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Grats. You'll love it. My wife and I use ours as a daily driver. It's too much fun to drive to only use it on the weekends!
I'd love to use it daily!
I had a Porsche Cayenne as my daily driver and had £500 a month fuel bills. My wife worked only 2 miles from home so we swapped cars and I've stuck with her CV Peugeot 207 and now spend about £175.
I know, I know, you don't buy an RX8 if you can't afford the fuel so I'll keep this for weekend fun.
After driving a 207 all week I need something to remind me that I still have a pulse...
My wife and I bought this 2006 Shinka with 6 port Automatic this weekend. It has 60,000 miles and is cosmetically in mint condition. The engine was replaced at 20,000 miles and we plan to make it my daily driver. Our 2004 MiataSpeed (110k miles) will move to occasional weekend and backup use.
As long time Mazda drivers, including a 1980 RX7 we fell for the great looks, solid ride and the unique look. We are going in "eyes wide open" knowing about the maintenance requirements and potential issues but the fun factor more than makes up for a little extra diligence. I'm having great fun blowing off the haters because I really don't give a rip what they think. We like it and that's what matters, isn't it?
FYI, we are replacing the 1.4kw starter, coils, plugs, wires and battery just to make sure we're starting on solid ground. The cat was recently replaced.
The RX-8 is every bit as fun as our 2004 MiataSpeed, but in a more sophisticated manner. While the Miata FEELS fast, the RX-8 is much faster and smoother.
Those cars look stunning. The one I'm picking up is one of only 77 Nordic Green pearlescent in the UK - woooooo!
I'm interested in your thoughts about the starter motor. I've spent about 6-8 hours researching this and I'm none the wiser.
I've seen 2 and 2.2kw, 12, 13 and 14 tooth starter motors priced from under £50 to well over £500. I've seen loads on eBay and with a range of companies. I just don't know what to do.
My car has all new coils, plugs and leads but I'm not sure what the state of the starter motor is.
I contacted a well respected company in the UK who are selling a 14 tooth model for £165. I asked them about the power rating of the motor and they replied 1.5kw. I said it wasn't worth moving from 1.3 to 1.5kw, then they asserted that all of these starter motors claiming to be 2.0kw are actually 1.5kw.
Now this is a respected company who have been recommended by folk on forums.
So you'll understand my confusion.
To my mind, it might be worth getting a £50 cheap N3R3 motor off eBay and seeing how long it lasts. If it keeps going for a year then I can live with that. But if it's going to burn out in a fortnight then I'll get a more expensive one.
But higher price doesn't always mean higher quality.
First attempt at a "quick reply". Hope i do this right.
I assume this is a general question as any advice I lend would almost certainly be wrong. I agree that it's extremely confusing, which is why I gave up and decided to outsource the decision to the dealer. I'm paying at least an extra $100 for that, but I have confidence they will get the right part.
Long time owner 04 Black RX-8 GT with 120k miles on the original engine. Only mods are a Koyo Radiator and Banzai starter relay and high torque starter.
I finally bought a 14 tooth 2kw starter from a company in Germany. I can't remember the name but I did contact a starter motor refurbishing company who told me that these are an excellent brand. The price was about £110 including delivery.
Getting the old one off required a breaker bar but it's a basic swap out. I checked the one I took of and it was the 15 year old original.
The difference between the starters is like night and day. The new one gives instant starting and sounds amazing.
My RX8 is a fun weekend and holiday car and I hadn't driven it for 3-4 weeks when I got in it on Monday last week. It started right away and burst into life.
longtime lurker, first time poster.
i just purchased a 2010 RX8 GT. unfortunately its an automatic. I got it from copart for a song. it runs and drives, just needs a driver side headlight.
I intend to try to manual swap it as a summer project.
Not quite a new member but was formerly an old member and had forgotten the login for my old account. originally owned a Titanium Gray 2003 6/Speed GT til I wrecked it due to bad weather. I do now own a 2007 White Pearl 6 Speed RX-8, but having hot start issues.
The previous owner had replaced the O2 sensor with a Blue Print ADM57031 and since then CEL is on with P0032. Both he and the mechanic I went to evaluate the car said that it's ok and if I want the CEL to go away I should just get an original Mazda O2 sensor. This costs a couple of hundred € however so I was wondering if I could get away with checking the fault codes every once in a while to see if there's another one.
Is this sensor affecting performance in any way or can be dangerous to drive with?
The previous owner had replaced the O2 sensor with a Blue Print ADM57031 and since then CEL is on with P0032. Both he and the mechanic I went to evaluate the car said that it's ok and if I want the CEL to go away I should just get an original Mazda O2 sensor. This costs a couple of hundred € however so I was wondering if I could get away with checking the fault codes every once in a while to see if there's another one.
Is this sensor affecting performance in any way or can be dangerous to drive with?
Thanks!
All the best for your new ride!
I'd replace the front 02 sensor with an oem (denso? I think). It affects consumption, ecu reads wrong values, so it could affect performance. I changed mine recently, had some codes that cleared after. But did a lot of maintenance, so I am not sure if it was explicitly the front 02.
All the best for your new ride!
I'd replace the front 02 sensor with an oem (denso? I think). It affects consumption, ecu reads wrong values, so it could affect performance. I changed mine recently, had some codes that cleared after. But did a lot of maintenance, so I am not sure if it was explicitly the front 02.
Hi and thanks!
It seems the problem isn't in the sensor, but due to the aftermarket catalytic converter. I'll do some more research before going for a new sensor.
I have already fallen in love with this car, and I'm already having second thoughts about not getting a 6-port.
Right now, It's back to the mechanic's being fitted with the original suspension (it had some busted maxspeed coilovers that I decided to remove), new radiators for both the A/C and the Engine, new transmission lubricant, coolant, filters and coolant bottle.
I also ordered an OBD gauge so that I can keep an eye on the water temperature. I plan to install some real gauges at some point but right now I think the OBD gauge will do the job much cheaper (opinions on the matter?)
Next steps are new front speakers, (the old ones must have blown because I can hear terrible distortion), 1" front tweeters (there are none right now), another key and new door locks.
I'm also torn about whether to remove the tinting of the headlights and taillights.
It seems the problem isn't in the sensor, but due to the aftermarket catalytic converter. I'll do some more research before going for a new sensor.
I have already fallen in love with this car, and I'm already having second thoughts about not getting a 6-port.
Right now, It's back to the mechanic's being fitted with the original suspension (it had some busted maxspeed coilovers that I decided to remove), new radiators for both the A/C and the Engine, new transmission lubricant, coolant, filters and coolant bottle.
I also ordered an OBD gauge so that I can keep an eye on the water temperature. I plan to install some real gauges at some point but right now I think the OBD gauge will do the job much cheaper (opinions on the matter?)
I'm also torn about whether to remove the tinting of the headlights and taillights.
Eh, you'll get over the 6port dilemma at some point. 4port manuals can be lots of fun.
quality Obd readers are good for a street mostly stock motor I believe.
I'd remove the head light tint, clean them add some eye liners for a mean look.
A good set of coilovers transforms the car imo.
hello all, i am new here, going to get 04 rx8 auto against my better judgement, in the midst of survey and inspection and i am going to see how deep is the rabbit hole in tears probably.
hello all, i am new here, going to get 04 rx8 auto against my better judgement, in the midst of survey and inspection and i am going to see how deep is the rabbit hole in tears probably.
IMHO, you picked the worst model RX8 from the worst year of production. You must be a glutton for pain, misery, disappointment and financial ruin. . Don't say we didn't warn you. Good luck, Cheers
Last edited by gwilliams6; 10-12-2021 at 07:16 PM.
I have had my 04 RX8 for nearly 8 years. The first thing I did after purchasing it, was to add a Sohn Adaptor, in which I run TCW3 Outboard Oil. This car has been, and still is, amazing. It gets very good Fuel Consumption on a trip, I have had up to 10 Litres per 100 KM, which is over 28 Miles per Imperial Gallon, if driven in a cruising mode. Starts easily Hot or Cold, and currently, does not use any Oil out of the Engine Sump between changes. My Question is this.
The onboard OBD system recently showed up a CEL, and when investigated with my OBD2 Reading tool, showed up a pending Ignition Coil Failure.
After reading a lot about the Stock Ignition Coils, I now intend buying a New set of Coils known as General Motors D585 Coils, together with the Adaptor Connectors, and Adaptor Mounting Plate from off of Ebay.
Reading other posts on here, I see that there is something about the Stock Dwell which may not work well with these new coils.
Can anyone suggest advice regarding this? Maybe Brettus can chime in here, as He has always given very good advice, and obviously knows a lot about the OBD System in these cars.
Thanks, and Kindest Regards
Kayjay75
I have had my 04 RX8 for nearly 8 years. The first thing I did after purchasing it, was to add a Sohn Adaptor, in which I run TCW3 Outboard Oil. This car has been, and still is, amazing. It gets very good Fuel Consumption on a trip, I have had up to 10 Litres per 100 KM, which is over 28 Miles per Imperial Gallon, if driven in a cruising mode. Starts easily Hot or Cold, and currently, does not use any Oil out of the Engine Sump between changes. My Question is this.
The onboard OBD system recently showed up a CEL, and when investigated with my OBD2 Reading tool, showed up a pending Ignition Coil Failure.
After reading a lot about the Stock Ignition Coils, I now intend buying a New set of Coils known as General Motors D585 Coils, together with the Adaptor Connectors, and Adaptor Mounting Plate from off of Ebay.
Reading other posts on here, I see that there is something about the Stock Dwell which may not work well with these new coils.
Can anyone suggest advice regarding this? Maybe Brettus can chime in here, as He has always given very good advice, and obviously knows a lot about the OBD System in these cars.
Thanks, and Kindest Regards
Kayjay75
You shouldn't run TCW oil in a Sohn.
That's been discussed dozens of times.
No bueno.
It has to be JASO certified oil.
Hello
I was not aware regarding the non-use of TCW3 Two Stroke Oil in the Sohn Adaptor. This oil is stated to be Ash Free and Smoke Free, and was recommended to me for use, by not only an RX8 Engine rebuilder who builds Sport and Race engines, but by another local rotary maintenance mechanic. So, what is the apparent problem in using TCW3?, as I never heard this before. I understand that for lubricating the Apex Seals - (as this is what the Metering Pump is obviously used for), you DO NOT use any kind of synthetic oil, and I make sure that the TCW3 I buy is not synthetic, as I see that this TCW3 is also now available in part or full synthetic. I will be very keen to hear the reasoning behind this, and what I should use instead? My 2004 Car has done nearly 100,000 miles already, and is still on the original everything, except Spark Plugs, Tyres, Brake Pads, and Battery.
Regarding my intention to equip the car with these new General Motors D585 Ignition Coils, can anyone enlighten me as to the information regarding the Stock Dwell Angles in the Stock RX8 ECU?
Thanks, ad Kindest Regards
Kayjay75
I can only say that in all the threads I've seen here in 10 years is it's been discouraged, iIrc it's about ash deposits and carbon build up.
If you think you're doing good with your results and trust the advice you've been given then I can't say it's wrong because I'm not sure anyone ever presented scientific results.
This is only one of many threads here discussing it.
08-25-2019, 06:01 AM
