dcfc3s

Hey everybody!

Picked up an '05 Touring last weekend for $800 with a very weak engine - compression numbers in the 3's! Going to rebuild it and get it back on the road to enjoy.

I have a '94 RX-7 that's pretty well modified and I've built about 40 engines or so, this will be my first RX-8 rebuild and I'm stoked. Should be a fun project.

Been reading the forum and watching Youtube videos on the '8 like crazy trying to digest all the information. I've half-followed the RX-8 for a while but it's a whole 'nuther thing when you actually have one.

That said, one thing I'm wanting to learn about is the ECU flashes/versions. I remember when the '8 was pretty new that the dealer did a number of updates/flashes that fixed some issues, fixed some fuel economy/power issues, etc. Is there any way to see what version or flash is in the stock ECU? Also is there a particular flash you want to be on?

I've also looked at maybe doing an Accessport to be able to lower fan turn-on points and maybe tweak a few other things. I have seen that it looks that they aren't available new any more, what's the deal with buying one used? Is it locked to the VIN/car or can it be transferred?

Thanks!
Dale

Loki

iTrader: (1)

I would stop by a Mazda dealer to check your firmware version and get latest if necessary. I think the last one for 04-05's was the 'M' version, but anything L or later is fine. You can look for the MSP16 campaign sticker under the hood, or call Mazda North America to see what all services/recalls have been done. You may want to have the airbags, front control arms and fuel tank insulation done if it wasn't already.

It's generally not the best idea to rebuild your old and tired engine, trade it in as core for a known-good rebuild. I get that you want to DIY, but once you open it up you might discover that compression is as low as it is due to damage to the big parts, and your costs start to rocket skyward buying new big parts.

If you buy a used AccessPort, make sure it was unmarried from the previous vehicle. It's not VIN-coded per se, but once installed on a vehicle it can't be used on any other. It has to be properly uninstalled. Not complicated, just needs to be done. There are alternatives these days though: VersaTune and MazdaEdit.

dcfc3s

Thanks! Yeah I just read about VersaTune. I'm not wanting to do much, mainly change fan temps and possibly play with the tune a little.

I hear what you are saying on rebuilds. I really won't know how bad the engine is until I get it all apart and have a look. I'd like to try and get it rebuilt for a reasonable price, using good used parts and being smart where possible. It may not be an option but I'm going to try that road first. It's a shame at this point that a blown engine is pretty much enough to total the car since a good engine costs more than the whole car is worth.

Also, not looking for an engine that will last 200,000 miles, something that makes good compression and isn't a hand grenade and I'll be happy. I've built engines in 2nd gen RX-7 daily drivers/beaters in the past on the cheap and they were dead reliable for years. Again, may not be possible but I'm going to try my hardest .

Yeah I'd like to get as much info as I can on the history of the car, I'll try calling Mazda and see what they can tell me. I'm stoked the car actually came with the original window sticker, I've NEVER bought a car that actually came with one.

Thanks!
Dale

09Factor

Duude! That's awesome!
Congrats on a car with kind of usable rear seats.

dcfc3s

Thanks! Pulling the motor this weekend and starting in on it. I also went ahead and fixed the driver's power window yesterday, the gear in the motor was stripped out. Swapped in a new one from Ebay and window works awesome.

Dale