Notices
West RX-8 Forum Serving CA, NV, AZ, HI

Bay Area/ Nor Cal Community Chat Thread

Thread Tools
 
Rating: Thread Rating: 3 votes, 5.00 average.
 
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 03:29 PM
  #9201  
Deathwatch's Avatar
Deathwatch
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Martinez California
Originally Posted by ORADA76
Heres a link I did on my car when it got flooded and the second link is how i found out how to DIY link on deflooding procedure. Good luck bro and hope this helps and see all of you at the GTG when they start up again. My son and I can't wait.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aRpC14E4IY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpX3n4zio48
Yeah when I started my RX8 it sounded like crap and smoked out the neighborhood heh heh. I was happy though. I used 4 gauge jumper cables to git'r done.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 07:20 PM
  #9202  
BlueWankel's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Deathwatch
Blacked out Hood and top adds a nice touch! Nice ride! I just need to know in advance so I can Schedule it with work, or come up with a Sarturday Fever "cough cough" heh heh.
Not this immediate saturday but the next one or any after that I am down as long as.its not in sj or too far..im in san ramon n work off whipple n 880.. That old circuit city parking lot is always empty..

just pick a place that dryway friendly for ppl like me 2.5 inch off the ground.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 07:40 PM
  #9203  
boaco183's Avatar
Go fast, do it again
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Concord
the white smoke might be a problem for me since I have my 8 parked in an covered community garage and might scare some of my neighbors thinking the place is on fire if its going to be that thick.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 08:34 PM
  #9204  
cuadrillas's Avatar
No longer a Celica owner!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Hay guys-I'm new here(hope this is in the right place).
anyway I'm selling my 00 Celica gts and I really would like an RX8,I've found one that seams great 04 95,xxx clutch work fly wheel counter balance. But I'm reading post that discourage from buying an Rx8,Just curious if these are uneducated ***** who don't understand "a sports car requires regular maintenance",or is this car really more of a headache than most.

I understand a rotatory is not a "normal" engine and will require some patients and learning on my part,but it also took awhile to get use to Toyota over honda over american.

Thanks any input would be appreciated.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 09:32 AM
  #9205  
ORADA76's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
Originally Posted by BlueWankel
Not this immediate saturday but the next one or any after that I am down as long as.its not in sj or too far..im in san ramon n work off whipple n 880.. That old circuit city parking lot is always empty..

just pick a place that dryway friendly for ppl like me 2.5 inch off the ground.
I was thinking the same thing. Why not meet in the middle of the Bay!!! Treasure Island Meet!!! Awesome place for pictures, BBQ ect... I don't know when was the last time we had a gathering there but here are somepics from I think 06 or 07. I was driving an A3 back then and a seed was planted in me when I saw the RX-8's at the GTG.

What do you guys think of the last Saturday of March, 3/31/12? Should give everyone plenty of time to make plans and also inviting other clubs as well? LEt me know your thoughts on this.

Name:  TI20.jpg
Views: 35
Size:  108.7 KB
Name:  TI17.jpg
Views: 47
Size:  87.6 KB
Name:  TI15.jpg
Views: 34
Size:  85.0 KB
Name:  TI16.jpg
Views: 40
Size:  102.2 KB
Name:  TI14.jpg
Views: 46
Size:  58.7 KB
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 09:37 AM
  #9206  
ORADA76's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
Originally Posted by boaco183
the white smoke might be a problem for me since I have my 8 parked in an covered community garage and might scare some of my neighbors thinking the place is on fire if its going to be that thick.
I live in an apartment complex and also have covered parking only but I did it anyway. Trust me when that motor comes back to life and you just saved hundreds of dollars...screw the nieghbors. I smoked up the parking lot for a good 2 minutes and nobody said a thing. I think everyone was still sleeping though becuase it was pretty early in the morning on a Saturday when I got started again.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 10:16 AM
  #9207  
ORADA76's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
Originally Posted by cuadrillas
Hay guys-I'm new here(hope this is in the right place).
anyway I'm selling my 00 Celica gts and I really would like an RX8,I've found one that seams great 04 95,xxx clutch work fly wheel counter balance. But I'm reading post that discourage from buying an Rx8,Just curious if these are uneducated ***** who don't understand "a sports car requires regular maintenance",or is this car really more of a headache than most.

I understand a rotatory is not a "normal" engine and will require some patients and learning on my part,but it also took awhile to get use to Toyota over honda over american.

Thanks any input would be appreciated.
I was in the same predicament last year but here is my reasoning why I got the car. Every car has issues and every car has or has had a recall on it for something or another. I knew what I was getting myself into when I got this car and honestly, I have had no issues like everyone else has been posting except for the flooding and O2 sensor going bad. I did the tune up myself which was a beezy because you have to take the wheel off and I did it at work in the parking lot. Not recommended by the way, but that’s what gear heads do.
It’s a head turner that’s for sure so you will get a lot of challenges from the rivals. i.e. 350z,, 370z, G35, G37, S2K, A3, A4, Beamers, Italians, Benz, Porches, Domestics from chargers to ponies, golf’s, geneses and more…I think theRX-8 just intimidates them and they feel they have to challenge use for that reason. Anyhow, get it because you want it and who gives a damn what others think.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 10:51 AM
  #9208  
Rx8_soldier's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Novato, California (Bay Area)
Originally Posted by cuadrillas
Hay guys-I'm new here(hope this is in the right place).
anyway I'm selling my 00 Celica gts and I really would like an RX8,I've found one that seams great 04 95,xxx clutch work fly wheel counter balance. But I'm reading post that discourage from buying an Rx8,Just curious if these are uneducated ***** who don't understand "a sports car requires regular maintenance",or is this car really more of a headache than most.

I understand a rotatory is not a "normal" engine and will require some patients and learning on my part,but it also took awhile to get use to Toyota over honda over american.

Thanks any input would be appreciated.
I have owned my Rx8 for a little over a month now, and before i purchased it i read probably some of the same things saying not to buy it, but I am VERY glad i got it, love this car. The main thing is learning a few tricks, for example dont start the car then shut it off right away, you have to let it warm up, or the flooding issue will happen. And just tiny things like that, but go test drive one and drive it like you own it man and youll fall in love, on my test drive i got it to 90mph then took it on some twisties afterwards all while the sales person was with me!! Better than a miata, in my opinion, because has more room and a back seat, people tend to look at it a lot, just overall great. Only issue i have is that it drinks DRINKS fuel. I pump about $53.00 like twice a week, but then again i drive a lot
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 11:02 AM
  #9209  
BlueWankel's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ORADA76
I was in the same predicament last year but here is my reasoning why I got the car. Every car has issues and every car has or has had a recall on it for something or another. I knew what I was getting myself into when I got this car and honestly, I have had no issues like everyone else has been posting except for the flooding and O2 sensor going bad. I did the tune up myself which was a beezy because you have to take the wheel off and I did it at work in the parking lot. Not recommended by the way, but that’s what gear heads do.
It’s a head turner that’s for sure so you will get a lot of challenges from the rivals. i.e. 350z,, 370z, G35, G37, S2K, A3, A4, Beamers, Italians, Benz, Porches, Domestics from chargers to ponies, golf’s, geneses and more…I think theRX-8 just intimidates them and they feel they have to challenge use for that reason. Anyhow, get it because you want it and who gives a damn what others think.
I am down for that march 31 meet up..

I take great care of my 8, never flooded on me or any issues, just reg maintenance.. I got 76,xxx miles on it and bought it with 12,xxx miles. Its a fun car that is extremely easy to drive fast, handles great...one down side ppl will tell u is its not good on gas..if that is something ur concerned with go buy a civic or hybrid..the gas consumption is , for me, avg 18-20 mpg about the same for comparable cars in its class.. s2000 I dont consider in its class, driven my friends the handling got nothing on a reg stock miata.
"a red line a day keeps the engine gunk away" thats the main maintenance tip for an 8.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 01:06 PM
  #9210  
cuadrillas's Avatar
No longer a Celica owner!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Thanks for the input. Yeah I'm sold,I've loved this car for some time now. I love my Celica,Thing handles like a dream but I really want rwd and the rotary.
anyway if all goes well,I'll be an rx8 owner soon enough.
Hope to meet you guys at some nor-cal meets,that's one thing about the Celica community,great guys who meet up regularly.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 05:15 PM
  #9211  
DarkHelmet's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: BayArea, CA
Hi All could really use the forums help on this one. i need to claim that engine warranty in the next few days but want to go to a mazda shop in the bay that wont hassle me about the few mods i have (kn intake, ap pulley, ap midpipe, mishimoto radiator) and wont give me any bs. right now the mazda in burlingame CA wants service records but i dont have any. probably like most of you i do my oil changes myself. any suggestions on where to go to get this done? i live in millbrae CA the closer the better but beggers cant be choosers and im begging for help
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 05:34 PM
  #9212  
ORADA76's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
Originally Posted by DarkHelmet
Hi All could really use the forums help on this one. i need to claim that engine warranty in the next few days but want to go to a mazda shop in the bay that wont hassle me about the few mods i have (kn intake, ap pulley, ap midpipe, mishimoto radiator) and wont give me any bs. right now the mazda in burlingame CA wants service records but i dont have any. probably like most of you i do my oil changes myself. any suggestions on where to go to get this done? i live in millbrae CA the closer the better but beggers cant be choosers and im begging for help
I thought the warrenty ended 12/31/11 Did you get a compression test done? Honestly without service records, there is not much else that can be done and that is with any dealer. Sorry bro. Maybe call Paul at http://rotorsport2.com/ and see what he says. Very cool guy to just talk to and hang at his shop too. Maybe he can generate a service record for you but I did not tell you that nor emply that he will...for the record. Either way good luck bro.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 05:41 PM
  #9213  
DarkHelmet's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: BayArea, CA
Originally Posted by ORADA76
I thought the warrenty ended 12/31/11 Did you get a compression test done? Honestly without service records, there is not much else that can be done and that is with any dealer. Sorry bro. Maybe call Paul at http://rotorsport2.com/ and see what he says. Very cool guy to just talk to and hang at his shop too. Maybe he can generate a service record for you but I did not tell you that nor emply that he will...for the record. Either way good luck bro.
i was told my warranty expires this month by someone who works at mazda. the 25th to be exact which is why im in such a rush to get it done. i think my engine blew so i dont have much time. ive been hearing that without the records its hard to get it done but at the same time ive heard of people getting it done without the records also so theres a lot of back and forth. hmm i guess its worth a shot. im tight on time so anything is worth a shot at this point. ty
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 06:28 PM
  #9214  
cuadrillas's Avatar
No longer a Celica owner!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Hay. I've found two 04 RX8 that I'm looking at. One has had the clutch problem taken care of and even added a 6 puck,lighter flywheel and counter balance as well as de-cat and custom exhaust. this one seams the guy has taken goon care of it.
the other is stock,no mods or serves I believe.

What I'm worried about is(one over the other) is the modded one has been using 5w-20 oil and what I'm learning on here is that, that weight oil is what is responsible for premature engine failure. I'm also sure this guy has taken care of this car but also "Drivin" it as well.

The other I'm concerned I'd end up replacing the clutch peddle soon and possibly it hasn't been cared for as well.

both are relatively low millage. also the modded one comes with a cobb tuner,the other one with an extended warranty from a dealership for some extra.

any advice? I'm leaning towards the one that has been modded.(not for the mods but because I think he knows a bit about this car and how to care for it)
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2012 | 09:25 AM
  #9215  
ORADA76's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
Originally Posted by cuadrillas
Hay. I've found two 04 RX8 that I'm looking at. One has had the clutch problem taken care of and even added a 6 puck,lighter flywheel and counter balance as well as de-cat and custom exhaust. this one seams the guy has taken goon care of it.
the other is stock,no mods or serves I believe.

What I'm worried about is(one over the other) is the modded one has been using 5w-20 oil and what I'm learning on here is that, that weight oil is what is responsible for premature engine failure. I'm also sure this guy has taken care of this car but also "Drivin" it as well.

The other I'm concerned I'd end up replacing the clutch peddle soon and possibly it hasn't been cared for as well.

both are relatively low millage. also the modded one comes with a cobb tuner,the other one with an extended warranty from a dealership for some extra.

any advice? I'm leaning towards the one that has been modded.(not for the mods but because I think he knows a bit about this car and how to care for it)
Then it comes down to pros and cons...
Warrenty?
Price?
Color?
Condition of interior and exterior?
Functioanlity? i.e. radio, CD changer lights, auto doors and trunk, seat warmers?
GPS?
Two tone interior or single?
Anything else guys?
Don't forget to call Mazda and have them transfer vin info under your info.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2012 | 12:08 PM
  #9216  
sponce8's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ORADA76
I was thinking the same thing. Why not meet in the middle of the Bay!!! Treasure Island Meet!!! Awesome place for pictures, BBQ ect... I don't know when was the last time we had a gathering there but here are somepics from I think 06 or 07. I was driving an A3 back then and a seed was planted in me when I saw the RX-8's at the GTG.

What do you guys think of the last Saturday of March, 3/31/12? Should give everyone plenty of time to make plans and also inviting other clubs as well? LEt me know your thoughts on this.





That's fine, that's enuff time for me to request off ;p lol. I'm quite new to this and this pictures for an rx8 meet really is exciting haha! I hope this meet will happen .
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2012 | 01:04 PM
  #9217  
cuadrillas's Avatar
No longer a Celica owner!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Originally Posted by ORADA76
Then it comes down to pros and cons...
Warrenty?
Price?
Color?
Condition of interior and exterior?
Functioanlity? i.e. radio, CD changer lights, auto doors and trunk, seat warmers?
GPS?
Two tone interior or single?
Anything else guys?
Don't forget to call Mazda and have them transfer vin info under your info.
Is there anything I should "Beware" of, a particular engine sound or behavior.

It's a hard call here,one has the mazda speed body kit red/black interior and, is stock with warranty for about 115kmil $8k and silver
also has the sun roof. this is a clean stock car.

The other one has had all this bellow done to it and is dark gray(a+) no speed body kit or sun roof
95,xxx mil clean title $8200
Tanabe Lowering Springs 1.3inch drop
24,000k HID bulbs
ACT 6-Puck Race Clutch
ACT Light Flywheel
ACT Counter Balancer
SS Clutch line
Agency Power Full exhaust including Cats Removed
Slotted and Cross Drilled Rotors and SS Brake Lines and Carbon Pads installed.
replaced slave and master cylinder as well.
Pioneer DVD Touch Screen w/ipod/iphone plug in.
Cobb Tuning Access port

Last edited by cuadrillas; Feb 22, 2012 at 08:23 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2012 | 10:20 PM
  #9218  
boaco183's Avatar
Go fast, do it again
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Concord
Update on my 8 if you wanna know. I managed to replace the coils and wires. The spark plugs were a bitch to remove, especially the front leading plug. I only managed to replace 3 of them due to time, I gotta get up at 3:30 AM! Last one I gotta remove is the rear trailing plug which looks like its gonna be the hardest to remove. Does anybody have any tips for when I get to it tomorrow?
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2012 | 10:24 PM
  #9219  
boaco183's Avatar
Go fast, do it again
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Concord
The plug that was hardest to remove so far. With my flooded engine I don't think it will start with these in place.
Name:  IMAG0750.jpg
Views: 40
Size:  42.0 KB
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2012 | 10:11 AM
  #9220  
Deathwatch's Avatar
Deathwatch
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Martinez California
Originally Posted by boaco183
The plug that was hardest to remove so far. With my flooded engine I don't think it will start with these in place.
Wow, your plugs are toast heh heh, Geesh that is one reason why your 8 won't start.
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2012 | 10:55 AM
  #9221  
BlueWankel's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Those spark plugs haven't been changed for too long..the last plug thats hard to get to can be removed n installed w ease...get a joint or swivel extension that can be even bought in walmart n that will allow you to do the job easy..dont use a straight extension you will mess up new intall..its always good to use a copper base antisieze, this allows u to remove plugs next time easy this u would apply to plug threads..make sure u dont over tighten the plugs it can be expensive to fix if u strip engine block threads...there is a diy on plugs also thats helpful..

The guy thats looking to buy an rx8, one tip is if u can get one thats under warranty it will be good just in case n "if"..mazda has 10 yr 100k warrany on engine..also u can get vin call mazda n see whats been done to.car..u interested in auto or manual..i might need to get bigger fam car n extremely sad to say..might have to let my 8 go..
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2012 | 11:51 AM
  #9222  
boaco183's Avatar
Go fast, do it again
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Concord
I am putting an anti-seize stuff for the plugs but its not the copper stuff, what they are saying on these forums it doesn't make a huge difference so I just picked the first one I saw. First thing I did was check the torque spec for the plugs so I don't get into bigger problems. I'm using a few DIY on the plugs since this is the first time I'm working on the car.
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2012 | 12:26 PM
  #9223  
BlueWankel's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by boaco183
I am putting an anti-seize stuff for the plugs but its not the copper stuff, what they are saying on these forums it doesn't make a huge difference so I just picked the first one I saw. First thing I did was check the torque spec for the plugs so I don't get into bigger problems. I'm using a few DIY on the plugs since this is the first time I'm working on the car.

Ok kool.. If u remove the wheel to do
this and use am angle extension u should be good..Where did u buy the spark plugs, what kind, n how much was it?
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2012 | 12:41 PM
  #9224  
BlueWankel's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by boaco183
I am putting an anti-seize stuff for the plugs but its not the copper stuff, what they are saying on these forums it doesn't make a huge difference so I just picked the first one I saw. First thing I did was check the torque spec for the plugs so I don't get into bigger problems. I'm using a few DIY on the plugs since this is the first time I'm working on the car.

Ok kool.. If u remove the wheel to do
this and use am angle extension u should be good..
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2012 | 01:04 PM
  #9225  
BlueWankel's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by BlueWankel
Ok kool.. If u remove the wheel to do
this and use am angle extension u should be good..
Sorry my phone is fn up n somehow posted this twice..

We should somehow get together in a meet up with other mazda owners too anyone have any info on rx7 or speed 3 meet ups, or how can we organize a big rx8 meet up..?
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 3 votes, 5.00 average.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:41 PM.