NewbZILLLA

HI all,

I am aware of the monstrous thread above with some 75 pages. Ive tried to struggle through it but I am confused.

As someone with every certification that can be designated for computers and networking, I have spent hours on message boards providing answers to others that have no clue in that subject..

I beg of you all to take pity on my inferior knowledge of automobiles and help a brother out.


2004 Rx-8 Just purchased 70k miles on her.

What oil should I be using? I have read hear that many suggest to top of the oil after every 2 fill ups at the pump. Is this still generally agreed upon?

The pre-mix thing now? I see most of you agree it is generally a good thing to do. What would you say are the top 3 favorite pre-mixes, so I can research each. Also whats the point of a premix?

I will be driving this car year around, probably 20 miles a day. Any other general things I should e aware off?


I completely understand if the moderators want to peace this thread out, or if you guys kill me for me stupidity, but please throw me a bone


Thanks

LytHka

iTrader: (4)

I use 0w30 Castrol Syntec in my car and premix Idemitsu, 8oz/tank per fill up. You can get it at mazdatrix.com for cheap. The advantages to premixing oil are that it gives a more uniform lubrication to the rotor housing, giving better protection for the engine and therefore longer life. This is especially true for the '04s which had low OMP flow rates meaning it didn't get enough oil to lubricate the apex seals.

Other advantages to premixing are increased mpg and compression and a smoother idle.

As for the motor oil, the general consensus is that Mazda North America recommended an extremely thin oil for the car to comply with mpg regulations because thinner oil helps the mpg a little bit. Owners with naturally aspirated engines should use at least 5w30 or 0w30 and if you run a turbo at least 10w40.

Yes, check the oil every other fill up. You don't have to top it off if it hasn't burned a lot of oil, just make sure you don't over fill it.

Flashwing

I would still review some of those threads but you might find them more informative by working backwards. Most of the time people won't read through them and post many basic questions despite the information being there.

Here's some basics regarding your questions.

You'll find various different opinions on this subject. I would suggest looking into this thread and reading some of the links to get a better answer: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/good-technical-discussion-about-engine-oils-178739/

It's a good idea to check your oil level every couple of fills at the pump. Whether or not you need to add any is something you'll have to tell based on the level. Some RX8's use different amounts of oil despite having the same PCM flash.

Yes, being a 2004 you will for sure want to pre-mix. The reasoning is the oil injection system doesn't provide oiling across the entire apex seal. Most of it is concentrated on the sides leaving the middle exposed to heat and lacking lubrication. Pre-mixing is a way to band-aid this problem.

I have mostly used Idemitsu rotary pre-mix. It's formulated for the rotary engine and it's not terribly expensive. You can pick up a case of 12 quarts for about $65 shipped. A case normally lasts me at least 6 months.

Let the car warm up before getting into the throttle heavy. Be sure to hit redline once in a while to help keep carbon out of the motor.

Finally, be sure to read the sticky threads around the board. There is a TON of information on this car here on Rx8club and just about every basic question has been answered.

Good luck with your rotary!

04RX8man

there is a premix thread on the first page of the tech section(this section)....as for premix the 04-08's only have 2 oil injectors that are pointed at the outermost edges of the apex seals so the center of the seal gets VERY little lube, also the "injectors" are more just dripping in oil not spraying it in..with mixing premix 1 you get a good layer of oil over the entire apex seal and 2 since it's being pushed through the injector you're gettin ALOT better "mist" effect on the oil and it's not just being dripped in...

as for regular oil I feel it really depends on your location but I (as many others) recommend 5w30 as a MINIMUM even though it recommends 5w20....If you are located in a hot area like texas or the southwestern US then 10w30 10w40 or some use 20w50 I believe in that area....also southeastern shoud use at least 10w30...

when I live in FL i was using 10w30 but not in NC I'm using 5w30 but may use 10w30 in the summer and 5w30 in the winter..not sure yet....

Razz1

gee you read the oil threads and can't figure out what oil to use................

04RX8man

^maybe because everyperson that post in that thread claims a different thing haha!

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

Did you know that 710 makes perfect marinade for steaks?
Source: https://www.rx8club.com/lounge-4/710-cap-179302/

04RX8man

wow that was an interesting thread you started there! hahah...710 sauce....classic!