StevieD561

Hey guys. It's been a long while since I've had a chance to post on this forum. The last few months were pretty eventful for my 8. Actually, the last year and a half was pretty hectic.

A short synopsis of my story:

January 2008, i got my rx8 from a private dealer. He bought the car at an auction, it was a 2004 AT, 24k miles, excellent condition. After a few thousand miles, I flooded the engine and brought it to the stealership. About a year later, the car had seen mazda 3 more times. The problems ranged from horrible power loss to stupid spark plug issues. (for more info on that incredibly stupid predicament, search for "The Sparkplug Debacle" thread). After many months of horrid power, idle problems, and stalling, i decided enough was enough. When i brought my 8 to Pettit Racing, there was 36k on the clock.

After pulling the car in to Cam's garage, he asked me to start it back up. As my car had done many times before, i cranked it to an ear throbbing weak start. He took about two seconds, looked at me and said "your compression is low." My worst suspicions were confirmed.

The next few weeks involved many arguments with my parents about the fate of my car, as well as second and third opinions. The latter two opinions refused to peg it on a bad engine, even after asking for a simple compression test. A few weeks later, i had my car brought back to the guy we bought it from. The car was shipped to a mazda dealer in another county (i had a bad run in with the idiots at Royal Palm Beach Mazda, also documented in "The Sparkplug Debacle"). A week later, I received a call and I was told my engine would be replaced, under warranty. (sidenote: i then preceded to do a "I told you so!" and epic fist pump.)

Now, two thousand miles later, my engine runs perfectly normal (it was never very quick, but i guess normal is all a 19 year-old college student can hope for). My question for all you rotary experts and new engine club members/veterans is:

What are some of the things i should be doing to keep my new engine in top condition, apart from the normal rotary care? I already keep up with oil every 2-3k and i check and add often. I always allow my car to warm and i get it up to 6k every day. I would love this car to last me 70-80k while i save for my next ride!

also, in before OMFG TOO LONG CLIFF NOTES. a ton of **** when down, this is abridged for sure.

EDIT: I will also have a K&N typhoon v2 up for grabs within a few days. It is in great shape and has about 2-3k miles on it. PM me if you're interested.

Old Rotor

The more the engine is revved the more oil is injected to keep it lubricated, so it's a good thing for the engine. I would say it's good insurance to pre-mix. Generally engines that are babied and driven on short trips don't do well.

StevieD561

thats right, i forgot. i run pettit fuel lubricant. good stuff. and this car is a solid DD, so it doesn't do many short trips.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

I have had a lot of experience (3 engines in 99,000 miles). You need better oil than the factory 5W-20, change it often, premix, and drive it hard.

Old Rotor

+1 on everything 9K said. Get the correct oil for your climate look for a good quality oil and use what they recommend.

ASH8

yep, Don't forget to pre-mix..

invasion08

iTrader: (7)

The first oil change i would do at 1500 miles and then 3000 after that one. And add premix to your gas tank now.