Questions about first rx8.
11-14-2007, 08:22 PM
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Questions about first rx8.
I just turned 18 am am looking to buy a rx8 but i have quite a few questions and hoping i could get them answered.
1. reliabilty of engine in general? maintance? any little things i can do to help?
2. do i have any thing to worry about when buying used i can not afford to buy new for 30000
3. how does the engine respond to performance upgrades?
4. when doing a turbo for arounf 6 pounds of boost. what other major engine work needs done. i know the obvious exhaust intake injectors
5. i see a few people needing new engines around 65k do to leaky seals? why
6. ive seen mention of pre mixing fuel with oil i take it this helps lubricate the rotors?
7. how is the confort of the seats?
8. sound quality of the sound system?
9. also anything to make the engine bay look good i hate the huge plastic cover
1. reliabilty of engine in general? maintance? any little things i can do to help?
2. do i have any thing to worry about when buying used i can not afford to buy new for 30000
3. how does the engine respond to performance upgrades?
4. when doing a turbo for arounf 6 pounds of boost. what other major engine work needs done. i know the obvious exhaust intake injectors
5. i see a few people needing new engines around 65k do to leaky seals? why
6. ive seen mention of pre mixing fuel with oil i take it this helps lubricate the rotors?
7. how is the confort of the seats?
8. sound quality of the sound system?
9. also anything to make the engine bay look good i hate the huge plastic cover
11-14-2007, 08:42 PM
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i should be tommorrow.
im redneck as they come into lifted trucks etc etc. my family and such have been saying. its a city slicker car.
w/e i like them and so what if i hop out in boots and a cowboy hat. atleast ill look good
im redneck as they come into lifted trucks etc etc. my family and such have been saying. its a city slicker car.
w/e i like them and so what if i hop out in boots and a cowboy hat. atleast ill look good
11-14-2007, 08:43 PM
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1. very good, check oil every 2.5k miles, check tire pressure, you can help with a little thing of warming up the engine for about couple of minutes before shut it cold.
2. depends on who ur buying it from. if you're buying a stolen rx from a thief.. you should be worried.
3. quite well
4. you can't afford to buy a new one, yet can afford to put a turbo in?
5. again maintainance, and don't do any stupid things you wouldn't normally to any other cars.
6. if you're keeping it stock, you don't need to worry about it.
7. very comfortable
8. not bad
9. take it off
2. depends on who ur buying it from. if you're buying a stolen rx from a thief.. you should be worried.
3. quite well
4. you can't afford to buy a new one, yet can afford to put a turbo in?
5. again maintainance, and don't do any stupid things you wouldn't normally to any other cars.
6. if you're keeping it stock, you don't need to worry about it.
7. very comfortable
8. not bad
9. take it off
11-14-2007, 08:55 PM
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ive always had gm's but theres nothing in there line up that interest me.
i wont own a truck with ifs suspension.
i need a good daily driver/toy anyway. its either this or vette (ive had one it was a pain)
i wont own a truck with ifs suspension.
i need a good daily driver/toy anyway. its either this or vette (ive had one it was a pain)
11-14-2007, 09:17 PM
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one of the main resones i considered a 8 was being a 4 seater. need the room. tired of being in a single cab truck.
i can get a nice used 8 for around 16000 and would through about 4000 into it getting a nice quick daily driver going.
maybe ill just stick my *** to my f-350 i was looking at.
i hate auto shopping
i can get a nice used 8 for around 16000 and would through about 4000 into it getting a nice quick daily driver going.
maybe ill just stick my *** to my f-350 i was looking at.
i hate auto shopping
11-14-2007, 09:30 PM
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I'll go ahead and take a crack at this with my own spin on the questions.
1. Reliability is great. Maintenance is just to keep vigilant watch of the oil levels. Maybe change transmission fluid to Redline.
2. Nothing to look out for, really. Just make sure you know the car's history.
3. Poorly. (Power gains are minimal unless you go turbo, which is a whole other story...)
4. I'd say stay away from turbos at the moment. It's just too much of a headache right now...some people have pulled it off and been very happy, but they have also invested lots of time and money into the whole ordeal.
5. My guess is poor maintenance or a turbo blowing the seals. Could just be a fluke and a bad engine.
6. I've never really heard of anyone premixing myself. Some people run Protek, but it's really a personal choice type thing.
7. Comfort's great. I prefer the cloth, since the leather allows lots of sliding around if you're driving hard.
8. Sound system sucks no matter which option you pick. Engine sounds great though, so you may stop listening to music (like I did).
9. *shrug* Take off the cover and do some mods. Some people have painted their engine covers, if you're interested in that.
1. Reliability is great. Maintenance is just to keep vigilant watch of the oil levels. Maybe change transmission fluid to Redline.
2. Nothing to look out for, really. Just make sure you know the car's history.
3. Poorly. (Power gains are minimal unless you go turbo, which is a whole other story...)
4. I'd say stay away from turbos at the moment. It's just too much of a headache right now...some people have pulled it off and been very happy, but they have also invested lots of time and money into the whole ordeal.
5. My guess is poor maintenance or a turbo blowing the seals. Could just be a fluke and a bad engine.
6. I've never really heard of anyone premixing myself. Some people run Protek, but it's really a personal choice type thing.
7. Comfort's great. I prefer the cloth, since the leather allows lots of sliding around if you're driving hard.
8. Sound system sucks no matter which option you pick. Engine sounds great though, so you may stop listening to music (like I did).
9. *shrug* Take off the cover and do some mods. Some people have painted their engine covers, if you're interested in that.
11-14-2007, 11:05 PM
#15
Oh wow, a fellow weasel! A lot of your questions can be ferreted out on the forum as long as you know what you're looking for; give it a shot!
I'll add to the repetitiveness of answers and say what I can from my opinion based on experience (2006 GT all options sans navigation):
7. how is the comfort of the seats?
The seats are quite comfy indeed; seat warmers for the leather seats are great this time of year. BTW; if you're a big/tall/long ferret, then with a moonroof you may will feel like you're in a small cockpit with little headroom (I have no such problems
).
8. sound quality of the sound system?
The Bose system is well... like the handling of the car, very neutral. There is nothing spectacular about the sound system, though. If you listen to classical music or prefer a balanced sound, it should suffice.
[EDIT]: Just saw the redneck comment; you wouldn't happen to see yourself listening to classical music while off-roading in an F-350, do ya?
9. also anything to make the engine bay look good i hate the huge plastic cover
[Insert FI method of choice]
-- that should do it, I think.
I'll add to the repetitiveness of answers and say what I can from my opinion based on experience (2006 GT all options sans navigation):
7. how is the comfort of the seats?
The seats are quite comfy indeed; seat warmers for the leather seats are great this time of year. BTW; if you're a big/tall/long ferret, then with a moonroof you may will feel like you're in a small cockpit with little headroom (I have no such problems
).8. sound quality of the sound system?
The Bose system is well... like the handling of the car, very neutral. There is nothing spectacular about the sound system, though. If you listen to classical music or prefer a balanced sound, it should suffice.
[EDIT]: Just saw the redneck comment; you wouldn't happen to see yourself listening to classical music while off-roading in an F-350, do ya?
9. also anything to make the engine bay look good i hate the huge plastic cover
[Insert FI method of choice]
-- that should do it, I think.
Last edited by maskedferret; 11-14-2007 at 11:09 PM.
11-14-2007, 11:24 PM
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See, the problem is, what do guys in truck country really go for? Torque, pistons, and straight-line speed. The 8 is lacking in all of these (pistons especially). Pardon me if you don't fit this stereotype, but I could easily see you buying this and being very unhappy with it.
11-15-2007, 02:54 AM
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Let me preface my responses first by noting that I am not an RX-8 owner, but rather a serial lurker here on RX8club. I did take one for a test drive, though. I highly recommend you do the same, as it will answer some of your questions for you, and may make others moot. And do spend some time reading through the forum, especially the FAQs.
1. reliabilty of engine in general? maintance? any little things i can do to help?
- According to Consumer Reports, the 2004 RX-8's overall reliability has been much worse than average, with the Engine, Fuel System, Electrical System, Climate System, Brakes, and Body Integrity being especially problematic. With each passing year reliability has improved, and now Consumer Reports predicts the 2008 will have average reliability, and I believe they are underestimating it. Accordingly, with each passing year, there have been fewer and fewer Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). In fact, it's fairly easy to match individual TSBs with their corresponding problem area on the chart. This is reassuring to the new RX-8 buyer as it indicates that Mazda is making efforts--i.e. mass-production changes--to continually improve reliability. The rotary community is very active, and very particular about their cars, providing Mazda with lots of feedback in this regard. Engineering reliability in such a unique vehicle, with each part being designed and integrated into only this one, low-production application, is no doubt an upward battle.
The most unique thing about the 8, it's rotary engine, is simultaneously a blessing and a curse: a blessing in that it makes the RX-8 a thrilling, driver-oriented, performance machine with a relatively comfortable ride; and a curse in that it runs hot, guzzles gas, and consumes oil. And it requires a high level of preventative maintenance to ensure long-term reliability. Some rotor-heads will try to convince you that the rotary engine is more reliable than a piston engine because it has less moving parts. But what it gains in mechanical simplicity it more than gives back in dependence on easily damaged apex and side seals. This is why you see so many 8's in here running low compression and getting new (rebuilt) engines. Engine oil is injected onto these seals by an Oil Metering Pump (OMP), but burning this oil clogs the catalytic converter and increases emission of pollutants. So Mazda chose a low OMP injection rate (at low RPMs) to meet emission standards. But this resulted in an unacceptably high rate of seal failures, especially in warmer climates (did I mention the rotary runs hot?), so Mazda issued a recall to up the OMP injection rate.
As an owner, it is within your power to mitigate this weakness inherent to the Renesis. And, in my opinion, this requires at the least premixing a suitable oil at a suitable ratio and more frequent oil changes. The RX-8 runs very rich, which degrades the engine oil quickly, making an already less than ideal lubricant even less effective on the seals. A better solution is to use the Sohn OMP Adapter, which feeds the OMP premix oil in lieu of crankcase oil. Lube Control's LC20 and FP60 are also recommended for a cleaner, better lubricated engine. I also recommend enhancing the effectiveness of the cooling system with either the Racing Beat PCM Flash or the Mazsport Fan Control mod, Redline Water Wetter and distilled water in lieu of Anti-Freeze, the Hood Ventilation Mod, and the Throttle Body Bypass.
In conclusion, the RX-8 is as reliable as you make it. The real question is whether the driving experience justifies it's relatively greater need for preventative maintenance.
2. do i have any thing to worry about when buying used i can not afford to buy new for 30000
- If you must buy used, just make sure it is up to date with all the TSBs and Recalls.
Keep in mind, though, that a new 2007 Sport w/ Performance Package can be had for $22,000 plus tax. And that you have the best chance of getting years of reliable service from your RX-8 if you take good care of it from the start.
3. how does the engine respond to performance upgrades?
- Engine mods are not cost-effective. You'll need to add forced induction to really make noticeable gains.
4. when doing a turbo for arounf 6 pounds of boost. what other major engine work needs done. i know the obvious exhaust intake injectors
- Couldn't tell you. Read the Turbo threads.
5. i see a few people needing new engines around 65k do to leaky seals? why
- Answered above.
6. ive seen mention of pre mixing fuel with oil i take it this helps lubricate the rotors?
- Answered above.
7. how is the confort of the seats?
- I found the seat comfortable on my test drive. And I liked the cockpit-like feel of the seating position/controls. Check it out yourself.
8. sound quality of the sound system?
- Didn't really test it much--I was listening to the engine I doubt it's anything to write home about, and I wouldn't pay extra for the Bose upgrade.
9. also anything to make the engine bay look good i hate the huge plastic cover
- Take it off, it's only there to quiet the engine bay and keep it from getting dusty.
1. reliabilty of engine in general? maintance? any little things i can do to help?
- According to Consumer Reports, the 2004 RX-8's overall reliability has been much worse than average, with the Engine, Fuel System, Electrical System, Climate System, Brakes, and Body Integrity being especially problematic. With each passing year reliability has improved, and now Consumer Reports predicts the 2008 will have average reliability, and I believe they are underestimating it. Accordingly, with each passing year, there have been fewer and fewer Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). In fact, it's fairly easy to match individual TSBs with their corresponding problem area on the chart. This is reassuring to the new RX-8 buyer as it indicates that Mazda is making efforts--i.e. mass-production changes--to continually improve reliability. The rotary community is very active, and very particular about their cars, providing Mazda with lots of feedback in this regard. Engineering reliability in such a unique vehicle, with each part being designed and integrated into only this one, low-production application, is no doubt an upward battle.
The most unique thing about the 8, it's rotary engine, is simultaneously a blessing and a curse: a blessing in that it makes the RX-8 a thrilling, driver-oriented, performance machine with a relatively comfortable ride; and a curse in that it runs hot, guzzles gas, and consumes oil. And it requires a high level of preventative maintenance to ensure long-term reliability. Some rotor-heads will try to convince you that the rotary engine is more reliable than a piston engine because it has less moving parts. But what it gains in mechanical simplicity it more than gives back in dependence on easily damaged apex and side seals. This is why you see so many 8's in here running low compression and getting new (rebuilt) engines. Engine oil is injected onto these seals by an Oil Metering Pump (OMP), but burning this oil clogs the catalytic converter and increases emission of pollutants. So Mazda chose a low OMP injection rate (at low RPMs) to meet emission standards. But this resulted in an unacceptably high rate of seal failures, especially in warmer climates (did I mention the rotary runs hot?), so Mazda issued a recall to up the OMP injection rate.
As an owner, it is within your power to mitigate this weakness inherent to the Renesis. And, in my opinion, this requires at the least premixing a suitable oil at a suitable ratio and more frequent oil changes. The RX-8 runs very rich, which degrades the engine oil quickly, making an already less than ideal lubricant even less effective on the seals. A better solution is to use the Sohn OMP Adapter, which feeds the OMP premix oil in lieu of crankcase oil. Lube Control's LC20 and FP60 are also recommended for a cleaner, better lubricated engine. I also recommend enhancing the effectiveness of the cooling system with either the Racing Beat PCM Flash or the Mazsport Fan Control mod, Redline Water Wetter and distilled water in lieu of Anti-Freeze, the Hood Ventilation Mod, and the Throttle Body Bypass.
In conclusion, the RX-8 is as reliable as you make it. The real question is whether the driving experience justifies it's relatively greater need for preventative maintenance.
2. do i have any thing to worry about when buying used i can not afford to buy new for 30000
- If you must buy used, just make sure it is up to date with all the TSBs and Recalls.
Keep in mind, though, that a new 2007 Sport w/ Performance Package can be had for $22,000 plus tax. And that you have the best chance of getting years of reliable service from your RX-8 if you take good care of it from the start.
3. how does the engine respond to performance upgrades?
- Engine mods are not cost-effective. You'll need to add forced induction to really make noticeable gains.
4. when doing a turbo for arounf 6 pounds of boost. what other major engine work needs done. i know the obvious exhaust intake injectors
- Couldn't tell you. Read the Turbo threads.
5. i see a few people needing new engines around 65k do to leaky seals? why
- Answered above.
6. ive seen mention of pre mixing fuel with oil i take it this helps lubricate the rotors?
- Answered above.
7. how is the confort of the seats?
- I found the seat comfortable on my test drive. And I liked the cockpit-like feel of the seating position/controls. Check it out yourself.
8. sound quality of the sound system?
- Didn't really test it much--I was listening to the engine
I doubt it's anything to write home about, and I wouldn't pay extra for the Bose upgrade.9. also anything to make the engine bay look good i hate the huge plastic cover
- Take it off, it's only there to quiet the engine bay and keep it from getting dusty.
Last edited by Ploppity Drown; 11-15-2007 at 02:59 AM.
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