Hey all, just bought an '04 RX-8 with Grand Touring package, 47k miles.

First of all, the new owner FAQ thread is fantastic and gave me a ton of reassurance that, with just a little extra effort, the RX-8 can be a reliable and enjoyable ride for years to come.

I would like to clarify a few things I read in that thread, as well as pose a few questions of my own. I will try to keep it brief.

First of all, my Carfax states that the car has had zero recalls....can this be trusted (in regards to the emmissions issues, coils, etc)?

Second, I want to address starting issues...right now the starting is a tough process. I went out and bought an Optima Redtop battery tonight. The next thing I will do is replace the plugs with OEM's. Now, as far as the upgraded starter goes, what is a viable, affordable option? I will also check to see that the PCM firmware is updated. Is this an appropriate series of actions?

Third, what does the RX-8 sound like at idle? I am not used to a rotary engine, so I want to make sure I am hearing what I should be....please be specific as possible.

Fourth, the first thing I did was check the oil level. It was fine. I have checked it as recently as this evening. It is fine. I threw a quart in the trunk to be safe. HOWEVER, when I start the car, the oil light comes on until I drive for about 200 yards. Occassionally, it will come on at a redlight until I start moving, then goes off. I do not like this at all, but the pressure is fine as is the level. This issue actually concerns me the most. Any guidance here would be VERY appreciated.

Thanks so much in advance, I am really excited to be a part of this forum and learn more about these awesome machines.

 

First, welcome to the addiction! (it's called an addiction, cause one you start tinkering with your car, you'll forget all about the rest of your life... )

1. Carfax- Call Mazda USA, or your local dealer with your VIN. They should be able to confirm.

2. Starting- Redtop was bought out by another company. Can't recall, but they aren't the same quality they were in the past. Regardless, it may be your starter (not upgraded) or your plugs and coils. I'd probably change those. If you need a starter, check ebay or else Mazmart, an vendor of these forums.

3. Idle- on cold starts, the idle can jump from 1k-2.5k. When warm, idle is 700-800rmp. You'll probably hear 'popping' in the exhaust. That's normal. (FYI- the air-pump will 'enrich' your air/fuel mixture until the CAT is warmed up)

4. Oil- the gauges in the car are dummy. I'd recommend purchasing some aftermarket gauges to measure your oil temp/ pressure, and your coolant temp (Check out racingbeat dot com). May even want to have your dealer take a look at it.

Good luck

 

3) I don't really know what you are looking for here. In it's stock setup the RX8 is a pretty silent car at idle. If you swap exhausts or slap a midpipe in there you can really hear the difference. As RX8Soldier stated you will hear some pops or blips in idle from time to time coming from the exhaust and that would be considered normal. Under load the exhaust tone should remain pretty steady through the power bands where a piston engine jumps around a little more.

4) Ermmm...how did you measure pressure? Beside that...the oil sensor is in the oil pan and could be failing or gunked up. You have to drop the pan in order to look at it though. ICK!

 

Before plugs I would do coils. Then share the results. You may need both, but there is a chance that new coils will win the day. Plugs should last longer than they seem to, but we see fouled plugs, replace them, then later do the coils when they might have been the real problem.

Also, if you have not seen it, hit the $100 thread in my sig, sounds like you found the other one already.

 

Plugs are cheaper to replace then coils which is why they are done first in that process. With the misfire issue though I would try and do a physical inspection of the connections to ensure something just didn't come loose. We have had a couple of locals not get the plug wire all the way on and work themselves loose to cause the misfire. You should feel them snap on when they get on. Also...I would verify the plug order to make sure a wire just isn't crossed.