This section contains the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions that are asked on the forum, especially by new posters but also by members that have encountered a problem for the first time.
It is recommended that you browse this section before asking a question as your answer may be here...
This is a guide for the potential RX-8 buyer which will highlight some of the points that should be of concern when viewing a likely specimen of the Series 1, and although there are minor differences, is also applicable to the later model R3 - the guide is based on member experience and additional...
In response to many queries from new forum users and particularly those seeking advice on buying a used RX-8, this post serves as an overview and basic used buyers guide.
This is not an extensive history of the RX-8 from before the drawing board to concept and onto production car as too much...
There's masses of extra stuff - basically an entire library including Interactive Mazda Workshop Manual, with Troubleshooting, plus detailed stuff too numerous to list, all here
If you're an RX8 OC Member then that link will work for you, otherwise you need this link :sign:
This guide is a mix of facts and experience collated from the forum, designed to help you decide which engine, gearbox and diff oils to buy for your RX-8 without trawling the many oil threads or starting a new one. Whilst it does not link to any particular supplier, it...
As a community we have been talking forever about fake ignition coils but these days they’re far from the only fake parts being offered for your car.
“Fake” coils include replicas of the Mazda OEM coils sold in convincing branded boxes, having been produced in a factory in China and sold wholesale...
Coil – produces energy for the spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture.
HT Lead – the lead which carries this charge to the spark plugs.
Spark Plugs – these are placed on the outer rim of the engine on the edge of the combustion chamber producing a spark to ignite...
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often also referred to as the Engine Control Unit (ECU) though the PCM on the RX8 controls much more than just the engine.
For maximum benefit, start this process with a stone cold engine.
1 Disconnect battery and leave for at least minute.
2 Reconnect...
The M ass A ir F low sensor is a device for measuring the amount of air flowing into the engine. A larger quantity of air entering the engine indicates acceleration or a high load situation, while a smaller quantity of air indicates deceleration or idle. The engine management...
If you disassemble the suspension to replace springs etc then you must not re-tighten all the bolts with the suspension extended, otherwise the bushes will become trapped in that orientation and, once the car is then lowered to the ground, they will become twisted adding a rubber-in-torsion element...
This is a guide covering what you need to know in order to prepare for a track day. It covers what you need to do to prepare yourself and your car for the day. It doesn't cover the organisation or running of the day itself.
A great deal of information has been gathered by members over the past 10...
Engine longevity
Firstly, let us dispel any rumours that the RX8 engine needs a standard rebuild at any point in its life like the RX7 engines were (also mistakenly) reputed to need. It’s a different engine, do not make the mistake that as both are rotary they are the same. They are not. I know of...
The RX-8 uses two types of fuses, neither of which are widely available, which means that carrying spares could save you from roadside embarrassment, or worse.
The first type is commonly known as Mini-blade and, while these can be bought in selection packs, these nearly always includes low rated...
There are many tyres available on the market. However, remember, you have a rear wheel drive sports car and the tyres are the only thing keeping you on the road. So make sure you have a decent set. The legal lower limit for tread depth is 1.6mm, but many people change when...
MOT failed today. Emissions. Failed on CO and Lambda.
First test CO 1.76% (target less than 0.3%) Lambda 0.954 (target 0.97 to 1.03)
Second test CO 2.45% Lambda 0.934
HC was 9 and 14ppm (target less than 200ppm). Indicates that fuel is being burned well?
Right, since there seems to be a great deal of machinations about this and some confusion about what needs to happen I thought I would lay a procedure that has worked for me for the last 7 years and 75k of RX8 ownership and never flooding it once!
Be aware! When presenting an RX-8 for an MOT you should inform the tester that the cars is equipped with a LSD as it has now become apparent that some MOT stations are not aware that the car is so equipped (although that information should be available when the cars details are entered into the...
There are various reports about stupendously high oil consumption for the RX8. This is a myth. It does not use any more oil than any other sports car does. In fact the benefit is that it doesn’t use the expensive stuff. With discounts through the club you can usually get about 4 litres for about...
On the Series 1 (S1) if you want a complete hands free car kit the easiest is a Parrot Kit with an extra lead to work with the Bose head unit (the correct lead depends on which car kit you decide on). This will connect to your Bluetooth handset every time the engine is switched on and...
You can discuss this FAQ entry in the original post in the hints and tips section .
The rubber engine mounts help reduce the amount of vibration that is transmitted from a running engine to the chassis of the car. The rubber mounts are fixed onto the chassis, and a bracket is fixed to the engine....
I did consider posting this information in the members only section as my research has been on behalf of the club but as the car is the reason we are all here in the first place and it will benefit the reputation of the RX-8 I have posted it here.
It has become more noticeable recently that RX-8...
The RX-8 has electric power steering, unlike many cars that have hydraulic, and when this is working well gives tremendous driver feedback as it is a major component in the overall handling package.
However, like any system it can have its issues.
On the electrical side the system demands a high...
Following a post on my project thread debriefing the club track session at JDM Combe, Dave has asked me to put a post in this section of the forum to explain the impact of different gear ratios on track driving.
For background, I have recently switched from the oem 4.44 diff final drive ratio to a...
This is a question commonly asked here on the forum, or FaceBook, or at car meets, and is usually the wrong question!
“Limp Mode” is, as the name suggests, a specific mode that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) switches to if/when it detects a fault that doesn’t stop the engine running but could...
There are various reasons why the RX8 can fail the MOT emissions tests.
Decat, missing cat core (poor man's decat) or failed cat.
Your car can't pass the MOT emissions test without a fully working cat.
The original cat is a massive beast and very good at its job, until something kills it, like...
WARNING: This post is long, really long, and doesn’t even have any pictures.
I've been active on this forum for ten years now and this is all based on my personal experience owning and working on RX8s, talking to owners, information gleaned and distilled from forum posts and PMs, working for Ford...
The 40th Anniversary & Kuro special editions were the only RX-8`s to include a build number which consisted of numbered plates fitted to the sill trims, in my case my 40th Anniversary car did not have the plates fitted to the sill trims I queried this with the dealer who knew nothing of them and I...
Mazda OE filter part number series 1 is B6Y1-14-302-9A and for the R3 it is N3R1-14-302
The same part number B6Y1-14-302-9A filter is used on the MX5 all models 1989-2005.
B6Y1-14-302-9A has been superceded by B6Y1-14-302A (in the box it is marked as B6Y1-14-302 )
Firstly, you'll hear groups mentioned a lot when it comes to car seats. Here are some definitions:
Group Weight range Approximate age range
0 Up to 10kg (22lb) From birth to 11 months for boys, and 14 months for girls.
0+ Up to 13kg (29lb) From birth to around 12 months to 15 months.
1...
Rotary spark plugs a odd things. They have to withstand flooding when doused in petrol during cold starts, avoid fouling when the engine runs rich and has oil injected into the chamber, and avoid burning out when they get hot (because they don't ever see cold intake air). In addition they have to...
You are allowed to vote up to three times for those that have had more than one rebuild but can you post in the thread if you've had more than one with the reason.
E.G. In my case it was Romford Mazda cocked the first one up royally.
If you haven't had a rebuild can you please post your current...
This from a currently live thread, copied here for future reference...
Straight away (like TODAY) I would contact directly (maybe on Facebook) and politely but clearly explain that you're not happy, the car isn't as sold, his company has breached your contract and they really need to do what you...
It means deleting (removing) the oil Metering Pump and relying totally on a strong premix ratio to lubricate the rotors.
It was a necessary evil on some RX7 big turbo conversions as they had no way to balance the pressure/vacuum within the intake, such that the OMP oil injectors could cope....
The RX8 (and many other new cars which comply with EURO 4 emissions) can be prone to flooding. The reason for this seems to lie with the need for the catalyser to be warmed quickly to comply with EURO 4 emissions. This means that initially the engine runs very rich increasing the risk of flooding...
Mod note: I suggest Dave has a look at this, to decide if it's worth putting in FAQs, and if anything needs amending or adding.
An oil burp is a very dramatic event, and you will be in no doubt if you have one. The symptoms are that a huge plume of white smoke will be emitted from your exhaust,...
Hi all, since I last posted I finally bought my New RX-8 Series II...in November 08.
I also have the lasted Mazda EPC Parts Catalog and have done a comprehensive list with Parts Pictures/Numbers of the Mechanical changes between the two Models (or Series RX-8's).
Anything less than a Money-no-object Blueprint Rebuild is a compromise, based on skill, experience, judgement in the potential reuse of parts and the time taken to work on getting exact clearances etc.
The advantage of doing the work yourself is that you know exactly what judgements you have taken...
The obvious causes for damp/wet inside the car are the door seals and, while these can get damaged, it's rarely the source of the problem.
The boot seal can sometimes get damaged but it has to be in a pretty poor state before water finds it's way inside, other when you're directing a pressure hose...
This came up in another thread and has been copied here for future reference...
That is what is happening on my new engine. The oil pressure is going to be increased from 76psi to about 100psi .. however we did think up a bit of a problem at the Yorkshire meet in that there are two oil filters...
Finding myself with some surplus time on my hands I decided to have a look at a coolant tank and find out exactly what happens when it fails! (Thanks to BigPete for supplying the tank.)
Well after several hours playing about with it with an aim to trying some sort of economical repair it just...
Options for iPod and/or Auxiliary input for the Series 1 RX8 stereo head unit
1. AuxMod
This is a very simple device that connects to the Tape/MD port inside the head unit.
It provides a standard 3.5mm jack Aux input to the stereo.
This cannot be used alongside the Optional Tape or Mini Disc...
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