First of all, hello, i am a newly reigstered memeber but have been reading this forum for some time now, ever since i made the desition to get an RX-8. I live in Cyprus, which means we get loads of Japaneese cars as imports sinse we also drive on the right side (wink wink).

I have read the FAQ and other posts here and elsewhere about what it means to own an RX-8 but i still find myself needed of some more info and clarifications. My first worry was if i fit in the car at all. You see, i'm 1.90m and weigh around 120kg and when a m8 of mine bought an RX-7, i found to my dismay that i could not fit behind the wheel, my left kneel would lock between the card ceter console and steering wheel making it imporrible to do anything but go straight, which i think can be considered an issue

In any case, I found an RX-8 and i was happy to see that diver room was not something it inherited from its predecessor. I was also somewhat puzzled at a start button which was not something i had read anywhere and made me wonder if it was something a previous owner installed or it's something that cames with the car as standard.

Now, I know that every car, when cold, should not be reved at high revs, as an example, i would not rev over 3-3,5k revs the Calibra i used to drive, when cold. But seeing as the RX-8 can rev at 9k+ how does it work? Is the 3k revs a good policy or since the engine can rev much higher, it's ok to rev it a bit higher when cold?

 

The answer u seek. You shall find in the thread

 

Should be fine revving it when cold.

 

Just ignore the dolt above.

Rotaries die if you rev them cold. The housings are aluminium, the bolts that hold it all together, steel. Housings leak after cold revving and you need a new motor.

The car tries to protect itself - try 9k revs when cold, it will cut out spark around 4k, but this is only to protect against complete idiots (see above) and will still cause damage.

No 'urgent' driving until fully warmed up.

 

Stop posting misleading advice.

 

I'm doing it sometimes when cold, and it never dies on me. My car still runs fine since day one. Anyway, i guess my car ain't a rotary engine then...

 

68*F isn't cold.....

...maybe Vegas cold!

 

Usually around 40's...

 

My friend in Colorado is always telling me that. Once you live out here for a while 60 feels a little chilly. Then in the summers when I start my car its like 110 in the garage. Almost warmed up already.

 

Don't listen to monchie, he's an idiot.
You don't have to wait for the car to be warm to drive it but keep both the rpms and engine load under control is a wise idea. What you did with your calibra will be just fine.

Keep in mind that the rx8, like any car, has its quirks. Ours are a bit more expensive since they're engine related. Before purchasing the car perform a compression test, check the catalytic converter and inquire on the maintenance that was done by the previous owner.
This will tell you a lot about what to expect from your ownership and is a good indicator of what to expect maintenance wise.
Check this forum for the following common "issues":
catalytic converter
engine compression
fuel pump
ignition system \ coils.

I would stay away from any 2004\2005 model because of a bunch of oil metering pump reprogramming issues that may have sensibly shortened your engine's life. Most european dealers didn't perform the reflashes, i still see 2004\5 cars with the base reflash

 

Who listens to me anyway...

 

Nobody.

 

awesome, nearly spit coffee all over my laptop

 

My 8 has 93,000 miles on it. It was built in Aug 2003. I've owned it since Oct 2003, still going strong. When starting the car cold, let it idle until it drops below 1500rpm. Keep it under 4000rpm until warm (rotaries warm up quickly). 4K rpm will get you well over 60mph in sixth, so you can easily drive around town while the car is warming up. I've always subscribed to redlining the rotary (when thoroughly warmed up) on every drive. Thus far it has served me well.