scott7d

Hello! I am excited to say that I will have a new (to me) RX8 this coming week. I found a 2005 touring edition with 60K miles for $10,000 and decided to buy it. The 6 speed and the black/red leather had me sold pretty quick.

I will browse around the FAQ and stickies before I start going crazy with questions, but looking forward to learning more about these cars, especially the extra steps and care it takes to keep the engine healthy. The previous owner has already told me that "warm is good" whether I am turning it on or shutting it off. He also mentioned keeping on top of the oil level and changes.

I would appreciate any tips and hints on keeping this rotary engine runnning strong, but like I said, I won't go crazy with questions. Stickies are there for a reason.

Just wanted to introduce myself. I will also post some pics before too long Thanks!

Scott

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Gratz!

It just so happens I have alot of tips. But I got tired of re-typing them all the time, so I put them in 1 place, here: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

But it's also a sticky now, so I'm sure you will come across it.

scott7d

Thanks for that link, I will check it out now!

Leahanne

Hi there, I just read your post, congrats on the new car . I am also here as I would like to know everything I can about looking after my new purchase. How did you get on? any tips to share?

scott7d

The link that RIWWP posted above is very helpful. So far the main things I've learned, have been letting the engine warm up, and being conscious of checking the oil levels every couple fuel fill-ups.

I've also heard these cars like a good rev-up from time to time. As I understand it, this keeps carbon from building up in the engine. I wouldn't quote me on that since it wasn't a primary source, but will be sure to do my fair share of reading.

I have a friend who is a mechanic and he said to not be real shy or scared of letting this thing rev up a bit. I did notice that when I test drove mine, that high RPM's didn't seem nearly as extreme as a "piston" car. I'm not going to redline around every street corner, but probably won't upshift as much as my last car.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Correct. This engine LOVES high RPM, hates low RPM (under 3,000). Cruise is ideal at about 3,500 to 4,000 rpm.

The rev limiter is there for the transmission, not the engine, so feel completely safe pounding it all the way up there, it's actually healthy! Not getting it up there enough will noticably start making a rougher and rougher engine, idle, etc... as carbon builds up. High rev at full throttle helps keep it clear, though it's not a solve-all. Still need to decarb it occasionally (at least once a year is a good idea), and high revs at full throttle DOES hurt fuel economy. Though never going high revs to save the gas starts dropping fuel economy anyway as it gets more and more inefficient.

Don't hold it above ~7,500RPM constantly either, you will start overheating the coolant and transmission fluid quickly. Pound it through the range to the redline and shift.

scott7d

Good to know, thank you! I definitely don't want to abuse it, but it's good to know what RPM range is safe and what isn't. And the cool thing is, the engine makes that awesome sound at higher RPM's! It will whistle at the girls for me as I cruise by campus.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

welcome to the addiction!

RIWWP already sent you in the right direction. Read up on all the stickies! And don't be afraid to check the DIY section with confidence.

Read this link on the first things you should do to help improve your engine and drive quality https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/

Good luck and lookin forward to pics

Kaiser bun

iTrader: (2)

pics! and not a bad deal.

scott7d

I lucked out on the color combo. The only other color I would want is black, but this "gunmetal" color looks mean! And I wouldn't want the interior any other way!

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Welcome to the addiction, nice ride.

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

Congrats on the purchase. Happy Revving.

Roidz

Congrats, car looks good. Now get some clear corners.

ConnieReNae's RX8

Love the ride! Mine is a 2004, same color, same interior, A/T. I've had it about 10 days now and have not stopped grinning! Can't get enough info on the car. Spend all my time on-line learning all I can. Driving my family crazy. It is definately an addiction!

monchie

Happy modding!

Chrishoky

iTrader: (9)

Congrats, the people here are very knowledgeable. Give them the proper respect and do some research before asking, but dont be afraid if you get caught up. The people here are usually more than willing to lend a hand.

scott7d

I'm a mod/admin on several paintball and guitar forums. You can definitely tell who isn't too happy with their life by how they post. A lot of people do take the internet a little too seriously, that's for sure.

I think when someone gets something new that they love and respect, it brings out the kid in them. So in turn, they want to go crazy and ask questions. So in turn as a mod, I always cut slack on that because I can understand the excitement. Some people do go overboard and some people are flat out too lazy to do any searching so I understand that side as well. But yep, I have browsed through those stickies quite a bit!

Thanks for the tips, and looking forward to chatting with you folks. I'm a poor college student and won't be throwing a turbo or anything under the hood any time soon, but at the very least, want to keep it running smooth. I am picking it up this afternoon!