High pitched whistle noise around 3000-4000rmp
 

Hello wonderful RX8 people, this is my first thread as a new user. I searched and found a few posts that sort of sound like my problem but not quite.

I bought a 2010 RX8 R3 brand new about 2 months ago, so far its been a dream to drive (I'm at 2000 km on the odometer) but I've noticed a noise issue that's starting to bug me.

When in gear and accelerating I hear a high pitched whistling noise around 3000-4000rpm. If I release the gas and cruise at that rpm range I don't hear it, but as soon as I put my foot on the gas the whistling noise returns. Also I can't hear the noise when in neutral and revving, so maybe transmission noise?

The noise sounds like a dog whistle (except I can hear it). So far I've tried the following:

• Checked all fluids.
• Checked electrical and battery (as well tested with and without accessories on).
• Tried in all RPM ranges and all gears (can hear it consistently 3-4000rpm).

I will bring it into the dealership if needed as it has full warranty but I though I might check if its a easy fix or just a RX8 quirk (in which case w/e). Any insight or help would be greatly appreciated.


Cheers!

im getting a similar noise as soon as i press the gas but only under load. mine didnt start until i removed my uim tho. please update this if you figure it out

My 07 does the same thing. Noise goes away once I pass 4000rpm. I've always figured it was normal.

Not entirely sure if this would help, but mine started doing this after I installed the AEM CAI. It could be related to your intake. Same as you described though, under accel around those RPMs. Don't think its a bad thing, but your case is different.

Heres a video I did with my car. Skip to 1:14 and you can hear what I am talking about. Is it similar to this?

johnvx1k, thats kinda what mine sounds like now but didnt start until recently

Vacuum leak .. I'd bet your life on it

thats what im thinking but cant find it. the noise started after i un/re installed my uim. tripple checked all the lines and re did the uim. im stumped. :confused:

Why did you have the UIM off?

installed a fuel line adapter for n02 and pressure gauge and new fuel line

You're sure all the UIM and TB gaskets are seated correctly?

edit -- maybe your car swallowed a whistle like the crazy Scooby Doo

i have the same whining on a 2005.... it started after a trip to the dealer (surprise surprise) and i has been doing it for several years, it sounds to me like a whislte on the intake

what can i check on or around the intake to make sure it is not leaking? like the op, it only happens when cruising at around 4000 rpm

Well if you guys could get the car to do it with out it moving would be helpful.

Brainstorming here:
Whistle things mmm vac leak, maf, maf screens, acoustic silencer, gaskets, check valves

mine will only do it (or i can only notice it) when cruising down the highway at a constant speed... i will make a video of the noise later and post it..... if i put the car in 6th and use my foot to keep the revs boucing around 4000, the whine will come on and off as i modulate the pedal

again, i always thought it was normal but knowing my dealership, it would not surprise me one iota if there was a leak somewhere.... again, i noticed my noise after a visit to the dealer

yep it only happens under load. i checked all the gaskets and such. my brother was telling me about an evap test (i think thats what he called it) fill the intake with smoke to check for leaks.

Keep us updated if you go and get a smoke test. I checked all my vacuum lines right after I bought the car and couldn't find any leaks. I also don't notice any hesitation or power loss during this 3k-4k band so I just let it go. I'm curious to see if the smoke test shows anything I'm just not concerned enough to do one. Do all of you with this same problem have an AEM/mazdaspeed CAI?

I didn't have any whistle until I installed the AEM. I did some research and some said its a result from there being nothing in aftermarket intakes to reduce sound. From what I have read, it is normal with the AEM. Now if it is happening from a stock intake then I have no idea what that means.

If you have a big enough air compressor you guys could build yourselves a boost leak tester.

mine is happening with stock..... i have a video, i will post it asap

care to explain? i have a k&n v2

here is a vid of the noise... i could have made it louder but there was a car in front of me so i couldnt go fast enuff but i think u can make it out.... at around 1.10 mark when u hear the whistle stop and start repeatedly, that is me just touching the accelerator to make the noise

IMG 0438 - YouTube

sounds very similar to my problem

no one has any comment on the video i posted?....i really hadent thought about the whine at all until i saw this thread.... i first noticed the whine after a dealer vist a couple years back , i believe they replaced the air filter and it has consistently done it since, i just figured it was another quirk of the car

i guess its just throttle body whistle.... i will start the car and spray some mist around the tb to see if anything happens

miker i tried that to with no change. i will do the smoke test when mt bro gets back in town on monday

Hmmm, so I'm not the only one...
 

Hey Johnvx1k,

That noise you mention starting around 1:14 is exactly what I'm experiencing. I didn't notice it for the first 1000km on my engine but I've noticed it since then and am now at over 2000km.

It's a constant tone whistle just like in your video that only happens under load between 2800-4000rpm.

The noise "miker2005" has in his video changes pitch as the rpm rises, like in Johnvx1k's video mine stays at a constant high pitch.