Long time rotary owner, potentially looking at an S2 RX-8.

My first car outta high school (in 1999-2000) was a 1985 RX-7. Still own it as a parts car for my Spec-7 track car.

Also have a 1986 that I'm restoring as a road car.

My FC and FB are getting long in the tooth and seriously hard to find parts for... Gone are the days when one could hit up Craigslist, find an Auto FC or rust bucket FB for a couple hundo, drive it home, part it out in the driveway, and make a bit of cash while finding the parts you need.

This makes me nervous. Cars are meant to be driven, not sit in a garage or on a trailer. Driving means wear and tear. It also means possible collisions. Not trying to tear up cars that're hard to repair...

Sub 150 HP also kinda sucks.

So I've been looking at RX-8s. REALLY want an R3, but that's a tall order. However a base/sport, slick roof might be a little easier and cheaper to find. (Also not a fan of the black, red, or blue choice in colors.)

So I was thinking...

R3 got suspension and minor bodywork updates and the Recaros.

Suspension can go aftermarket. Shocks wear out anyway.

Bodywork, meh.

Recaros, I can get off a part-out.

Engine, trans, and rear should all be the same. I've seen some conflicting stories about the rear end ratio being 4.444 in non R3 and 4.777 in the R3. However all literature from Mazda says all S2 RX-8s 6-Speeds got 4.777 rear ends.

Urethane 2-part liquid mix and inject it into the front suspension cross member and Bob's your auntie.

Hell, might even be a bit lighter than a stock R3, as it won't have the Bose sound system.

 

Recaros off a partout are about $2k. You may as well get an original r3. It'll likely be better taken care off than a base as well.

 

Going with a sport or a 09 touring isn’t a bad start tbh. I feel you’re on the right path.

here are some docs to help you along your search.

09 Spec Deck
10 Spec Deck
11 Spec Deck - NLA I’ll have to see if I can add it later for you.