Notices
Series I Tech Garage The place to discuss anything technical about the RX-8 that doesn't fit into any of the categories below.

Planning on buying a Rx-8, need some help.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 08-25-2007, 09:58 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Stief's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Planning on buying a Rx-8, need some help.

I'm looking into picking one up in the next few months. One of my friends brought up a point and Im looking for some insight to see if its true or not.

I heard that some of the cars were said to have a 232 hp rating but didn't even to come close to matching the claim. Is there anything I should look for? Or do they all put out the same power?

Thanx,
Stief
Old 08-25-2007, 10:03 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
MyEnemy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: temecula, California
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
this may help.
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...ehicleCode=RX8
Old 08-25-2007, 10:19 PM
  #3  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Stief's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I know what the ratings are, I'm just curious to know if its just a legend that mazda said the the hp was the same on all models and transmissions when it wasnt.
Old 08-25-2007, 10:22 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
MyEnemy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: temecula, California
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No they are not the same
Old 08-25-2007, 10:34 PM
  #5  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Stief's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do you have any resources on what to look for? What years and so on? I'm guessing the grand touring is the faster of the two?
Old 08-25-2007, 10:40 PM
  #6  
Registered
 
ken-x8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
AT power has always been less than MT. Through 2005 it was a different engine - 4 port vs 6 port. 2006 onward it's the same 6 port engine as MT, but lower power because it's redlined at 7500 rather than 9000.

When the RX-8 was first introduced, the advertised power was higher than the 232 that it actually measured. There were lawsuits and settlements that are described in a sticky on this site. 232 is correct for the MT.

There has never been a power difference based on trim level.

Ken

Last edited by ken-x8; 08-25-2007 at 11:04 PM.
Old 08-26-2007, 10:22 AM
  #7  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Stief's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by ken-x8
AT power has always been less than MT. Through 2005 it was a different engine - 4 port vs 6 port. 2006 onward it's the same 6 port engine as MT, but lower power because it's redlined at 7500 rather than 9000.

When the RX-8 was first introduced, the advertised power was higher than the 232 that it actually measured. There were lawsuits and settlements that are described in a sticky on this site. 232 is correct for the MT.

There has never been a power difference based on trim level.

Ken
So I'm gathering that as long as I buy a MT I'm good?

And I've been looking around and can't find the sticky your talking about, could you give me a link?

Thanx again.
Old 08-26-2007, 05:19 PM
  #8  
Registered
 
ken-x8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Can't find the sticky I was thinking of...maybe it's now sufficiently old history and was unstuck. Or maybe sticky was a figment of my imagination, from it being at the top of the first page for so long. What I remember from it is that Mazda originally overstated the power of the Renesis engine. Enough that it was false advertising. They bought some cars back, and compensated other owners with long term free maintenance.

But that was an advertising issue, not difference from one trim line to another. The only engine change was for the ATs in '06.

You'll be fine getting an MT. Actually, the only problem with buying an AT is that everyone here would rag you mercilessly.

Didn't see if you were looking for a new 8 or a used one. If used, just make sure that it's up to date on recalls and ECU flashes. Any Mazda dealer, or Mazda customer service, will be able to check that.

Ken
Old 08-27-2007, 12:04 AM
  #9  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Stief's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by ken-x8
Can't find the sticky I was thinking of...maybe it's now sufficiently old history and was unstuck. Or maybe sticky was a figment of my imagination, from it being at the top of the first page for so long. What I remember from it is that Mazda originally overstated the power of the Renesis engine. Enough that it was false advertising. They bought some cars back, and compensated other owners with long term free maintenance.

But that was an advertising issue, not difference from one trim line to another. The only engine change was for the ATs in '06.

You'll be fine getting an MT. Actually, the only problem with buying an AT is that everyone here would rag you mercilessly.

Didn't see if you were looking for a new 8 or a used one. If used, just make sure that it's up to date on recalls and ECU flashes. Any Mazda dealer, or Mazda customer service, will be able to check that.

Ken
Yea I'll be going used, I appreciate the help man.
Old 09-01-2007, 09:21 PM
  #10  
Registered User
 
rovic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Keep doing your research. If you're looking for speed understand there are a lot, and I mean a lot of cars which are faster in 0-60 and 1/4 mile. If you want speed and handling then you're in the right place.

Also check the Dyno sticky. I figure you already know their measuring HP at the wheels. And as you probably already know this car eats gas.

But forget all the stats. Test drive and see if you like it.

BTW I love my RX8.
Old 09-01-2007, 10:01 PM
  #11  
Registered User
 
Spok's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Oregon
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
One thing to beware of: There was a run of 2004 model RX-8s produced in 2003 (I forget what months) that had a machining flaw in the engine. These models were prone to internal and external coolant leaks. Mazda's fix was to have remanufactured engines installed. Mine is one of these RX-8s. The remanufactured engine has held up now for 18k with no problems and I regularly accelerate at full throttle to red line.

Regardless of with what model year you wind up or whether it's an MT or AT, always go easy on the engine while it's warming up: Easy acceleration and no revs past about 3,500 rpm. After running at operating temperature for a few minutes you can romp and stomp on it. The reason for this is that the rotary engine is basically a sandwich of dissimilar metals, each with a different coefficient of expansion when heated. Consequently, while the engine is warming up, there are additional internal stresses, which, when added to the stresses of hard acceleration and high revs, places the engine at greater risk of damage. Once the engine is at operating temperature, the only internal stresses present are those designed to hold the engine together.

Otherwise, drive the car. See if the acceleration is sufficient. Be sure to take it out on a twisty road because that is where it shines almost beyond any other car in its class and beyond quite a few costing significantly more.

One more thing: The RX-8 is not a dragster. If you rev the engine and dump the clutch you're asking for major problems.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Last edited by Spok; 09-01-2007 at 10:30 PM.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ouimetnick
Series I Tech Garage
25
09-14-2023 01:44 PM
PotatoCannon
New Member Forum
13
09-06-2015 11:48 AM
Eirulisse
New Member Forum
13
08-15-2015 12:34 PM
Lee_1420
New Member Forum
1
08-10-2015 01:05 PM
MolecularConcept
New Member Forum
8
08-09-2015 04:46 AM



You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Planning on buying a Rx-8, need some help.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:07 PM.