So I had a misfire at high rpms, my mpg's have fallen, and there is a slight power drop around 6.5k rpms. Im not questioning whether or not i have an ignition issue I'm asking what I should do about it and how to go about seeing whats bad.

I was going to start with the spark plugs, but I'm not really sure how to tell if they have gone bad...

While checking the spark plugs I was going to check the coils, I got the instructions for that from Jedi.

Now if it turns out I need coils does that mean I need to get wires also?

And as for replacements:
I know the BHR ignition system is the way to go but... Im a poor college student, is it really worth getting it if im not really intending on going the FI route?

Thanks very much for any help and advice in advance!

EDIT: Some extra info:

Car is an '05 has 50k miles And I don't know if the coils have ever been changed I could pull the service records on it but that'd be a pain I feel lol..

 

First of all, the service records only reflect what work was done at the dealership. If the previous owner spent any time on this forum, he'll might have done the coils or he might have not. As a precautionary measure, replacing the coils would be the best choice since they are a maintenance item and your car will run weaker with failing coils.

After being in your shoes for about a month, I decided to go with the BHR Ignition Kit. It's not because of all the hype and what not. I just don't want that same feeling again when I'm going up a hill and all of a sudden - it feels as if I hit a brick wall. The Yukon coils alone are expensive and I've had first hand experience with LS coils on a Corvette before.....so I know they're quality pieces.

- If you want to change out coils every 20k-30k miles, then go with the OEM coils.

These should run you about $2xx with new OEM ignition coils (4 of them), Plug Wires (People recommend Racing Beat's Ultra Plug Wires, Race Roots's Moroso Plug Wires, or BHR's Magnecor Wires). You're at 50k miles now, so figure if you keep the car until 100k miles, you'll most likely have to do the coils another time 25k-30k miles later.

- If you want an ignition upgrade, go with the BHR kit.

If you decide to get serious later, you can change dwell settings to optimize spark for your application whether you're FI or NA. The Yukon/LS2 ignition coils are much more stout in nature than the stock Mazda pieces. They have a manufacturer's recommended service interval that exceed 100k miles. So you be the judge. Being that the RX8 suffers from such a weak ignition system and has issues with flooding, I would say that the upgrade is worth it in my books.

You be the judge. I plan on keeping this car for a while.

 

I think that could have been some of the best advice I've ever gotten on this forum lol thank you!

But anyways today I went to get the code pulled just to make sure it was a misfire (it sounded like one and felt like one) and I was told there was no logged code no idea what that means, I think I'll probably go with the ignition upgrade and save myself from any future doubts and headaches