When I recently purchased an 08' RX8, the dealer informed me that it is important to shut off the motor in a particular way which involves holding the revs at 3000 or so and turning off the ignition, then letting off the throttle at the same time.

I am skeptical, and because I have not found anything in these threads to support this method, I am even more so. What is the deal here?

 

he's talking about cold shut downs. if your car isn't warmed up (you pull out to wash your car, go for a short ride, etc. that doesn't bring up to operating temps) you don't want to shut it down without going through this ritual. you may be fine anyway but you run the risk of flooding the engine.

the prescribed measure is to keep the revs at about 3K rpms for about 10 seconds and then turn it off and let the engine burn off the remaining fuel.

here is the FAQ you should look at for this and other important items
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx8-faq-new-owners-116484/

 

And it gives an awesome noise.

 

I find it easier, less obnoxious, and more enjoyable to just cruise around the block until the car warms up before I shut it down. Only when I really REALLY didn't have time to let the car warm up would I do the 3000 RPM thing.

 

I guess it wouldn't hurt, but then reports of flooding from '07 and '08 owners seem to be pretty rare anyway...

 

Oh OK. I understand.

 

What about after the motor is warmed up? I see other rotary owners revving before shutting down.

 

Pretty much like on an old fixed body carb - just give it a sharp blip on the throttle as you turn the car off to let it throw the excess fuel out.

 

The short trip procedure is described inthe Quick Tips guide. You don't shut it down cold. You warm it up by letting it idle, then rev before turning it off. I go along with Rhawb on driving around the block a few times to warm it. Warming by driving is better than warming by idling.

Ken