I have a 2005 RX-8 with around 49k miles. Bought the car in HI, then moved to CO a year later. Just recently (within past 2 months) it shakes extremely bad when idling and has completely died 3 times while at a stop light. Two times after I shut off it was able to start back up immediantly, the last time took about 5 mins to start back up. I take it to a Mazda dealer every 3k miles for oil change. Last time we went in the said everything was running decent (before this started happening first time changing oil at this dealership in CO). Any ideas to what I need to do? or to check. Spark Plugs were replaced back in 07 at 25k miles, haven't replaced them since. Any ideas will be helpful.

 

Since you didn't mention coils, I am betting that your coils are completely shot. They only last roughly 30,000 miles on average before they start to fail, so you are probably still on your original coils, 20,000 miles past the recommended change point, and failing coils will cause all of those problems.


Change your wires while you are at it, and I would recommend the plugs again too, since you are only 10k from that change again anyway, and failing coils/wires can accelerate plug failure.




Might want to read up on common issues with the 8 here: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/


And don't pay out the *** to have a dealer do it. Simple tools and 30 minutes and you can do it yourself, $240-$270 in parts

 

Thanks for the info!

 

/end thread... lol completely answered by RIWWP

 

^ Wait... oh yeah he did, lol

 

Might as well add that spark plugs generally last around 30k miles as well, so your coming up on needing new spark plugs too.

 

I did add that in my original answer

 

Yeah, thread almost dead, but does the OP have any CEL on?

Most likely what has been said of course and don't want to confuse him any, but could still be other things.

However.............coils, plugs, and maybe wires have to come first.

 

Ok so what is the best coil to purchase, saw on another thread that Duralast aren't great? What would be the best, and what kind of wires would be the best? Thanks for all the info!

 

Answer depends on money.
If OEM coils, then probably buy a set from Mazmart, they are a vendor on this site. http://www.mazmart.com/ItemDetail.aspx?id=1903
You can see this would run you about $310.00 for coils, plugs, and wires....that's a good deal. They have other options as well...if you don't need all three. http://www.mazmart.com/PartsList.aspx?id=38&n=NEW&m=6

If not, then go with a BHR............ http://blackhaloracing.com/?page_id=...&product_id=19
Yeah, it seems like it's a little steeper at about $500.00 but is for sure the way to go if you can afford it.
I have an order with them right now, even though I have no issue with my car........right now I have a defunct companies aftermarket igntion system that I am scared of going South and want this as a back-up. I will not go back to OEM.
Hell, when I get the BHR it won't even really be a back-up. I'm putting it in and the other may become the back-up, or I will part out to others that might need those components and/or coils.

 

Duralast, 2 yrs warranty. swap it every 1/2 year for free.

or go AAP, Lifetime warranty, cost about the same with coupon.

about 100 bux

 

Or.........this route!

 

I also have a 05 with 36K and had similar issues, replaced coils and all was good. Do not wait, my coil failed and caused me to be towed home.

I bought my coils at NAPA for about $170 and they are identical to OEM. I hear O'Rialys (Spelling) also sells OEM coils for much less. Go this route if price is most important.

If price is secondary to performance BHR has a custom coil set which is far superior to stoke but you'll pay around $500 for them. It is one of the nicer upgrades you can put on the car.

Good luck.