Does anyone know of a tutorial on how to remove the RX-8 engine at home from the top? I've heard it's easier to take it out from underneath, but I don't have the room to install hydraulic lifts at home.

 

took mine out in my backyard through the top. pretty straightforward. No issues.
I did have a tranny jack to keep the trans on while the engine was out. I removed all the top stuff, intake, uim, alternator, front pullys, battery box, intake, coils, oil hoses etc. the hardest things was getting the a/c compressor tied up out of the way. I released the engine from the motor mounts. i did not bring the mounts out with the engine, nor did i replace the engine with the mounts already on. It not that heavy when it is reduced to essentually being a "short block". if I can be of help just holler out.
olddragger

 

Oh--be damn sure to label all of the harness connectors AND engine bay connectors--there ends up being more than I thought!
OD

 

so did you just remove the A/C compressor without taking off any of the hoses or anything?

 

yes and tied it up to the side with some rope. be careful with it--it's close.
OD

 

wow...i recently had to swap out my motor for a mazda reman. i can't imagine doing it from the top. took me approx 15 hrs. to finish up the job!! hew...

 

Damn what happened to your engine, looks nice and dirty..

 

up top could be done in about the same amount of time. i ddint want to have to get a new alignment !
oldragger

 

haha, but you're a PRO!