Hi everyone ,

I bought 2005 RX8 MT three weeks ago and I today I got 15k miles service (the car has 16k). Unfortunately when driving back from the dealership I noticed the car seems to feel like it has less power than before. I wouldn't say much, but a noticeable bit. They've done oil change, oil + air filter change and all those basic things. No flashing of PCM or anything like this was done (everything has been up-to-date).

The only thing which is different - the previous owner had K&N air filter installed and I went with OEM (as in my previous car K&N didn't do any difference). Is it possible the change of the air filter would do so much difference? Any other idea?

 

Anyone?

 

Coils possibly?

Compression check would tell you if it's a seal.

 

I would check your coils and put back in the k&n air filter then get some mazda engine cleaner. A mazda tech used the engine cleaner and got better compression after he used it.

 

did they inspect the spark plugs? Check to make sure the wires are on tightly. I know that sounds odd but the OEM's are notorious for coming loose.

 

k&n filter > OEM...

 

^^^ negative ghost rider.

 

The dealer probably installed the latest ECU flash - most have seen immediate power gains from it, but your might need some run cycles to settle in and get back to normal.

 

The car seems to be slowly getting back in its shape (after 100 miles driven). Is it possible changing the airfilter to OEM required the ECU to recalibrate a bit?

They've inspected the car completely and coils, wires, spark plugs should be ok.

Regarding the flash - they told me (before the service) the car doesn't need flashing the ECU and the invoice does not indicate it, so I don't think they have done it.

 

when was the last time you had your 8 serviced (before this incident?)
Just asking because (per my link) ALL RX-8's are to get flashed. (assuming youre in the US)

 

I bough it like a month ago, so I haven't, but the previous owner was doing a service check last December (2007) and before that I believe August/July 2006. He had it flashed then (he told me everything should be up-to-date in the car).