TheWyvern

Hello gentlemen,

I recently passed the 80k milestone on my 2005 RX-8 and have been wondering where to really go from here. I love this car and want it to last, and while I acquired this car in December, I haven't even driven it much since the weather was rough. Since my driving of the vehicle has picked up, here's short list of what I've done in my first 5k miles:

-Upgraded to R3 starter
-New MSD coils, wires
-Fresh set of iridium sparks
-New battery
-Midpiped exhaust with casper O2 simulator
-Began premixing 5oz per full tank with Idemitsu
-Fresh Redline MT-90 in trans
-Fresh Redline 75W90 in differential

I'm not sure what to prioritize next for preventative maintenance on a semi-limited budget. Much of the advice on the forum suggests that at 90k (close to where I'm at) one should:

- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks

In the pooled experience of the users here, which of these should be priority number 1 for my situation? Thanks a ton for the guidance.

-Wyvern

Loki

iTrader: (1)

The O2 sensor, motor mounts and clutch pedal can be examined to see if you need replacement. They could be fine.

The rad, bottle and hoses give no warning signs before they let go, so that should be priority. Of those, I would put the hoses at the top. Then the rad. Then the bottle.

TheWyvern

Gotcha. I'll look into a radiator for the old girl, but I doubt I'll have the time for that job any time soon. I'm right in the danger zone for engine failure too so I'm not too sure how much I want to sink into the car right now as well, but I really am absolutely in love with this car and never want to sell it, unless I'm picking up an R3 or something in the distant future.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

Why do you say that you're in the danger zone? Have you had the compression checked? That could help you determine if you want to put money into it.

TheWyvern

The danger zone seems to be, in most cases, 80k-100k based on a lot of what's been said on the forums. Now again, only a Sith deals in absolutes so of course I'm not saying mine WILL fail, I just know that this time in the car's life seems to be the most dangerous for outright engine failure.

This car was my father's for a while before it was mine, unfortunately. He claims he got it tested at a Mazda dealership back in Cleveland and she pulled 7.3's-7.5's for each rotor, which isn't terrible for the point she's at. This was almost a year ago now, and I would probably be doing myself a favor if I got a fresh test.

NotAPreppie

Might even be worth investing in a compression tester yourself.

TheWyvern

I've seen this bad boy in action and have wanted one for a long time now.

https://rotarycompressiontester.com/

I just don't have $300 to pony up when I'm trying to save for a rainy day with the 8.

NotAPreppie

How much does a dealer compression test in your area run?

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Test other people's cars cheaper than Mazda and you might make the money back quick.

TheWyvern

It's been a while, but back in May 2016 Montrose Mazda of Cleveland wanted $250. They don't have a very good reputation tho from what I hear so that may be high.

I've heard that argument before. I'm just not sure how I'd even "advertise" haha!

NotAPreppie

Dude, $250 to test once or $350 to test as many times as you like. Seems like a no-brainer.

Advertise on the regional forums here. Bring it with you when you go to autocross or trackday events (you are doing these, right?).

TheWyvern

Friend, I'm currently 2 semesters away from from my BS/MS in Computer Hardware Engineering. My funds pretty much exclusively come from co-operative employment currently. Those are things I'd like to do in 2019 once my budget becomes more stable.

I most likely will get a RCT-V5 closer to July after my next co-op begins.

That's some stellar info to have, thank you. I will look into it.

New Yorker

I'd think long and hard before extrapolating the small sample of "what's been said on the forums" to the RX-8 universe as a whole. Anyone who's taken even an introductory statistics course could tell you that.

TheWyvern

Well, as somebody who has been through plenty of probability and statistics, it's called a sample of a population. However, nowhere do I claim that the sample here is 100% reflected in the total RX-8 population. The 100k+ mileage is thread is even proof enough that plenty of these cars do make it over the hump. This is just something I personally feel I need to be wary of given my car situation.