Help! Proper RX8 usage
08-11-2009 | 10:53 PM
#27
First, welcome to the world of rotary engines.
I recommend 5w30. That's what Mazda specifies everywhere except the US and Canada. Since you're in southern California, you could use the heavier grades that a lot of people recommend, without doing any harm.
IMHO, synthetic is just a waste of money in any car if you change oil every 3000 miles.
Just let it run for about 10 seconds after starting. That's what the owner's manual says, and is reasonable for any car to let oil pressure build up, let things settle down, etc. After driving, if it's warm, just turn it off, no revving. If you don't drive it far enough to warm up, then you let it idle til it is warm and rev to 3k before shutting it off.
Idling is generally not good for any car. You might need to idle in very cold weather for the fast idle and enrichment to finish off, but other than that cars are best warmed by driving gently.
Redlining is recommended for rotaries. Usually you can do it legally only in first or second gear. Shift at higher rpm than you're used to. The power comes in at high rpm, and it's not hurt by revving. In fact, revving a rotary engine is good for both the engine and your soul.
As far as revving ordinary cars - don't forget the classic "Italian tune up."
Read the FAQs and stickies for more tips. And browse the site enough to get a feel for who the knowledgable people are and who are not.
Ken
I recommend 5w30. That's what Mazda specifies everywhere except the US and Canada. Since you're in southern California, you could use the heavier grades that a lot of people recommend, without doing any harm.
IMHO, synthetic is just a waste of money in any car if you change oil every 3000 miles.
Just let it run for about 10 seconds after starting. That's what the owner's manual says, and is reasonable for any car to let oil pressure build up, let things settle down, etc. After driving, if it's warm, just turn it off, no revving. If you don't drive it far enough to warm up, then you let it idle til it is warm and rev to 3k before shutting it off.
Idling is generally not good for any car. You might need to idle in very cold weather for the fast idle and enrichment to finish off, but other than that cars are best warmed by driving gently.
Redlining is recommended for rotaries. Usually you can do it legally only in first or second gear. Shift at higher rpm than you're used to. The power comes in at high rpm, and it's not hurt by revving. In fact, revving a rotary engine is good for both the engine and your soul.
As far as revving ordinary cars - don't forget the classic "Italian tune up."
Read the FAQs and stickies for more tips. And browse the site enough to get a feel for who the knowledgable people are and who are not.
Ken
Coming from the chemical process side of it.
EDIT: Oh and if you change your own oil it's really not that expensive to use synthetic.
Last edited by Are-Ex-Eight; 08-11-2009 at 10:57 PM.
08-11-2009 | 11:29 PM
#28
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,027
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From: Northern Virginia
Ken
08-12-2009 | 10:14 AM
#29
EVOLVChicago.org
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Palatine, IL
. You are definitely in the right place as far as new-owner info. I have learned a ton about driving/maintaining my 8. As many have said before me, welcome to the addiction my friend...enjoy the ride!
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