Errand

Hey guys, I'm David, 17 years old from DE, and I recently bought a '04 RX8, after blowing up my 86 Supra.. Yeah I was sad too. Head cracked after my dad took it out driving. Anyway, the RX is all stock so far, and will probably remain that until I pay it off... Hopefully over the summer I'll be able to start working on her. A few questions: Exhaust? The car is quiet, and I love a good sounding exhaust, but from what I've been reading, not many aftermarkets will boost power. So, I was wondering what some of the fav's are? Best sounding for no power gain, or positive power gain. I'm willing to gain no power for a nice sound, but so not willing to lose power :P next question: Starter - I've heard people mention their rx8 has an "upgraded starter," is this just buying a new starter, or is there a brand that I should go with.. If it reduces the chance of flooding, and possibly boosts the engine life, I'm willing to spend the cash to replace it. So far i've fixed my power steering issues, intermittent ps, just used contact cleaner and a hose extension on the overflow box. Nice and simple. Also, if anyone knows of any car meets in Delaware please let me know, I really want to get into the car scene but it seems so weak around Delaware. Anyway, thats all for now I think.. Thanks!

Williard

iTrader: (18)

Welcome Errand,

First and foremost i must ask, did you have a Rotary specific compression test done?

The exhaust is more of a personal preference, go on youtube, search RX8exhaust and just listen. With that more than likely you will want a good Midpipe.

When it comes to the starter first you need to find out which starter you have. If you have an OE 11 tooth 1.3kw starter with the numbers N3H1 on it, well then it's old. If you have an N3H1A you have a new starter which is 13 teeth 2kw. The other number which came from newer starters *preference* is N3Z1.

What is the mileage on your new 8? You said if it reduces the chances of flooding, have you already flooded it? Also, do you happen to know the age of your ignition system?

Travis

gwilliams6

Go here first and read this thoroughly. You will need a rotary specific compression done , if you have not already done that. It really should be done before buying any used RX8 to know the true health of the rotary engine, otherwise you could be in for several thousands of dollars in costs for a replacement engine for a failing or failed engine. It talks all about this in this new owners thread. A seemingly great bargain on a 2004 RX8 can turn into huge bucks if the engine and/or other key components are shot.

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

Then you need to go over all these items depending on your mileage.

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.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.

Do your diligence here and find out what maintenance the previous owner did or didnt do. Once you hopefully have an engine with good compression (compression test numbers and chart are here in new owners thread) and other key items are checked and working or replaced, ONLY THEN should you be thinking about any nmodifications. Forget the mods until you know the true health of your car and any used RX8, especially an older model like a 2004 will almost certainly have issues needing attention right away. Problems can snowball in a RX8 if proper care was not diligently done over the years.

BTW what mileage does the car have on the engine, is it the original engine or a replacement (reman or rebuilt)?

Not trying to scare you away, I personally have owned seven rotaries since 1973. We just want your dream car not to turn into an expensive nightmare for you. RXs require more attention and care than any other piston car you may have owned. Your reward will be the unique driving experience only a great handling rotary car can give.