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Engine finally let go at 161,269 miles, so I’m rebuilding my 18,887 mile engine for it and only rebuilding due to sitting stationary for about 9 years and spring fatigue could be an issue. It was definitely the right call because the rotors had an absurd amount of carbon built up on them, but not surprising as the carfax for the R3 it came from said it was used as a company car and was likely driven like a Camry it’s whole short life. Will be reusing apex and corner seals as there’s very little wear from new and they’re already well broken into the housings, but am cutting all new side seals to exactly .004 so compression is consistent across all faces and as optimal as it can be. Also decided to give the engine a nice paint job too.
Awesome thread. R3 users, let's unite Here's my 2010 LHD R3 Sparkling Black. 70k km done, almost no rust, full stock engine, just 25-30 / 30mm Eibach springs + 20 and 22mm spacers. I've made first two pictures on 45mm H&R springs and no spacers, that was previous owners setup.
Wasn't sure where to post this question, but not the worst location---- how many R3s were produced in A3F Brilliant Black? I recently picked up a 2009 R3 in BB and all my internet searches are telling me that this wasn't a thing.
Wasn't sure where to post this question, but not the worst location---- how many R3s were produced in A3F Brilliant Black? I recently picked up a 2009 R3 in BB and all my internet searches are telling me that this wasn't a thing.
That what wasn’t a thing?
US R3 color options by year.
2009: red, blue, black
2010: red, blue
2011: red
I suspect that is your question and hope that clears it up some.
Difference between Sparkling Black Mica and Brilliant Black. Appears in 2009 all non-R3 RX-8s were the former and the R3s were the latter.
correct and sparkling black mica was available from 2009-2011. But if you want to really rock your world. Sparkling black mica was a color available in Canada for the R3.
google Rx8 spec deck 2009 or 10 or 11.. you’ll find color options and trims for us models easily.
Wasn't sure where to post this question, but not the worst location---- how many R3s were produced in A3F Brilliant Black? I recently picked up a 2009 R3 in BB and all my internet searches are telling me that this wasn't a thing.
I have an 09 R3 in Canada, paint code 32S.. Galaxy Grey. Anybody know how many of these were produced? Cant find any pictures on the internet at all..
Awesome track day, so much fun getting to take the car out. Received a bunch of very nice compliments on the build and even a few pointers on my line from experienced NASA racers. There were lots of really open and friendly drivers participating with NCRC getting ready for their SM and E30 event this weekend and I'd estimate there were at least 20-30 of each getting practice time in. I drive in the 'open' class, car is fairly competitive imo for what it is. I'm impressed by the pace it can maintain while still being a fully outfitted street car with 2 adult passengers.
First pic is from me (super obvious, ha and I'm borrowing the trailer to potentially purchase from a friend), the rest are from photographer Mr Dito Milian of Gotbluemilk.
I have an 09 R3 in Canada, paint code 32S.. Galaxy Grey. Anybody know how many of these were produced? Cant find any pictures on the internet at all..
yep.. they have low production numbers.. there is a numbers list in the uk for how many per color.. galaxy grey is one of the lower ones. Canadian colors follow the uk / European market color options.
Here's my 2008 R3 with 222,000 KMS, no rebuild yet. Currently in the process of boosting it. Slowly fixing it up too, ordered the OEM spoiler, buying a new front lip, Coilovers to fix the horrible camber from the lowering springs, will also get spacers to fix the fitment
Pictures are of the pick up on our way to Sonoma. We'll be heading back on 11/28 for any who can make it. Still needs a few final refinements before I take it home. Looks pretty good though (imo) but def not for everyone.
Messing around with the wheel / brake combos. Currently running Pmu SCR-pro and 777's all around. Going to see if I can retrofit the GTR 4-piston rear into a front kit so I can squeeze on the CE28N or RSDF when needed. Ride height will go down, rear wheel(s) / geometry still needs to be optimized. I splurged for the AutoEXE Motion Control beam, but currently only installed in rear. Front should be installed by the 28th. My impression is that the rear felt much more stable over rumble strips, track inconsistencies, etc.
Fast car though (subjectively) and wow 275's offer BIG grip. And please excuse the car being dirty.
Picked up this 09 R3 a couple months ago. Got it with a blown coolant seal and will be rebuilding and giving it some TLC. Plan is to go with a street port and RX7 Apex Seals to maybe see some boosties in the future. But for now just want to bring it back to life and have some fun with it.
My journey to owning my current RX8 started in 2015 or 2016. That year I had plans to attend Deals Gap Rotary Rally (DGRR) With some friends. One major complication was the fact that I lived in central California at the time. I would be attending with four or five friends from the Midwest who I had known for years. Thankfully my best friend in the group graciously offered to fly out and share driving duties with me. I had recently returned from living in Japan and as a result we had not seen each other in at least four years.
He was a Rotary fan who had owned a variety of RX-7’s over the years and his brother would be bringing his stunning 1982 GSL-SE to meet us. I picked him up from the airport and we went strait to an autocross event that we were both registered for. Mid way through my second run we both heard the unmistakable sound of metal on metal contact coming from the front wheels. Although I had checked the brake pads for where what I did not take into account is that the front passenger side slide pin was seized and causing only the inside pad on that corner to where. The end result was Monday morning instead of getting on the road for our epic road trip we were doing a complete brake job on the front end of my car. We made it on the road by 2:00 o'clock or so and the rest of the road trip went off without a hitch.
Although he was a fan of rotaries in general and then owned more than his fair share of first and second Gen RX-7s he was not a believer in RX-8s at the beginning of this trip. The road trip that followed was unforgettable we both had a blast. The rest of the group had a set at the cabin we had rented and the entire weekend was fantastic filled with great roads great front friends and plenty of camaraderie. A few months later I received a message from my friend saying that he was looking at buying an RX8.
It seems that trip left as much of an impression on him as it did on me. Soon thereafter he brought this 2009 RX8 R3 into his home. Less than a year later my RX8 was rear-ended and immediately totaled by the insurance company. Once my car was gone I immediately got in touch with my friend and let him know that whenever he was ready to sell I was ready to buy it. Fast forward to earlier this year he was finally ready to move on so I flew out to his house and drove it home. The picture below was taken immediately following the 1200 mile drive to get it back to my place.
For me the car will be a Weekender, auto cross project, and occasional tack visitor. my friend Was meticulous with all scheduled maintenance and had already done many of the mods that I would be interested in so I did not have much to do. So far I've replaced the front lower control arms and all the associated hardware because of a stuck camber adjustment bolt. I also picked up a set of RPF1s and some sticky rubber for fun times, but most of the time the car is on the OEM wheels with a set of 'kook RS4 tires mounted. The car will be hibernating for the winter soon over the winter months I plan to refresh the rest of the bushings in the suspension and replace all the fluids to get ready for next year. I hope to enjoy the car for many years to follow.
Beautifull car and I enjoyed the story on how you got it. I just purchased a 11 r3 (havent picked it up yet) i plan to head down to the dragon as soon as possible...do you plan to attend anymore rotary rallys? I think i want to go this year.
Here's my 2010 LHD R3 Sparkling Black. 70k km done, almost no rust, full stock engine, just 25-30 / 30mm Eibach springs + 20 and 22mm spacers. I've made first two pictures on 45mm H&R springs and no spacers, that was previous owners setup. 
