It only took me 3 years to get 10 posts so I could post here.

I have been looking for an RX8 for the past 6 or so years. I have looked at many but didnt know the info I needed to make a good decision.

I am currently looking at an 05 with 113K on the clock that doesnt start after running unless you wait 20 minutes. BUT, it will start immediately if rolled and popping the clutch which seems to say its NOT compression/seals. But its big fault is that it is a stick and I really want an auto.

I live only 60 miles from a garage that specializes in swapping out engines so if I find a car that needs the engine it is only $2500 and one day turnaround.

Where is the best place to look for RX-8s? It seems that there are a lot of them along the Texas Mexico border. Anyone know why? Are they coming out of Mexico?

 

It is compression - stronger starters mask low compression starting problems. Get a compression test to confirm before buying.

 

Thanks, I think I will reject this one.

 

Automatic RX8s are lame. Get a stick.

No way you'll swap an engine into an 8 for $2500 and one day.
Even if it's a Renesis. If they could source one, I highly doubt it would have good compression.

If they could do that, people would be shipping their 8s to them from all over the country.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

There are 2 ways to do this well: buy a non-running RX8 at non-running price and swap a new engine in OR spend more on initial purchase to get one that is in known good health and/or has a new engine already. Spend a lot more and you get a series 2 that's still under engine warranty. I would lean toward the first option if I didn't have a series 2 budget.

About that shop: do they specialize in swapping engines or in rotaries? Take a rotary shop over a random non-rotary any day. Anyone can pull an engine, not everyone can diagnose and install a rotary properly.

 

They have engines ready on the shelf and they take your engine and rebuild it for the next guy. All they have to do in one day is the in and out. They specialize in ONLY rotaries. I had a friend that did this for bugs back in the 60s. A Lot easier to swap a bug though, he did it in half a day.

But as of this afternoon its a moot point since I bought a pristine Saturn Sky Redline. I am no longer in the RX8 market.......wifes choice, not mine.

 

Please post the shop's info, If (when) I need to get mine done, I would consider them.
I'm sure others would also.

 

South coast of Texas with a $2500 price tag? That's most likely OJ Imports.

I had them do my rebuild in February (side seals were completely carboned-up). The engine is good so far but their preferred freight company was pretty hilariously bad on the return trip.

The rebuild plus round-trip freight was right around $2150 with a (IIRC) 4-day turnaround time, not including shipping. They also have rebuilt shortblocks for $2500 +$500 core.

 

Thanks. I didn't think anybody did them that cheap.

 

OJImports.com is the information you need.

 

Thanks.

 

Sorry you are stuck now with that Saturn Sky. They have a worse long term rep than even the RX8. Oh well, got to keep the wife happy, hope it was her money not yours. LOL

 

I still have my eyes open for a deal on an RX8 One will fall into my lap like this one did. Bluebook was $12000 and I got it for $7000 so I couldnt say no.