Hello! I have been offered an RX8 as a trade for my BMW E30 from a family friend, and am looking into making the trade. There is only one issue: The car seems to have the infamous low-compression issue that seems ever so prevalent on the older models.

Now for some details. The car is a 2004 model with a four-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters. Two years ago, the problems started and the owner garaged it. He was denied warranty coverage because he did not have proper records. He will still start it occasionally to check the engine and make sure that it is still running properly, and when I took it for a test drive, it didn't have any issues besides low pressure in one tire. I drove it around town for a while, parked it, then immediately tried to start it again. The starter motor cranked the engine, but could not get ignition. Now here is where you good folks come in.

I have contacted my Mazda dealer, and can get a factory rebuilt engine for $2200, or a diagnostic starting at $200. Is it worth it to run a diagnostic to source the problem, or should I simply replace the engine? I know that a new starter motor, plugs, etc will be quite a bit cheaper than a rebuilt engine. On that same note, would it be possible to have the current engine rebuilt? I'm not afraid to spend money on this project, but I also don't want to be ripped off

For reference, I am located in Sacramento, CA. I may make another post in the local section to find more about a local rebuild shop.

 

There are NorCal members in Sac-town, search the forum for West RX-8 Forum in the Regional Forum. Also, read up on this link: New and Potential Owners, Start Here!

 

there is about a 90% chance that it needs the engine, but you might as well compression test it first

$2200 is a good price!

 

I was quoted $1,900 with the core exchange by Galpin MAZDA. That's only the engine, include labor and it sums up to $4,500-$5,100 from the dealer. It seems cheaper to purchase a reman-engine rather than a shop rebuild the current engine.

 

Thank you. The post from RIWWP is an excellent read. I had gathered a lot of the intel about low compression problems from various other threads, but that post sums it up very well. I will go ahead and purchase a new engine, since it would seem that it will need to be replaced regardless of whatever else I do.

 

I would suggest to purchase a new set of ignition coils, spark plugs, and may be the wires. Look into the vendors(Mazdatrix, RacingBeat, BHR, Race Roots, and Mazmart) we have in this forum and/or O'Reilly's because it will cost you more if you have them replace it. May be consider replacing the clutch release bearing (or the whole clutch) since the engine will be out.

 

and an air filter. actually if it runs ok, coils and wires can just be checked instead of replaced, but YMMV!

 

You might also consider buying a rebuilt engine from mazmart or another rebuilder. It costs more but you get a much better quality engine. The ones from Mazda have been known to have problems but that doesn't mean they are all bad. Basically you can save a few thousand and go with the reman or you could spend that extra few k and know you are getting a quality engine.

I'm sure you know this but 04-05 rx8s in automatic are considered pretty slow because of the 4 speed transmission and low power engine. Even the manual rx8 or 06+(6 speed auto with more powerful engine than 04-05 auto) is not the fastest car but it is at least faster than that.

Edit: I forgot to ask this when I posted but you said you were offered a trade for your bmw e30, how much is your bmw worth? I think an older rx8 like that with a dead motor is worth like 3k if the guy is lucky from what I have seen on here. I don't know enough info about your car really but depending on the year and mileage it might be an okay deal if you have the funds for the new engine.

 

Hello, All. I plan to price out new coils and plugs and install them with new engine as well. I understand that this is the lowest power variation of the RX8, so I am simply trying to get it back to stock condition. I won't be going mad trying to pull more power out of it.

 

Yes you will. The addiction will hit you. Just wait.