Another new owner
07-29-2011 | 10:00 AM
#1
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Another new owner
I just picked up a 2010 RX-8.
I am either insanely lucky or a glutton for rotary punishment as I had 2 RX-7's before.
5W-20 dead dinosaur oil. Check regularly at fill-ups.
Top off as needed. Changes at 5k miles.
Will drink gasoline like a V-8. Does not matter if I pretend its a Prius.
Let the temperature gauge start moving before visiting the fun part of the tachometer.
Visit the fun part of the tachometer at least once on every trip.
Any other features to be aware of?
Don't get me wrong, I love the car. I was looking for an RX-8 specifically. I just want to make sure I am taking care of it.
Premium gas only? 91 Octane ok? Is there a minimum?
Premix 2 cycle advantages? There an easy guide on that somewhere? Will warranty providers explode if you do it?
Not buying a turbo this week. Any fun performance mods? Cold air intake etc?
I am either insanely lucky or a glutton for rotary punishment as I had 2 RX-7's before.
5W-20 dead dinosaur oil. Check regularly at fill-ups.
Top off as needed. Changes at 5k miles.
Will drink gasoline like a V-8. Does not matter if I pretend its a Prius.
Let the temperature gauge start moving before visiting the fun part of the tachometer.
Visit the fun part of the tachometer at least once on every trip.
Any other features to be aware of?
Don't get me wrong, I love the car. I was looking for an RX-8 specifically. I just want to make sure I am taking care of it.
Premium gas only? 91 Octane ok? Is there a minimum?
Premix 2 cycle advantages? There an easy guide on that somewhere? Will warranty providers explode if you do it?
Not buying a turbo this week. Any fun performance mods? Cold air intake etc?
07-29-2011 | 10:06 AM
#2
Sounds like you are taking care of it just fine....
premix & gas discussions are just going to lead to arguments, best to search around and make your own decision on if you really need to pre-mix or not and if you really need 91+ or not.
premix & gas discussions are just going to lead to arguments, best to search around and make your own decision on if you really need to pre-mix or not and if you really need 91+ or not.
07-29-2011 | 10:34 AM
#3
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 138
From: Grapevine, Texas
I owned all three generations of RX7 and a 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 and a Mazdaspeed3 GT.
If you want that engine to last, change your oil at 3000 miles, not 5000 miles,despite what the service manual says. And use premix to help lubricate the internals. With easily a million miles driven, I have NEVER had a rotary engine failure following those rules with the seven rotary Mazdas I have owned since 1973. One of the top auto writers at Autoweek recently picked up a FD RX7, and he religiously changes his oil every 1500 miles. I am amazed how many RX8 owners don't know that in the RX8 when you drain the oil to change the oil, you are only changing part of the total oil, the rest stays in the oil coolers. So the older oil then recirculates with the new oil and gets eventually changed and used up in injection and combustion. So the more often you keep that total oil fresh, the better cooling the oil coolers give your engine and the better protection your internal engine parts have.
There are many premixes out there. I have used for years, and really like the proven Pettit Racing Protek-R. Just go to their website to order. I have raced RX7s in past years and racers will tell you it really does make a difference to premix. I read about all the engine failures, sometimes multiple ones for the same car. I have NEVER had a single one on any of my street or race RXs since 1973.
Welcome to the RX8 fraternity and happy miles and smiles. And yes do as Mazda says and use 91 octane or higher if you want your engine and transmission to operate properly. Yes using too low octane will not only have an adverse effect on the health of your engine, but will also cause collateral poor transmission performance. I only know of a few gas stations that sell 91 octane. There are a few, but mostly you will find 92 and 93 as premium. I added Mazdaspeed Cold Air Intakes to both my RX8 and my Mazdaspeed3 GT. More added hp in the direct-injected turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 Gt, like almost 30HP and 30 additional ft. lbs of torque !. Car and Driver got the same awesome results when they did the same to their Speed 3. In the RX8 there will be a modest 5-13hp gain (it will vary and depend on the ambient air temp and humidity). There will be many nay sayers here about the CAI, but my RX8 is faster, better throttle response and better breathing, in addition to sounding better. Drive a RX8 without it, and a similar RX8 with it and you will be convinced. The CAI is relatively cheap and safe for the Renesis engine. If you get the Mazdaspeed one you will keep your Mazda warranty coverage.
If you want that engine to last, change your oil at 3000 miles, not 5000 miles,despite what the service manual says. And use premix to help lubricate the internals. With easily a million miles driven, I have NEVER had a rotary engine failure following those rules with the seven rotary Mazdas I have owned since 1973. One of the top auto writers at Autoweek recently picked up a FD RX7, and he religiously changes his oil every 1500 miles. I am amazed how many RX8 owners don't know that in the RX8 when you drain the oil to change the oil, you are only changing part of the total oil, the rest stays in the oil coolers. So the older oil then recirculates with the new oil and gets eventually changed and used up in injection and combustion. So the more often you keep that total oil fresh, the better cooling the oil coolers give your engine and the better protection your internal engine parts have.
There are many premixes out there. I have used for years, and really like the proven Pettit Racing Protek-R. Just go to their website to order. I have raced RX7s in past years and racers will tell you it really does make a difference to premix. I read about all the engine failures, sometimes multiple ones for the same car. I have NEVER had a single one on any of my street or race RXs since 1973.
Welcome to the RX8 fraternity and happy miles and smiles. And yes do as Mazda says and use 91 octane or higher if you want your engine and transmission to operate properly. Yes using too low octane will not only have an adverse effect on the health of your engine, but will also cause collateral poor transmission performance. I only know of a few gas stations that sell 91 octane. There are a few, but mostly you will find 92 and 93 as premium. I added Mazdaspeed Cold Air Intakes to both my RX8 and my Mazdaspeed3 GT. More added hp in the direct-injected turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 Gt, like almost 30HP and 30 additional ft. lbs of torque !. Car and Driver got the same awesome results when they did the same to their Speed 3. In the RX8 there will be a modest 5-13hp gain (it will vary and depend on the ambient air temp and humidity). There will be many nay sayers here about the CAI, but my RX8 is faster, better throttle response and better breathing, in addition to sounding better. Drive a RX8 without it, and a similar RX8 with it and you will be convinced. The CAI is relatively cheap and safe for the Renesis engine. If you get the Mazdaspeed one you will keep your Mazda warranty coverage.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 07-29-2011 at 11:10 AM.
07-29-2011 | 01:19 PM
#5
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 138
From: Grapevine, Texas
Racing Beat makes a nice gauge cluster that installs in your center dash down where the 12 volt outlet is. Don't worry, you have another outlet of course in your center armrest compartment.
07-29-2011 | 05:43 PM
#6
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 1
From: Cacti Land, AZ
07-29-2011 | 05:44 PM
#7
Registered
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 1
From: Cacti Land, AZ
You don't have to worry about warming up with the series 2 engine. They have a rev limiter anyway.
No easy guide about the pre-mix thing. You'll spend days reading posts about it. I use the Pettit Racing Protek-R, mostly because it was recommended to me by gwilliams above who has experience racing rotary engines.
As soon as I started using it I noticed a smoothness in the way the engine sounded. Perhaps I'm imagining things, but whatever, lol!!!
No easy guide about the pre-mix thing. You'll spend days reading posts about it. I use the Pettit Racing Protek-R, mostly because it was recommended to me by gwilliams above who has experience racing rotary engines.
As soon as I started using it I noticed a smoothness in the way the engine sounded. Perhaps I'm imagining things, but whatever, lol!!!
07-30-2011 | 03:59 AM
#10
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 61
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Pics will have to wait. We got almost 4mm of rain today. In central Texas, that currently counts as a flood. Now I must get it washed 
Thanks for the information. It is always good to hear from those with experience.
Thanks for the information. It is always good to hear from those with experience.
07-30-2011 | 09:35 AM
#11
Surf Hard, Drive Hard
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,840
Likes: 12
From: Indialantic, Florida
Sounds like you got most of it covered, but if you are bored out of your skull..............
New and Potential Owner’s, Start Here:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
Congratulations, you got an 8:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/
New Owner FAQ’s:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.ph...&highlight=FAQ
FAQ’s:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx-8-faq-please-read-before-posting-959/
Above all, please don’t make threads on subjects that have been covered a thousand times, use the search function on this site, or click this link that might work better for you -----> Search rx8club via Google
New and Potential Owner’s, Start Here:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
Congratulations, you got an 8:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/
New Owner FAQ’s:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.ph...&highlight=FAQ
FAQ’s:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx-8-faq-please-read-before-posting-959/
Above all, please don’t make threads on subjects that have been covered a thousand times, use the search function on this site, or click this link that might work better for you -----> Search rx8club via Google
08-01-2011 | 12:28 PM
#12
Registered
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Tx
You don't have to worry about warming up with the series 2 engine. They have a rev limiter anyway.
No easy guide about the pre-mix thing. You'll spend days reading posts about it. I use the Pettit Racing Protek-R, mostly because it was recommended to me by gwilliams above who has experience racing rotary engines.
As soon as I started using it I noticed a smoothness in the way the engine sounded. Perhaps I'm imagining things, but whatever, lol!!!
No easy guide about the pre-mix thing. You'll spend days reading posts about it. I use the Pettit Racing Protek-R, mostly because it was recommended to me by gwilliams above who has experience racing rotary engines.
As soon as I started using it I noticed a smoothness in the way the engine sounded. Perhaps I'm imagining things, but whatever, lol!!!
08-01-2011 | 08:42 PM
#13
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 61
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Pics :)
And first ticket.... Speeding was actually just what he pulled me over for and warned me. The Citation was because my insurance card still showed the car from Thursday.
Gotta Love them Mondays.
08-01-2011 | 10:53 PM
#14
Registered
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
I owned all three generations of RX7 and a 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 and a Mazdaspeed3 GT.
If you want that engine to last, change your oil at 3000 miles, not 5000 miles,despite what the service manual says. And use premix to help lubricate the internals. With easily a million miles driven, I have NEVER had a rotary engine failure following those rules with the seven rotary Mazdas I have owned since 1973. One of the top auto writers at Autoweek recently picked up a FD RX7, and he religiously changes his oil every 1500 miles. I am amazed how many RX8 owners don't know that in the RX8 when you drain the oil to change the oil, you are only changing part of the total oil, the rest stays in the oil coolers. So the older oil then recirculates with the new oil and gets eventually changed and used up in injection and combustion. So the more often you keep that total oil fresh, the better cooling the oil coolers give your engine and the better protection your internal engine parts have.
There are many premixes out there. I have used for years, and really like the proven Pettit Racing Protek-R. Just go to their website to order. I have raced RX7s in past years and racers will tell you it really does make a difference to premix. I read about all the engine failures, sometimes multiple ones for the same car. I have NEVER had a single one on any of my street or race RXs since 1973.
Welcome to the RX8 fraternity and happy miles and smiles. And yes do as Mazda says and use 91 octane or higher if you want your engine and transmission to operate properly. Yes using too low octane will not only have an adverse effect on the health of your engine, but will also cause collateral poor transmission performance. I only know of a few gas stations that sell 91 octane. There are a few, but mostly you will find 92 and 93 as premium. I added Mazdaspeed Cold Air Intakes to both my RX8 and my Mazdaspeed3 GT. More added hp in the direct-injected turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 Gt, like almost 30HP and 30 additional ft. lbs of torque !. Car and Driver got the same awesome results when they did the same to their Speed 3. In the RX8 there will be a modest 5-13hp gain (it will vary and depend on the ambient air temp and humidity). There will be many nay sayers here about the CAI, but my RX8 is faster, better throttle response and better breathing, in addition to sounding better. Drive a RX8 without it, and a similar RX8 with it and you will be convinced. The CAI is relatively cheap and safe for the Renesis engine. If you get the Mazdaspeed one you will keep your Mazda warranty coverage.
If you want that engine to last, change your oil at 3000 miles, not 5000 miles,despite what the service manual says. And use premix to help lubricate the internals. With easily a million miles driven, I have NEVER had a rotary engine failure following those rules with the seven rotary Mazdas I have owned since 1973. One of the top auto writers at Autoweek recently picked up a FD RX7, and he religiously changes his oil every 1500 miles. I am amazed how many RX8 owners don't know that in the RX8 when you drain the oil to change the oil, you are only changing part of the total oil, the rest stays in the oil coolers. So the older oil then recirculates with the new oil and gets eventually changed and used up in injection and combustion. So the more often you keep that total oil fresh, the better cooling the oil coolers give your engine and the better protection your internal engine parts have.
There are many premixes out there. I have used for years, and really like the proven Pettit Racing Protek-R. Just go to their website to order. I have raced RX7s in past years and racers will tell you it really does make a difference to premix. I read about all the engine failures, sometimes multiple ones for the same car. I have NEVER had a single one on any of my street or race RXs since 1973.
Welcome to the RX8 fraternity and happy miles and smiles. And yes do as Mazda says and use 91 octane or higher if you want your engine and transmission to operate properly. Yes using too low octane will not only have an adverse effect on the health of your engine, but will also cause collateral poor transmission performance. I only know of a few gas stations that sell 91 octane. There are a few, but mostly you will find 92 and 93 as premium. I added Mazdaspeed Cold Air Intakes to both my RX8 and my Mazdaspeed3 GT. More added hp in the direct-injected turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 Gt, like almost 30HP and 30 additional ft. lbs of torque !. Car and Driver got the same awesome results when they did the same to their Speed 3. In the RX8 there will be a modest 5-13hp gain (it will vary and depend on the ambient air temp and humidity). There will be many nay sayers here about the CAI, but my RX8 is faster, better throttle response and better breathing, in addition to sounding better. Drive a RX8 without it, and a similar RX8 with it and you will be convinced. The CAI is relatively cheap and safe for the Renesis engine. If you get the Mazdaspeed one you will keep your Mazda warranty coverage.
08-02-2011 | 08:52 AM
#17
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 138
From: Grapevine, Texas
Bomba. The car is not designed to have the oil coolers drained during oil changes, unless you want to undo the oil lines (a messy proposition, not easy to get to, and not recommended ).
The oil cooler oil mixes with the rest of your oil and eventually gets changed and/or used up so the car and engine is designed for that . If you change your oil at every 3000 miles you will always have very fresh oil in the oil coolers.
The oil cooler oil mixes with the rest of your oil and eventually gets changed and/or used up so the car and engine is designed for that . If you change your oil at every 3000 miles you will always have very fresh oil in the oil coolers.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 08-02-2011 at 08:58 AM.
08-02-2011 | 10:51 AM
#18
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 665
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte
since you are new to this forum, the first thing I would do is add "Monchie" to you ignore list so you dont have to read every one of his mind numbing comments. Thats what I did and I wish someone had told me this earlier on. Oh and welcome
08-02-2011 | 06:07 PM
#19
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 1
From: Cacti Land, AZ
08-02-2011 | 11:10 PM
#20
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Oh "pics or it didn't happen" is a fair enough comment.
Looks like you have the same color car, but better looking rims. I am not normally a "wheels" kind of car guy, but I sure wish mine had come on 5-spokes. Seeing that pic in your sig confirms it.
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