Hey all Ive got a few questions, firstly when I was younger I had a tuner civic and always loved the RX-7's, in fact I still do. I know very little about the rotary engine but I understand how it works and want to know how reliable they are. I also want to know if the 8 has the potential to be the performance car the 7 was? Im 33 years old and have the ability to enjoy the car I own and do the upgrades it deservers but on the other hand I really dont feel like dumping a ton of money into a car and have it fall short. If any of you are previous 7 owners and you can give me your opinions on the pros and cons of the 7 vs 8 that would be wonderful. Thanks everyone.

Brett

previous owner of a bored, stroked, turbo'd 600hp civic at the flywheel.

 

1.) Search

2.) If you're looking for something with a lot of potential the RX-8 isn't for you

 

I guess I should have been a little clearer, I have no interest in drag racing or drifting or anything of the sort. I enjoy canyon driving, I enjoy daily driving and screwing around. I have no urge to go out and buy a vette or something like that because they are a dime a dozen.

 

You can cross the RX7 off your list if youre llokginf ro a daily driver. the 8 seems likea good car for you to drive as a daily driver and to whip it out in the canyons when you feel like it... Do a lil more research of the rotary first before you start getting interested in buying one.

 

rotary isn't for you. maybe upgrade to an accord now?

 

The Rx-8 will perform a bit like the single turbo 2nd generation Rx-7s. ONly more torque and no lag, and 6 gears. IT will also turn better and have a much nicer interrior. Mazda didn't want people tuning them much and blowing the engines giving them bad reliability titles like the Rx-7s (which hurt sales). So they wired in SOOO many failsafes in the ECU that won't let you go turbo very easily or expand the engine in much for any way. HKS sells an ECU overide program but it costs a hefty $5,000-ish. It will allow you to change fuel injectors, go forced injections, and run some ports and other rotary mods. They aren't designed to be expanded without alot of money but do have potential and the chassis is superior for cornering and braking. It would also be a handsome, feature filled- reliable daily driver as well. I think it would be perfect for you to buy a nice Shinka Rx-8, throw some springs, brakes, and a mazdaspeed exhaust on(for the sound, not much performance if any noticable). And have a fun zippy car that is both comfortable, and able to get decent track (tracks with turns) time.

 

Search and you'll be able to read lots of opinions so you can make up your own mind.

 

an rx-8 would be a great daily driver and occasional canyon run/track day. while it wont reach the high hp numbers that the rx-7 achieved without spending a serious amount of money, it still is a fun car for what its worth. very nice handling and a nice looking car.

another thing to note is the car is not very bolt on friendly. there arent very large gains to be seen with intake or exhaust.

just search around a little to see how to handle the little quirks of the rotary engine and any other useful info.
there is a ton of great info on this site if you look for it

good luck

 

basically! rotary is a great engine! people put the rx8 down because they dont know how to manage the engine. If you want to be more physical with your car then get the rx8. Its great for canyon driving ( great handleing!). But then again its no straight line car! get her up to 85 + and u will basically take anything that comes accross you.

 

If you're looking to replace your 600whp civic, the RX8 is not that. If you want more modest and reliable numbers, the right turbo/ECU kit can get you good results, but expect to spend big $$. Cheaper options exist elsewhere.

But as a "canyon carver", I'd say the 8's brakes and handling, stock, are as good as any. And more importantly, it feels right, but drive one and see for yourself.

 

With 5k in mods you can have a fast rx8.

Word is still out on whether it will be a fast and reliable rx8 though, so far so good.

Remember real world gas mileage is 14-15 mpg.

 

No...

 

For now, the rx8 is a great car with limits on what you can do aftermarket and getting more power out of the car. The way some people talk about the renesis engine, there's a lot of potential, just need patience to find out how to tap into that. Great for a daily driver except for the gas mileage which I find tollerable.

 

All good info everyone, as far as the gas mileage. Lol I am currently driving a 10mpg beast so I ride my Harley to and from work the majority of the time unless Im going to freeze my nads off or its raining. Rain at 75-80mph on a bare face HUUUUUURTS ><. I dont expect it to replace the old civic I had. That was a daily driver gone WOOOPS. In fact that motor is still sitting at Golden Eagle. We toyed with the idea of making a sand rail out of it but decided we liked living instead lol. I appreciate the info for sure.

Im very torn but in no rush, I have to sell my truck first then Ill be getting my new vehicle I like the idea of a great handling car with a little extra juice to screw around with on the street if I get a chance. The hardest part for me will be buying a car and not dumping entirely way to much money into it, small bad habit of mine. Like I said I drive a 10mpg beast now, a 2002 four wheel drive avalanche with 15k in long travel suspension. Another woops went a lil to far. I can finally sell that though because i have a trailer off road beater jeep.

Brett
If anyone is curious here are some pics of the Avy, just for fun.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...AvySuspension/

 

Wow... holy *****. You like all kinds of cars dont cha? lol.

 

This is not a tuner car. If you love it when you test drive it, you'll be fine. If you don't love it right away, don't buy it.

Good luck