After 162k, my stock MY06 Stormy Blue RX8 is off the road and in need of some major work after breaking down 3 weeks ago. Lost majority of power and had it towed to my local mechanic for diagnosis but suspected it was going to be a rebuild. The compression test on Rotor 1 was 70psi. I don't remember at what RPM and nor do i recall the numbers on Rotor 2 (don't need to know really. Rotor 1 says enough ) I do know the mechanic used new spark plugs as part of his diagnostic process.

I've spoken with Simon at Promaz who was very helpful but pricey. By all accounts, he's the best in the business but i was wondering if anyone knows of another suitably qualified Rotary mechanic that could do a teardown replacing all the seals but not a complete engine rebuild. For instance, the radiator, water pump and clutch kit are just over 2 years old so if possible, I'd prefer to just fix what's broke to get back on the road. Or is this flawed logic and would it compromise engine life by combining new parts with less new parts?

I guess what I'm grappling with whether to spend the money getting it back on the road to sell it. Or just sell it as is for spare parts. Currently, it's insured for $14,000. The Red Book has a private sale value at approx $7,500 and the Car Sales website has equivalent MY06 RX8 models running and in reasonable condition listed by private sellers as high as $20,000. If anyone has any thoughts or knowledge on RX8 resale values or anything else related to my situation, I'd appreciate your input.

I have no idea about the spare parts market values. I searched through the RX-8 Parts For Sale/Wanted sub forum but didn't find anything that was relatable. Should i post a separate thread there with this same question?

Thanks for any assistance

Budge

 

My rebuild cost me more than 10K, (I'm in Perth) and the old engine had done 129,000km from new.
There is no shortage of used parts about because many of the cars are in the same state as yours.
I'd love to know how much these rebuilt cars are actually selling for.
If you love the car and can afford to rebuild and keep it, then do that.
If you want something else then just sell it as it is.
Stormy Blue is a great colour, too.
My 2 cents worth.

 

After holding onto my blown 8 for 3 years, I just spent $6k USD on a new engine for my '04 LYGT and additional needed work brought it up to almost $9k.
Probably more than it's 'worth', but it was worth it to me.
I love the car and now that I got it back on the road I don't regret any of it.

If you love the car, if the chassis and body are straight and rust free, I think you should invest in fixing it up if you can afford it.
If you part with it you could regret it.

You could also roll the dice on a salvage engine.
I'm not sure what your conversion to USD is, but that rebuild sounds really expensive.

 

Promaz know 8s and still race them in 8 Cup series. Many other builders know old school 13B engines and say "no worries at all" but they will also offer to port it or or put xyz clutch in it. Nope wrong. Rensis it not the same as the older 13B engines.
If you got the cash and you rate the car then go for it. Basic cost of 10k AUS should be expected plus new standard clutch and likely Koyo Rad if not in already. Good luck man. I went thru all this 2 yrs ago in deepest darkest Covid after original engine went very big bang at 190k. Very happy now. 😀

 

Thanks everyone for your helpful input. I decided to let it go and believe me, it was a tough decision but it was simply a matter of $$$.
I've had it nearly 7 years and loved every minute of it. As they say, better to have loved and lost an RX8 than to never have had one at all

This forum has been an invaluable resource over my RX8 journey. Thanks again guys.

Budge

 

I feel you, it is not easy to let it go if you had it for 7 years.

 

The budget reaper comes for us all one day. What did you get instead?

 

I second Loki’s question. What did you get as a replacement? I’m in the same budget issue of $10,000 to refresh vs $40,000 to replace.