I bought my RX8 last October and I don't know anything about car maintenance, but I want to learn more than anything! Are there any educational/maintenance computer programs that shows you how to maintain and upgrade your Rx8?

 

This forum would probably be the best "software" you could use for maintenance info, DIY information, and overall general knowledge of your 8. Flip through the Tech and Performance sections.

 

Not on the RX-8 speciffically, but wallmart sells one on general auto maintenance/diagnostics on their software section it's called something like "the online mechanic" or something like that. however it won't have much on the rotary engine. Your best bet for that would be one of the Haynes, or Chiltron's books on repairs on the RX-7/8

 

There was a stack of DVDs sold about a year ago specifically for the RENESIS, i think. This was serious, rebuild, stuff. There was an ad on this site for some time. Anyone remember this?

 

The closest, but probably best option is buying the mazda workshop manual. Trussville mazda is selling it for $140 with free shipping, which is probably the cheapest you will find it, but it pretty much has everything mechanical about the car that you can think of. I have not seen any actual software though.

 

While not specifically for the 8, you can go to download.com and search for automotive programs. They will be things like helping you track mileage, oil changes, filter changes, etc.

You could also just google it.

 

excel is what I use

 

I go along with NoTears316's suggestion that this forum is the best learning software around. Look at the DIY's in the tech forum. There are sticky posts near the top with alphabetical listings of all the DIYs. Look for the maintenance-oriented ones, like changing your oil, and don't be intimidated by the more exotic projects. And everyone here is more than happy to answer questions - or suggest a search.

But before that, read and follow the "Owner Maintenance" section in the owner's manual. Checking oil and fluids, tire pressures, etc., will put you ahead of the majority of car owners. And it will get you comfortable with poking around under the hood.

Ken

 

This seems to be a good spot too.

http://www.mnrx8club.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=169


Mazdatrix has the DIY rotary engine DVD set. It is a great instructional on rebuilding a rotary engine.


If you are wondering scheduling for maintenance on the RX-8 a good place to start is the owner's manual it has some instruction on certain simple things like where fuses are, checking fluids, changing bulbs, emergency tire repair kit.

 

I downloaded a manual at carfiche.com. I dont think you can download it as of now but keep your eye on it once in a while. This is pretty good overall and I have turned to it pretty often.