RXellent

I've been leaking oil from the rotting oil cooler lines for a while. Today it looks like one of them finally gave up and most of the oil is on the ground. I've seen the aftermarket set from Racing Beat but do not have the skills to do that repair. Can anyone recommend an RX8 shop in NE Ohio that could do that project?

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

I suggest posting in the regional forums. But I suggest getting used OEM lines from down south where there is no rust.

mibsy

I just replaced the lines with a set of stainless braided lines from Rotary Resurrection after we put in the rebuilt engine. The lines weren't too terribly hard, but if you are looking for a place (I haven't used them given we are doing all our own work, but a friend of mine who had an RX-8 for 8 years spoke highly of them), Galati Foreign Car Repair in North Olmsted, Ohio has received good reviews. If you plan on keeping the car for a while in NorthEast Ohio, I like the stainless lines over the stock lines given the heavy use of salt in the area. Granted a new or non-corroded set of OEM lines can last 6 to 12 years, I like something that is less likely to fail just in case you do keep the car a while. Your choice.

RXellent

Thanks Mibsy. I will check out Galati. It's only about 30 minutes from my home base. Will probably go ahead and have the Mishimoto SS braided lines installed. The car was towed to the dealer last week (Brunswick Mazda) and his main Mazda tech has done a similar replacement on another vehicle without too much trouble. I'll post about the experience when it's done.

mibsy

I'd offer to help do them, but we did a full engine removal/tear down for rebuild (someone else did the rebuild) build up/reinstall, new clutch kit, starter, coil packs, wires, radiator, oil cooler lines, water pump, oil pan, coolant tank, coolant temp sensor, thermostat, stabilizer links, both O2 sensors and newer but used replacement oil coolers and lower intake manifold. It took way longer than it should have and I'm taking a break.

Good luck with the lines, ours worked great on our inaugural drive today! The previous folks had bypassed the oil coolers entirely and lines, running the engine oil outlet right back to the input. I don't think it ran long that way as the engine wasn't in awful shape but at 138k, it needed some TLC. It is nice feeling confident in the new lines (and new engine for that matter). You should be fine for some time on the oil lines.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

the only difficult part about installing Racing Beat line its the same as installing stock oil lines.

it goes to the rear housing and is in an awful position that u gonna have to remove lots of stuff to remove/secure the banjo bolt.

other than that, it's pretty easy actually.

so if you have some time in ur hand, it should take u about a day or 2 (if this is ur first time) to remove everything and install. it will be much faster if you have a helper/friend around.

RXellent

Wish I had the skill set and infrastructure here to undertake these lines myself. Will be paying a large hourly rate to get the Mishimoto line kit installed. Couldn't get anywhere near an engine R&R! But we still have only 62k miles on this 2004 so it should be good to us for a few more years. Next problem is the rusty rear quarter panels.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

I would not put anything Mishimoto in my car, everything they sell is cheap crap.

The hardest part about going from stock lines to aftermarket is removing the stock lines, particularly the lines that runs under the UIM along the engine block. I have seen many just leave that line in place due to laziness so make sure the shop removes that one.

RXellent

Ordered Mishimoto oil cooler line replacement kit from Wundercar. Was surprised to get the shipment 3 days earlier than predicted. Was disappointed to see it was only the single line. It took two days to resolve but Wundercar had the kit shipped 2nd day air to me direct from Mishimoto. So that was a plus. Supposed to be ready to drive Monday afternoon! I'll let you know my experience with the shop doing the work.