OEM tire for sale $560 plus shipping these tires from Tire Rake this would cost just south of $900 plus shipping. Let me know if you’re interested.

FABRO

congrats on the purchase, the mod bug will bite you real quick.

Raptor2k

Congrats

Mazda recommends 91, they don't disapprove of 87.

Starting launch needs to be higher than most manuals I think, since the low torque and high RPM range. I think I usually launch at around 1800-2000 RPMs.

NoTears316

Congrats on your purchase.

Raptor75

Yes, I'm learning that. Should have it down in a day or two. Hard fighting that temptation to rev her out.

T-von

Manufacturers aren't stupid enough to solely engineer engines to run on a specific octane level. If they did, there would be far more engine damage and increased warranty repairs. If I can run 87 octane in my boosted stock Fd, you guys should easily be able to run 87 in the NA Renesis.

DarkBrew

Congrats on the purchase. I am sure that you will enjoy it.

The splayed side mirror strategy to reduce the blind spot on the right side works well. There is a 'blind spot' thread on this site.

I don't know if you did the tire swap yet but most peole run 17" winter wheels and tires and keep the 18" wheels for summer.

Raptor75

Yes knock sensors will adjust for a verity of Octane levels. I just never heard it mentioned on this board that Mazda has said using 87 Oct. is OK to do.

Raptor75

I'll take a look at the tread thanks.

Did not want the hassle of changing tires. Chicago gets a few good snows a year and the snow removal hear is so good that the All Season performance tires should do well. I picked up a set of Avons and from what I have read people report they are quieter then the OEMs and have 90% of dry weather grip. I'll put up a post after I've had some time with them.