punch a hole in the filter definitely helps draining it, but because of the way the filter is tilted, there will always be some oil that can't be drained away. In this case I just shove some shop paper towels (the blue stuff) around the base of the filter mount, and I usually catch whatever is left in the filter without putting a drop of oil to the ground

oh, and I recommend getting a Fumoto drain valve for the oil pan, once you have it on you won't even need to drive the car up on the ramps to change the oil :D

 

I didn't have a problem with oil getting all over the place when I took off the filter, but I let the oil drain for a long time - maybe that helped??? I worked on the plugs while the oil was draining.

I got the OEM plugs from Rosenthal, I don't think I got the hot plugs.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...&preadd=action

Haven't had any issues to this point, so I stuck with the regular plugs.

dag

 

I have one of those, but IIRC it wouldn't screw on without the Fumoto extension, too. Was that your experience, ZoomZoomH?

 

yup, do need the extension for successful installation :D

 

Your pics were a little out of focus, but they looked normal for 40K. I replaced mine at 30K myself also. What wires did you get?

 

yeah sorry about that - I should have got my digital camera and took the pictures right. I used the OEM wires - also from Rosenthal.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...&preadd=action

dag

 

I had a 94 accord, $23k almost maintanence free except for valve adjustment every 36k-$300, and of course the timing belt at 90k-$400plus. Still It gave me no problem except replaced the exhaust system twice in 70k at about $600. And I enjoyed ownership as much as any car except the 8 which I love much more. All cars have thier costs of ownership. I can't gripe.

 

I had my plugs changed at 37k miles for free

didnt notice any difference really

 

Same here. No performance diff that I could tell.

 

that means those 40k mi plugs are still performing up to par... probably can use it to 60k, like the manual says :o

 

I thought the manual says to replace at 37K. I think the 60K replacement is for km.

dag

 

That's correct!

 

$87.65 for all 4 plugs shipped from sparkplugs.com

 

That kind of spark longevity is a fairly recent phenomenon. Prior to the 1980s spark plugs were fairly routine maintenance - part of a normal "tune up". Good riddance to those days, you might say. But, really, changing out at 40k miles isn't that big a chore. Heck, I'll probably take them out before then just to see how things are going. And while the cost of the plugs is exorbitant compared to others, the cost per mile isn't that significant a part of ownership cost.

It's not that painful. Checking once every 500 miles or so is more than often enough to keep tabs on the oil. It's a good practice on any car, really.

The flooding issue was fixed in 2004. Let it go

"If you can find a better car, buy it" - Lee Iacocca. Any car is a compromise. In addition to the weaknesses you cite the RX-8 optimizes a unique combination of strengths, which is why I bought the car.

Have you seen these "normal" people? They drive friggin' SUVs, for Chrissake! :D