I just purchased an RX8 and am new to the rotary world. With a bunch of very dumb general questions. Thanks in advance.

1. Maintenance- Is there anything different from a piston engine that I need to be aware of?
A. I did read that the rotary does tend to use more oil so I need to keep an eye on the oil level. Should I use a specific kind of oil and oil filter?
B. I would asume I need to use premium gas?
C. Anything else I need to be aware of as far as maintenance?
D. Air and fuel filter replacment schedule any different?

2. Driving -
A. Anything to be aware of operating it? I noticed that the RPM's seem to run high any tips there? Where should I be shifting?

Thanks

 

welcome to the club and to the wonderful world of RX-8 ownership! to answer your qestions:

1. Maintenance- Is there anything different from a piston engine that I need to be aware of?-

the rotary is sensitive to clean spark plugs and proper warm up as well as coolant changes as well as oil changes. oil is used to not only lubricate the engine but to cool it as well. when the oil breaks down both properties are not up to par.

A. I did read that the rotary does tend to use more oil so I need to keep an eye on the oil level. Should I use a specific kind of oil and oil filter?-

the rotary uses oil, yes. it is injected into the engine via an oil metering pump. the amount of oil the engine uses depends on how hard you operate the engine. oil is debateable since everyone has their own preference. i personaly use castrol gtx 5W30 and oem Mazda oil filters.

B. I would asume I need to use premium gas?-

short answer, YES

C. Anything else I need to be aware of as far as maintenance?

- just keep up on the oil changes, keep an eye on the coolant and remember to change it. i change mine bi-annually. let the engine warm up properly and dont rev it hard when cold.

D. Air and fuel filter replacment schedule any different?-

about the same as a piston engine. owners manual has its intervals. remember though that the fuel filter is integral to the fuel pump.

2. Driving -
A. Anything to be aware of operating it? I noticed that the RPM's seem to run high any tips there? Where should I be shifting?-

completely up to you. dont race the engine when cold. be conservative for best fuel mileage.

 

2. its a rev happy engine, when u hear a beeeep, u know ur doing it right...dont be afraid of the redline, its ur friend

 

1. Yes. Carbon build up could be and issue as well as flooding. Oil but you know that already.
A. No clear answer so do your research and do what you think is best.
B. I use it but other have used lower octane.
C. Research it. There are little things that can become big things.
D. Don't know it off hand.

2
A. Depends on if you want speed or somewhat better gas mileage.
I tend to shift between 3k and 4k but I will red line from time to time.

These cars love rev's.
The redline is there to save your transmission not the engine.

Do your research and welcome.

 

This is just in time.

Check this out: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/100-000-miles-175878/

 

Welcome to the club! Reading all the FAQ's will help you out even though I know you wont read them haha...

 

cant fight against the youth

 

based on his questions its save to assume he didnt do any research on the car to begin with

 

Please search. Common questions - many answers. We hope you don't turn into one of those owners that suddenly whine about the car when you don't take care of it and it bites you.

 

Excellent advice! Much appriciated.

 

No need to worry, I am a stickler when it comes to taking care of cars. This is my third Mazda so I am sold on the brand, you will here no whining from me