"rattling/ pinging noise in engine"
 

I recently purchased an automatic RX-8 but I have noticing a constant rattling noise every time I accelerate. I only use premium gasoline. Anyone else with that problem? Any solutions? Mazda says it is a normal noise, hard to see how. HELP!!!!!!!

:(

its the intake ports opening and it is normal. you are just not used to hearing anything like that from a piston engine with all of the noisy thrashing they do.

Ace:

I brought my 8 in a few weeks back for the same issue, some sort of pinging from the engine. Tech called mazda tech line and even drove another auto 8 and they do the same thing. According to their tech line, this "noise" is normal. At least the dealer has it on file in case this turns out to be something bigger down the road.

pinging sounds like popping popcorn (so i'm told). little burbles are probably exhaust pops (backfires) from the engine running rich (see the Borla's big-ass flames). this is where Maurice (canzoomer)'s mod picks up a lot of power, leaning out and cleaning up the engine's fuel curves.

my 6 speed does the same thing i dont think it sounds good at all but i guess its ok

Someone on the board says that running 91 gas will get rid of that sound. I use to have the same rattling sound like throwing marbles against a sheet of metal. I was running 87 octane. So I switched to 89 and it hasnt come back yet. I redline my car once a day and do alot of spirited driving. And yes, I drive an auto.