That's a good combo, you should get the Richard Sohn adapter as well.

 

When you say that #2 sputtered when you started it in the morning, how exactly?

I ask because I have a 2006 that runs beautifully @22K miles on it so far, but if it sits all day or overnight, and I then start it, if I rev it a little right after starting it, the engine will emit a series of little pops. A couple of revs will take care of this, after which it never comes back until it has sat for a day, but when I read your post, it got me thinking about my own little sputtering annoyance...
It's been doing this for the last 2 years (I don't drive in winters, and put about 7500 a year on it.)

Edit: The other part of this that is interesting is that I need to periodically add coolant. The level drops slowly over the summer to the "low" marking, so I top it up. I am not sure that this is normal/evaporation, or a developing problem..

Did you have gradual coolant loss as well?

 

Try reading my thread on this test.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/engine-vacuum-voltage-test-170839/

 

9k, you know after you inspected and replaced your fuel pump filter, I wonder how much of it contributed to your engine issues if it restricted the flow and leaned it out.

 

Could be man, that is why I am not using the Lucas UCL anymore as premix and I am just using JASO 2 stroke. However, the fuel pump seemed to be working fine when removed and it outlasted two motors. This engine is running fine after 13,000 miles so we shall see what happens.

 

Just paid for my 4th motor today. 2k for it isn't bad from mazda. First was recal, then hydrolock now apex seal spring. just cheaper to throw a reman in.