Hi.

I need to replace my starter and was wondering what is best//strongest starter for RX-8 04?

 

Have you tried searching before making this thread? It's well documented in a bunch of other threads.

The upgraded series2 (2kw) starter is the one you should get.

 

Yes i did, just checking mulitple sources, was thinking about this one https://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/E...l-Starter.html

 

That's very expensive. You can get a rebuilt (or even new?) 2kw one from Rock Auto or similar for ~150. At least that's what I paid a while ago.

 

does it have the extra tooth gear of the S2 starter?

I always recommend the S2 starter on a manual trans RX8 for that reason. They’re not cheap, at least $400 for a genuine Mazda one and that’s if it’s discounted quite a bit.

.

 

I have 2004 model but with 2011 engine, atleast thats what they told me when engine was replaced. Will it make a difference for which starter i purchase? This is the current.

 

I don't know, i never trust rebuilt or used, need to 100% sure it will be working for a long time

 

Well, you can replace almost 3 times for the price difference, so your call there Professionally rebuilt equipment is generally as reliable as new original, especially for something low-tech like a starter motor.

Also you have a 2004-08 motor built or rebuilt in 2011, not a 2011 motor unless someone did a massive amount of work to adapt it to a 2004.

 

Ok Loki i will take your advice . This is a part i found locally https://www.skruvat.no/Starter-P1100087.aspx , its 2KW and has 13 teeth. Would this fit? It says it fits original partnumber: N3H1-18-400A, N3H1-18-400AR.

 

I ended up with a Mitsubishi starter with 14 teeth, its compatible and has excellent reviews. Got it for 150 USD included shipping: https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/m001ta0271 , its same as this:
Compatibility: MAZDA RX-8 (SE, FE) (Year of Construction 10.2003 - 06.2012, 205 - 231 PS, Petrol) , i will review it, might be great option

 

Late to the party. Glad you found a replacement. I recently came across a few retailers selling these. Good price and look very promising imo.

https://www.rhdjapan.com/ard-origina...-se3p-m-t.html

 

So the new starter is amazing, really check it out, old starts vs new, its like 4,5 sec vs 1,5 .

Hot start old: https://1drv.ms/v/s!Aj941i-_-JXihLZm...wXicw?e=Qf0tiR
Hot start new: https://1drv.ms/v/s!Aj941i-_-JXihLZn...CzcJA?e=OG8D4n
Hot torture drive it like you stole it off/on old: forgot to make video, but sometimes it would take upto 15 sec.
Hot torture drive it like you stole it off/on new: https://1drv.ms/v/s!Aj941i-_-JXihLZo...OPGxg?e=4Xh9JL


I also have confirmed bad battery with only 400 cca(originally 580 cca), will replace soon with Varta E23 630cca, i expect the start to improve even more . So in the last two videos its idling abit low because ECU still leanring after disconnect of battery, it went back to 850rpm after some driving.
NEW STARTER

 

just saw this; seems to be a "new" duplicate S2 manual transmission starter for $99 on sleazeBay, hard to argue against giving it a try ...

 

A few local guys are using these with success: https://www.dbelectrical.com/product...r3-18-400.html

 

I need to replace the starter for my 05 AT rx8 and wanted to get an upgraded starter but it’s been hard to find one because most upgraded starters don’t bolt up to the AT. Someone on Reddit told me I can buy a MT starter and pull mine and swap the internals so it can bolt right up. I was wondering if anyone could back this up. I did find this starter on eBay and Amazon claiming to be 2kw for AT but it had 18 teeth which is something I’ve never heard of, I thought there was only 14 and 13 teeth. Anyways it looked cheap but it’s the only one I could find here’s the link I wanna see what you guys think of it. Is it worth it? And could swapping the internals work?https://www.ebay.com/itm/18570459033...mis&media=COPY