have an 04 rx-8 and it idles right under 1000 rpms......it seems like it wants to shut off but it neverr does......what is the proper idle for my car and how can i adjust it ....thanx

 

right.. normal idle is around 850rpm.

do you say it wants to shut off because it bounces back and forth?

 

kind of it just seems like it want to shut off but it never does,,,,,just wanting to see if it was normal......i have only had it for a couple of weeks.....know nothing hardly about them except what i am learning.....i had a 97 eagle talon......i know for shame for shame.....thanks for the advice

 

I liked the Eagle Talon's. Friend had one, car was awesome.

If the RX-8 is used I'd check the plugs and coils. Plugs are easy to check, just take the driver side tire off and they are right there. If plugs are shot theres a decent chance the coils are too. If thats the case you can either buy OEM coils or BHR coils to fix it.

Next up is go to the DIY section and find the great DIY on the mazda zoom zoom cleaner. If you have carbon build up that might fix it. Lots of people have commented about better idle after doing it.

Try checking those 2 things first.

 

The car kinda has a rough idle normally and if you have your ac on while it is idling you will notice a different sound that might be what you are hearing too. Kinda sounds like it is going to die but never does. Enjoy your new baby and treat her well.

 

the plugs are only 3 weeks old......it seems like that is just how the car idles....thanks for all the info......i love this car......its the best driving one i believe i have ever owned.......im starting off small and learning before i try big power........any suggestions for power for a noob to learn......i have been looking at chips.......let me know what you think......thanx again

 

If its a used car I'd recommend an Italian tune up. Basically keep it around 7,000 RPM for 10-15 seconds.

Do this every now and then. Its not good for MPG, but it keeps the engine clean of carbon.

My other tip is to take up autocross or hit up a local track. Autocrossing is pretty cheap(except tires) and is about the only place you can really fully enjoy the car.

The only "chip" for this car is the cobb accessport. Mazdamaniac sells them on the forum and offers a pretty much free tuning service. Any other "chip" is snake oil.

 

pls dont

 

 

You might be experiencing the A/C compressor cycling, every 20 seconds or so it will switch on for a few seconds and the idle revs will drop a bit, it will usually shudder and then it'll pick back up

that's normal, I have no idea why it does that crap, but it's normal. Can anyone answer that question while we're on the topic?

 

love the chips piece......funny ****,,,

 

Ya chips don't do anything for the car only the MM AP is the way to go, and jeff is the man I met him at a dyno day very cool guy