b2k2000

I think the mystery about using a lower octane gasoline came from 2-stroke engines. In a 2-stroke you get better performance from a lower octane gasoline, since the rotary is compared alot to the 2-stroke that MAY be where the myth came from. The big differences between the two (and the reason you should use higher octane) Is that Pre-detination on a 2 stroke is not really a big deal, happens all the time and the engine is fine. If you pre-detinate a rotary you basically have to have the engine rebuilt (ie blowing the apex seals) Lower octane fuel can detonate at lower pressure than a higher octane fuel. Therefore there is a lower chance of pre-detonation on a higher octane fuel than on a lower octane fuel. I am sure that 87 octane will be fine in the 8, however a 20cent/gallon engine insurance policy is what I will be using.

Quick_lude

The Tire Rack lists five in the 225/45/18 size..
S03 - PP $187
RE040 - $223
Pilot Sport- $251
Pirelli PZero - $194
ContiSportContact - $126

I think for anyone with heavy foot and propensity to drive lots and hard while lapping/autoxing the tire costs will be enormous... The extra fuel cost for premium is negligeable, especially in North America..

zoom44

do we know for sure yet if the reo40's are standard fit?

Quick_lude

I'm not sure.. but probably.. especially since there is no spare, correct? The RE040's come with the runflat option.. I will still lobby my dealer for a switch to S03's.

Btw, the winter tires will not be so cheap either. For the 225/50/17 size it's anywhere from $133US to $168. Ouch. Everyone loves the looks of big wheels/rotors until it's time for new 18" tires..

FritzMan

Already looked into that as well. Thankfully, Bridgestone makes their excellent winter Blizacks in 225/45 18 size. Perfect...:D

zoom44

uhh, i was just looking at the bridgestone website and they don't list the RE040 in the 225/45r18 size

edit: oh and on topic, i think you should use whatever fuel grade the owners manual says.

Quick_lude

Yeah I seem to remeber not seeing them either.. But they are on the Tire Rack. Shrug. I'd rather have the S03's or Pilot Sports any day...

ACRX8

OK

I just put 4 60K mile all season tires on my Mazda 626 for a total of $180.00.

The wife is not going to like this!

hajami

Do you know what the bolt pattern and offset is for the stock 18's?

I have a set of 17" snow tires for my current car (225/45/17) and would like to use them on the RX-8 if i get it. I think it will be much cheaper to get a set of 17" rims for the snows rather than get 18" snow tires (if they even make them).

Strider

I haven't got all the mechanical knowledge that a lot of people here have, but... I've currently got a 2001 Honda Civic. The manual requires 87 Octane. Maybe it's just me, but I like to spoil my girl... so I give her 89. For that extra $.10 I get better performance, better gas milage, and satisfaction that my engine is going to last a wee bit more than I'll actually have the car.
And it's just preparing me for the extra $.10 that I'll have to shell out once I get my 8 (so it's not so much of a "sticker-shock")

Strider-

Quick_lude

Yup Blizzak makes a snow tire in this size but it's about $220 each!
I will definitely look into dedicated 17" steelies/tires for the winter. The tire savings will pay for the steelies and the oem rims will not be ruined by the salt.

ZoomZoom

You and the rest of us back bacon eaters in here, I just hope that we will be able to find some steelies what will fit the car. That could be tough with those huge rotars. :D