Hello guys,

So a few days ago my friend wanted to race me, so of course, I did (and won ). The next morning I tried starting my car, and it took it a couple of turns before the engine finally started. The turns would all sound the same so I didn't figure it being a starter issue, and the batter was tested and was in good condition. There is also no difference between doing a hot start or cold start.

There has been a huge loss in power as well. It seems as if there is no difference between giving very little throttle, and completely flooring it - the car accelerates the same.

I figured it might have been my catalytic converter - the check engine light has been on for that for a few months now. It would be on and off so i didn't really think much of it until after this problem started occurring. So i went ahead and changed the catalytic converter (kept the same oxygen sensors) to see if it would fix it but it didn't seem to do anything - it still is running very slow.

I was thinking it might be the coils/plugs or the MAF sensor, and will be checking those tomorrow morning, but I'm just trying to get a few other opinions on what might be wrong with the car. I have had the car for about a year now, when I first got, it's turn over was a little slower than my old car (one or two turns more) and that had always concerned me. But the car had full power and everything up until the morning after I drove it a little hard. The car has 54k miles on it and it is an 07.

 

Have you had a compression test done on the engine? You need to know, and not be guessing about your engine's condition. Also any weak part of your ignition, coils, wires, plugs could contribute to your situation. How many miles on those coils, wires and plugs? Clean the MAF sensor and the ESS.

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.