RX-8 Owners Club UK

Hi all! I've had my Winning Blue 2004 RX-8 for a few months now, and was aware that the compression was a bit low. Unfortunately I managed to flood it and I'm pretty sure whilst trying to solve that, I've pushed it over the edge and it now needs a rebuild. I'm OK with that - the car was quite cheap, so I'm happy to put a bit more money into it - the problem is finding somewhere reasonably local to get it done!

I'm in Cobham (where the A3 and M25 meet - and also where the SW London group meet!) and after looking through the forums it seems there isn't anyone especially close who does the rebuilds.
AMT Ford-Mazda has stopped doing them, ironically due to too much competition, all of which has now gone out of business.
Rotary Revs and Ryan Rotary Performance are both quite a way away, and since the car won't start I'll need to get it trailered there, so that'll probably be expensive.
Warren Court and LC Rotaries are significantly closer in Kent, but still a bit further than I'd like.

Can anyone recommend a rotary specialist, ideally in Surrey or near by? If not, I'll probably go with one of the Kent ones! Thanks

LC Rotary have recovery so I belive they will pick up and deliver the car

I'd be extremely surprised if clearing a flood has pushed the engine to needing a rebuild, not that it's impossible, just very unlikely.

What specific symptoms are you getting?
Does it start fine when cold but have difficulty when hot?
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=36004

Does it make lots of noise and smoke?
Does it not start at all?

How old are the ignition components (coils, ht leads and plugs)? and/or have any been replaced with parts from ebay or other non-dealer source?
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=36282

Has the oil been over-filled?
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=36391

mi60o0 - That's good - I'm a little concerned about the cost, but it's about 50 miles, so hopefully it won't be too bad! Thanks - I suspect this is what I'll be going for.
warpc0il - I had a compression test done before it failed, and it was getting close to the line - I can't remember the exact numbers but it wasn't good! After it was flooded, I think I spent too much time trying to get it to start, so I suspect I wrecked the seals from turning it over repeatedly on the starter, without it lubricating properly. I then had Luke Murdoch (who I believe is known on these forums!) out again to take a look. He didn't do a compression test, but said it was probably bad compression. It doesn't start at all from cold (if it started cold, I'd be able to drive it over there!). I get starter motor noise and it sounds like it's trying to start, but just won't. From what Luke said, I think even if I did manage to get it working it would probably need the rebuild soon anyway as it's on its way out.

Oh, and if I've said anything wrong in there, I'm probably misquoting Luke because it was a while ago - any mistakes will be mine and not his.

I think LC Rotary is probably the way to go - they seem to be well regarded on here. I'll get in contact with them tomorrow and see what I can arrange!

Thanks again guys! Looking forward to getting it back on the road. I'm back in the MX-5 at the moment, and I'm missing the power...

If they carry rebuild I will ask for free pickup at least wow you spend thousands.. Don't be shy and ask

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Hi and onecruelbagel. Hopefully you can get it sorted with LC - and yes if you had Luke look at it already I'm sure he advised you properly. If you can't get in there, as well as Warren Court you will find Essex Rotary are also within striking distance, just at the wrong end of the Dartford Tunnel.

As you are in Cobham feel free to pop along to the Fairmile whenever we are having a meet there.

If you're still after other recommendations, RX Motors in Salisbury and Hayward Rotary in Newbury are both worth a look-in, and are closer to you than the Northerners. Hayward's did my rebuild, and I am very happy with it, although they have just moved workshop and are still getting fully set up. RX Motors fixed up a monster oil leak i had after Rockingham for sensible money, and I'd be happy to point you their way as well.

And if you need to get the car trailered to the rebuilder, get some quotes from Shiply - usually they'll move it for a pretty sensible price.

I have never heard of RX Motors before. I'm down in Salisbury in a couple of weeks so may pop in and see what they are about.

V8 Power wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 13, 2019 10:58 am

I have never heard of RX Motors before. I'm down in Salisbury in a couple of weeks so may pop in and see what they are about.

I hear from few members only good thinks about them. Worth a try I guess

You might enjoy your trip - Tim's daily is a 600BHP FC drag car with a purple flake paint job. And he's another one of those specialists who's really calm and softly spoken but drives mental cars. He's also got one of the only REPUs in the country, still to be restored, but epic nonetheless. Good guys

Tim White at RX Motors has helped me out with a few minor items for my RX-7. Always fair and very helpful. Tim is VERY experienced with all Mazda rotary models. He has also attended several RX-8 OC events in the south, such as Simply Japanese at Beaulieu. From personal experience I would highly recommend RX Motors, alongside Hayward, LC Rotary and Essex Rotary in your area..

casey wrote:Tim White at RX Motors has helped me out with a few minor items for my RX-7. Always fair and very helpful. Tim is VERY experienced with all Mazda rotary models. He has also attended several RX-8 OC events in the south, such as Simply Japanese at Beaulieu. From personal experience I would highly recommend RX Motors, alongside Hayward, LC Rotary and Essex Rotary in your area..

I live in Salisbury and this thread has answered a question about whether RX are trusted by the club or not! This makes any future issues I have wayyy easier to deal with...

And onecruelbagel, if you end up at a loose end in Salisbury, drop me a PM and you're welcome to a lift or a brew! I know all the places where the Novichok wasn't

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Thanks, everyone! I'm booked in with LC Rotary now - he's picking the car up early Monday morning, so hopefully I'll have it back on the road soon!

Shagrington: I've been to one meetup there, unfortunately they often clash with rehearsals for me so I won't be able to make another for a couple of months. I'll be back though - at least once I can turn up in an RX-8 instead of an MX-5 :-D

I did think you may have been to one of the meets, but I'm old and easily confused so I lose track of who is who etc these days.

Good luck with LC - you're in good hands anyway.

SeriousSam wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 13, 2019 10:52 am

If you're still after other recommendations, RX Motors in Salisbury and Hayward Rotary in Newbury are both worth a look-in, and are closer to you than the Northerners. Hayward's did my rebuild, and I am very happy with it, although they have just moved workshop and are still getting fully set up. RX Motors fixed up a monster oil leak i had after Rockingham for sensible money, and I'd be happy to point you their way as well.

And if you need to get the car trailered to the rebuilder, get some quotes from Shiply - usually they'll move it for a pretty sensible price.

Can anyone pm me a direct contact number for Tim? I need some work done but don't just want to turn up Monday morning..

Tim' Facebook page:

https://www.google.com/search?q=rx+moto ... 2520Motors

https://www.facebook.com/RXMOTORSLTD/

EDIT: Too slow

That's the one in Doncaster Dave

Too slow & wrong then
Try again http://www.rxmotors.co.uk/Contact/

Thanks folks.