Just topped of oil, question...
 

Hi guys, I just got my 8 3 days ago and noticed that the fuel pressure gauge on my dash read that it was almost to the middle line (approx 2 lines away) I picked up some Castrol GTX 10w20 non synthetic and I wanted to make sure that was a suitable oil for long time use. I'm open to any other recommendations. My car is stock by the way.

The reason I ask is that when searching this forum, I only see that Castrol GTX only comes in 10w30 but the bottle definitely read 10w20! I took my car for a spin and it really felt like she was running a lot smoother so I want to say it benefited greatly. The other thing was, the oil pressure gauge did not move, is that normal? Or am I a total noob and am not realizing the pressure and the level have nothing to do with each other!

It may have been due to low lighting night time situation, but I was having a hard time reading and understanding my dipstick... Gosh I hope I didn't add too much... half quart btw.

Sorry for the beginner question, but as a new owner, I want to do things right the first time.

Oops! Just realized I posted in the s2 section. Sorry mods.

In the Nevada heat a higher viscosity oil is recommended by most. At least 10w40 and some go 20w50.

btw: the oil pressure gauge is really a binary go/no go readout despite its analog scale (presume you meant oil and not fuel). It therefore never moves from its normal mid-scale position unless you have no oil pressure.

Congrats on your new-to-you RX-8 and recommend you read the Owner's Manual cover to cover. [it you didn't get one you can download a .pdf online MazdaUSA by joining the owner's section]

Huey is correct... the oil pressure gauge is true/false... is there oil pressure... true. It goes to the middle... if there is no pressure, it falls completely to the low mark (i'm told).

As for oil level, you'll want to keep a close eye on this. Depending on the year of your RX8, over filling the oil may cause oil to build up in the intake coating the Mass Air flow sensor, throttle body, and other valves in the lower intake manifold which can cause further head aches.

Do some research on this issue before it becomes a problem.

Thanks guys. I actually read through the entire manual the day after I got it!

So what oil do you guys always top off with?

anything you like.
I use Castrol GTX cuz my R3 burns oil a lot more than S1 about half a quart every 500 miles.

Thanks! Do you stay with the 10w20?

5w30 Castrol GTX myself. Although 5w20 is Mazda 'recommended' (mostly to improve their fleet average MPG rating) most here have found it too thin. Again, in high heat areas you should go 10w40 or even 20w50.