The Internet is Wrong - RX8 Reliability Testing

1 year of no mechanical sympathy, and you would think my RX8 would have gone thru 10 engines by now. turns out these cars are better than the internet said
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[@donhaulsee6800]

$900 "Dead" RX8. $3000 in my rebuild with new rotor housings. Total $3900 reliable daily driver and fun car. Priceless!

[@RADPotential]

EPIC!!!

[@jo-qp7mz]

Nice 👍😁

[@nonclaw_kellamke7418]

Yo I'm 15 and worked my summer away for a Mazda rx8 could you send your build? Jw

[@onyjdm]

@@nonclaw_kellamke7418 have fun rebuilding rotaries

[@razy7609]

How did a shed rebuild end up running $3000

[@MichaelHybrid]

I've been dailying RX8s for the better part of 14 years. As long as you take care of them and drive em like you stole them they will take care of you.

[@ischwhit6747]

THIS! ALL OF THIS!

[@ischwhit6747]

@Willham since it's a 4 door, that contributes to lowering the payments. Also, you can say it has a 0 cylinder engine to drop it even further 😏😉 For example, it would run me like $80-$90/mo for full coverage when I put it has a 0 cylinder engine

[@crack24able]

@@ischwhit6747 wait is that legal hahahaha

[@sofakingdom3076]

@Willham cheap, I pay $70 for full coverage.

[@notkojq]

@@ischwhit6747where did you get insured

[@xenokyomi]

"Doesn't have enough power, can't have fun in it" Say that to miata guys lmao.

[@Heckk_oh]

The same people that say that don’t realize the NC Miata is on the same chassis as the RX8 😂

[@duanJ_aka_wfoundry]

It's the with 2nd gen smart cars, a lot of people sleep on them but the brabus style turbo model makes 156 horsepower and only weighs 885 kilograms

[@xenokyomi]

@@duanJ_aka_wfoundry Yep. The same as the Suzuki Swift too. The sport has 140hp from a 1.4L turbo I4, weighs only like 800-900 ish kg. The base had 90hp from a 1.2 I4, weighing I think 800-900 ish too. Power to weight is so important.

[@thatslegit]

or del slow guys

[@duanJ_aka_wfoundry]

@@xenokyomi yeah they are pretty cool too

[@enf404]

You just made me burst out loud with laughter when you said about downshifting to 3rd with your finger ready to turn off ac to maximize power. I love your rotary content!

[@sofakingdom3076]

I only use my ac to keep it lubricated. I never use it.

[@howardsmith8723]

My own RX8 is almost 20 years old and I've owned it for almost all of that time. Has never had any reliability issue. If it ever does, the car owes me nothing and I'll get it fixed.

[@psychicer5022]

I had my last track day of the year on Monday. I was going full send redline after redline every session. No cool down laps. And I remembered I should look at my Temps. Didn't even get passed 200 water/oil. Started up every time. Drove it home. Now i just need tires that grip so I won't slide around so much.

[@jerryglennie5375]

Hey! Your not supposed to rev it before shut-off to prevent flooding. Your supposed to rev it to remember how long your day is to miss those SWEET exhaust notes!

[@huffdesigner]

I bought mine for 800 and put a new motor and now has a 6 speed manual. It's just sitting at the moment but I'm so excited to get it out in the spring. I just want to make sure its good, before driving it again. The car is so much fun!

[@arborinfelix]

That looks like so much fun. For the last 7-8 years I daily drive an Rx-8 and this is something that I need to try one day. By the way nice camera angles.

[@jasonskinner1652]

Thanks Rad. Just another video to make me want to get my RX8 on the road sooner!

[@jacobreed47]

I really enjoyed this video, audio and commentary. Almost had me subscribe! I’m a 46 year old guy that loves all vehicles. Loved my RX8 that I owned.Love the sound that your makes when at 8k rpm! I agree everyone that enjoys driving should purchase a slightly used RX8. so much fun! you will love it- promise.

[@JustSimplyRobert]

Saying that the RX-8 is unreliable would imply that no matter how well you take care of it is not gonna last, thats not the case It's just high maintenance. My brother has an RX-8 Shinka and its his second RX-8 (first one he totaled drifting it), he says he will never own anything other than a rotary again and riding with him I kinda wanna get one myself. My theory as to why the RX-8 get so much hate and is seen as unreliable is because, statistically, 80% of people in the US don't actually service and maintain their vehicles like they are supposed to. Owning one does require an added degree of care and you really can't push things off if you want them to last. I currently have a 9th Gen Civic SI and a 6th gen Civic DX, but the RX-8 are fantastic and fun little cars and its definitely gonna be my next car when I am ready to buy another.

[@jo-qp7mz]

The radio fix is easy you take the faceplate off and adjust and clean the pins and align them gently or get a new junkyard radio and it plugs back in basically what happens is the pins get mushed up

[@highwaycultureracingchannel]

I love my rx8, there is something irreplaceable with that car..fyi i had 3 rx8 sofar...first two had to sell them due to go back to my country, last one sold because my friend wants it so bad....and im still looking for the 4th one...set my eye on spirit R..but lets see ..

[@dojoworks7704]

Dang now I want a second one for thrashing around in the grass. I've had mine for over a year now it's a great car. So many myths surrounding this car.

[@j_mars_cars]

5:30 ish when you are talking about the check engine light, hitting that bump and turning off ac to pass a Prius? I was like “someone cloned my entire being and put it in an rx8 instead of my fiesta” 😂😂

[@DudeItsRobert]

A redline a day keeps the carbon away 🤙🏽

[@flip240]

Love your channel. Showing a lot of what's missing in today's engines

[@rickvulcan2126]

Thanks for the video. There's enough negativity about RX8s out there. Great to see someone having fun with it. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Truby69]

Might want to consider upgrading the starter motor to the 2kw version. Waaay faster cranking and starting

[@VinsUplifting]

But it will "hide" compression loss for your hot starts..

[@kxpes]

When engine is cold you can definetly flood engine, somehow looks like fuel flush oil from side plates, plus fuel get's on spark plug. Easiest way to flood rx8 it to shut down cold and let her sit for a night. I have no idea if with good engine and sparking system it would be possible to start it even then, but it is definetly possible to flood rx8 own 2.

[@6gwilliams]

And you know don't rev over 4000rpm until the rotary engine has reached full operating temperature. The engine's bi-metal construction isn't' fitting properly until it is warm. How do I know this, I have owned seven rotary cars since 1973 (stock and race -modified), and have easily driven over a million rotary miles on track and street. Cheers

[@rx7cl]

One good rule to prevent flooding is a strong battery....on Rotary's... And lol 🤣 neighbors 😂...and I always respect a Man Who takes Care of his lawn....

[@wocktrist]

thank you, i’ve been shopping around to buy a 2nd car and my best options for what i personally want are either out of my price range or some old shitty bmw i wouldn’t be able to get parts for. Now I know for sure what my next car is in 1-2 months from now. this isthe best rx8 ad of all time.

[@henriklmao]

How is it? Have you bought one?

[@ghost.of.aleksz.salad.]

i have a empty 5 acers of land i was gonna build a little drift track on, but now seeing grass is slippery i might just slide around freestyle..

[@inaNis_]

I wanna see a turbo rx8 build so bad just to prove people wrong about these motors... gsl se exhaust housings or some aggressive exhaust porting would do great with a turbo for this car. nice and easy 8~ psi would make it reliable-ish and very fun

[@imamakeit5163]

My mechanic got a turbo rx8 and tracks it. gets better times than most cars there including vetts chargers other cars

[@michaelleader8300]

The apex seals are too shallow for boost sadly, need to machine the rotors to fit older seals

[@sofakingdom3076]

Channels exist. The highest boost the engine can handle reliably is 11-12 psi. Quite a few have accomplished this feat.

[@michaelleader8300]

@@sofakingdom3076 while they do exist, AND make fantastic power... the seals were built for naturally aspirated use at high rpm. Sadly boost makes them wear out very quickly.

[@GuthMan95]

See the Phalanx Performance sticker... Ernie is a legend!

[@jasonpeizer9042]

I know they've been unpopular in the past but I'd love one of those viewer pan able 360 vids in the next couple weeks. One of those sweet loops north of Lafayette would give me the feels.

[@AJZulu]

got to start the radio like the Doomslayer would.

[@thor3901]

"Doesn't have enough HP to have fun" but people will flock to the BRZ though. People are just afraid of rotary engines

[@craigfleming-dc7fw]

I have a Rx8 in Australia love it!! Thanks for your video it's great

[@AKK5I]

0:38 imagine waking up and having to ask yourself "oh does my car start" lmao

[@gav240z]

8:18, the tongue out is the best part of this video.

[@rowanheisinger6761]

My first gen defrost does work actually 💪💪💪

[@rockyhernandez5978]

“Down shift to 3ed your hand is in the right spot to turn and A/C off and make all the power” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@embyrdev]

It's 100% got that standing burnout! Just need less brake than you think 🤣 you might be down some power if not, mine is more than happy!

[@Deetroiter]

It's because most of these people that have sob stories with the Rx8 drive them like a piston engine car. The rotary isn't for everyone...it's absolutely necessary to flog the hell out of it like an S&M freak almost daily. The harder you drive it, the more it likes it. This is counterintuitive for most people since they're conditioned to baby a car engine and rip it maybe once in a while. I had a 1986 GXL and sure it had it's minor quirks, but had almost 300k miles on the original engine and seals, still had almost perfect compression. It did NOT have an easy life. I was the 7th owner and everyone before me drove it HARD. I sure miss that car even though it always smelled like a mixture of exhaust and fuel lol. Wish I could get an RX8 someday

[@alouisschafer7212]

I can talk crap about just about any car and any engine with one google search what im trying to say is stuff on the internet is insanely over exaugurated

[@kennethwitte6283]

honestly ive been looking at what to buy for my first car and the rx8 is on the list and now i think ima go with it after this video I know a lot of them might not last as many miles as other cars but I think it would be a good fun first car.

[@Roxie.the.rx8]

I daily a Rx8 first gen and as a rx8 dude I love this video Lmao

[@sundin2799]

And what were the exact steps to keeping this thing running??

[@RADPotential]

Remove Catalytic Convertor, spark plugs, oil change, bigger radiator/improve the front end ducting, Remove Lower intake manifold and clean SSV, Butterfly, and Aux Port Valves. Drive the wheels off of it.

[@st.coiled]

was it stock at the time recording? how many miles does it have? do you use rotary mix?

[@davemoore7566]

Man they 100% can do standstills in the dry, you're just too heavy on the brake pedal, I do them everytime I go for a drive lol.

[@RADPotential]

I think its my track brake pads being too grippy.

[@Emil-sh6sq]

Shitty tires?

[@arutezza]

i keep getting your videos reccomended i guess youtube wants me to get a rx8

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Don't own and not in the market for an rx8 but that was a good vid. Lol

[@RADPotential]

Thanks Man!

[@thatwhitekid1321]

My only experience with the rx8 is my friends little brother had one and still has one it was his first car and the last time I saw it I helped him push it to his mom's house it was like 3 or 4 blocks

[@jo-qp7mz]

You just got to power brake it .... I can do fatty sitting burnouts I usually keep it in first but I bet I could grab second. I do have stock brake pads but I can't seeing that being that big of an issue

[@RADPotential]

O trust me I know the burnout walk it out on the brakes. It won't do it with these pads. Probabaly with stocks. But these are way too bitey

[@danielpoloni2781]

Its not the unreliability that i worry. Its the the money. Canada makes having money a funny issuee

[@ae112r8]

A lot of cars can take abuse for many years before having issues. A lot of cars will last forever if they're looked after. Nothing is unreliable if you take care of it, but an RX-8 is more likely to fuck out on you than just about any other Japanese car with a piston engine. Just remember that the internet exaggerates everything. It's not a bad car.

[@joeynerd608]

The fa20 says otherwise tbh. I haven’t even put it to much abuse and it still blew a seal.

[@cellardoor2933]

I got a 84 gsl se with working rear defrost. Surprised the hell out of me lol

[@ChErRyaVe20pK]

Have you done a rats nest delete video on a fd yet? Ive looked around, cant find any. Im actually getting an fd imported from japan. Its going to cost around 30k$ imported and delivered. Has around 80k miles and some repairs done to the right fender, rear quarter panel, and door. The repair work was very good and it also has high compression numbers. Im new to the rotary scene but i enjoy working on engines and would love to get into this. Ive already watched hours of video and am feeling very confident!

[@roustydemon450]

Dude my rx8 doe’s wicked stand still skids. You gotta push the traction control button off. Then boom two wheels all day easy as bro 🤛 Churr.

[@CamAteUrKFC]

My rx8 just blew its side seals (my fault, over revved and missed gear on track) but now I have an excuse to pull it apart and bridgeport it lol.

[@brandonwright2275]

I've had mine for going on 9 years and it still starts every time! Except for the one time I flooded it but that was my fault 😔 Sohn adapter, upgraded ignition, aem intake, catless midpipe, bilstein coilovers, enkei 18x9.5 wheels, BFG sport comp 2 tires, short throw shifter and fucking send it!

[@highwaycultureracingchannel]

What kind of mistake did you do when you flooded the 8?

[@brandonwright2275]

@@highwaycultureracingchannel I shut it off in the middle of winter without letting it warm up first.

[@karlj5508]

I can do a stand still burn out on tarmac and my Rx8 has stock power. Just have to be real gentle with the brakes

[@wma6019]

Slightly off topic, Just realized where you are. I use to live off Moore's lane at the top of the hill about 15 years ago. Your RX-8 may have brought me home once or twice when I was a bit too Intoxicated to drive myself...or my DSM was broken.. 🤣 Crazy how much that intersection has changed.

[@Pilf]

You can run 87 in these?!

[@TheAceKannon]

1:18 I thought shutting the car off and right back on like that floods the engine? I’m looking into as manny videos I can because I’m thinking of getting one and they don’t look scary at all. I’m mainly wondering how common would a mechanic be that works on these as well as my main self taught maintenance?

[@jo-qp7mz]

What's the compression on that junkyard engine? I went back and watched all the videos of you getting it running and I don't recall you mentioning that?

[@RADPotential]

it was 90 psi on all faces when I installed it. Im going to bet that its "slow to start" characteristics is due to spark plugs and coils. I haven't changed the coils ever, and its due for plugs and an oil change.

[@jo-qp7mz]

Nice love it did a compression test on my used $500 engine that is really fast keeps up with S2000 on the track on the straightaway however compression tester shows a high of 83 PSI on the rear and a high of 73 on the front.. yikes 😬 the weird part is it has zero hot starts or other odd issues and it runs way better than my last engine that had similar compression

[@Carlos.Rivera]

@@RADPotential pretty much. Did you upgraded the starter?

[@RADPotential]

Nope, its still an 04 starter. not the high torque model.

[@chefcc90]

Well. They got the reputation because people drove the like the 350Z. You can't do that. You have thrash the engine, premix some oil, and for god's sake put some decent wheels on.

[@RADPotential]

Those are my rally wheels. They aren't that bad..

[@dr.pepper3652]

i 'm only scared about the consumption of the rotary engine, nothing else

[@AnythingGoesJoJo]

Dang...really miss my 2010 RX-8 GT...declared totaled by my insurance from body damage after an accident back in 2019, but completely drivable....I was at 120k miles too original engine...now I drive a 2015 Civic Si Coupe, not bad...but its not an RX-8

[@jagerday1597]

Hows the petrol consumption on the car and any common problems? Considering buying my first one

[@CivilianAdams]

Love this fucking car, my apex seals just went out :(

[@Noahh_jp]

Youre a fucking madman. I love it. I kinda wanna buy an rx8 now

[@TheRealCatof]

Reliability testing is done via statistics, not a sample size of 1.

[@sofakingdom3076]

Many testimonials that say it is reliable if you maintain it. Could be said for any vehicle. Have had no issues with mine it is sitting at 87k miles.

[@fishingwithbrian2946]

87 in a rx8 ahhh

[@Pheo0811]

Fuck i want one for trackdays

[@brandondorman225]

So I noticed you were putting 87 octane in...how are you not having detonation issues? Different tune or an octane booster?

[@RADPotential]

Engine is only 10-1 compression. I havent ever had an issue on the street. I run 93 at the track.

[@wdowa94]

The truth about wankel engines: They are less durable than standard piston engine, but it's way simplier!

[@alouisschafer7212]

imma say no 787B raced successfully in Le Mans engine didn't blow up. There are guys making absurd hp on rotaries and they work. Its about how the engine is build. Identify weakspots and eliminate them.

[@wdowa94]

@@alouisschafer7212 You can't eliminate weakspots of rotary engine... It's more effective thermally but needs way more maintenance (which is relatively simple)

[@VinsUplifting]

@@wdowa94 How about a rotary with aluminium housing and ceramic seals? It would last more than most piston engine! and you wouldn't even have to bother about coils, cat etc..

[@codyeastburn7419]

Do you premix your fuel?

[@GTFour]

What are the wheels?

[@jaxontanner9822]

wait i thought it took premium gas why u puttin in regular

[@adameusaries]

I like this guy. He's cool.

[@Rauthaz]

Hey! Thanks for the vid. Just wanna know what temperature your coolant hits on average when you go hard on it? Do you use an aftermarket or stock radiator?

[@RADPotential]

Bigger radiator. More ducting. On a 100 degree day. On the track I have seen over 230 degrees and then cooled it down. 265 oil Temps. Typically on a 70-90 deg day it will stay below 220 and 240 ish oil Temps

[@sofakingdom3076]

Same, i have a high flow thermostat and radiator, it didn't make much difference, only a minor difference at idle. Air flow is the biggest dominator. I see no higher than 220f as well when I am thrashing on it.

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

good upload

[@Alex_Vangelov]

11:52 why u have fbs graveyard???

[@RADPotential]

Rx7s are my jam.. rx8 is just a track missile for me haha

[@tomck9128]

Like 1000 love your content man keep it up

[@baconpoutine8923]

Leave it in gear and still disappear 😎

[@tevinoliver3216]

How much is a rebuilt for and rx-8 engine 🤔

[@eternalsouljah7364]

I have one for $5000...red light runner crashed in to me on Halloween It cost me $5000 to fully rebuild and rotors cleared and machined for Atkins apex seals.. 416 miles put on car and then crash ...

[@VinsUplifting]

@@eternalsouljah7364 For just a little more i am surprised people don't get a brand new engine. A rebuilt engine by definition won't last as long.

[@josephchung7934]

Don’t let them know let the people who have never owned a rx8 themselves keep talking about the reliability when they’ve never owned one

[@Section501K]

Haha, good stuff!

[@SeanFlaherty]

CEL

[@mooiboyace]

What a waste of time

[@spaceghostmiid]

shhhhh delete this before everyone sees it so i can afford one hahaha

[@carguynewb7856]

The worst best worst car

[@MattAutoMotive]

Are you sure it's that reliable? Or are you just lucky? I think from a reality stand point you just got lucky.

[@darionfarina2069]

I’ve had my rx8 for over 8 years, put over 155k miles on it in my ownership(bought with 60k, now has 215k miles), rebuilt the engine at 193k because the car was auto and I had it out to do a manual swap. Still ran great too. Only car I’ve ever owned that’s never seen a tow truck.

[@chriatianvazquez]

How much was it to do a manual swap. I’m thinking of doing the same on mine when it needs a rebuild

[@darionfarina2069]

@@chriatianvazquez it was about $1500 in parts, not including labor as I did it all myself. I would probably charge someone in the ballpark of $1500 to do the swap as well

[@glennp1690]

From an older bloke down under, who loves his rx8 to death, this is the tits bra ;) They say they are under powered..... Compared to WHAT! exactly. love your work young man. Cheers for keeping the smile on my dial. I've said it before, it's way more fun to drive slow cars fast ;) The RX8 is not that slow! Don't know about you guys but we call them line lockers for standing burn outs :D

[@MasterResolve]

My SA was a model of reliability, for real. Dad bought new in 1978, became mine in 1998, put in over 300k with no rust (cali) and only one rebuild.

[@Pheo0811]

This comment made me happy

[@threadworm437]

SAs and FBs were amazingly reliable and great engines especially for the time

[@jimlynch5776]

They get a bad reputation because a lot of people bought them new not really understanding them. Mines 138k gets 21mpg on the highway. Starts fine hot/cold after a new statter/coils/ tune up.

[@ScottJ175]

Thanks for strengthening my commitment to my 2009. Since I bought it near new and although I'm spirted I'm not quite THAT spirited so it should last a good long time. I mentioned many videos ago needing to fix the leaky pinion seal. Got that done a couple weekends ago. Feels and sounds like I got the preload back right and no leak after one test drive. Unfortunately I did have some leak from the transmission tail seal even though I changed it as part of the project. I'm hoping it was just a little spill over because I changed that seal without draining the transmission. I'll find out when we take it out to Church this evening.

[@ZXR_SBK]

yoooo keep this to yourself or prices will sky rocket lmao. I was actually about to buy an Rx-8 but stumbled upon another one of my bucket list cars, a mazdaspeed 6. i've had a mazdaspeed 3 before but always wanted a 6, pulled the trigger on that instead, but im probably going to find a clean body RX-8 8 with a blown motor for cheap and rebuild it.

[@pafo46]

The only thing that keep me away for daily driven my Rx8 is petrol ⛽️ pricing here in fucking Europe. 2.00 euros for one litre..😢😢for 1 gallon approximately about 8 dollars😭

[@RADPotential]

Shew!!! Dang that's crazy!

[@smiththers2]

this makes me want an rx8 simply because its a TON newer than my vert and way less rust to deal with. the 6 spd makes it that much better too.

[@jo-qp7mz]

Wouldn't be a drive to work in an RX8 if you didn't stop at the gas station I don't care if you live 5 minutes from your house you're still putting gas in it

[@davis6692]

Another car that you can drive it that way and still no mechanical issues is a toyota altezza, the one with a 3s ge engine... you'll go around town redlining it, burn out etc... and still get wherever you're going

[@somewhat7]

live near Montreal, Canada. Cold start comments always made me laugh. 4 seasoned my 2005 GT, would move it around in our parking and never sweat the restart either. Haters gonna hate

[@jo-qp7mz]

That was nice use of the e-brake

[@NemRacing]

Okay. Seriously asking . I just got one and two alternators have died on me. They were both from a junk yard mind you. Anyone here have a Bosch one? Or any recommendations that are better than OE+? Thanks