Novus 128

So im looking to buy a use sports car in January because used sports car priced go down a lot during the winter. The RX-7 is one of my favorite cars but finding a good RX-7 is like finding a needle in a haystack around here.

So from what i read about RX-8's there are engine issues. What specifically are these issues? I mean don't get me wrong here but an engine should last more than 60K miles and so many are being swapped out in these cars.

Is it just owner neglect? rotary engine consume oil, so is it just previous owners not realizing this?

I can stay on top of maintenance no problem but i don't want to spend 10 grand on a car that is going to blow an engine.

i also read about reliability mods but can't seem to find musch on them. So what mods are they?

And the cats over heat a melt so i assume there is an aftermarket replacement?

ken-x8

Engine failure rate has been in the range 5% to 7%. Most were in early years from overheating of automatic transmission models in hot climates. Others were likely from poor assembly (especially the first round of US-rebuilts) and carbon buildup from driving too gently. There is an occasional dimbulb who does not know about rotary oil consumption, but most owners keep their 8s maintained.

There's a 100k mile warranty on the engine. IMHO, if you're going to worry about engine failure on an 8 you should consider whether your nerves are up to buying any used sports car.

You really need to read the FAQs and new owner info threads here.

Ken

Novus 128

thanks for that information. It just seems when someone is asked about RX-8's anywhere else the consensus is that they are not reliable. I didn't believe that Mazda would make a shitty car and keep making it.

terch1

iTrader: (2)

OP there are literally hundreds of post describing the mechanical issues related to the rotary engine. I myself have found my 8 to be very reliable provided I give it the care it requires. I did just have my engine replaced, however I was not the first owner of the vehicle. It was previously owned my a young female who most likely did not properly maintain the vehicle. I have paid very little out-of-pocket costs with the exception of money spent on aftermaket mods adn general maintenance (brakes, oil, plugs, wires, coils, etc.)

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

OP: Read the opening posts in this thread if you haven't: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/




To be fair though, plenty of car manufacturers have made shitty cars in the past, and most of them kept right on making them. Kia comes to mind. Most manufacturers have had at least 1 that they kept right on going with.

Roidz

I would look for an '06 or newer if it fits in your budget. $10k might only get you an '04 though with higher mileage.

Novus 128

it all depends. around here i can find 2005's with 50k miles for 9.5k im sure once winter hits a 2006 will be no problem.

Novus 128

Ok so from what i gather the RX-8 Motor has 2 issues, Oil and ignition.

If i get some BHR coils then the ignition is fixed.

To solve the oil issues i need to up the oil pressure to RX-7 levels. Now is the actual oil injector smaller on the renesis than the 13B? If so does upping the pressure really solve the problem?

Razz1

Access Port to control the oil.

Novus 128

So if i were to do the upgraded coils, the access port, and add a longer tube to the coolant tanks then i should avoid all engine failure and PS failure due to design (not by neglect)

this is all assuming that the motor i receive is in good condition from the start.

DocBeech

iTrader: (1)

you can get an 04 for as little as 8500 out the door some places. remember if you decide to buy one that you have the fact they arent selling to your advantage. goto edmunds find the dealer price and under cut it.

New Yorker

You don't need to do any of those things. The Renesis is a well designed engine. With proper routine maintenance, the odds of your '05-'08 car needing an engine swap are quite small.

Engine lubrication was slightly modified starting with the '09 model. How slightly? Read any review of the "refreshed" '09 RX-8 and you'll find that the lubrication system redesign barely warrants a mention, if mentioned at all. When it is noted, it's always buried in a paragraph near the end of the review. You know, the paragraph where they lump all the minor, too-insignificant-to-talk-about changes. Reviews of the new RX-8s are always about the revised exterior, suspension tweaks, revised dash, revised gearing, etc. Tweaks to the lubrication system are simply not part of the discussion. Ask yourself why.

(By the way, I assume by now you realize that the Renesis consumes a small amount of oil by design. Adding oil between oil changes is – by design – what's supposed to happen.)

ken-x8

The oil pressure does not have anything to do with the oil injectors. The injectors are fed by the OMP, which injects oil by volume according to whatever the ECU tells it to do. I think the folks here who have been upping oil pressure are sincere and are having a good time figuring out how to do it, but it's not at the mainstream of theories of maintaining the Renesis.

The discussions about what weight oil to use are much more relevant, and have been joined by engine builders who have actually seen the inside of failed engines. That covers wear on the bearings, etc., but not seals. If you're concerned about seal lubrication, then premix covers any issues about the OMP and injectors.

I know today is Halloween, but don't let the over-maintainers scare you.

Ken

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

The increase in oil pressure was due to bearing wear that was noticed on a couple of engines, that were torn down, with over 100,000 miles. The oil pressure regulator that is sold for this purpose if from an RX7 and is sold by Mazmart. Mazmart rebuilds rotary engines for applications for applications from street cars to cars of pro racing series.

bcdjudo7

If you're wanting to do mods, make sure you don't go up to an 09 or series 2, Very difficult to get anything at this point. Cobb accessport doesn't even work for it. I love my R3 but it's a pain to find anything for it. Hoping that changes after some time but we'll see.