Anybody know how / when / where we can order the Shop Manual for the 2004 RX-8?

 

the only advice i could offer is to turn to your (hopefully) friendly local Mazda garage for reference... they could probably get you the hook-up from the dealership (obviously at a premium... always skimming off the top)

 

I asked Mazda Motorsports about the availability of Service manuals, oil filters, etc.

They said the microfiche with the parts is not distributed until 30-45 days before the first delivery, then parts can be ordered through the dealer, or through them (if you are a member).

They said to check back in late May.

BTW - Service Manuals are printed by a third party here in the states, so there might be a small delay in the "official" manuals being delivered and printed.

 

Usually 8-14 months delay! When available they can purchased over the net from someone like Roebuck Mazda for about 15% off list. Maybe $100.

 

I have the small format AND the three-ring binder version (Official Mazda - from Mazda Motorsports) for my 10AE Miata and I didn't pay $100 for both of them combined.

I had them within two weeks of buying the car (granted, the M2 body had been out for a year already).

Anyway, I'm hoping to not NEED the manual in the first year anyway. I think I can figure out oil changes, spark plugs, etc.

 

Gentlemmen, what is the advantage of getting the service maunal ? and what is it about ? I know people often pay over $150 of cash for this manual, just wanted to know why people like to have this and what does it give you. Thanks.

 

The FSM is the holy grail for your car. With it, every system can be disassembled, diagnosed and reassembled. That $150 bucks can save you thousands in labor over the life of the vehicle. Case in point, I bought the FSM for my '82 RX-7 over E-Bay for $35 US. I rebuilt my carb using the step by step procedure in the FSM and saved $250 CDN in labor costs. That's just one example of how the FSM has saved me money. The wireing diagram for my current '79 saved me muchos money when I installed an electronic distributor to eliminate the points/condensors system.

Plus it's just plain common sense to know how your car works. That way when you take it to the shop to do work you can't or won't attempt, you will know if the mechanic tries to snow you.

 

..that alone is enough reason to get the Big Green (are they still green??) Book...

 

I see, thanks.

So I guess even if I'm not going to work on the car myself, it is still a good book to have right. Sounds good to me cuz I WOULD like to know more about my own car and all the fine details.

Thanks guys.

 

*confident chuckle* ohhh, but you WILL eventually do work on your car... i swear to god, it's like almost no rotor head can ever resist doing SOMETHING to their car at ONE time over the course of their ownership... and if you get that manual, well, heh, all bets are off Smokey... :D

 

Aint that the truth. Before I owned my RX-7's, I didn't have any interesting in working on a vehicle. Now, I'm contemplating an axle swap to GSL spec to take advantage of rear disc brakes and a Limited Slip Differential.

And then, I will rebuild the carb on my '79, before I attempt to convert to a 2nd Gen style direct fire, wasted spark ignition. Good thing there's tutorials out there for both procedures, because I still don't know jack about cars. I'm learning though.

 

that's what I'm afraid of ........ then I'm be spending every single weekend crawling around in my garage. Goodbye social life !

 

Someone at Mazda Motor Sports has a sense of humor

http://www.mazdamotorsports.com/weba...servlet/PubRX7

2004 RX-8 Parts Catalog
Yeah, don't you wish...

 

Ba#$ards!! :D