Hey all. On thursday I will be trading in a heavily modified 2002 Lightning for a Nordic Green RX-8 manual w/ all available options. Dropped off the deposit today, and had the Lightning appraised. I was wondering if you gents (or ladies) could give me a heads up on things to do/look for. Any recalls I should know about? What about oil & oil filter as well as break in? Have there been problems with the Nav. systems? Should I ask/tell the dealer or salesman anything before I take delivery? What are the first things I should do? I have always owned SVT vehicles (Lightnings & cobras and 1 SVT contour...which would be the closest thing to this RX-8 that I have ever had) and a few lincolns and mustangs thrown in and thus have no idea how to deal with asian imports. I know I will miss the Lightning terribly (well, the massive HP & Torque, not the 8 miles per gallon and tire stripping as well joke to drive in winter) but I look forward to having a stick again as well as a back seat and trunk. Anyway, any help/info/heads-up would be greatly appreciated

BAM

 

search this site...lots of info....

 

You do know your SVT was faster than the RX-8 in 0-60 & 1/4 Mile? Just want to prevent a new thread next week " why is my RX-8 slower than a P/U truck"

As for your questions take a look at this link
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ocs/index.html
Depending on the build date of your 8 ( after 5/2004) most of the issues & recalls should be taken care of.
Next here is a link to the owners manual, it’s big (11 megs) READ IT COVER TO COVER!! It will answer your other questions.
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/...004_owners.pdf

 

First of all, you're going to enjoy the move from rollerblades to a four-wheeled, gasoline powered vehicle. But I'm confused--didn't know folks were modifying those rollerblades. Here's some info for your trade-in.

http://www.store.yahoo.com/123skate/rollig05men.html

 

Hey. Thanx for all this info. Theres no doubt Im aware the lightning was faster..after mods I put 423hp/500tq to the tires on the dyno, so I knew I was going to be traveling ALOT slower...but that "power-nut" feeling wears off after awhile and you start to want more "car-like" features. It had many great things...but more not-so-great things. Like the payment. I will miss pulling up to ZO6's and knowing that when that light turned green he was going to be wondering what the he!! just happened, but I need something a bit more practical.

Also, the salesman doesn't know the build date, but it was ordered or prepped in january, so I can only assume it was likely made before may. Could you please list the issues with the RX-8's made before this month? What should I bring up to the dealer before purchase? This info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again.

 

“the salesman doesn't know the build date” , You were smart to ask us your questions. Do not trust that salesman and again read the manual before you leave the lot. If the car is on the lot all he needs to do is open the drivers door and look at the tag on the sill for the build date. If you know the VIN you can call Mazda USA and get the build date. Again look at this link http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ocs/index.html It lists all the recalls and service bulletins related to the RX-8. If your 8 was built before 4/2004 the most important “TSB” is http://www.finishlineperformance.com...1-04-1273d.pdf

Known to us as the “M-Flash” (https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=34936). The most important thing you can do is make sure the above TSB / M-Flash was done to your 8. In fact I would not take the car without it as Mazda has instructed ALL dealers to do it. If it was done by the dealer the car SHOULD have a sticker like the 6/2004 one on mine

https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21605

 

Again, thank you for the info and blazing fast response. Does that "M-flash" have a recall #? Was it a recall? If not, do I just give them the Bulletin #? I would like to call dealer and give tham a list of recall #'s to be sure all have been performed. Turns out build date was Jan 15 '04.

 

The "M" flash is among the TSB's on that list. Read them all, they're identified by build date and VIN #. Make the dealer do the ones that apply before you accept the car.

Also, check out this thread on the DIY forum.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-oil-cooler-opening-mesh-grille-replacement-8147/

The AC condensor and oil coolers on the RX-8 are very vulnerable to stone damage. The sooner you protect them the better. If you don't want to DIY from scratch several forum members fabricate and will sell screens already made up. Removing the front bumper is easy, there's a DIY thread with pix for that too, it's linked somewhere within the thread above.

Oh, don't even think of driving in the snow with the stock tires. You'll kill yourself and the car too.

Finally, enjoy!!!

 

I looked through the SB's and the only ones pertaining to me that worried me were the 1604B-a & 1604B-b and the Mflash. So I called and left a message with my salesman to make sure they were done. If he says they were, can I verify this? Where was that sticker on your car located expo, so that I may check that on mine to make sure it was completed. Thank you.


P.S. Does anyone know where in Japan the rx's are assembled?

 

According to the window sticker they are 97% Japanese parts assembled in Hiroshima, Japan. That is why they glow in the dark at night

If and or when they do the M-Flash they are supposed to place a sticker in the engine compartment, mine was placed under the hood in the front(see photo) The other pic is of the door tag that tells you the build date.