Since the Service Bulletins 01-013/08 & 01-014/08 came out last week, I decided to perform an acceleration experiment with my '07 6sp AUTO RX-8. I used my son's Vag-Com OBDII scan program and plotted Vehicle Speed vs Time. (see .pdf attachment). 50 deg F, 2) 170 lb people inside, 1/2 tank gas, fully automatic shifts, fully off throttle start. Only mod from stock is K&N Air Filter element inside of stock box.

Would like to know if this looks reasonable for engine power generation or am I suffering from carbon build-up/sticky seals as the bulletin is advising about.

I must confess that I have been driving it like a little-old-lady from Passedina. (I'm in New England and drive it in cold weather as well.

Thanks!

 

9.0 seconds to 60 mph seems very unreasonable even for an auto...

 

then again looking at this vid and clocking with a stopwatch to 100 kph which is about 62 mph I get 10 seconds (who knows how credibile this is though... lol)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN0jRfFc2ZI

 

Did you only do it once, or is that an average of several runs? I would do it at least three times.

 

9 seconds 0-60?! RX8.. to shame

 

What was your technique?

Off pedal to start then instantly pedal all the way down?

 

Thanks!

I shall re-rum multiple times and also just record a single parameter to increase the data sampling rate on the OBD (I was recording 4 and getting 0.75 sec update rates on the vehicle speed.

As a side note, I inquired about SeaFoam to the manufacturer, and they indicate that thier product is petroleum based and indicated not to harm seals on rotors.

I shall try the product and report same back here.

Bill B

 

Actually, it was rolling at approx 2 mph, foot off throttle, then instantly depressed throttle without touching the brakes.

Post analysis of my data indicates that it may be actually approx 8.25 sec 0-60 time, and even then, the vehicle speed may have been filtered (slight lag in display as opposed to actual vehicle speed).

The correct way would be a 5th wheel or a radar device with little lag and fast data aquisition rates, but alas, I'm only a backyard mechanic.

Bill B.

 

correct me if im wrong as i havent had an auto in a long time, but wouldnt the best method for getting a good 0-60 time be by loading up the torque converter? ie hold break, rev to 3-4k quickly, then let go of the break and floor it...

 

Yes, to the hold the brake for best 0-60, but:

a) I'm over 50 and can appreciate the converter stress, trans fluid rapid thermal shock, and drivetrain impulses that I can relate to

b) I just wanted to have experienced folk look at the data (i.e. 60 to 80 mph in 5 seconds) to determine if I have a gross power loss issue as described in the recent Service Bulletins.

c) Yes, I used to pull many a hole-shot in many an auto in my younger days ....

bb

 

If you had a really crapy car it is also fun to rev it in neutral and than pop it into drive. I guess that does the same thing as the brake technique.

 

Wow your car is slow..

 

It shouldn't be, our 170 horse Subaru is faster than that.

 

I drove a 6 speed a/t today. I would not be at all shocked if a roll on 0-60 was in the mid to low 8 second range even as high as 9 seconds. It just doesn't want to move..

 

Maybe automatics just need torque to work well.

How does it drive up hill, does it constantly shift up and down?

 

See the thing is you dont know when your going to go and its the same why with the AT 8's. You never know. One day I was driving home back from the dealer and when I was getting on the freeway she did not pull like before. I knen it was time. The feeling sucks. Then the life was slipping away. I pulled over only to find she would not go over 30 then 15 then she stoped. It was a sad day. Like she was not ment to go before her time.
Yeah drove it like I car jacked someone five min ago but that did not help. Had two oil coolers for over two years. Did not help.
Good luck! but your times sound about right for a AT 8

 

When I bought my MX-5 in Oct. '06, I test drove an automatic RX-8 just for jollies and was totally underwhelmed. It seemed to have no where near the pep of the Miata.

We now have a new '07 Rex - 6 speed manual. It is a totally different experience, in my opinion, from the automatic. Love it! the pleasure comes from the totality of the driving experience.

Those who don't or can't drive a manual should learn how before buying, unless there is some other good reason for needing an automatic. The manual transmission RX-8 is a winner.