Fiftyfifty

Hey guys, potential rx8 owner here as a weekend toy, current long time 2003 bmw 330xi DD owner, ex 92 nissan maxima se owner. Been doing some research last few days and searching for deals.... So I can get an 04 manual with a decent body for $2k but blown engine or a running one with 110k original engine for $4k? But I'll have to replace engine anyway on a high mileage one soon right? So it makes sense to go for the cheapest option? But I did hear to stay away from the 04/05 models because they have more problems than the 06+ models. Not sure if that's true, but again, if I'm getting a fresh engine, (likely off ebay? ), does it really matter? Or should I look for one of those more expensive options that I see all over for $7k+ that are newer? My plan was to buy as cheap as possible, get a rebuilt engine.. and try to stay within my 6k budget. Fresh rx8 for $6k was my plan. What do you guys think? Thanks

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Rx8help.com first to get your started.

If you want a well sorted car, find a good body with any condition engine and plan for an engine replacement. You can get an engine at Mazda, Rotary Resurrection, Pettit or some other professional rotary rebuilders, depending on where you're located.

$2k for a roller +6k for a fresh engine installed, you have a car that's ready for many many years of smiles (assuming everything else is Ok too).
Definitely do not buy an unknown condition ebay engine unless you plan to change engines annually.

04/05 or later doesn't really make a difference. Just make sure the engine you buy is the correct one for the model. The thing you want to stay away from is automatics.

In a super ideal world you find someone who just did all this work and wants to sell it, but that's pretty unlikely.
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Fiftyfifty

Thanks a bunch Loki. What's the average price for a rebuilt engine from the places you mentioned? The ebay one I've seen has a good long track record and asking 2900. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazda-RX8-R...-127632-2357-0

Loki

iTrader: (1)

If OJrotors is OJimports, and at that price it sounds like it, check the Good Guy/Bad Guy section of the forum. You get what you pay for.

It sounds like they also want a $1000 core charge or your old engine, so that $2900 isn't the full story.

Fickert

iTrader: (6)

Depending on how much you REALLY want to get involved with the car, rebuilding an engine yourself isn't out of the realm. I met a guy that bought an rx8 with higher miles but ran OK. He mentioned compression was low so he tore it down, bought the cheapest atkins rebuild kit and put it back together wit fairly healthy compression. The rebuild cost him less than 1k and he was pretty happy with it before it flipped it.

Just a thought if you are mechanically inclined.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

This thread has plenty of info and linked threads about rebuilds.
It's important to get it right.

FYI, brand new engines are still available from Pineapple Racing for $6k.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...ilders-265177/

delhi

All I can say is a car is more than just the engine. You get what you pay for.
Pay more get a well sorted and cared for specimen and enjoy the experience of driving it rather than hours/days on here, days/weeks in the garage, $ to strangers.

UnknownJinX

Personally, I'd get the roller if everything else looks like it's in good condition, and then, you can have an engine built to your spec to start clean.

Bonus that you get to do the clutches and some other incidentals while you are in there.

Fiftyfifty

Thanks. New engines as not rebuilt? Like from Mazda? Pinapple racing got their hands on them or something?

Fiftyfifty

Any good links with a complete list of whats recommended to replace when doing the swap?

Fiftyfifty

Thanks for the heads up. Definitely not interested in getting an engine from him now. Would you be able to recommend the best bang for the buck rebuilder? Will I get a good rebuild for 3k or I need to spend more for a quality build?

Loki

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't trust a 3k rebuild. I mean it might run, but shortcuts were taken so *how long* it runs is another story.

Just the seals are over $1000 before you pay for the big parts and the time putting it together. $3k doesn't leave a lot of room for doing it to tip top spec.

Honestly I would go to Mazda while new engines are available.

Fiftyfifty

I think I read somewhere that they offer a warranty on the engine under 80k, is this still available? Would be cool to buy a car with under 80k and get a free replacement lol

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Nope, all 8s are out of warranty

Fiftyfifty

Guys, let me ask you a question... The last time I bought a used car was over 15 years ago so I forgot a bit of how the title thing works. Lots of these craigslist and facebook guys with the RX8s under 5k always tell me the title is not in their name. And the owner is always somewhere else, and they cannot be there at the time of sale. What kind of nonsense is this? What are they trying to pull? Or is this normal practice in the private used car sale world? I read on google that it can be a red flag. Is it ok to go ahead with the purchase as long as the title/carfax is clean or stay away?

Loki

iTrader: (1)

[edit] mixed up threads
If the owner isn't there to make the transaction with title and all, it's a waste of time. I don't know all the scams but they will probably ask you for some way to send money before you get the title and then you're outta luck.

Fiftyfifty

Hey I'm not getting much replies in my other threads. You seem like you sign on often. I put a deposit on a 1000 blue 04 6spd with a blown motor. Was looking for a shop. Found IR performance. They recommended I go for their reman motor over a new Mazda. What do you think? Are they legit? I see the reviews for them are very good.. also if they want to charge too much for the swap, should I use a non specialist shop to just do the swap if I bring them the motor or it has to be a specialist to even do a swap? Thanks

kevink0000

IRP is on the RX7 forums a lot. I believe (could be wrong) the proprietor is known as Judge Ito. He had an RX8 early on, and got a very quick 1/4 mile out of it. It is on this forum, if you search, back in 2005 I think. FWIW, my impression is that it's a good shop. I think a roller with a bad engine is a great way to buy this car.

If you get the engine from them, I would pay extra to have them do the job of putting it in. Then you have a chain of custody and accountability on your side.