I'm supposed to pick up my new 2005 RX-8 AT w/spoiler this weekend.

What kind of break-in time frame is recommended?
What things should I avoid for X number of miles and what is X?
Is there anything else I should be aware of with a new 8?

Thanks in advance,
Topaz88

 

This is a good thread for new owners....lots of good links throughout.
https://www.rx8club.com/australia-new-zealand-forum-37/10-things-new-rx-8-owners-should-know-day-1-a-35405/
Run it in as per the manual but let it warm up for longer than 10 sec! I wait until the rev's drop back and are stable at about 1300 and then drive it under 3500 until it's up to temp.

Best of luck.

 

Do not redline it or rag on it for 1000 miles. Check the oil. And pet it a lot until you get past 1K and can redline it! :D

 

Today's experience of what NOT to do with your 8: While driving in Colorado snow on a 3 lane 40mph road, DON'T use the 'manual' mode of the automatic to drop from 3rd to 2nd! This can yeild a very ~fun~ sensation: scare the total crap out of the driver and others on the road beside and behind you. The great feeling of powershifting all the time has only one tiny drawback: dropping to a lower gear on, shall we say less than dry conditions (ice/snow/slush mix), causes the great ability to look into the passenger window of the car next to you while looking out your windshield! Of course any good driver will instantly steer into the slide and reach for the clutch. No problem with the steering, but oh wait, we don't have a clutch! In the panic, my big foot caught the edge of the brake pedal! Not good. My brain was on the comfortable 'cruise to work' mode so it took maybe a full second to get it recovered. My heart was in my throat, but I'm still impressed that I didn't hit anyone or anything. Its the second time I've done that. I've heard that switching to real snow tires is a good idea if you drive where it snows.... A slightly risky benefit of this manuver is that it tends to clear any traffic from your general area for a few miles! Moral of the story (for me): use the 'regular' automatic mode when the weather is slippery (or, just take the truck!)

 

NEVER take it over 6k until it's warmed up. Really warmed up, not just needle at 'usual position'.

ALWAYS redline once or twice per trip (after break-in, of course). The actual rotors inside rotate at one-third the revs of the output shaft, they get carboned up if you don't get some real effort out of them.

.....and be diligent with the oil changes - half the old oil stays in the pump and cooler circuit, so regular changes take a high priority.

enjoy! :D
S

 

Dont get an auto.

I have one, Now I want ot get rid of it the car is 10000000 time more fun in manual =]

 

dont turn it off when its cold and not warmed up, ie make sure not to stall your engine driving it out of the driveway as RENESIS is flood prone

 

make sure not to hit any large potholes. stock wheels are expensive

 

really, how much is one jose?

 

what to do: anything

What not to do: DONT BY AN AUTO!!!!!

 

the dealer quoted the rpice at $510 each

but i got them for much cheaper from my friend whom owns mazdarx8online.com

 

O.O wow you can get a set of them for like 750 bucks on these forums or other rx8 forums...

 

Don't drive in the snow unless you buy snow tires

The 8 comes with summer tires for the twisties.

 

Don't shut off your DSC unless you're on a race track.

Don't forget to smile at all the chicks who take an interest in your car.

 

The door window sills are a bit high and tend to restrict vision, especially to the right, so when making tight right hand turns, be careful of curbs and other high objects. You don't want to ding those nice wheels or scrap the paint!

1.3L

 

very good point, those good looks of the slim windows have a practical disadvantage.

although make sure to use the wide front fenderwells to your benefit in parking and turns

 

yes, but i needed them ASAP. i ordered them last wednesday at 5pm and they were delivered at 10am on thursday morning. also, like i said, i didnt pay list price

 

wow the guy from mazdarx8online shipped them that fast?

yeah also i was lookin around and you're right stock wheels are about 450-550 list...

 

1. don't get an auto
2. don't drive at WOT or above 4000 RPM for 1st 1000 miles
3. after that, don't drive at WOT or above ~5000 RPM until engine has warmed up
4. if you shutdown car before it's warmed up, rev to 3000 RPM for 10 sec before turning off (otherwise, it can flood)
5. check oil every 500 miles (you'll need to add a quart every ~2000 miles... suggest you keep a quart of castrol 5w20 in trunk pass-through compartment)
6. don't drive in snow with stock tires
7. use caution with stock tires in cold weather even on dry roads (they lose some grip)
8. be careful around potholes and curbs; rims are easy to damage
9. don't use tire repair kit if you can contact roadside assistance instead (as it will destroy tire)

 

excellent tips deslock

 

yes, excellent shipping. i would definitely recommend his site if you are looking for parts. if you cant find it on his site, email him as he will usually carry things that he does not have listed.

deslock, very good tips - except for the one about not getting auto

 

1. Already mentioned but I will reiterate it... DON'T TURN THE DSC OFF unless you spend time in a training situation.

2. Leave the DSC turned on.

3. If you have the urge to turn the DSC off... DON'T!

4. DSC defaults to on for a reason, leave it on.

5. Just in case someone tells you it's OK to turn the DSC off... Don't listen to them.

6. Don't turn the DSC off.

7. DSC should be hardwired to the ON position.

8. Don't push that damn button!

 

i am a window piston who's DSC is broken, SS is also an ugly colour

 

i think im going to turn my DSC off.

 

1. don't buy auto.
2. buy Manual.
3. but one with a clutch.
4. buy the 6 speed tranny.
5. don't buy only two pedals.
6. go have some fun.