I'm here to ask everyones opinion on switching out to a different engine or even a another remesis... Here's my issue I just picked up a great looking 04 rx8 auto for 500.00 bc one of my friends needed bail money. Engine has 144k on it car runs halfway decent for the mileage I guess (New to rotarys all together) had the car a week and here are the current problems CEL was on *Fixed by new plugs,wires and coil packs. Radiator fluid lvl light on *Cleaned the sensor Fixed... ABS light is on like i'm not getting any vacuum (Don't know where to start on this one even though I've been through a few threads so that'd help.) sometimes it feels like it's going to die at a stop whether warm or cold but it doesn't... However if i turn on the AC and then come to a stop i stall out... My question for everyone is... Is it worth trying to fix everything with 144k on engine? I don't know much about its past or should I just pour some money into a new engine? I've set 6k aside for engine work or whatever is needed I'm a pretty decent mechanic so I can put in the engine myself but what should I get if I want something that will do a direct bolt on? But I want more power then what these guys have stock and running well... Or should I just try to fix this engines current problems?... Anyway if you could give me the DL on what engine to get or even help me with my current problems... Also I've checked compression and it's still decent... Haven't looked at the CAT yet. Thanks in advance..

 

Also, I've always loved RX-8's ever since I've been a kid.... So I'd love to keep this guy running with a new engine/fix this one.

 

Also if you're throwing a engine at me what is the best site/source to go through?

 

Well if the engine has 144k on it then I highly doubt it has great compression so rebuilding it should be on your agenda. The cheapest you can get a rebuilt engine for is about $2500.00 and if you are a decent mechanic then installing a reman is fairly straight forward.

Is it a six speed manual?

 

It's actually up to par on compression. But sadly no it's automatic for 500.00 I really can't complain.

 

Looking at rkrpmrx8's sig (https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-maj...thread-214417/)

Looks like he has a link to a decent place in the thread.

 

Up to par as in you have had it compression tested with a rotary engine compression tester? My guess is that it has had a reman installed at some point. 144k on and original 4 port auto would be a new record.

But if it is running fine then just drive that bitch and fix things as they some.

 

+1 No way that is the original engine with 144k and does not need a rebuild.

Next thing I would do is to check the cat and make sure it is not clogged as that will kill the engine pretty quick if it is good.

If it does need a rebuild then I think a like for like swap or rebuild is your best option. Otherwise things will start getting complex and expensive. For lots of power, an RX-7 engine is the way to go, but I'm not sure how easy that will be for an automatic.

 

It's the original engine and yes I had it compression checked at the mazda dealer in sacramento they were also a bit impressed it was the original.

 

Welcome.

The threads in my signature are good ones for an 04. But, the car seems to be a survivor.