So You Want a Mazda RX-8

Ah, the good ol rotary. The Mazda RX-8 offers a unique platform to enthusiasts that comes with some cool benefits, but at what cost? Today Alex talks about the good, the bad, and the ugly with the RX-8. Would you own one? Comment below!

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Music:
Intro- Coste, Solitary
Background beat- Bennu, Astro Beats

So You Want is a series dedicated to talking about all things automotive. From engine swaps to cars such as the Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, Honda S2000, Subaru WRX, and many more. Strap in as Alex gives you the lowdown on what to expect if you are looking at owning, working on, or modifying any of these cars.

#Mazda #RX8 #Rotary

[brotherloops]

If you do want an Rx8 I recommend going to someone who can edit the ecu settings to;

1. Dump more oil into the OMP. S1 engines have 2 oil squirters compared to the s2s 3. Mazda also kept the amount of oil put in low to meet emissions. This way you won’t need to spend money on premix
2. Get them to turn the high speed cooling fans on early. This helps with cooling which helps reliability in the long run.
3. Raise idle to 900-1000rpm to help reduce bearing failure if using 5w-30 oil.
This should help keep your Rx8 engine healthy and last a bit longer.

[midnightsons]

After watching this video all I can say is
“Fuck it, I’m not that bad of a mechanic”

[petertr]

Had mine for 2 years. Drove it every day (for work). Never missed a beat. Made sure it was properly serviced and looked after. It was even more practical than our small family hatchback once we had a kid.

[dougcook]

I have a 2010 RX-8 Sport for daily driving. It's nowhere hear as troublesome as Alex says. First, it's a Series II (2009-2011) which fixed almost all of the problems with the Series I (2004-2008). It DOES have a 50/50 weight distribution with tight handling that's comparable with $250K and up high-end sports cars. It has plenty of room for four people and large items (I put a new, boxed 55" TV in it before). The fit and finish on this car is excellent, typical of better Japanese cars. And, yes, you can get them super cheap - even the Series II's. But there are a few caveats to consider:
- get the car compression tested before you buy it as poor maintenance will show up with hard hot-starting
- replace the wimpy OEM ignition coils with strong D585's (plenty of easy-to-install kits out there)
- remember that oil is king in this car - it burns a quart every 1000 miles and needs regular oil changes (be sure to use the OEM high-pressure filter), plus more-frequent coolant changes
- the manual trans on this car is excellent; you give up reliability and power with the auto
- this car need to be redlined often: 'A redline a day keeps the mechanic away!'
- for best performance, longevity, and power get an ECU tuner (I use Versatuner)
BTW, although not really necessary for the Series II, I premix at 250:1 with Idemitsu 2-stoke oil.

[TheChaosx]

As someone who dailys an rx8, i support this video 😂

[mouaxiong]

If your parents don't buy a rx8 for you, just say
*"It has 4 doors and you can drive it too, 4 doors means insurance shouldn't be expensive as 2 doors"*

[do]

No, I don't want an RX-8, a cocaine addiction would be cheaper to mentain.

[WhuchakaV]

It is a rotary engine, forget everything you know about maintenance and start new. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

[trvr]

I found some super clean ones for cheap. Then I realized why they were cheap

[francoisluneau]

Driving a stock RX-8 for the last 10 years (40th Anniversary Edition) as a daily driver, in thick snow and other better weather here in Montreal, and haven't had any serious issues except the coils (and the usual battery replacements). Pretty lucky maybe, but it still feels rather solid with just regular maintenance. Some can stay hopeful. It still brings a smile to my face about every time I take it out (although you must love dancing in the snow for winter driving).

[alejandromoreno]

There will always be those few who keep the rotary going. And to them they're brave

[joem]

I've had a series two for twelve months, 5000kms now@ 138k total. Never a single issue. But I look after my cars. My math is... Even an engine rebuild by my local rotary mechanic won't make it that expensive overall. Cheap to enter, $$$ to stay. I love mine. This guy is totally spot on!

[brandonwright]

Absolutely love my 8. Going on 6 years of ownership, 5 of which it was my daily. I have upgraded the ignition and run a catless midpipe which definitely helps! Oh and 2 stroke oil through a SOHN adapter 😁

[attila]

"So you want blown apex seals."

[namankandoi]

I bought an 06 at 30k miles. Kept it for 3 years in college. Nothing broke. Nothing needed replacement. And I used it daily. The only three things I maintained were -
1. premium fuel always.
2. never switch it off cold, even if it means sitting in the car waiting for it to warm up after concluding a short commute.
3. I always topped up the oil at the end of the month.

[ZephyrSire]

The RX-8 is like the R33 of Mazda, hella underrated

[brandonnichols]

I love the RX-8 I have one, they’re super fun and as long as you understand the car and treat it well they can perform great, however some modifications to the factory engine like a sohn adapter and upgraded plugs, coils and a car delete if you can manage will erase all the problems.

[gabmax]

Just keep pressing 👉 00:01 and this will sum up owning an rx-8

[faiidoblivion]

Bought one at the age of 15, restored it, repainted it after damage, rebuilt motor, and currently awaiting the delivery of pieces necessary to turbo this mean machine... long and expensive 2 years i’ve put into it, but it’s pays off, as there’s nothing more rewarding then 1, finishing your build, and 2 owning a rotary WITH GOOD APEX SEALS.

Good first parts would be
1. Eyelids
2.Exuast/Muffler delete (spits flames stock)
3.Cold air intake
4. Oil change...
5. Oil change...
6. Oil change with 2 stroke oil in gas tank...
7. Apex seals
8. Rebuild
9. External mods. (Body kit etc.)
10. TURBO. ultimate sleeper status... 13bs LOVE HIGH RPMS, and handle boost very well. after you blow your seals in the 13b, get a tri rotor kit/motor. and improve from there based of personal preference.

[Dr_Disconnect]

The Rx8 is the car that got me into cars and mostly the import scene. I grew up as a Mopar kid because my dad loved dodge and Plymouth, but I never cared for cars at the time. I moved away then started looking at cars and fell in love with the Rx8, but the motor is hard to commit to.