Hello,

I'm getting ready to take my 8 down to Rotary Resurrection for a new engine rebuild and wanted to get needed parts ordered before making the trip. I'm know for sure I'm going to need a new upgraded starter (as I still have the original) and coils. My 8 is an '05 automatic and I haven't had much luck locating a new upgraded starter. I know there are 4 upgraded starter models. However, I do not know the model numbers or if they're even compatible with an automatic transmission. For the coils, I was thinking BHR coils but I wasn't sure if this would be complete overkill as the car is just a daily driver. Can anyone assist me or have any recommendations on these? Thanks in advance for any help provided!

 

The automatic RX-8 uses a different starter. The starter from the MT is NOT physically interchangeable.

 

Thanks for the response. I was hoping to be able to find some quality OEM alternatives. However, I might just have to order one of the one's from Mazmart but I'm unsure of the upgraded automatic starter model numbers.

 

Hey Obsolete...I have been trying to dig into some of this information for some time now but it seems to a little confusing...so,
Here is what i have found and someone please correct me if im wrong...or add information as needed...

N3H1 - 2003 original starter (1.2kw, 220 to 250 RPM)
N3H1 A - Upgraded starter (260-280 RPM)
N3Z1 - 2006 (2kw starter, 290 rpm +)
N3H2 - ?????
N3H2 A - ?????
N3R3 - I think is the latest and greatest starter..

How many more starters fall into this list??? Am i missing any??


The starter motor is different for automatic and manual transmission models...so be sure to order a starter for an automatic lol....

I also own an automatic RX-8 and was also looking to upgrade my starter as it is a 2004, but after checking the model number of my starter, i cant seem to find any information as it has a different model number as well...N3H2 - A

I would assume it would be some sort of an upgraded starter as it falls in behind the N3H1 starters, but again, which starter would be the newest and most recent upgrade?

So basically where the problem lies is knowing which starter is an upgraded one, or really which one is the "latest upgraded" starter....
Also, do they make all starter models for both the A/T and M/T??

OP, hopefully someone can help us both!

I have read a bunch of threads on the starters but cant seem to find anything concrete stating an order of upgraded starters

PS OP......I just installed the BHR ignition kit a few weeks ago and its great....highly recommended!

Regards,

Big Fella

 

This is the starter you want, an 09+ MT starter. This is half of the price of my OEM Mazda one.


The series I (03-08) starter is on the right, the Series II (09-11) is on the left.

 

Both of those starters are for M/T correct?

I do beleive OP is driving an A/T meaning neither of those starters would work for his particular car no?

correct me if im wrong 9K!?

I feel absolutely silly disputing anything 9K says --->he is the man! and has probably forgotten more than i will ever know about the RX-8. LOL

Regards,

Big Fella

 

Oh my bad, I always assume everyone has a manual, But yes, the AT starters and MT starters are completely different and I don't recall any upgrades beyond the latest S1 AT starter.

 

HAHA! I wish i had a M/T.......someday!

And this is where it gets confusing....so not every starter is made for the A/T...

If you dont mind me asking which model was the last or latest model S1 AT Starter??

N3Z1? OR N3H2 - A?

 

As far as I can tell it is N3H218400R0B

 

that is correct!

 

Thanks for all the responses and feedback guys. The starter and BHR coils have been ordered. This has really helped!

 

I have to ask , where did you purchase your N3H2-18-400R-08 starter at ?. Would love to know. The auto zones of the world do not know what they are selling so i can't depend that buying a reman starter will be the up graded one and you said you ordered one, love to know where?> Thank you.
I have the dredded 2004 automatic with the under designed starter. It is starter time but no one talks about where to get one for the 04 autoimatics?. Thank you.

 

I actually ordered mine from my local Mazda Dealer as they were able to verify that the model number that I was looking for was in fact the reman (upgraded starter) that they sell. It's the same model number that 9krpmrx8 mentioned above. I hope this information helps!

 

Thank you for that, i was hoping some one had a after market source as the stealerships are like $ 400.00 plus dollars. I did find one at advanced auto and it boasts 2.0KW which is better thatn the 1.4 or 1.8 KW?> The one at Advanced auto is round $120.00 dollars. If any one has a other than dealer source , please post it for all of us financially challenged. Thank you!.

 

You have a number of options for coils:
- The Cheapest option: BWD/Intermotor coils from auto parts stores like Advance Auto. 4 coils, 4 plugs, and 4 wires can be had for around $190-220 total based on whatever promotion is running at the time, shipped to your door for free. They are considered to be the first coil revision and you should expect to need to replace them around 20,000 miles, 30,000 miles max. They often come with a "lifetime warranty" by the auto parts store, which could potentially be leveraged for perpetually new coils.

- The Best Upgrade: The BHR ignition coil upgrade can be had for around $500, which eliminates the need to continue replacing coils periodically, as well as deliverying a significantly stronger spark for minor mileage and power gains. It is a proven kit with top notch customer service supporting it. It includes the wires, you still need to add plugs ($80)

- The For-Sure OEM: Mazmart sells all 4 coils of the latest OEM coil revision (C) for around $250, (just the coils, you still need to add plugs and wires) Supported by top notch customer service. They will likely last longer than 30,000 miles, but we don't have much solid data on how long the latest coil revision will last.

- The Most Expensive option: Buying from a dealer will run you around $300+ for the coils, $500+ for coils, wires and plugs, and if you have them do the install, expect to get a bill for anywhere from $700 to $1,800. You may not get the latest coil revision. Yes, you are getting shafted if you take this option, so bring lube.

- The Highest Risk option: Ebay coils continue to pop up as counterfeit, mislabeled, dead on arrival, and have zero post-purchase support largely. They are the "cheapest" listed price, but when you add that $92 or whatever to the price of anything in the list above from having to do it over again, you can see that they are no longer the cheapest option. Do it right the first time. "Motor King" coils are popping up at an attractive price on Ebay, but are being proven as ineffective, to the point of being unable to get the engine fired. "Mazda" branded coils on ebay are almost always counterfeit. Check the seller's name though, since some of our vendors sell legitimate coils there. The price will be $200+ though. Anything sold as "Mazda OEM" under ~$26 per coil should really be considered as suspect and probably counterfeit.

Be wary of "LSx D585 coil upgrades", as not all D585 coils are created the same, and the standard generic D585 coil is not properly designed internally for the RX-8's ignition needs. They generally "work", but there are anomalies and performance issues that have to be solved, if they can be solved. Definitely NOT a plug and play option, even if it is advertised as "plug and play"

Also a newer option: GB: SakeBomb Garage IGN-1A Ignition Coil Kit

I personally have had the BHR kit on my 2008 40th anniversary Edition RX8 for several years and it has performed flawlessly. Worth every penny !!
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