What Mazda had to say about my Rx-8

[@6gwilliams]

Wasnt sure if I posted this: I own a 2008 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 (only 1000 made like this in the world) . I bought it new in 2008 and now it is insured as a Classic Car for 150% of what I bought it for new in 2008, full value, no depreciation. I have owned seven rotary Mazdas since the 70's; one RX3, two RX4, all three generations of the RX7 with two of those RX7 modified by Racing Beat for the track. I easily have over a million rotary miles on street and track . Yes I have upgraded and improved my RX8, cooling modifications with Koyo-Rad radiator, Pettit Racing closed system, Racing Beat hoses, low temp thermostat, oil cooler low temp thermostats , low temp fan control, upgraded water pump, ; Mazdaspeed CAI, high performance BHR ignition coils and wires, upgraded starter, performance Cat and mid-pipe from Rotary Performance, BHR clutch pedal assembly, Series Two fuel pump upgrade, new clutch and engine (from Mazda warranty, no cost to me), new engine mounts, and a few other things. I also upgraded to Continental Contact DWS06+ tires. I will be keeping my 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 forever. Wish I could have kept them all. Nothing drives like a rotary. FYI, I use 5W-30W non-synthetic oil and yes I pre-mix. Cheers and best to you.

[@sirhamsteralot3977]

hello fellow anniversary edition owner :3 got mine in crystal white pearl even. not planning to get rid of it either. Premix and 5w30 or 10w40 depending on how hot the weather is

[@fumpercheezy]

@6gwilliams Rotary engines are awesome, but honestly not the best for an everyday car user. We run several Formula Mazdas with RX7 engines (though they do have the higher compression ratio RX8 rotors in them) and they are absolute beasts on the the race course. The main problem is that the only way to get the engines genuinely reliable is to burn oil, and ideally not the lubrication oil as it has contaminates in it. This is just not great for consumers because of emissions regulations and whatnot, but man do rotary engines make the best racecar engines.

[@6gwilliams]

@@fumpercheezy I ran many of my seven rotary engine cars as daily drivers, including one of my two Racing-Beat race-modified RX7s. It is all in how you drive them and how you maintain them. Simple as that. I have over a million rotary miles, much of that on the street. Cheers

[@zackhines2071]

This is THE guy

[@anibal7121]

Regret getting my genesis coupe instead of the Shinka edition Rx-8😢

[@threeam____]

I crave channels that work on reviving regular affordable road cars. Subscribed & cant wait to see how she turns out ! ♥️

[@6gwilliams]

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule. 30,000 miles: - Replace Ignition coils - Replace Plug wires - Replace Spark plugs - Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor) - Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor) - Reset ESS profile - Clean power steering connections - Clean battery terminals and clamps - Replace transmission fluid - Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended) - Replace air filter - Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line) ~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly. every 60,000: ...all 30,000, plus... - Clean all chassis electrical grounding points - Replace accessory belts - Clean OMP lines - Replace rear differential fluid - Replace thermostat - Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins - Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins - Inspect catalytic converter - Clean / Inspect intake valving - Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early ~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly. 90,000: ...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus... - Replace coolant bottle - Replace radiator hoses - Replace radiator - Replace front O2 sensor - Replace motor mounts - Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks ~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly. At 100k, anything original in the cooling system and any original cat are really suspect and failure prone. They represents the biggest threat to your engine. Replace.

[@adamgroszkiewicz814]

Replace the MOTOR MOUNTS at 90k?!?!?!?!? Inspect the clutch for broken welds?!?!??! Replace the ENTIRE cooling system & catalytic converter at 100k?!!?!?!?!? Sums up neatly why the car has such a garbage reputation. Wow.

[@6gwilliams]

@@adamgroszkiewicz814 it is s sports car and anyone buying this car should know they need special care, but return thrills unlike any other type of car. In some of the most expensive Porsches if you dont change the timing belt at 50K miles you could have a catastrophic engine failure. All high performance cars from some of the best brands have special maintenance needs. Do your research if you think that isn't a fact. If you aren't prepared to take proper care of any sports car, dont bother. Cheers

[@adamgroszkiewicz814]

@@6gwilliams Or just get a Miata.

[@6gwilliams]

@@adamgroszkiewicz814 lol, lol not even close to the rotary experience. You will NEVER get it, sorry not for you.

[@adamgroszkiewicz814]

@@6gwilliams I'll be honest with you kiddo, if I wanted to get the rotary experience, I wouldn't turn to a RENESIS 13B. If I wanted to get an agile track experience, I wouldn't turn to an RX-8 chassis.

[@scottspilis1940]

I am amazed you found a Mazda dealer that had at least a rudimentary knowledge of a rotary. Brought my close to mint 1990 RX 7 in to the local Mazda guy and he looked at me like I had three eyes in my forehead. "We don't work on those anymore" were the first words out of his mouth.

[@6gwilliams]

RX8: Starting the Engine • Starter • Battery • Engine Compression • Grounding Wires • Ignition Coils • Spark Plugs • Spark Plug Wires • Fuel Pump • Fuel Injectors Generating Power at Full Throttle • Ignition Coils • Spark Plugs • Spark Plug Wires • Engine Compression • E-Shaft Sensor (ESS) • Air Filter • Intake Valving • Throttle Body • Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) • Fuel Pump • Fuel Injectors • Catalytic Converter (Cat) Keeping the Engine at a Cruise • Ignition Coils • Spark Plugs • Spark Plug Wires • Engine Compression • E-Shaft Sensor (ESS) • Intake Valving • Throttle Body • Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) • Fuel Pump • Fuel Injectors • Front O2 sensor • Catalytic Converter (Cat) Keeping the Engine at an Idle • Ignition Coils • Spark Plugs • Spark Plug Wires • Engine Compression • E-Shaft Sensor (ESS) • Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) • Front O2 sensor • Catalytic Converter (Cat) • Intake Vaccum Managing Engine Heat • Radiator • Thermostat • Radiator fans • Water Pump • Coolant Lines • Coolant Temp Sensor (ECT) • Oil Coolers • Oil Cooler Lines Managing Exhaust Emissions • Catalytic Converter • Air Injection Pump • Front O2 sensor • Rear O2 sensor • Coolant Temp Sensor (ECT) Changing Gears • Clutch Pedal Assembly • Clutch Master Cylinder • Clutch Slave Cylinder • Clutch Fork • Release Bearing (Throwout Bearing, Release Collar) • Clutch Pressure Plate • Clutch Disc • Flywheel • Pilot Bearing • Transmission Shifter • Transmission Syncros Bringing the Car to a Stop • Brake Pedal Assembly • Brake Master Cylinder • Brake Power Booster • ABS Junction Block • Brake Lines • Brake Fluid • Brake Calipers

[@That_Boy_Treyway]

need mroe info from people like you. its so hard to find stuff about my Rx-8 or how to fix it or even get something done when its all some sht video with minecraft brick quality. was going to try to seek out every single rotary expert and put them all in a group chat to have them help me with problems or get togethers for car meets.

[@BoringDudeOnCrek]

You'd have a ball of steel to buy a car with rust. Me personally when I see a rusty car, I'd just walk off. Anyways nice content man.

[@sigmamale4147]

Depends if its just surface or deep rust personally. Surface is fairly easy to fix

[@Renesis8]

Rust is always scary and a big concern but I have high hopes for it getting fixed even if I have to do it myself. I’m always down to learn a new skill. Glad you enjoyed!

[@ProcrastinadorMasivo]

As long as is not rotting it's fixable

[@sategllib2191]

​@Procrastinador Masivo even then it's fixable. But at what point is it worth

[@Renesis8]

@Sateg Llib I highlight it a bit in my next video coming out next week so stay tuned. It looks bad and scary but definitely able to save it as far as I’m concerned

[@agoiagoi9356]

Had this recommended to me and I'll look forward to keeping up with your journey!

[@Renesis8]

Glad to have you onboard, It’ll be a long but fun journey!

[@6gwilliams]

Mazdaspeed/AEM CAI, or Racing Beat CAI are the ONLY CAI worth using. They are better than the stock airbox, and add a little power. All other CAI will rob you of power actually. FYI I have 2008 40th Anniversary Edition RX8, and I have owned a total of seven rotary cars with over a million rotary miles on street and track over the decades. Cheers and good luck on your project.

[@Renesis8]

Some really good information, appreciate it greatly! The next vid I talk more about the car and the future for it. I already have the a reinforced clutch pedal installed, original cat is removed, new radiator and fan kit along with hoses are going in, new coolant res and I have new motor mounts and clutch kit on standby

[@6gwilliams]

@@Renesis8 yes I forgot to add I did replace the engine mounts also. Cheers

[@johanpelaez9826]

Thanks for keeping rotary engines alive.

[@Renesis8]

Hand me a garage full of them and I’ll be happy. I’d love to own another fc in the future

[@DAMC122]

My RX8 had bad rust damage on the rear fenders, body shops wanted to charge me $4000+ 😢...took it to Tijuana and they charged me about $400 and it came out fucking perfect good as new...highly recommend Ortega Bodyshop in Tijuana Mexico 🇲🇽 🎉

[@Renesis8]

I can only imagine what the body shop is gonna try to charge me for mine. If it’s too much I’m gonna learn a new skill of welding

[@justindurand9110]

Better plan on going back to tijuana every year or so. There's only one way you can do a job like that that cheap, the wrong way.

[@DAMC122]

@@justindurand9110 They've got thousands of before and after pictures online of everything from Porches, Mercedes, BMW, Classic Cars, Modern...5 Star Rating, Zero Negative Reviews and they used no cheap materials such as bondo or fiberglass. It was color matched perfect. I'm extremely satisfied with their work.

[@benruether8294]

I checked it out. I'm guessing they are probably very busy though. Just curious, what was the turn around time for yours?

[@DAMC122]

@@benruether8294 I think it was 4 days but I picked it up a week later to allow the paint to cure more thoroughly. They didn't charge me extra for storing my car and I forgot to mention that they restored my corroded headlights for free. I did tip* them btw. Oh and they tinted my windows for $100. 😎

[@moshuunderwater2624]

Ah man, currently dealing with something similar, not to the extent of how bad yours is. I didn't think to check the ignition coils when I bought the car, lo and behold I check them two months later and they're fake. The whole time I was having slow hot starts and not understanding why and panicking thinking I would need an engine build. But now I just have to wait till payday and she'll be back on the road!

[@Renesis8]

Yea that’s definitely a bit scary to find. I’m glad it’ll be back on the road soon. Mines gonna need a bit of work but that means more tutorials for fixes and more vids I get to have fun making. In the end I’m alright with it and can’t wait to get it back on the road!

[@GreaseMonkeyJo3]

Hey Fellow RX8 owner here! Just wanted to say 1, the racing beat intake is the "Best intake" even though I have the K&N typhoon and 2, I really recommend you do a decat! you probably know most of this but I thought it would be worth pointing out. also love the channel soo far@

[@Renesis8]

I know a good bit but there’s still so much even I gotta learn about this car so Im always open for suggestions or possible solutions. I’ll take a look into those intakes. Glad you like the channel!

[@GreaseMonkeyJo3]

@@Renesis8 of course man! just hit 6 months with my 8 and I learn a crap ton everyday! Mines currently down because of a bunch of clutch issues (slave cylinder etc.) but I really want a Megan racing exhaust and (One day) a bridgeport job!

[@Renesis8]

@@GreaseMonkeyJo3 some good choices there. And that’s the thing with these cars. Any car for that matter. It’s all a learning process that never ends and that’s what I love about it. Hope you get yours up and running soon!

[@GreaseMonkeyJo3]

@@Renesis8 :)

[@6gwilliams]

ONLY the AEM/Mazdaspeed CAI and Racing Beat CAI are worth it, and will add a small bit of power. ANY other CAI actually will rob you of power including the K&N. Just a fact. I have decades of rotary experience with seven rotary cars and over a million rotary miles driven on track and street. Cheers

[@ProcrastinadorMasivo]

Will follow up on your progress!

[@Renesis8]

I have a vid coming out next week explaining my future plans for the car so definitely stayed tuned. The vid after will be tearing the engine bay apart

[@Dainci]

Best hot air intake I ever saw on rotary 😂

[@Deetroiter]

Does it hurt anyone else to see rust on a vehicle like the rx8 when they remember seeing them new when they first came out?

[@Renesis8]

There’s still so many clean ones out there. Unfortunately I’m in the rust belt and it takes it’s toll

[@AaronJRussell3]

Something I regret the most is taking my rx8 into Mazda :( I suggest to all of you to NEVER take your rx8 into Mazda. I told them it flooded and that I fixed a leaking hose so there was no coolant and they’d have to fill up, since I hadn’t put any in and car wasn’t able to be driven or started. Then I get a call saying the car is overheating and they’re trying to figure it out and they destroyed my engine. having amazing compression numbers from them a couple months ago aswell as 40,000kms (25k miles ish?) on engine with such a big company it “isn’t their fault” lesson learnt and I had just spent all my money for other parts and then this happened. So don’t make my same mistake go to a specialist for any engine issues

[@Renesis8]

Damn I’m sorry to hear that. I originally had gone there to get an inspection done to see what stuff I missed and would still need to fix. The alignment and tires were an afterthought. All other parts and working on the car is gonna be done by me cause I don’t trust them with doing anything else to the car. I’ll only go back to get it reinspected eventually.

[@mikkelastrupsen6717]

Im so sad that theres only 3 rx8's for sale in my country, not one of them is under $18k so i cant even buy a cheap one to see if i like it 😭 i really dont know if i should get one as my next car this winter.....

[@ve2430]

Just be happy your power steering works. Mine has been a nightmare and it looks like the rack will need to be replaced.

[@Renesis8]

That’s gonna be a decent bit of work. Hopefully all goes well

[@DatDarkOne]

I can tell you from direct experience that the mark up on parts from the Dealership is CRAZY high. Things like $400 for the shift knob. Just the knob and not the whole shifter.

[@Renesis8]

Yea I’m glad I work on my own stuff and go aftermarket. Believe me if I had my own shop I would’ve done the tires and alignment myself too since I know how

[@stevealexR1]

I had a brand new U.K. spec. grey RX8 (230bhp) back in 2004 (FE54 BNN); great fun but basically you were buying an engine and the rest was thrown in for free!

[@Subliminal3117]

Great video! Can't wait to follow the progress :)

[@williamegler8771]

I have seen taxis in Third World countries with similar mileage that are in comparatively showroom condition compared to this beater with a heater

[@Renesis8]

Cool

[@adamgroszkiewicz814]

Absolutely certain I wouldn't pay $3000 for a full RX-8 in good shape, let alone just the radio.

[@Renesis8]

I mean there’s some really clean low mileage ones that go for over $10k but I can understand why people don’t wanna go to high on them

[@abstract1dea]

@@Renesis8 I bought my red beauty for $2500 and had the engine completely rebuilt for another $2500. It ran like a top and idled perfectly. I took it to the previous owner and he loved it. He still pines for that car too. I asked him if his girlfriend knows she's #2. The previous owner to him called me up one day and asked to buy it to race but I still love this beast. I had the airbag, fuel pump and suspension fixed by Mazda to get al the factory recalls done. Did they mention those? I have a friend who is a Mazda aftermarket business owner and he's going to look at it for an issue that came up lately. It has a BHR ignition and cold air intake too. Thanks for the heads up for the wiring when I replace my stereo. I see yours also has the missing lower bumper too. I found out that even the aluminum air guide is not strong enough to hold by itself. You'll need additional support there or the ground will grind away your plastic.

[@chrispritchard7977]

I bought a weapon r intake for my 2004 4G69 (2.4L lancer ralliart engine) Outlander... absolute piece of garbage of an intake. Poor fitment for the sensor actually had to drill holes to make it work since the bolts didn't line up and other random issues. Replacing it on that RX8 with something of actual quality makes a lot of sense.

[@Renesis8]

Yea I’m gonna throw an Aem intake in there. Seems like everyone is saying that’s the best option with the second best being stock intake

[@austinbishop7430]

I had two Rx-8s loved them as a lil project. One was a part car for the “restored” one. And the other was a running 8 with 130k. Had hot start problem tho.

[@Renesis8]

Exactly my situation. Have the gray one with over 130k miles and a red one as a parts car. Only difference is without the hot start problem

[@AaronsTalks]

The cat and starter replaced. Nice! :)

[@videodude8137]

You were talking about the radio, but pointed at the tail light. Lol

[@Renesis8]

Yea it was just filler footage honestly to show more of the car

[@perfectentrytrading]

As a fellow rx8 owner but where I can’t get parts in my country my solution is engine swap for a 1.8t or 1.9pd Audi engine and then just ignore the world

[@Renesis8]

Completely fair. There’s always solutions to be found

[@perfectentrytrading]

@@Renesis8 just cant justify keeping a rotary in it, i need a new housing and rotor, and full rebuild kit which works out to be around 20k of my currency i can buy a 2.0tfsi and fit it for around 10k of my currency

[@Renesis8]

Wow yea if that were my case I’d end up ditching the rotary too as much as I love it. Where I’m at it’s still expensive but it’s manageable

[@Russo016]

Just saw this, love how much love to take to this car

[@squadmoves6194]

stock intake is a lot better than this current one. only ones you should look at are racing beat, k&n, aem, and stock. I recommend whichever one you can find for the cheapest

[@Renesis8]

I’m most likely going with an aem intake. Seems like it’s the most recommended among everyone in the comments

[@adammiller5136]

Racing beat was the best aftermarket kit by far... K&N is a decent kit though. AEM is just what every tuner says by default. I had an AEM cold air and had to modify it so that it didn't hoover up water. Hardly worth the money unless you really got money to burn. P.S., cold air is trash when it adds two 45 degree bends...it makes low CFM and adds turbulence which screws with the MAF sensor. I cut my cold air out and it runs much smoother now. You just need a longer 3" tube and a better filter than that broken foam cone. Don't waste any time in replacing that. Get a decent filter, new plugs, 7 or 8mm wire set, and an RX8 to LS coil harness with some D585 coils and you will be loving it. After that, replace your fuel pump and starter, and voila! A sweet RX-8 that starts in one turn and never has hot start problems. Case closed.

[@squadmoves6194]

@adammiller5136 racing beat is what I have too, with the cool little snorkel. I had d585 coils too, but one failed I'm like 10k miles, so I upgraded to the ign1a coils. The best stuff is expensive. It's hard knowing how invested or not someone wants to be with these cars to recommend the best price to value parts for people.

[@adammiller5136]

@@squadmoves6194 I bought an 8 pack of Carbole brand D585's for $90 and they are so much better than the any of the Mazda coils. I purchased a Napol bracket but it wouldn't be hard to make your own either. I have no idea how much Renesis8 wants to put into this car over time but it isn't a bad idea to start cheap and make the most comprehensive repairs you can, rather than spend a bunch of money on a single upgrade. That being said, If I were him I would buy a $60 3.5" intake that moves the filter further forward, away from the radiant heat. I would buy a nice $15 RED filter and a PCV vent filter. Spend $90 and get a 2KW starter, another $70 for a fuel pump, $90 for plugs, $60 for 7mm wires, $90 for LS coils, $20 for the LS harness, Sohn adapter for $139, $50 for 2 bulk reels of ACDelco fuel line (1/4", 5/16"), $12 Dorman 603 coolant reservoir (wiper fluid), $16 Dorman 54002 coolant reservoir (Sohn oil), $16 pack of breeze SAE 4 hose clamps, and $23 for a 3.5" honeycomb airflow screen. That's $751 well spent on preserving the lifespan of your $4500 RX-8. Good Luck and Enjoy the Ride 😃

[@strike9716]

Why would you replace the stock radio when a new one with bluetooth is cheeper?

[@Renesis8]

Exactly why I’m going with an aftermarket one. The stock price is unreasonable

[@Projectmoonlite]

Your dash isn't cracked. You already found the best RX8 ever.

[@Renesis8]

Nah it’s cracked on the passenger side. You can see in much better on the vid dropping later tonight

[@madern7]

Why not go to a tire shop for an alignment?

[@GF-nm1cl]

Do they say "oh wow one that didn't break yet wtf"

[@Renesis8]

This specific dealership actually gets a fair amount of rotaries coming through so they were used to it

[@nobodyspecial5026]

You paid $4500 for that? The seller must have been quite happy. .

[@K03sport]

good luck. factory radios are always more expensive as they are specific to the car and the RX-8's head unit is unique to the 8. I'm not surprised at the $3k quote from the dealer. do you have 1 source for parts or do you have 3 good places and wait for sales?

[@Renesis8]

Yea I have some people I can reach out to for parts. I know theres a very specific aftermarket radio that hooks up perfectly when everything is wired in so I’ll be on the lookout for it

[@Renesis8]

Wow😳

[@Renesis8]

Makes sense

[@TheReclaimerRx7]

i cant pass emission :( , my readiness monitors arent set, do I gotta drive it? its got no check engine light

[@Renesis8]

When I worked at a Mazda dealership doing inspections there were times we had to go out and drive the car for quite a bit to get the car ready for the emissions test. Longest I’ve had to drive a car was close to an hour just for it to ready itself. I forget what brand that was though. But yea I’d say go give it a nice road trip drive and it should set itself

[@TheReclaimerRx7]

@@Renesis8 awesome man thank you so much, I hope I don’t get pulled over haha, I’m so excited to drive it again.

[@Renesis8]

Anytime. It really depends on what state you’re in. I know where I’m at cops don’t seem to care. But other states are a bit stricter

[@xMorbidArtx]

Some lights like the air need two cold starts (8 hours between both startups) to clear up. Others like the evap and cat light can take a few cycles but I think youre able to pass with 1-2 lights still pending, at least in california.

[@6gwilliams]

RX8 Engine Power Loss • chokes as revs increase o O2 sensor failure (too rich) o MAF failure o MAF disconnected o e-shaft sensor fouled o accessory belt fraying • high end power loss (hard fuel cut) o Rev limit reached • high end power loss (jerky and stumbling) o Ignition failure o fuel pressure loss o e-shaft sensor fouled • high end power loss (smooth) o Catalytic converter clog o air filter clog • low end power loss (smooth) o Engine compression loss • low end power loss (stumbles) o Ignition failure o front O2 sensor failure • revs slowly but smoothly o O2 sensor failure (too lean) o catalytic converter clog o air filter clog • sudden power drop at a specific rpm o Intake valving actuation problem • trouble getting to redline o Ignition failure o front O2 sensor failure o catalytic converter clog o air filter clog o e-shaft sensor fouled o fuel pressure loss o MAF failure

[@ralphharrison6622]

stock intakes are generally better than aftermarket ones.

[@Renesis8]

Everyone’s been recommending aem intake for it with the stock intake being the second best

[@ralphharrison6622]

@@Renesis8 if your using the car as a daily driver, stock is the best bet, unless the aem is cheaper

[@adammiller5136]

@@Renesis8 The racing beat intake or K&N are perfectly good. I agree that the stock system was the best, because it actually had a vacuum actuated bypass and took in cold air stock. Next to using a stock system, just buy a 3" ram air tube and install an aluminum honeycomb to reduce turbulence at the MAF sensor. Cold air systems are overpriced and overrated, and they reduce CFM and add extra turbulence because of the turns in the tubing. Trust me on this, I had an AEM and ended up cutting most of it out and adding in the honeycomb, and now it breathes so much better.

[@sashakrstev344]

Getting honked at is part of the rx8 life

[@WajihDiCaprio]

Nice video very informational for newer rx8 owners

[@Renesis8]

Glad you liked it!

[@2PatOWSC]

Nice video, I will wait for new updates!

[@3n3ly7m9]

4500.......................................................................... huh

[@avincombat939]

Dude, get a compression test before you spend any money. A rebuilt engine can be many things but I would not want to throw money at one of these unless the engine was verified good. I also have an 04 and just got the clean bill of health last week. Also, AEM intake or OEM are pretty much the only good options imo.

[@Renesis8]

Before I bought it a compression test was done and the numbers were good so should be good there

[@dylanhinkel3548]

I saw a 70k mile rx8 for sale for $7000 and I thought that was a screwy deal for a rotary. I’m glad to see one made it to 130k

[@Renesis8]

On rx8 forums there’s people going over 100k miles on 1 engine. With the proper care these cars can last a decently long time. I’ve also seen them with 200k on the chassis. This one’s age is definitely showing but I’m hoping I can bring it back up to spec and have it last much longer

[@reconmotorsports]

I’ve got a 2004 with 185k on the chassis…just swapped its third motor (first two were the original owner) this weekend. Hoping to get the chassis to 300k!

[@sumosloths98]

@@Renesis8 I bought mine at 80k and it made it to 109k on the original engine. Body is now at about 130k. Mine's an 04 as well - trying to keep it looking nice at almost 20 years old!

[@WayaWolf]

id believe it.... i had a honda dealership try to charge me 2500 for a new computer.... got home and found one online for 200$... this is the exact reason dealerships are dying..... because they are scamming people.....

[@Renesis8]

One of the exact reasons I left working at the dealership. I would see the prices they charged people for something like an air filter and it was ridiculous. The pay I made there was also garbage. The only real benefit I got was experience, discount on parts, access to lifts and since I work on my own cars no labor charge. But in the end it wasn’t really worth it for the pay. I’ll stick with aftermarket and my own cars

[@WayaWolf]

@@Renesis8 frrrr, I’m glad I have a awesome older brother who right now is putting a new motor in my mint California 1996 Toyota celica gt… otherwise I’d be getting absolutely screwed by labor and parts elsewhere, glad you saw how messed up they were doing people at the dealerships… awesome video.. can’t wait to see more

[@Renesis8]

Ooh very nice car to have, it’s good to know people who can do it. I will say at least at my dealership we only recommended things that really had to be done. Trying to scam people just isn’t how I do things

[@calebwhite1454]

Hold up you're telling me you paid $4500 for a non running rusty RX8? I thought my local marker was scamming us but I can get a running decent one for $6,000

[@Renesis8]

The only thing messing it up was the intake and the solenoids. Other than that it runs and drives perfectly fine. I also state in the video multiple times that I was driving it

[@calebwhite1454]

@Renesis8 fair, I just heard you say "got it running", though I paraphrase

[@Renesis8]

All good. I also don’t need the car in the best condition. I’m just looking to have fun with it and to gain knowledge and experience from working on it and fixing its problems

[@calebwhite1454]

@@Renesis8 aye that's always fun

[@android584]

I got to admit it was cool spotting an RX8 when they were new but I gave seen any in years. Must have a short lifespan.

[@Renesis8]

Once the engine dies most people consider it either too expensive to rebuild or don’t wanna deal with it anymore so they end up in junkyards unfortunately. There’s people out there like me who want to really deep dive into these and figure them out entirely and hopefully these vids inspire a couple people

[@adammiller5136]

What really killed the RX-8 lifespan was that alot of buyers ordered automatics with the paddle shift, which was a much inferior design and implementation of the rotary. Since automatics shift and don't hold high RPM's, the rotary would get too much carbon build up. Most owners weren't aware enough to put it in neutral and brappp it once occasionally to clear out carbon.

[@gsxellence]

Wait they also failed you due to a defroster not working!? That just goes to show you that the stealership is a scam

[@Renesis8]

Not a scam. Per PA state inspection the defroster system has to be functional. I learned this when taking the tests for my inspection license. Doing the inspection here was more for me to make a checklist of exactly what I needed done and things I might have missed

[@YungEagle3k]

he wanted 4,800 for this loooooooooooool

[@chefjamesmacinnis]

I would pay 3k for a radio. Just not a stock radio. Lol

[@robertmorales0925]

hahaha bro we had the same idea or what? I just recorded my first video, also of the RX8, it was always the car of my dream, although I have had several but I have never made a video, I have decided to start with this one but in Spanish. right now I am doing service to the ssv and changing the solenoids. I'll upload the first video later and then upload the other one of the ssv... we can exchange ideas.

[@Renesis8]

Always good to have more tutorials on this car to help others. Keep doing what you’re doing bro!

[@Devious_Reviews]

It never surprises me when a car guy on KZbin goes to a dealer for quotes and the prices are at a 1000% average markup even for common things like floor mats. Four piece Weather Tech for $250 from dealership! ... or anywhere else for $40 tops.

[@Renesis8]

Exactly then dealerships wonder why they’re losing money. I’ll stick to working on my own stuff. Only reason I really went was for an inspection and new tires. But before I went I reset my clock spring so I figured I might as well do an alignment as well

[@AaronsTalks]

It's funny that dealers charge the most but their mechanics are the most hopeless in the industry...

[@FilipGereg]

My whole car is considerably cheaper than that radio lol

[@Renesis8]

Yea it’s actually insane. I was on the phone with the service advisor when he told me this and there was just a silence after he said that number

[@blacksta-r]

nice video

[@oscarzt1652]

stock airbox is absolutely the best option for the RX8

[@Renesis8]

I definitely gotta look into it more. At the moment I’m thinking between stock or an aem intake

[@6gwilliams]

AEM/Mazdaspeed CAI is much better than stock, and adds some power. Just a fact.

[@davehoffman515]

Go AEM if you can swing it. It makes working on things below the air box much easier like the power steering connectors.

[@noname-sd5dt]

Agree aem makes life easier, until you need to service the filter. Stock with a k and n filter ulis all you really need.

[@6gwilliams]

@@noname-sd5dt I will stick with my Mazdaspeed/AEM CAI. and add the few HP it gives you over the stock airbox. Cheers and best to you.

[@farasgaragepr]

Thats a hot air intake.... the best way to make it worst than good

[@Renesis8]

Yup no more of that from here on

[@user-p97g6mvbh]

I would never pay 3000$ for a radio

[@Renesis8]

Agreed. For that price it better be the best audio in the world

[@johnathanbrandstetter1903]

You took it to a Mazda dealer did a run around and didn’t even get a compression test done? What a waste of time.

[@Renesis8]

Compression test was done before I bought the car. And then engine was just put in.

[@Renesis8]

It also wasn’t a run around. I took it there to get new tires and an alignment. I didn’t know the license plate light and fog light was out so they helped me out there. They also helped me figure out the last cel light I was having

[@MrDkb718]

F no. You can buy another used car for that price

[@IronicTonic8]

That intake is garbage and should be replaced asap. I'd get an AEM model.

[@Renesis8]

That’s the direction everyone is pointing me towards so it looks like that’s what I’m getting

[@IronicTonic8]

@Renesis8 Not sure how familiar you are, but RX8's are very sensitive to changes in the intake. The OEM design created very specific airflow characteristics that must be kept for proper function. The AEM design is one of the best IMO and it's what I have on my car. Bad intake designs cause all sorts of problems like the car not running right and they have been proven to reduce HP on the dyno. I'd stick to the major brands and stay away from short ram designs.

[@Renesis8]

It’s not something I knew about when I bought the car but everyone has been super helpful pointing me in the right direction for it. The intake that’s on there now came with the car.

[@IronicTonic8]

@Renesis8 I've owned several RX8's and recently went through the process of rebuilding the motor in my current car. I did some reliability upgrades at the time of rebuild and I'd be happy to share the things I think are crucial to keeping the motor in good condition. Just let me know if you're interested.

[@Renesis8]

People have given me pretty good direction but I’m always open for tips and suggestions to keep this car at its best

[@ozzierabbit587]

When I was shopping for a new car in late 2005, a Mazda salesman suggested an RX-8. I knew enough to decline the idea. It was the second best decision I ever made, with the first being declining to join the Navy.

[@Renesis8]

It’s definitely not a car for everyone so I don’t blame you for declining

[@thekrimsonchin6023]

Damn, what's wrong with the navy lmao.

[@robertkorn]

You overpaid BIG time for that car.

[@Renesis8]

Eh maybe. Best case scenario I get a fully running car that I restored on my own. Worse case scenario I buy another chassis and swap everything and out of it I gain tons of experience and knowledge about these cars. Either way it’s a win win in my eyes

[@rt2255]

Buy rx8 at ypur own peril. After 10pk miles motors needs rebuilding and sorry but having owned mazda nissan toyota and hondas mazda is the lowest quality of the big 4 japanese cars as a whole. Trucks used to be okay but no.power, cars okay but bad build quality and a few models had trans isdues constantly.

[@adammiller5136]

I have 170K on my Rx-8, 90K after engine rebuild. It still runs like a beast and pulls like a champ. Not sure where you are getting the info that they need rebuilt at 10K. All you need to do is change the plugs, and coils every other oil change and always change your oil on time. Never ever use synthetic engine oil. Pre-mix with a light dino oil or two stroke oil and make sure to run the RPM's up to 9K once per drive. One downside of the RX-8 is that it isn't a good car for people who don't understand cars and won't put any effort into maintenance. The other downside is that Mazda mechanics don't really work on rotaries much and dealerships aren't helpful. Then again, I have never owned a car that was under warranty and so I usually do my own repairs and maintenance anyway.

[@rt2255]

@@adammiller5136 typo 100k it is well known rotary lasts 100k not much more. Sorry for typo but 100k is crap for a car that costs what they do. 200k i can live with but 100k is crazy

[@adammiller5136]

@@rt2255 ah, i see the typo now. Well, a rotary isn't the cheapest way to go on a mile per mile comparison, but consider this: the majority of flat/boxer engine failures are 100K or less and the boxer engine is a much more expensive and complicated rebuild if you have to do it yourself. The rotary also offers a potential for higher RPM's and has more horsepower per pound than most engine designs (barring a heavily boosted JZ engine). Now lets say you want to buy a Supra, an old Supra with 300K on the engine will cost you [much] more than what an RX-8 and a rebuild will cost. An S2000 will also cost more than an RX-8 and a new engine. A larger frame person can barely fit in an S2000 and forget about room for passengers or cargo. The Rx-8 really doesn't get much credit for what it is worth in the used car market. Now if we were talking about buying a new Rx-8 for $30K back in '04, I would have to agree with you on the price point. But when you can buy a nearly classic sports car like the RX-8 for around $6K it is isn't such a bad proposition.

[@rt2255]

@@adammiller5136 i prefer inline 4 or inline 6 or v6 that 200k to 300k is normal

[@xMorbidArtx]

@@adammiller5136plugs and coils every other oil change?

[@ricardoallende2597]

$4500? Ouch.

[@Renesis8]

Could’ve been better could’ve been worse honestly

[@unknownunanimous2160]

Always liked these 8s mainly cuz the rx7 is the most beautiful car ever in my eyes , i was quiet sad when i learned they arent good daily or a tunner because of the apex seals🫠

[@Renesis8]

To be honest I could go a rant about why I love the rx-7 fc way more than the rx-8. I used to have an fc till it got hit by a flood. And yea I know the apex seals in especially the first gen 8’s weren’t the greatest but I’m kinda excited for when I get to rebuild my first engine

[@unknownunanimous2160]

@My8Problems I wish you luck and an rx7 fc sir one day one day brother we gonna cobb those