Just bought an automatic '04 RX-8 GT and the Mazda dealership just put in a new engine. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to properly Warm-up and Cool-Down the engine so it lasts longer? I have search online and I have seen some say to idle 30-60secs after you start it and before you turn it off. Some day to stay below 3000rpms until it reaches "normal" temperatures. I don't know what is the best way to warm-up/cool-down the engine.

 

how many miles on the new engine? If it's VERY new, you'll need to break it in.

Try reading this thread https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

And this https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?p=3666147

Also, your questions have been repeatedly answered in other threads. Please use the search function

 

no matter what car it is you should keep the rpm low until the temp comes up...weather is't a minivan or a mercedes....get it warm before beating the hell out of it...as for "cool down" I just let mine run for 30 sec or so just to do ti....but i've shut it off instantly after stopping with no problems....

the rotary isn't as complicated as some ppl make it seem

 

No need to do anything special. Let it come up to operating temp before driving it hard, i.e. exceeding 3000rpm or so. It's not a turbocharged engine, no need for a cool down period. Just drive it.

 

If the engine is still as fresh as you say it is you need to break it in. Give it at least 2k miles before you really start hammering on it. I've never had to break one in but from what I have read for the first 1k miles try not to go over 4k rpms and then slowly ramp up the rpms for the next 1k miles. Like every 200-250 miles increase rpm by 1k more.

If by "just put in" you mean more than 2k miles ago just ignore this post and follow the others.

 

Warm engine, warm tires, makes for a happy RX-8 and many miles of fun for you.

 

So because it is not a turbo I can start it up and drive it immediately as long as I don't drive it hard before it has heated up? Also, I can just turn it off anytime, cold or hot?

 

yup

 

Don't turn it off while cold, no. Otherwise yes, start it up and drive it as long as you stay below 3000-3500rpm until it is warmed up.

 

Racing Beat's Guidelines

The Mazda guidelines are reasonable and prudent. If you have any questions or uncertainly regarding the break-in period, we suggest you follow these official recommendations.

We receive many requests for our recommended break-in procedures. The following are Racing Beat's recommendations:

- For the first 1000 miles do not accelerate under full throttle.
- During the first 1000 miles do not exceed 4000 RPM.
- For miles 1000-2000, expand the RPM upwards - but do not accelerate at full throttle.
- Over 2000 miles, full throttle and high RPM is acceptable.

In summary, our guidelines offer a progessive method to increase the working loads placed on the engine.

 

^ Those are the guidelines I followed when I got mine nearly 5 years ago. Probably coincidence, but I've yet to have an engine problem.

 

Why are you guys posting engine break in guidelines when the topic is warm up and cool down, and the original poster hasn't seen fit to tell us how many miles are on the engine?

 

Thats why I posted the Break In

 

Get in and drive and never get into the high rpms until the car reaches normal operating temperature. Once you get where you need to be just shut the car off, but make sure the car is warmed up before shutting off or you could flood your car.