I would bet my money on misfire and it is contributed by ignition coils about to go bad. I found the coils usually go bad during high temp & high rpm run when plugs are not properly sit/connected. And I had gone through a few set of coils already, so you can imagine the frustration when you need replace them on the track.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...re#post1962149

 

man... my car did this too, I think I will get rid of it

 

got new plugs and MSD wires...
also installed MS CAI last year October.
Right after I put them on my car, went on the track and CEL popped up.
then came back to home and changed stock cat to Highflow cat from SR motorsports. Also changed coils.
Still when I get on the highway and give quick taps more than 4 times on high RPM more than 7000, CEL pops on.

changed coils, plugs, wires, CAT...
then... what else?..
went to dealer and they dunno wut's going on....
have SCAN so... got P 0302 always..

 

maybe its a cross/fire issue

 

What would be the first thing you recommend to check for the problem

 

holy zombie thread. are you having a flashing cel? do you have the codes? cleaning the maf is super easy and takes less than 5min. if your getting a flashing cel its most likely an ignition issue. how old are your coils, plugs and wires?