First i would like to say this is a great forum I've been reading around for a few days here now and learned alot about the rx8 and a lot more about the rotary then i already knew.

Anyways, I'm in the market for a new car coming from an 01 gt eclipse but is starting to have problems etc. and I'm hooked on the RX8 now. I will most likely be going for a used 8 05-06. haven't gotten a chance to test drive which is why im not 100% sure on the car but I've heard nothing but good things about it either way it will be a major improvement over my eclipse.

Just have a few questions:

I live in Ny and I've been reading alot about the flooding issues with the 8 now i know I'm going to be good with warming up the car before i go but what do you think the best way to prevent it happening just have the latest flashes and battery, starter. I also read something about holding the pedal down twice then hold and crank etc. and what should i do if it happens just clean the plugs. I will only have to deal with that for the next few months because i will be mving to florida soon.

Also, this will be my first manual transmission car any tips, hints. I've have drove a manual a few times but not much i know how too just have very limited experience with it. I heard it has a very narrow catch for the clutch.

Anyways sorry for the long post thank you for any and all responses.

 

Flooding RARELY happens. They fixed that little problem real quick.

Manual tranny is easy, especially on these RX's . . they are very forgiving.

And good choice moving from (cold) NY to (warm) Florida

 

Good luck and for sure you are going to love the 8 and this gang of hoodlums on the forum.

 

60k and not once have a flooded it - you have nothing to worry about hell you can flood any car as a matter of fact !

 

READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

Welcome!

 

Welcome to the forum and congrats on making a great choice. After your test drive try not to look too happy; the salesman will try to take more of your money...LOL

I drive my 8 year round in Canada: don't worry too much about flooding.

 

Welcome. I don't think flooding was ever an issue with '05 and up which is what you say you are looking at. It shouldn't take long to get used to a manual RX-8. It has a very mechanical/precise feel which lets you know exactly what the gears/clutch/drivetrain is doing. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the welcomes cant wait to test drive and pick out the one i want will keep you guys posted and post pics.

 

you'll love it, and you'll be happy you got a manual. Shifting your own gears is what real driving is all about.

I still have trouble with mine from time to time because I have a saturn daily driver whose clutch is so worn out that I really can't stall the car anymore, there is no feel to it whatsoever, so when I get into the 8 I have to get used to the clutch having a definate catch point. It's easy to get used to though, it'll become second nature in a matter of about 2 weeks. Remember to never ride the clutch.

If you have the extra money you should head out to a track with it and get some driving lessons on how to do stuff like heel-toe and the more performance oriented parts of shifting and driving, not because you'll need it for everyday driving, but since you're just learning you'll have a good chance to learn how to do it correctly now instead of trying to unlearn bad habits later if you decide to do it then.

 

I just bought one with 45k only to find out the syncros were going out, so watch out for that. Otherwise, it's a hell of a lot of fun. All the best with the car and learning the clutch.

 

I would say congrats , but I won't , let us know when you get it , then I will .......

 

Oh ya the only thing I'm worried about is getting into first once i do that ill be fine but as for more advanced lessons ill have my buddy teach me that stuff because hes really good at driving stick and is know for his driving skills only thing is hes usually in PA so ill have to catch him when hes back down. I know what not to do and what to do so dont worry i wont ride the clutch. Thanks for all the reassurances and tips.

 

Congrats, I wish I had mine already.

As far as learning stick goes...Just learn the engagement point on the clutch and you should be good to go.

 

go test drive it, i instantly decided that i want the 8 after i test drove it.

 

The latest flash has apparently fixed (or greatly diminished) the flooding problem. The starter and battery upgrade in the older 8s don't actually fix the issue: they just give a better shot at starting if it floods. But don't be frightened by all the discussion: the incidence of any problem in internet fora is MUCH higher than in real life.

You don't need to warm it up before driving: just let it run for 10 seconds or so, then go. (The best way to warm any car is to drive it gently. Prolonged idling is never any good.) Don't turn the 8 off unless you've driven long enough for it to have warmed up.


Clutch action is smooth. Since you've driven manual a few times, you know how it works. That's really the crux of it. You'll be fine. Have fun with it!

Ken

 

Well I'm sorry to say I flooded mine after 4 years. It was due to a low battery which went dead.

After re-charging and cranking a few times with pedal to the metal she started.

I had to partially recharge twice and crank about 5-6 times each try.

I think the only real issue you will have is if the battery is too low or goes dead. Then she can be very easy to flood.

And that's with the oldd slow cranking starter.

you should be fine. At first sign of new battery get one.

It would be best to have the new starter.