Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and I bought my Red RX8 used with about 1200 miles. I really love the car but as most of us I have some questions. I guess I'll start out by asking everyone what everyones Tach is at around 75 in 6th gear. It seems like I don't feel real speed with the car until I get into 6th and push past 70, but I haven't gotten past 75........which I will soon

 

For me 80mph = 4k rpm.

75mph is ~3850 rpm.

 

Thanks CAM......I'm guessing this car revs higher than most normal cars. Is the engine made to handle such high rpms on a regular basis.

 

Does it like high rpms? Heh heh.

That's code for "oh yes."

 

75mph for me in 6th....3800rpm.

- Irish

 

what car do you have MT or AT?

 

pik,

for those who never owned a rotary ( this is also my first), hitting a redline at 9000 rpm, seems unbelievable, but this car will do it so smoothly and almost without realizing it, that mazda had to put in a chime at 8500 to remind you to shift to the next gear.

The car redlines at 9k but has a rev limiter that will keep you from going over 9300, so there should be no worry's about blowing an engine ( most likely the tranny will go first). In theory, the car will redline in 6th gear at around 180, but there isn't enough hp to push it that high against the drag. Also, there is an ongoing debate on this site that Mazda has limited the car to 148 mph, but a few here have claimed they've been slightly faster.

So, welcome to the club. You will become addicted to revving that beauty up...

 

We just saw it hit 152mph on the dyno, right?
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multimedia-photo-gallery-6/pics-vids-dyno-day-53949/

 

I hadn't see that thread yet, that was awesome. The vids definitely went into the library. So much for the 148 limit theory.
I am interested in why one car had such a difference in whp, when every other dyno we have ever seem shows in the 180's or low 190's, but cool....

 

I'm wondering about PCM Flashes.................. But who knows

 

not only is it designed to handle at high rpms but the engine self cleans at high rpms

 

khtm

I've got the 6 speed transmission.....It had 1200 miles on it when I bought it from the Mazda dealer here in Richmond, VA. I had a background check done on the VIN and it all came back clear so I coughed up 25.3K for the car which is fully loaded including the NAV system and Sun Roof. I thought 25K was a great deal but what do I know. I really like the car but I was first concerned (until this forum), that the car had high rpm's and the engine was off or something. I've got to get out and compare the rpm's to those posted here and I'll let everyone know the comparison. I've been checking the oil, but the oil stick seems the same as when I bought it about 500 miles ago. Also, its kinda tough to see where the oil is on the stick because its so clear.

 

Thanks Rod....I'm loving the red paint job......Now that I know the high rpm's are normal, I'm gonna let loose a bit. :D

 

Oil consumption will vary based on how you drive. Check it every fill up, that's what I do, I'll skip it if I've been easy on the car.

 

smd3

Are you using the 5w-20 oil? What brand?

pik

 

We learn something new everyday. I never knew that the engine cleans itself at high RPMS. Another great aspect of this car! :D

 

I use Castrol GTX conventional. 5w20. Oil changed at 1k, 2k, I'll change it again at 5k, and every 3k after.

 

5/20 is recommeneded. I think checking the oil every tank full is overkill, but check it often until you see what amount your vehicle and driving habits call for.

 

Actually, if you watched the last video, you would have seen it hit 184 mph.

 

How many videos were there? I only saw two

 

This link... 184 mph in 6th gear.

http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/rx8/.../rx8184mph.wmv

 

You've got to wonder if that wasn't just the tires spinning in the air. I would have been crapping in my pants if I was someone in the back seat taking the video on an actual highway.

 

The 8 was being dyno'd at the time.

 

Yes, like someone else said...please expound a bit more information on this.

I've heard a little bit before but now I worry about my break-in system since I have not gone over 7.5K yet in my 8...it's just about 20 miles before I LET LOSE TO 9K HEAVEN!

 

When breaking in the car, gradually push to higher rpms. If you haven't gone over 7.5k rpm, don't wait till some magical odo reading before hitting 9k rpm. Push it to 8k a few times, then when it feels comfortable with 8k, push it to 8.5k a few times, and then when it feels good, push it to 9k. Always increase the max rpm you're pushing it to gradually.

And when you do hit 9k, it really is awesome!