Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

A chance to introduce yourself...
barzini30
Forum Guest
Forum Guest
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2021 3:07 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 7 times

Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by barzini30 »

Hi, just traded my old daily for an RX8 231 in velocity red. Does anyone recognise this car? Reg is GP54 KMX, but it used to be D4DRX apparently. I am trying to piece together some more of its history, as it came with a stamped service booklet only. It appears to have been well taken care of and I found some old ads on facebook about it which mentioned a whole lot of work that had been done to it so I’d be grateful for any extra info.

I have to say I had not planned on owning one, but I figured it might be fun, did a little bit of research and went through with the deal. And oh man was I not wrong. This RX8 has the PZ shocks and springs and the handling is sharp. I took it on my favourite local twisty road and the car feels very lightweight and cornering is effortless. Overall really happy with it, even more so thanks to the decat and aftermarket backbox which produces flames and crackles from time to time. I am taking it to TPS in London on Wednesday for an inspection to learn more about it. New Mazda badges and an oil change will happen too.

Image

Image
These users thanked the author barzini30 for the post (total 2):
Torque23 (Mon Aug 02, 2021 10:28 pm) • wreeve (Sat Aug 07, 2021 6:25 pm)
User avatar
DrewR3
Club Chairman
Club Chairman
Posts: 4694
Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2015 10:55 am
RX-8: R3
Colour: Crystal White
Location: N. Wales
Has thanked: 52 times
Been thanked: 291 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by DrewR3 »

Hi and welcome. Gonna beat nige to the welcome 🎉

I dont recognise the car but others will be along. Personally i like the clean debadged look. The PZ suspension set up is a good extra to have come accross, if you can match them up with the lightweight wheels too then even better.
Club Chairman

RX-8 2010 R3, Crystal white, 26k miles, Full Mazda Service History

Daily - 2012 Mercedes E220 Coupe AMG sport, Deep Blue, 19 inch AMG alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, AMG BBK with drilled discs

Previous RX-8 - 2006 '56' S1 Pz Prodrive edition, Galaxy Grey
User avatar
Cscameron
Committee Member
Committee Member
Posts: 1969
Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2020 7:46 pm
RX-8: 192
Colour: Custom
Location: Peterborough
Has thanked: 89 times
Been thanked: 172 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by Cscameron »

Sounds like you got a good one :thumleft:

Rule one of 8 ownership is join the OC :D so much knowledge on here that has been priceless to me (and I’m sure many others) and the welcoming committee will no doubt be along shortly :D

I’m with DrewR3 on the debadged look. I spent ages trying to find a set just to take them off - although I may know where there’s a a full set of black badges that aren’t currently in use

Spoiler:
In my box of random parts 8)
These users thanked the author Cscameron for the post:
ChrisHolmes (Mon Aug 02, 2021 9:13 pm)
You can call me Madam Secretary 8)
350matt
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 3158
Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 9:09 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Strato Blue
Location: Northants
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 327 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by 350matt »

Looks like a nice example
get some waxoyl ( or rust treatment of your choice) on the rear arches and sills though while the weather is dry and do a compression test so you know where you are with the engine
User avatar
casey
Events Team Member
Events Team Member
Posts: 12589
Joined: Sun Jun 27, 2004 7:14 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Titanium Grey
Location: Colchester
Has thanked: 507 times
Been thanked: 451 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by casey »

:welcome: to the whacky, wonderful world of wankel ownership :thumleft:

It sounds like you have done some good homework and have already identified a recognised specialist to give your purchase a good inspection.

There is loads of info on the forum. Most can be found via the search facility, but if you can't find what you need, ask away. And if you would like to meet up with fellow owners, have a look at the events section for details of local pub meets, shows, trackdays and the like :D

Oh, and add your location to your profile, in case someone is nearby and can help with anything.
Essex Rotary Full Bridgeport
Seibon Carbon Fibre Bonnet, "Racing Brake" front calipers, Racing Beat (RB) ARB's F&R, RB REVI intake, full RB Stainless Steel Exhaust & Mani, 20mm Eibach spacers, KOYO Ali Rad, Lightened Fly, Tein MonoFlex coilovers & strut brace, Axial short-shifter, BHR Coils & Engine Mounts, Greddy Sump
Federal 595RS-R or Rainsport 3
User avatar
GreySilver Beast
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 64953
Joined: Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:57 pm
Location: Somewhere in the UK
Has thanked: 1581 times
Been thanked: 365 times

Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by GreySilver Beast »

Hi & :welcome: to the RX-8OC :thumleft:

<<<<<< Please put your Location in your Profile Box, it will help us to know where you are, if required any help in the future :thumright:

Please check out the EVENTS SECTION's for anything coming up soon in your area :thumleft:

Events Team
GreySilver Beast-Test Drives Unlimited (Nigel)
Club Member from 2006 - present
Events Team from 2015 - 2024
Events Coordinator from 2017 - 2023
Administrator from 2012 - present RX-8 Owners Club UK
Tesla M3LR AB 363 AWD " Blue Beast "
User avatar
Shagrington
Forum Moderator
Forum Moderator
Posts: 32772
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 1:54 am
RX-8: 192
Colour: Sunlight Silver
Location: Kent (out in the sticks - nothing urban here)
Has thanked: 266 times
Been thanked: 320 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by Shagrington »

Hi and :welcome: barzini30. :D Have a good read through whatever in the FAQ section you didn't already read :study: and then (and just ignore me if you know all this already) here are my best tips for keeping it all running sweetly:

1. To start up turn the key to position 2, wait for most of the lights on the dash to go out (I watch the airbag light by the glove box), press the clutch to the floor (optional, but reduces drag), turn the key to start and do not touch the throttle until it has started. You can drive off straight away, just keep the revs down for a bit (see #4 below).

2. Never [-X turn off the engine before it has reached at least somewhere towards normal operating temperature (should only take a minute or two, but best to go for a short drive if just swapping cars round on the drive etc). Switching off cold risks flooding, which is a real :censored: with a rotary engine. Mazda recommend rev to 4k and hold it for 8-10 seconds switching off while still revving if you have no option but to switch off cold (it is not necessary to do this in any other circumstance).

3. Check the oil level regularly (use the dipstick - the oil gauge tells you nothing other than that you have or don't have pressure) and top up if necessary with semi synthetic 5w30 (most people and specialists are advising to use 10w40 now though) ... small amounts at a time, no more than ½ a litre then check the level again before adding more as you don't want to overfill it.

4. Use all the revs once the engine is nice and warm (don't sit idling to warm up, start up and drive but keep it below about 4k until the needle on the water temperature gauge is pointing straight up, then give it another 10 minutes for the oil to warm up too before really thrashing it :twisted: ) and hit the beep often. Best acceleration is from 4k revs up - to pull away you really need to rev to 2k - you can let the revs drop after lifting the clutch if you are in traffic, cruising steadily at 3½k revs and changing down to go up hills or accelerate gets you the best mpg ... which still won't be great. ;)

5. Join the club for discounts on all sorts of things (you will very quickly get the cost of membership back - and then some), loads more info in the members only sections (including access to all the workshop and technical manuals), local meets (they were all postponed but are beginning to happen again now) - if you can't find one exactly local it is a good excuse for a drive if you come to one a bit further away), a sexy keyring just for joining and more. :thumright:
'Grington.
former Club Treasurer 2010-18 (now finally retired) \:D/
Silver 192 green interior LEDS, Nordic Green hoop spoiler, roof inserts and wheels Silver Stripes (now finally retired) :cry:
User avatar
Torque23
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 130
Joined: Thu Jul 01, 2021 2:24 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Winning Blue
Location: Ashford, Kent
Has thanked: 114 times
Been thanked: 24 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by Torque23 »

Welcome to the experience. I too have just recently joined and loving it so far. I like the debadged look.
TriggerFish
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 8:31 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Location: Aylesbury, Bucks
Has thanked: 24 times
Been thanked: 21 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by TriggerFish »

My old car! I'll post up more info shortly, but I sold it on due to compression in the 4.*s :(

It wasn't debadged when I sold in it March, but was on the PZs, with some scabby wheels with winter tyres, and a rando cat on it.

Chassis was solid - I undersealed it and treated any surface rust before the 2020 winter, but that engine rebuild wasn't getting good numbers, although I never had an issue with it starting.
TriggerFish
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 8:31 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Location: Aylesbury, Bucks
Has thanked: 24 times
Been thanked: 21 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by TriggerFish »

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but here goes...

So this is probably the advert that you found: (

I still have these grey wheels - I just need to list them for sale...)

During my time I changed the gearbox/oil/engine oil, along with both clutch cylinders. I also changed the o-rings for the aircon into the compressor, so it should work if you get it regassed. It was done the day before I picked it up, but you could see it leaking out of the compressor joints.

This was when I was selling it back in Feb/March time. I was selling initially thinking it was a solid all rounder, but wanting to change to an economical estate (I got a Volvo V70 - wow is it dull to drive!). Anyway, someone placed a deposit subject to a compression test, but when I got that done, the numbers were weak.

Here's chamber 1: (5.2, 5.0, 5.1)
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipO ... dwMDlJSk9n

And chamber 2: (4.5, 4.4, 4.6)
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipO ... dwMDlJSk9n

Therefore I stripped it off the nice parts (cruise, bluetooth, OEM cat) and sold it to webuyanycar so it wasn't on my conscience. The chassis is solid, and it drove nicely, just the engine was weak. Whack a good engine in it and it'll be a keeper with a chassis that solid.

Here's an album of photos from the listing I took, including the underneath: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GTAPSRHdVQLoKy4f8

Any more questions, just shout - it looks like it's been through at least one more owner since I had it... (I think it was 5 POs when it was registered to me). I sold it March 2021.
These users thanked the author TriggerFish for the post:
barzini30 (Wed Aug 04, 2021 4:35 pm)
barzini30
Forum Guest
Forum Guest
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2021 3:07 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by barzini30 »

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

@Triggerfish very interesting, thank you very much for all the info. Yes, that was the ad I saw, do you know who did the rebuild? Have you still got any invoices? The car came just with the service book.

Those results are surprising because it has plenty of power (consistently left my ~200 HP IS250 in the dust on a short Mexico motorway pull) and starts/drives fine. It has been through some dealers but I got it from a private seller. I wasn't exactly planning on keeping it long due to having 2 other cars, that IS250 daily and an E46 M3.

I will get a new compression test tomorrow and go from there, I don't wanna write it off just yet.
TriggerFish
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 8:31 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Location: Aylesbury, Bucks
Has thanked: 24 times
Been thanked: 21 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by TriggerFish »

The rebuild was done by the previous owner himself - an engineer for Jag/Land Rover's drive train development department (so I figured he'd know his business). No invoices here (I just checked) - I included all of the paperwork I had with the car, so someone must have stripped it out. I do remember there being invoices in there for a rebuild kit from Atkins Rotary in the USA (PO picked it up out there on business I think he said). He said about new coils/plugs/leads, but there weren't invoices for these, and I never got around to checking the brand of the coils.

Yeah - it surprised me too - I was confident it was a good engine based on how it drove and the consistent ease of hot starts, but the results said otherwise. It didn't feel that slow to me either (based on the first RX8 I owned, and my E30 and 330d benchmarks).

I really hope the TPS result comes back with stronger figures for you, but please keep us posted! I did drive it hard, so it's unlikely to have been low figures as a result of gentle driving (I'm sure I read that can impact readings).
User avatar
stewartm
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 1998
Joined: Sat Mar 27, 2010 4:20 pm
RX-8: R3
Colour: Sparkling Black
Location: Caerphilly
Has thanked: 12 times
Been thanked: 37 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by stewartm »

Compression test results arent necessarily as clear cut as they may seem. My first 8 turned out to have figures around the 4's but started hot and cold and put in creditable times around the track.

She went to one of the guys at RR who was going to run it till it popped, but it never really did, up until him replacing the engine with another he had. Rust is what did for her :(
These users thanked the author stewartm for the post:
Torque23 (Tue Aug 03, 2021 7:18 pm)
User avatar
SprintRX8
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 575
Joined: Sat Dec 15, 2018 8:47 pm
RX-8: 231
Location: Sutton Surrey.
Has thanked: 4 times
Been thanked: 50 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by SprintRX8 »

TriggerFish wrote:
Tue Aug 03, 2021 10:06 am
Therefore I stripped it off the nice parts (cruise, bluetooth, OEM cat) and sold it to webuyanycar so it wasn't on my conscience. The chassis is solid, and it drove nicely, just the engine was weak. Whack a good engine in it and it'll be a keeper with a chassis that solid.
That would of been sold via BCA British Car Auction’s.
13BLT Renesis Rotary powered Dolomite Sprint in the making😏.
Balanced Lightened and Tweaked.and Supercharged.
350matt
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 3158
Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 9:09 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Strato Blue
Location: Northants
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 327 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by 350matt »

Possibly an agressive street port is dropping the cranking compression figures?
if its starts hot all the time and the performance is good then maybe don't worry too much?

another sign of a failing engine is high fuel consumption ( how can you tell I hear you cry) but you should be able to get 20mpg on a run just keeping up with traffic and not owning the outside lane
TriggerFish
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 8:31 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Location: Aylesbury, Bucks
Has thanked: 24 times
Been thanked: 21 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by TriggerFish »

No, the guy told me it wasn't ported sadly (and did send photos of the rebuild too, now I think of it).

MPG was 'ok' in my ownership, nearly got 300miles a few times, but always got defeated by London traffic.
barzini30
Forum Guest
Forum Guest
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2021 3:07 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by barzini30 »

Well, I wasn’t really searching for a new project but I guess sometimes the project finds you instead. Just got back from TPS and we confirmed that the compression is trash.

Front 4.9 4.6 4.6
Rear 4.9 5.0 5.0

Rear spark plug was wet so we suspect fuel/oil present which bumped the compression artificially. Just goes to show that low compression is not always noticeable and a car can drive well while hiding the fact.

The good thing is the chassis is in decent shape and there is nothing else that needs doing immediately. Only things to mention were 1 rear droplink has lost 2/4 tabs and a bit of corrosion started on the driver side rear sill.

I spoke with my flatmate and we figured we can take on a project like this. The plan is to drive it for now and schedule a rebuild later in the year.

For now I’ll order some wheel spacers, sort out one replacement tyre and put on the cat Ive bought for it for its MOT.
Cscameron wrote:
Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:10 pm
although I may know where there’s a a full set of black badges that aren’t currently in use
Can I have those? PM me a price and whether you can post them.
These users thanked the author barzini30 for the post (total 2):
Torque23 (Wed Aug 04, 2021 2:22 pm) • TriggerFish (Wed Aug 04, 2021 2:58 pm)
User avatar
Ollie
Committee Member
Committee Member
Posts: 5275
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2019 6:40 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Custom
Location: Cider Country
Has thanked: 11 times
Been thanked: 280 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by Ollie »

Those compression figures aren't really the end of the world as long as it starts hot/cold. They're actually pretty neatly bundled together as well which is actually pretty good by all accounts!

Just drive it till it goes pop if it ever does. Some people have driven on far worse compression for very long amounts of time without any real issues.
These users thanked the author Ollie for the post:
HarSc (Wed Aug 04, 2021 5:26 pm)
Club Treasurer

Kentaro The Red - Sadly fallen...
Star Platinum - Work in progress


For whats pending... See here: viewtopic.php?f=204&t=86071
User avatar
HarSc
Committee Member
Committee Member
Posts: 5510
Joined: Wed Aug 12, 2020 1:29 am
RX-8: R3
Colour: Crystal White
Location: Doncaster
Has thanked: 566 times
Been thanked: 520 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by HarSc »

Yorindesarin wrote:
Wed Aug 04, 2021 5:23 pm
Those compression figures aren't really the end of the world as long as it starts hot/cold. They're actually pretty neatly bundled together as well which is actually pretty good by all accounts!

Just drive it till it goes pop if it ever does. Some people have driven on far worse compression for very long amounts of time without any real issues.
:whathesaid:

At the end of the day, compression is an indication - but honestly, unless you're planning on selling it (as you'll need good numbers to have people really interested), it doesn't matter - just keep motoring on until it does go, and keep in the back of your mind that you'll need to be saving up for when/if it goes.
Some guy from oooop north ;) | Harry | Membership Secretary | Media Team

- My Main RX-8 R3 [MHZ 3800] thread here
- My Project Banana [GL04 MXU] thread here
- My Mazda 2 DE daily thread here
- My engine disassembly shenanigans here
User avatar
warpc0il
Spin Doctor
Spin Doctor
Posts: 32537
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:56 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Lightning Yellow
Location: Groomsport, Co Down, NI
Has thanked: 444 times
Been thanked: 2080 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by warpc0il »

Those numbers could be an indication of wear, or just lack of action.

It would be interesting to see how the car starts and drives over the coming months, and if a repeated test next year shows lower or higher figures.

I recall one engine that was rebuilt with Goopy seals and worn housings that took over 4k miles before it started showing acceptable numbers on a test, though it ran fine from the start and is still running AFAIK.
Dave
The Spin Doctor ™
uǝǝɹɔs ɹnoʎ ʇɹǝʌuı ǝsɐǝld :ɹoɹɹǝ
barzini30
Forum Guest
Forum Guest
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2021 3:07 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by barzini30 »

Aaaaand the RX8 stopped starting. So far checked the battery voltage and tried the deflooding procedure but to no luck. I will attempt removing the spark plugs next.

I managed to get a lot of exciting driving out of it up to this point, but unfortunately I cannot do the rebuild right now due to my other project car getting some major work done. I am working on finding storage for it, but on the other hand also sadly considering letting it go…
TriggerFish
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 8:31 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Location: Aylesbury, Bucks
Has thanked: 24 times
Been thanked: 21 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by TriggerFish »

That's a shame :( what mileage did it make it too?

Given the PZ suspension, and really solid chassis, it'd be a shame to see it scrapped if you can't find storage, so hopefully it can live on with someone! 🤞
barzini30
Forum Guest
Forum Guest
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2021 3:07 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by barzini30 »

Really don't want it parted out or scrapped. It made it to 83k miles, maybe 84k not sure right now. I will look for someone to take it on as a project and will be looking for storage at the same time. We will see how it goes, I am writing a for sale ad right now.
These users thanked the author barzini30 for the post:
TriggerFish (Mon Oct 18, 2021 12:13 pm)
barzini30
Forum Guest
Forum Guest
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2021 3:07 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Unexpected RX8 231 purchase - anyone’s old car?

Post by barzini30 »

Sold yesterday to another enthusiast, he will try to revive it. Fingers crossed.

Meanwhile I have bought a clean 1.6 Mk 2.5 MX5 to daily for now.

RX8 was on 84.1k miles.
These users thanked the author barzini30 for the post:
Shagrington (Tue Oct 26, 2021 1:24 am)