My 2004 RX-8 is in desperate need of a new ignition system, and perhaps an upgraded starter. When I crank it, it takes a good 3 seconds before it actually starts up; almost as if it is on the verge of being flooded every time I start it. I have no clue when/if the original owner replaced the stock plugs wires and coils, but my car is at 78k miles right now and I can't bear to even drive it knowing that the ignition is probably so old. I'm getting about 13 mpg on average, shifting at 4k rpm, going to redline twice a day on average, etc, and haven't noticed a power loss at all really.

I am leaning towards buying the BHR ignition system, because I have heard great things, and that seems to be the popular choice. But it's a good $480 for it with plugs, and that kind of money is hard to come by these days. How good is the BHR system over replacing everything with stock/OEM quality parts? The price difference seems to be very large, and is it worth saving up the extra money to go BHR?

Any help/information is greatly appreciated.

 

I was in a similar situation with my '04. Ignition was well overdue for an overhaul and I went with the BHR kit. I'd say go for it if you plan on keeping the car a while. I only have ~10K on my BHR kit, but I'd imagine it would last quite a bit longer than the OEM coils (~30K). Even if the kit lasts 60-90K, it makes the cost vs OEM easier to bear; although you will still need $80 in new plugs every 30K.

The car will start much easier with the upgraded coils, Engine winds smoother at low RPM, and will bring back the "double cream" feeling--barring anything else wrong with the car.

 

Did you see an increase in fuel economy? I know I should be getting around 18 city, but with regular driving, I'm getting around 13, sometimes 12!

 

Took the 8 in for running like crap, dealer said the motor was bad; again, had been replaced once before. When picking the car back up the car still ran bad, and they even said they think it needs plugs and coils. So ordered the BHR kit, installed, and the car ran/runs better than it ever has. Just spend the extra money on the BHR kit, in the end you will thank yourself.

 

Factory coils are replace ever 30k or less miles. You'll make up the cost in the BHR coils over time, or buy them once and forget about them.

Gas mileage may or may not be effected by it. It will probably help, but never trust an EPA rated MPG. It's just not going to happen unless you baby the car, and even then, it's only an estimate, not a fact.

 

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful information. I will save up the extra money and go with the BHR kit.

 

The 30k replace coil is a myth, newer coils last much longer. Test before you replace anything.

Use oem coils and i never had issue

 

Don't you replace your coils fairly often? Buy them at Advance, and take advantage of the lifetime warranty?

Or am I mis-remembering some of your posts?

Ken