19klongbow

Hey guys, I have to say that I just registered today but have spent countless hrs perusing the many helpful posts and replies in regards to my 2004 RX8. I
am moving to Colorado soon and will be looking for rotary clubs to join. Historically I typically purchased something more along the lines of an SVT Cobra 96-98....but this time I wanted something different and I have to say that after about 4k miles of driving it....I love it. I do have some hot start issues but even at worst so far it has taken me only a hand full of tries to get it to start after refueling. 107.5k miles and running very strong. I do unfortunately have the K&N intake which I intend to replace with either AEM or Stock Airbox. I just finally registered on the forums to be part of this community and am blown away by how this thing drives! Just introducing myself and if anyone is in the northern Colorado area feel free to hit me up as I'll be up there near the end of Nov 2016. You have all been a tremendous help so far and am looking forward to my future of owning this underrated car and seeking the advice of everyone here. :D

Steve Dallas

Welcome!

Did you have a rotary-specific compression test performed before you purchased it?

Difficult hot starts are a classic sign of low compression. If you don't know the compression numbers, I would refrain from spending any more money on the car. I'm not saying it does have low compression, I'm just saying it is something I would want to know at that stage of ownership.

Cheers!

CelestialGryphon

iTrader: (1)

Hey ************! Welcome to Colorado. Toss me a PM, I'll get you the info to my buddy Damion - He's been working on my RX8 for the past few months, he has my RCTV05, and I'm sure he'd be willing to do the test for you. He's unfortunately not in NOCO, but, you might be able to persuade him. Dealerships in Denver wanted to charge me $450 to do it. He actually HAS my stock intake, and I'd be willing to sell it for you. As far as dumping any money into it I'm on the side of get a test done first. If low, you can stave it off with a new starter but you will eventually need a rebuild.

19klongbow

Unfortunately, no I have not had a compression test done but I also have not yet had to wait 15+ min before it would start again. What I have been doing is inspecting it to try and determine the aftermarket mods it does have. So far I've been able to see the garbage k&n intake and the questionable exedy clutch. Other than that, some suspension mods (would have to look again for specifics), Mazda speed strut tower brace, BHR Ignision with MSD wires (Just had the plugs changed yesterday which did fix some misfiring issues). The midpipe and catback (or at least the midpipe) appear to be BHR aswell with no CAT. Drilled/slotted rotors. I've been premixing since I got it home and it idle's flawlessly with no perceivable variation. No stalling or stuttering issues since the plug change and MAF cleaning. I did also replace the battery with a yellow top Optima. The reason I haven't had a compression test done is to do a proper one I'd have to drive 3 hrs just for the test from my current location and it is one of my top priorities once I get to Greeley. The starter appears to be original (bad thing there, I know) I do have an upgraded one here that I haven't installed yet.

I will get a compression test done when I can, I've just been trying to focus on some basic things that will carry over even when I do have to eventually rebuild the engine. I have to say though, I've fallen in love with this thing and when the time comes I WILL rebuild that engine. The revs are such great fun and I look forward to picking you guys brains in the future

19klongbow

Compression is my big concern here but I do feel it has some life left in it.

CelestialGryphon

iTrader: (1)

Like I said man, toss me a pm. I'll be in estes for thanksgiving, I could probably bring the airbox up with me. His folks live in longmont, you may be able to coerce him if you offer him some $ to go out of his way. You WILL need to pass emissions in Colorado. I also happen to have a maganflow walker cat that we might be able to re weld to the midpipe my brother made. Like I said man, toss me a pm.

19klongbow

I did forget to mention that I've been getting about 20-23 mpg if that helps at all as far as the compression notion goes.

CelestialGryphon

iTrader: (1)

Eh, could mean your healthy. Really the only way to be sure is to take it to a dealer that's got someone knowledgable in rotaries and have them do a compression test.

New Yorker

You'll read it again and again here, but in this instance, it's actually true: get a rotary-specific compression test before doing anything else. Over the years, so many new owners with starting issues have thrown money at new parts that won't do a lick of good if your Renesis needs a rebuild. It's that simple.

And good luck! It's a wonderful car - one that will be remembered fondly by car lovers who really know cars for decades.

CelestialGryphon

iTrader: (1)

When I get down to his place in the springs I'll PM you the shop info and address, you can schedule it if you like or maybe try to work with him on something on the side. But, the stock airbox we do still have. Really, compression test before anything else.

19klongbow

Ok, I appreciate that. I'm still gonna get a compression test done but I had already ordered a new starter and put it on today. The old starter was the n3h1. With the upgraded starter it starts instantly both hot and cold. I tried it several times hot and it fires right up like a brand new car.