RX-8 Pros vs. Cons

[CrashKelly]

Hey Rotards!

I am really thinking of joining the gang soon. I have a little under a year left on my MSP payments...I hope the car makes it that long.....and am really interested in the RX-8, but I need some experienced 8 owners to chime in on the Pros and Cons...It doesnt have to be engine or performance specific. I really just want to learn everything I can in order to make an informed decision.

What's the word fellas? Keep in mind that I have NO rotary experience....so I might need help with engine terms...

[SpooledupRacing]

OK I'm not to knowlegdable with the RX8 SPECIFICALLY however alot of the cars engine is near the same as any other 13B

Here are a few things I can recommend

Make sure the car is up to date on all the flashes that were offered.

Make sure the car has no visable OIL LEAKS (04's had a big problem with oil leaks/consumption)

Check the air filter to make sure it is not horribly dirty

check the spark plugs to see how the car is running (should be golden brown to lightly dark, any oil deposits run)

check the oil dipstick and under the oil cap
milky color = crap oil or blowing coolant into the housing
smells like gas could mean low compression one one or more faces

check the underbody for signs of rust, bad bushings etc

drive the car (with the radio off and windows up) listen for any creeks, whines, clunks

Make sure you bring the car up to redline a few times during the test drive.. you want to make sure the car has full power through the powerband and that there is no chugging or loss of power in the higher rpm's

make sure u run through all the gears and make sure there is no crunching. RX trannies are not forgiving once they begin to grind.

That is currently all I can think off of the top of my head..

lots to look at like any car just with a rotary BE PICKY!!!

[CrashKelly]

Thanks for the input Dave, it's greatly appreciated...A lot of those suggestions should go under rules for looking at any new car.

Where's Riken at? I bet he has some comments too...I'd love to hear about the interior and anything about how well they adapt to mods...Anything that I buy I usually end up f-ing around with.

[MazdaTom]

The RX-8 guys in my local club are always talking about issues with their 8's. Anything from the tail lights filling up with water, to the 2nd gear syncros going out, to having to get new motors after 15,000 miles, to the clutch pedal bracket being weak....... honestly, I was amazed listening to them talk about all the issues with their cars.

[CrashKelly]

The RX-8 guys in my local club are always talking about issues with their 8's. Anything from the tail lights filling up with water, to the 2nd gear syncros going out, to having to get new motors after 15,000 miles, to the clutch pedal bracket being weak....... honestly, I was amazed listening to them talk about all the issues with their cars.

good info....I have definitely heard about the tail-light fishtank issue from a few people...Is rotary engine failure common among all RX's...or is there just issues with the 8?

I guess a better question is, Do they have a lot of mods? ....You can have the most reliable car in the world, but in the hands of amatuer tuning they can turn in to buckets...

[jungleagent]

The RX-8 guys in my local club are always talking about issues with their 8's. Anything from the tail lights filling up with water, to the 2nd gear syncros going out, to having to get new motors after 15,000 miles, to the clutch pedal bracket being weak....... honestly, I was amazed listening to them talk about all the issues with their cars.

That just tells you if you can't commit to the car, it will own your wallet. If you plan to go for your first rotary vehicle I advise you to get something cheaper like a FB or FC since you can get a good body with higher mileage car between 2-6k USD. That way you can learn at a cheaper cost.

[SpooledupRacing]

rotary engien failures are normally contributed to lack of oil or coolant or over heating..

if the idle is rough walk away, if it idles high walk away..

you should plan to drive it for 20-30 minutes if the car is runnign bad when warm walk away.

also after driving it try and start it when warm if it starts hard walk away..

[SpooledupRacing]

That just tells you if you can't commit to the car, it will own your wallet. If you plan to go for your first rotary vehicle I advise you to get something cheaper like a FB or FC since you can get a good body with higher mileage car between 2-6k USD. That way you can learn at a cheaper cost.

I agree with alot of that but dont get an FB for yoru first car eith an FC or RX8

non turbo 13B fuel injected is the way to go..

[jungleagent]

I agree with alot of that but dont get an FB for yoru first car eith an FC or RX8

non turbo 13B fuel injected is the way to go..

Well like I said if you have lots of money to spend go for the rx8. Starting cost will be around 10k-16k depending on the miles and condition.

Late 80's rx7 FC will a good body but higher mileage should be around 3-6k. Now just there alone is a savings of 7-10k. With that money you can really mod and make your rx7 really fast and pretty.

But that is up to you.

[MazdaTom]

Is rotary engine failure common among all RX's...or is there just issues with the 8?

The motor injects oil from the crankcase into the rotor to help lube the apex seals on the tips of the mysterious spinning triangle. Drive long enough without checking/adding oil and you run low on oil and run into problems. I'm not sure if the guy that had his motor replaced at 15,000 miles was staying on top of the oil or not.

I guess a better question is, Do they have a lot of mods? ..... No powertrain mods that I'm aware of.

[SpooledupRacing]

Rotary engines should use roughly 1qt of oil per oil change and can be as much as 1 qt per 1500 miles

if somone tells u that it uses NO oil they are either lieing or the omp is bad..

as far as powertrain mods.. bigger stiffer clutch and a lightweight flywheel and thats about all there is..

in a rotary the key to making power is

Exhaust out air in

good flowing intake
good flowing exhaust
porting the engine

thats about it

until u get to turbos, tuning, etc..

[CrashKelly]

Good info fellas...Money isnt really an issue....well it is, but i'd be looking into a new 8 mostly because this is going to be my daily driver and I am looking for something fresh. I dont want to go buy a late 80's rotary just to save cash. It's more about having something new, but I dont have rotary experience. Plus Id like to hear about the creature comforts too....like how are the interiors, stereo, or even stuff like suspension....it doesnt have to be all engine info.

[MazdaTom]

And I guess the different tuning houses (Racing Beat and the other major players) haven't really been able to make an intake for the 8 that vastly improves the factory design to make it worth while. K&N has one, but the only advantage to it is that you don't have to struggle with opening the filter box to replace the panel filter (which I guess is a real PITA).

There is an ECU upgrade available. One of the local guys is actually the test mule for one of the companies..... I can't remember which though. He dyno'd about 10-15 hp increase with the base flash.

[CrashKelly]

One of the big things for me is in regards to power....

For instance...I currently have an MSP and it has a little power from the turbo. I love the Turbo....but it probably is only because I've had little 4 bangers and this one has had the most powah cause of the turbo

so I have always thought "wow, turbo is the way to go....all this power from a little snail!" So it's gotten into my head that I'll always try to buy a car with a turbo. So does the RX-8 have enough power for u guys? Because honestly I think my love of turbo cars comes just from the power....not from having the turbo itself...so maybe having a non-turbo car with a good amount of power would still do it for me.

What do you think guys? I'm not talking about having ferrari power, but I also dont want to get walked by every car on the road....like my MSP is kinda quick, but I still wish it was a lot quicker.

[Natey]

When my FD was still stock, my friends RX-8 was thisclose to keeping up with me. We did multiple runs and I could barely hold him off.

I think the main thing that would sell me on an RX-8 is the fact that you can claim "4-door sedan" on your insurance form. ;) Plus the Mazdaspeed kit is pure sex, IMO.

[CrashKelly]

When my FD was still stock, my friends RX-8 was thisclose to keeping up with me. We did multiple runs and I could barely hold him off.

I think the main thing that would sell me on an RX-8 is the fact that you can claim "4-door sedan" on your insurance form. ;) Plus the Mazdaspeed kit is pure sex, IMO.

yeah the insurance thing is helpful...us MSP guys really lucked out on ours...I get to file as a regular 4 door pro....insurance is only like 65 bucks a month now that I am older than 25

EDIT: and that is with 1 major accident on my record

[SpooledupRacing]

IMO I think the RX8 is a bit lacking in power.. if you are looking for a power car with some hp's get a turbo FC..

the interior imo is nice ont he RX8 nice seats, nice cluster, nice dash etc..

styling is a plus for sure however I like the RAW FEEL of the car and u wont get that in an 8 in an FC (older jap race breed car) it has all the sounds, feel etc like a auto X or road race car...

[Z]

be prepared to pay for gas. your only gonna get liek 190 miles/tank.

[Riken]

Looks
Well just that right there for me is a huge plus. The car looks sick, yes specially with the mazdaspeed kit. Also the way the doors open is just a head turner every time im like at the mall or stores. Some guy was ah how much you paid to get the doors like that cause it looks nice.
Interior
4 seats!! And yes people actually fit in the back, its not that big but its way bigger than the 2+2 FC. The leather on the seats are not that thin crappy leather, very strong leather, I like that. When you sit down on the driver seat its like they built the car while you where sitting there, everything is where it should be. I love the fact that the windows go down super quick. The stock boss system sounds good. Oh yes why oh why did Mazda gave all the options but no MPG gauge and the passenger seat is manual lol. I dont like the carpet much for some reason. Oh a must is a short shifter.
Exterior
Plenty of aftermarket kits, but the mazdaspeed kit is FTW.
Yes they do have bad taillights, meaning that they fog up. But a gasket or small hole will fix that.
Already comes with HIDs so no need to retro fit. I like the stock aero kit that the cars comes with, well if you add that as an option.
Ill say that the black paint scratches too easily. Not sure about any other colors.
Im very happy with the trunk space, I can actually fit a spare tire and a stock 19 rim with tire in the trunk.
Engine
Well its a rotary engine, like a girlfriend or a wife it will need attention lots of it, not a car to just put gas and go. You will have to always check your oil level. Carry extra qt of oil in the trunk and I would premix regardless of OMP been installed. Im doing about 2.5 oz per tank. I was reading and for what I can tell Mazda did a good job on the stock intake so thats why its hard for companies to come up with something better. Racing beat is working on a header they say it will be nice and some good gains. Lots of good exhaust out there too.
POWER
Im happy with the power. I have great roads where I live and on the way to work. I can pass anyone with no problem, ive done some spirited driving and I dont see the need for a bunch of more power. Unless your are going to be autox and so on. Of course the more the better lol It all depends what you want to do with the car too.
The sound
Im talking about the sound of a rotary. You rotor heads know what im talking about. Its priceless.
Verdict
Well Ive had RX-2 to 3rd gens and I think If I have the chance to chose Ill take the 8. And this is my opinion. It fits perfect, I dont take the girls in my car but I like the fact that I have the option to do so. the 8 is a great car to do a Will Smith and cruse 5 MPH so everyone could see you....
And for a sports car that is able to do 23MPG to me thats not that bad.
The handling is pretty good too.
Plus you can find one for $13k I think thats a great price for a car like this.

[Riken]

be prepared to pay for gas. your only gonna get liek 190 miles/tank.

I get 300 miles per tank and thats normal driving with some spirited redlining.

[Super Matty P]

i loved my RX8 but it got horrible gas mileage at 17mpg.

[Riken]

U have a 8?

[SpooledupRacing]

yeah I love the look interior and exterior of the 8.. I REALLY want one..

right now its just not in the plans

[CrashKelly]

Riken that was some awesomeness u posted...That's definitely some stuff I needed to hear. I'm not too worried about mileage. I already have to pay premium for the MSP and honestly I can make the sacrifice of MPGs for a nice car....If I cared about mileage Id just get a prius....and the sound is awesome! I heard a RX-8 with exhaust pass me on the way to the gym the other day and it just made me want one more than I already do! Low and slightly raspy!

[SpooledupRacing]

I like to say it sounds like a pissed of swam or BEES!

[CrashKelly]

It will be a few months before I even start looking at things because I am still paying off the MSP, but Ive definitely been searching auto trader and the paper for options...I think if a good enough deal came by I might have to just snatch it up!

The down-side and the up-side is that id be limited in mods! I love working on my cars after Ive gotten the gains, but I curse the shit out of working on them when I am actually doing it! I get that satisfaction of doing it myself, but at the same time I want something that I wont keep going overboard with.

[jungleagent]

A friend of mine from Detroit area is selling a 2005 Nordic Green rx8 with less than 6000 miles never seen snow and I think he just dropped the price down to 16k. Its a steal. Let me know if your interested and I can have him give you a call.

[jungleagent]

Riken that was some awesomeness u posted...That's definitely some stuff I needed to hear. I'm not too worried about mileage. I already have to pay premium for the MSP and honestly I can make the sacrifice of MPGs for a nice car....If I cared about mileage Id just get a prius....and the sound is awesome! I heard a RX-8 with exhaust pass me on the way to the gym the other day and it just made me want one more than I already do! Low and slightly raspy!

I have a full exhaust system. If I get some time I will try to get a clip of the exhaust sounds and maybe Dave can help me post it on here for you.

[jungleagent]

I like to say it sounds like a pissed of swam or BEES!

Oh yeah Dave my baby sounds much different due to my custom headers.

[SpooledupRacing]

custom headers?

what custom headers?

[CrashKelly]

A friend of mine from Detroit area is selling a 2005 Nordic Green rx8 with less than 6000 miles never seen snow and I think he just dropped the price down to 16k. Its a steal. Let me know if your interested and I can have him give you a call.

I appreciate the offer, but Im on the east coast so I'll probably try to buy local if I can. Thanks though.

[Z]

I appreciate the offer, but Im on the east coast so I'll probably try to buy local if I can. Thanks though.

Dave can drive it to the meet next week, and you can come to pick it up ;)

[CrashKelly]

Dave can drive it to the meet next week, and you can come to pick it up ;)

what meet is that?

[SpooledupRacing]

What meet?

http://www.themazdaforum.com/showthread.php?p=154116#post154116

[SpooledupRacing]

Dave can drive it to the meet next week, and you can come to pick it up ;)


you gonna bring me back home? lol

[Riken]

Riken that was some awesomeness u posted...That's definitely some stuff I needed to hear. I'm not too worried about mileage. I already have to pay premium for the MSP and honestly I can make the sacrifice of MPGs for a nice car....If I cared about mileage Id just get a prius....and the sound is awesome! I heard a RX-8 with exhaust pass me on the way to the gym the other day and it just made me want one more than I already do! Low and slightly raspy!

No problem let me know if you need any more info and Ill post anything else I could think of. There is a lot of electric stuff to upgrade lol.

[Riken]

So the meet is in OH?

[jungleagent]

custom headers?

what custom headers?

A girlfriend of mine in South Dakota fabricated customs headers for me as a favor she owed me. It took me a whole week though to get in installed due to leaks from the gaskets and original studs that came from the stock exhaust manifold. Its all heat wrapped now and on Saturday it gave me the growl that it didn't do for me during the first install.

[Riken]

So to tip the scale, 3 nice rx8 pics. Enjoy
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/thatracer5/hdr613082te7.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/thatracer5/hdr613081nu3.jpg
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/thatracer5/hdr613086ju8.jpg

[SpooledupRacing]

man those pics are fake lol

I would like to see this header u got... hopefully it doesnt crack (most do and on rotaries quickly)

[jungleagent]

Riken is that your car? MY car looks close to that. Same color, lights in the front and same spoiler in the back. The difference is the front body kit and the fender flares.

I wonder what front body kit is that from. That is nice.

Oh yeah the rims are different.

[jungleagent]

man those pics are fake lol

I would like to see this header u got... hopefully it doesnt crack (most do and on rotaries quickly)

You will have to look under the car to see it. Hard to see if from above. If they do crack it didn't cost me a thing. :thumbs:

[Riken]

no not my car. But a nice 8 non the less.

[Super Matty P]

U have a 8?

HAD. bought it for the wife when she got her bachelors. She babied it everywhere she went and it still only got 17-20mpg. sold it for more than we paid for it though, so that's not a bad deal.

[Riken]

HAD. bought it for the wife when she got her bachelors. She babied it everywhere she went and it still only got 17-20mpg. sold it for more than we paid for it though, so that's not a bad deal.

Ah so you sold it cause she didnt like it or the MPG?

[Super Matty P]

she hated the car. I loved it. We both hated the mileage. Whereas I could care less about mileage (my roundtrip commute was 9 miles a day) her commute was almost 80miles per day.

She hated the "feel" of the car. She said....and I quote, "It feels like you're in a cockpit". I tried to explain to her that was the intention. she didn't get it. She likes the 350Z better....because... "it feels like my old mustang". I laughed and said, "thats also the intention."

I still hold that the RX8 is a better car. Just as toy. Not as a daily.

[CrashKelly]

no not my car. But a nice 8 non the less.

damn straight....I like the kit....Is that the mazdaspeed kit?

[CrashKelly]

she hated the car. I loved it. We both hated the mileage. Whereas I could care less about mileage (my roundtrip commute was 9 miles a day) her commute was almost 80miles per day.

She hated the "feel" of the car. She said....and I quote, "It feels like you're in a cockpit". I tried to explain to her that was the intention. she didn't get it. She likes the 350Z better....because... "it feels like my old mustang". I laughed and said, "thats also the intention."

I still hold that the RX8 is a better car. Just as toy. Not as a daily.

speaking of 350Z's the infinity G35 (coupe) is another close contender for my next car...Price wise it's not in the same league as the 8, but the just look great. They have one of the nicest looking ass ends on a car. I LOVE their spoilers! Nice and pretty low key, but it still makes the car look a lot sportier.

I'm sure you guys know how it is though, buying a car is a hard choice....some people know exactly what they want and just save up for it and others just look for the best deal on something that will work for them...I am fortunate enough that I started a new job in the last two months that was about a 32,000 dollar a year raise from my previous salary so now I feel like a kid in a candy store because I have a little more variety in my choices with the extra cash. It's difficult to pin down one choice on a car at this point...theyve all got their pros and cons. The 8 definitely has a great looking interior though and I am into the "cockpit" feel. That was one of the things I noticed in my brother's WRX...The seats are more bucket like so you feel much more secure and a friend of mine used to have a plymouth laser that had that cockpit feel. In fact it really felt like you had to put your arm UP to rest it on the center console! So I really like to be nestled in the front seat!

[Riken]

http://www.carview.co.jp/magazine/special/autosalon2003/vehicle/sub/img/rx8/1_l.jpg
Oh and this is the New 09 Mazdaspeed 2
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/rextreme/Newera/TAS_Mazda_RX8-1.jpg

[SpooledupRacing]

lol Look at Riken whore the 8'

[CrashKelly]

Thanks Riken, I was just thinking about how I needed to get a Boner this morning!

[Riken]

G35 yep, some of you guys know that was my next choice after the MP5. My best friend from NJ had one at the time and I drove it around for a day or so. TORQUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes ill say the RX8 lacks it very very much. He had about 30 Extra HP from mods.
But I dont think is worth the extra 7k thats my opinion. And I say this since I love me some rotary. but yeah I was about to buy a nice black on black. But after driving my friends then driving the 8, comparing them I felt that the 8 had more room and felt better for me. The power of the G35 is nice, 280HP stock. But I think the 8 can stay with it on the twistys. And with the extra cash you can hook up the 8 and have a 8 doing the same # as the g35 :)

[Riken]

lol Look at Riken whore the 8'

hahaha lol I love me some 8. Specially since I had no issues. Well other than the tailights and one fog light going out, which I have to fix.

[CrashKelly]

http://www.carview.co.jp/magazine/special/autosalon2003/vehicle/sub/img/rx8/1_l.jpg
Oh and this is the New 09 Mazdaspeed 2
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/rextreme/Newera/TAS_Mazda_RX8-1.jpg

the new one looks like it has a bigger smile

[Riken]

lol ya it will give you one too, should be more HPs in it too

[CrashKelly]

G35 yep, some of you guys know that was my next choice after the MP5. My best friend from NJ had one at the time and I drove it around for a day or so. TORQUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes ill say the RX8 lacks it very very much. He had about 30 Extra HP from mods.
But I dont think is worth the extra 7k thats my opinion. And I say this since I love me some rotary. but yeah I was about to buy a nice black on black. But after driving my friends then driving the 8, comparing them I felt that the 8 had more room and felt better for me. The power of the G35 is nice, 280HP stock. But I think the 8 can stay with it on the twistys. And with the extra cash you can hook up the 8 and have a 8 doing the same # as the g35 :)

yeah a buddy of mine has the 350z vert and man that thing can get sideways like no ones business! The clutch was really light though if I remember correctly...so I imagine it is the same way on the G35....and you are definitely right about the extra 7k....You could easily turbo/Nitrous an 8 for way less than that, but they are still damn sexy! A friend of mine has one and I could have killed him because he actually went to the gas station, put the pump in, filled up, and drove off with it still in the tank! He ripped and crumpled the fuel door right off the car!

[CrashKelly]

lol ya it will give you one too, should be more HPs in it too

I actually like the look of the older model better...it's a little more subtle and it looks like they took away the side vents on the new one and replaced them with BMW style fender vents....which I absolutely hate those things

EDIT: wait they actually look like sidemarkers....but still I'd rather have the reverse vents

[SpooledupRacing]

IMO in person the new 8 is better inside and out..

[CrashKelly]

IMO in person the new 8 is better inside and out..

Dont get me wrong, I like it...but it is definitely a little more on the "flashier" side of the spectrum, The seats look wicked. White leather FTW!

[Riken]

ok so for 6k more you only get a 1.8 sec faster car. Not worth it at all. ( im talking about new models check the vid)

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Fifth-Gear-Mazda-RX8-vs_178134.htm

[CrashKelly]

There is one thing on the 8 that I really dont like style wise...and it really isnt that bad...but it just sticks out to me (and it certainly wouldnt be the deciding factor on whether I would buy the car or not) but the hood should be flat IMO, rather than having that symbolic rotor looking shape thing in the middle.

[CrashKelly]

ok so for 6k more you only get a 1.8 sec faster car. Not worth it at all. ( im talking about new models check the vid)

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Fifth-Gear-Mazda-RX8-vs_178134.htm

1.8 seconds is a lot to a racer though...I agree though for a daily driver not worth it, but there are guys in the drag racing world that probably spend twice that just to pick up 2 seconds!

[Riken]

There is one thing on the 8 that I really dont like style wise...and it really isnt that bad...but it just sticks out to me (and it certainly wouldnt be the deciding factor on whether I would buy the car or not) but the hood should be flat IMO, rather than having that symbolic rotor looking shape thing in the middle.

That actually for aerodynamics, I was told. Oh and the hood is super feather weigh.

[CrashKelly]

That actually for aerodynamics, I was told. Oh and the hood is super feather weigh.

is it really? wow, I would have never thought that. I just thought it was like a rotor symbol or something. I'd probably end up with a CF hood anyways though...I used to hate CF cause I thought it was rice (and maybe it is) but after I got the hood for my MSP I love CF.

[Riken]

What color do you have in mind for the 8?

[CrashKelly]

What color do you have in mind for the 8?

Id probably go black or silver....They dont come in white do they?

[kansei]

Id probably go black or silver....They dont come in white do they?

they do (or did) and it's so so beautiful.

p.s. *subscribes* because I'll be in the market soon as well. I still want a Miata but now I'm thinking I'll just get a cheap Miata and an RX-8.

[Riken]

Yeah more 8 owners lol

Yeah the color was Whitewater Pearls very nice color.
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=57376&d=1124852177
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=60165&d=1128133073
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69185&d=1138658603
http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/6674/l30d319c473f1300cbf7d1fqp8.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc46/WILLIALVL/DSC01337.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc46/WILLIALVL/DSC01349.jpg
Sunlight Silver aka 22V

http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/746/hdr3ix3.jpg
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh298/ams5151/018.jpg

[kansei]

can't really go wrong with 22v. it's not a particularly exciting colour for the RX-8 but it looks damn good.

[jungleagent]

is it really? wow, I would have never thought that. I just thought it was like a rotor symbol or something. I'd probably end up with a CF hood anyways though...I used to hate CF cause I thought it was rice (and maybe it is) but after I got the hood for my MSP I love CF.

For some reason the CF hood offered for the rx8 is slightly heavier than the stock ones. Don't know why but it is. My next mod actually is a hood but I might go with aliminum for its durability under the sun and also because it is slightly lighter for the 8. And yes Riken the hood is uber light. Its the lightest hood I have ever lifted and I have seen so many different cars.

[kansei]

is the stock hood aluminium? I know nissan is all about aluminium hoods and trunks but didn't know mazda did it too

if CF is heavier it must be right?

[CrashKelly]

awesome pics..i love white on that car...it just sucks cause the cleaning maintenance would probably be heavy duty cause of the color

[Riken]

And my fav color lol

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t333/rudi888_2008/RX8/P4.jpg
http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t333/rudi888_2008/RX8/P3i.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/DonJuanMair/pano.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh113/wimprezax06/IMG_9535.jpg
http://www.altspace.com/rx8/black.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v214/82/84/652382516/n652382516_681667_3356.jpg

[Riken]

is the stock hood aluminium? I know nissan is all about aluminium hoods and trunks but didn't know mazda did it too

if CF is heavier it must be right?

Yeah it has to be since is so light, and also lighter than CF.

[Riken]

I feel like painting my stock wheels that color, its like bronze?


http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/6674/l30d319c473f1300cbf7d1fqp8.jpg

[SpooledupRacing]

8's = sex

[CrashKelly]

I feel like painting my stock wheels that color, its like bronze?


http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/6674/l30d319c473f1300cbf7d1fqp8.jpg

yeah those color wheels always look badass

[jungleagent]

is the stock hood aluminium? I know nissan is all about aluminium hoods and trunks but didn't know mazda did it too

if CF is heavier it must be right?

rx8 Drive shaft is Carbon fiber. That is stock!:lol:

[Riken]

rx8 Drive shaft is Carbon fiber. That is stock!:lol:

Yep another great add on to weigh reduction.

[jungleagent]

yeah those color wheels always look badass

The person who owns that is from Detriot. His name is The Korean from the rx8 forums. He actually messed up the color for it. Suppose to be a lighter shade of bronze. But at the end of the day he actually liked bronze/copperish color better.

[Z]

is the stock hood aluminium? I know nissan is all about aluminium hoods and trunks but didn't know mazda did it too

if CF is heavier it must be right?

the hood and the front fenders are both aluminum.

[kansei]

and still heavier than a protege.. I'm so confused. they aren't big cars or anything.. I'm totally ok with that though as they're still not "heavy"

[Riken]

yeah but the protege is not 50/50 and lol RWD

[kansei]

true.. but the miata is :)

I definitely applaud Mazda for their weight savings efforts, that's for sure.

[CrashKelly]

poundage of RX-8 vs protege = ?

[SpooledupRacing]

the rx8 IS a big car.. IMO sitting inside of it it feel like a full size sporty luxury car.

leather seats are heavy

[Riken]

2005 Rx8 GT 6 speed is at 2,940 lbs
2003 protege5 is 3,611 lbs

So RX8 wins lol

[jungleagent]

The weight of the 2004 rx8 is roughly around 3100+ pounds depending on the weight of the driver and the passengers.

Now I am not sure what the Protege is. The new Corvette zr1 has 600+ hp with the almost same weight as my Rx8. Ouch!

[jungleagent]

2005 Rx8 is at 2,940 lbs
2003 protege5 is 3,611 lbs

So RX8 wins lol

Hmmm is your car slightly ligher than mine? I dont know if it will make a difference but mine has the Grand Touring Package(front airdam, side skirt, and mud flaps), Moonroof, Leather seats and spare tire. Don't know if thet add up to 200 pounds. But thats what mine weighed at the weight station.

[Riken]

I got the info online.

[Z]

i dont think the protege is 3600lb. thats like the weight of the gt-r and 350z.

but for the rx8, just take a look at the size of that center tunnel...which isnt aluminum =\

[SpooledupRacing]

yeah 3100 for the RX8 that is HEAVY!!!!

[Riken]

Also compare 100 lbs = 1HP so if you take the G35 its about 3900 lbs (didnt look it up but its about that) so vs the 8 subtract about 10 HP :)

[Riken]

yeah 3100 for the RX8 that is HEAVY!!!!

well the FC a 2 seater is at 2700 lbs or so. So its not that bad for a 4 seater.

[Riken]

1st gen FB = 2600lbs rounded number
2nd gen FC = 2900 to 3071 lbs
3rd gen FD =2822 lb
But im not sure if the # are right

[jungleagent]

1st gen FB = 2600lbs rounded number
2nd gen FC = 2900 to 3071 lbs
3rd gen FD =2822 lb
But im not sure if the # are right

Are these dry weight or with fluids?

[CrashKelly]

i dont think the protege is 3600lb. thats like the weight of the gt-r and 350z.

but for the rx8, just take a look at the size of that center tunnel...which isnt aluminum =

yeah 3600 pounds seems a bit on the heavy side for a pro...

[kansei]

2005 Rx8 GT 6 speed is at 2,940 lbs
2003 protege5 is 3,611 lbs

So RX8 wins lol

lol the protege5 is 2716-2749 pounds. where the heck did you find that information? 3600 pounds is near mazdaspeed6 weight lol

Depending on equipment level RX-8 is 2900-3100 pounds (3100 pounds being the automatic.. which really why do they even allow that as an option)

[Z]

cause more old women drive the rx8 than guys....

*runs

[SpooledupRacing]

coughsotruecough



**RUNS AWAY!!**

[jungleagent]

Very true because most men thier age drive Corvettes.

[jungleagent]

The Rx8 is like the prom queen. Sweet, sensual, and you love her.
The 350z is like the school slut. Low quality but you still ride her brains out.

[SpooledupRacing]

Very true because most men thier age drive Corvettes.


THUS why VETTES SUCK lol..

[SpooledupRacing]

The Rx8 is like the prom queen. Sweet, sensual, and you love her.
The 350z is like the school slut. Low quality but you still ride her brains out.


I agree I love the 350z however if I was gonna buy one of them I would just dish the extra and get the G35

[CrashKelly]

I agree I love the 350z however if I was gonna buy one of them I would just dish the extra and get the G35

werd, the G35 is definitely the more refined of the pair...and i wouldnt call either of them low quality...

[SpooledupRacing]

the G is not low quality at all the 350 IMO is not "low quality" but alot of plastic interior does give it that cheaper feel.

[Riken]

Yeah and the quality of the leather seats of the G35 are crappy. All 4 that I test drove had mad cracks and they had low miles.

[CrashKelly]

Yeah and the quality of the leather seats of the G35 are crappy. All 4 that I test drove had mad cracks and they had low miles.

really? that's sad to hear...do you have leather in the 8?

[Riken]

really? that's sad to hear...do you have leather in the 8?

Yep. I got the Grand Touring Comes with everything.

[CrashKelly]

I guess maybe part of it is that you should really take care of your leather if you have it...it might not matter though, because I am thinking of replacing the seats in whatever I get, unless it comes with some nice buckets...like say a certain rx-8 r3 wink wink!

[CrashKelly]

Yep. I got the Grand Touring Comes with everything.

hows the leather wearing in that so far? you've only had yours for like 6 months right?

[jungleagent]

I just passed 29k and my leather feels, smells and looks like it was still in the showroom. Ask Dave he has been in my car.

[Riken]

hows the leather wearing in that so far? you've only had yours for like 6 months right?

yep but my car is a 04 has 70k miles now, only 18k on the engine. Ill take pics of the seats in a while.

[jungleagent]

The leather they use I believe is semi aniline leather in which the leather is soaked and submerge in the dye for several hours or even days prior to stitching them into the seats. Now on the other hand other car companies either spray thier leather or submerge them for a few hours.

BMW uses Leatherette.............Vinyl also known as Pleather(fake leather).

I will never change/modify my seats in my 8 because of several reasons.

1. They comfortable. They conform around your back and buttock.
2. They use the best quality leather.
3. They have side airbags that you will not get from racing seats like Bride.
4. They are design by Recaro.
5. They have nice rotary accents in both driver and frint passenger seats.
6. Best part you can insert racing harness through these rotary accent.s

[jungleagent]

yep but my car is a 04 has 70k miles now, only 18k on the engine. Ill take pics of the seats in a while.

Whoa blown Engine?

[CrashKelly]

The leather they use I believe is semi aniline leather in which the leather is soaked and submerge in the dye for several hours or even days prior to stitching them into the seats. Now on the other hand other car companies either spray thier leather or submerge them for a few hours.

BMW uses Leatherette.............Vinyl also known as Pleather(fake leather).

I will never change/modify my seats in my 8 because of several reasons.

1. They comfortable. They conform around your back and buttock.
2. They use the best quality leather.
3. They have side airbags that you will not get from racing seats like Bride.
4. They are design by Recaro.
5. They have nice rotary accents in both driver and frint passenger seats.
6. Best part you can insert racing harness through these rotary accent.s

what kind of harness can you mount using a single opening? I thought 5 points need both openings, one for each strap?

[CrashKelly]

yep but my car is a 04 has 70k miles now, only 18k on the engine. Ill take pics of the seats in a while.

that would be cool, thanks Riken. So what happened to the engine? Oil starved?

[jungleagent]

what kind of harness can you mount using a single opening? I thought 5 points need both openings, one for each strap?

I will try to find it on the 8 forums. One of the members used the insert as a pass through for the harness and in the back seat there is a horizontal bar that holds the harness in place.

[CrashKelly]

I will try to find it on the 8 forums. One of the members used the insert as a pass through for the harness and in the back seat there is a horizontal bar that holds the harness in place.

oh ok....maybe it's not a 5 point or the top two straps make a "Y" or something. I wouldnt really need a harness anyways. I'm just really into having a comfortable seat. While my MSP seats look nice and get a lot of comments they are really crappy comfortwise...

[SATimko]

I've been looking at a few 8's near me for the last couple days. I'm starting to think it's do-able, honestly. The Protege is just rusting out way too fast for me to keep up.

[Riken]

that would be cool, thanks Riken. So what happened to the engine? Oil starved?

Guess what I have a pile of paper that the owner had (kept everything) And I just notice that they used 5w30 in some of the oil changes.

[CrashKelly]

I've been looking at a few 8's near me for the last couple days. I'm starting to think it's do-able, honestly. The Protege is just rusting out way too fast for me to keep up.

ha yours too? My trunk is all rusted out...Im going to have to swap it with a CF one or something soon if it keeps up....Honestly Im just tired of the thing. Once the payments are done it's going to be gone. It served its purpose when I got it....I wanted something that I could work on and mod...It MADE me mod it because the MSPs run like shit from the factory so now its running like a normal car...and Im looking for something new.

I am getting out of the "tuner" phase...i say that now, but we'll see what happens with my next car...I will always go intake and exhaust, but hopefully I can get something that has enough power that those things will be enough.

That's the plus side of a rotary...can't mess with the engine too much from what I understand. What do you 8 owners think about mods...pretty limited to intake and exhaust right? Well that and suspension/stereo/gauges and the other universal stuff.

[jungleagent]

Guess what I have a pile of paper that the owner had (kept everything) And I just notice that they used 5w30 in some of the oil changes.

Dum dum dum dum...I hope the 5w30 did not cause the blown engine.

[CrashKelly]

Guess what I have a pile of paper that the owner had (kept everything) And I just notice that they used 5w30 in some of the oil changes.

Is that good or bad? I doubt that it did...the diff between 5w30 and 5w20 is not much at all...it is still 5 weight...it would really depend on the climate and in NC I doubt switching between those ranges would make any difference.

I dunno about all that rotary ash nonsense, but I dont want that to be the point of this thread too...

[SATimko]

ha yours too? My trunk is all rusted out...Im going to have to swap it with a CF one or something soon if it keeps up....Honestly Im just tired of the thing. Once the payments are done it's going to be gone. It served its purpose when I got it....I wanted something that I could work on and mod...It MADE me mod it because the MSPs run like shit from the factory so now its running like a normal car...and Im looking for something new.

I am getting out of the "tuner" phase...i say that now, but we'll see what happens with my next car...I will always go intake and exhaust, but hopefully I can get something that has enough power that those things will be enough.

That's the plus side of a rotary...can't mess with the engine too much from what I understand. What do you 8 owners think about mods...pretty limited to intake and exhaust right? Well that and suspension/stereo/gauges and the other universal stuff.


If I was to get an 8, I know exactly what I would do, and that would be to put my mod money into my Civic. Its sole purpose in life right now is the project car that my dad and I worked on since I got it. Final intention of the car is to be a versitile auto-x, track event, street car combo. If I got an 8, it would stay stock because I would convince myself that I wouldn't need to mod it. I don't know how long that would last, but it sounds good.

[jungleagent]

ha yours too? My trunk is all rusted out...Im going to have to swap it with a CF one or something soon if it keeps up....Honestly Im just tired of the thing. Once the payments are done it's going to be gone. It served its purpose when I got it....I wanted something that I could work on and mod...It MADE me mod it because the MSPs run like shit from the factory so now its running like a normal car...and Im looking for something new.

I am getting out of the "tuner" phase...i say that now, but we'll see what happens with my next car...I will always go intake and exhaust, but hopefully I can get something that has enough power that those things will be enough.

That's the plus side of a rotary...can't mess with the engine too much from what I understand. What do you 8 owners think about mods...pretty limited to intake and exhaust right? Well that and suspension/stereo/gauges and the other universal stuff.

See the 8 is still new technology compared the our rotary brother the 7. Our vehicle come stock at 232 hp in the crank from Mazda. however when dynoed N/A cars with light modifications cannot even come close to 180-190 whp. Even in the 8 forums the forefront gurus are still pushing the limit of 300whp -340whp limits at this point. But the last 4 years there was a bit of a hiatus in the 260-300 hp mark range. However in the year alone many of these hard-core "guru" have been pushing the limits of the Renesis engine with the use of Force-Induction systems wether its Turbochrager, Supercharger or Nitrous Induction.

But you have to understand one thing CrashKelly is that even with that minimal gains our 8 is very expensive to modify compared to the 7 or other "tuner" vehicles out there. For 3-5 hp gain 8 owners who race stock tracks are spending close to a $1000 USD for a re-ameniya headers because Force Induction is not legal in the race rules. And why is that? Because in greater scheme of things we desire more power all the time.

[CrashKelly]

If I was to get an 8, I know exactly what I would do, and that would be to put my mod money into my Civic. Its sole purpose in life right now is the project car that my dad and I worked on since I got it. Final intention of the car is to be a versitile auto-x, track event, street car combo. If I got an 8, it would stay stock because I would convince myself that I wouldn't need to mod it. I don't know how long that would last, but it sounds good.

ahh see that's the way to do it...have TWO cars! A nice one and a project!

[Riken]

Dum dum dum dum...I hope the 5w30 did not cause the blown engine.

No after looking trough it it was one of mine receipts haahhaha. Nope they used 5w20 thats probably why haha. Kill me last week or so I took out the papers for the engine replace to calculate the millage on the engine and now I cant find it.

[Z]

everytime i open a hood of an 8.....all i see is space for a nice supercharger.

[SATimko]

ahh see that's the way to do it...have TWO cars! A nice one and a project!

Yeah, especially when you consider I have the cost of my Protege into my Civic as is, and it's only going to get worse.

[jungleagent]

everytime i open a hood of an 8.....all i see is space for a nice supercharger.

Ever heard of Axial superchargers? HAHA if you do find it then you will really like the idea of supercharging the 8.

[CrashKelly]

See the 8 is still new technology compared the our rotary brother the 7. Our vehicle come stock at 232 hp in the crank from Mazda. however when dynoed N/A cars with light modifications cannot even come close to 180-190 whp. Even in the 8 forums the forefront gurus are still pushing the limit of 300whp -340whp limits at this point. But the last 4 years there was a bit of a hiatus in the 260-300 hp mark range. However in the year alone many of these hard-core "guru" have been pushing the limits of the Renesis engine with the use of Force-Induction systems wether its Turbochrager, Supercharger or Nitrous Induction.

But you have to understand one thing CrashKelly is that even with that minimal gains our 8 is very expensive to modify compared to the 7 or other "tuner" vehicles out there. For 3-5 hp gain 8 owners who race stock tracks are spending close to a $1000 USD for a re-ameniya headers because Force Induction is not legal in the race rules. And why is that? Because in greater scheme of things we desire more power all the time.

To be honest there is a guy on the 24/7 forum with nitrous and exhaust...i would love to be able to go nitrous, but that would involve getting EMS and tuning...and I know jack about tuning....and even less so with how a rotary works. It's not for the bling factor or whatever, it's just that I would rather have a button that I can push when Im ready to go fast and be pretty much stock, or slightly over stock, power the rest of the time. Super-chargers and turbos have lag...nitrous is instant, but dangerous too...

[CrashKelly]

this might be a stupid question, but what happens with a rotary with too much power? Like with a piston engine you end up snapping a rod and sending it through the block. How does a rotar break?

[jungleagent]

this might be a stupid question, but what happens with a rotary with too much power? Like with a piston engine you end up snapping a rod and sending it through the block. How does a rotar break?

The seals go first. They are at the tip of the rotors. You have 6 total. 3 per rotor.

[SATimko]

When the seals go, is it like a "blow-by" leak? I'm just trying to put everything together in my head.

[jungleagent]

I guess the seals are more like piston rings.

[CrashKelly]

The seals go first. They are at the tip of the rotors. You have 6 total. 3 per rotor.

so when the seals go what happens? does the block crack or do the rotors crack? Or is is just that nothing can function right? It's hard to picture in my head I guess.

Another thing would be, how do the rotors stay lubricated? Is there like an oil pan that they "dip" into or are their squirters...or both?

[Riken]

Ok found it, wow going trought all the paper work this guy would even have them test the spare tire by having them mount and unmount it. And yes they did replace the taillights and gaskets. But they where still bad for me, anywho the tiny holes did the trick for me. Ok so the story on my 8 goes like this, he brought it in to mazda after having 3049 miles for oil changes and also stated that it was feeling like there was lack of power. They would just do some recalls and flash the ecu. He complaint about it like 4-5 times when then they changed the spark plugs at 17k then at like 32k he states lack of power would not start. They cleaned out the plugs and it was fine, then 1 time it got flooded. At 48k same problem, would not crank, lost power. At 54k (4/07) the car was cutting off so they finally replace the motor. They even installed new injectors. Total cost to Mazda was $3985 he had it till 60k miles and then got it. I have no problems so far, the 8 starts perfectly and idles great too. Oh plus dont forget still got warranty on the motor till 100k or 2012

[CrashKelly]

Ok found it, wow going trought all the paper work this guy would even have them test the spare tire by having them mount and unmount it. And yes they did replace the taillights and gaskets. But they where still bad for me, anywho the tiny holes did the trick for me. Ok so the story on my 8 goes like this, he brought it in to mazda after having 3049 miles for oil changes and also stated that it was feeling like there was lack of power. They would just do some recalls and flash the ecu. He complaint about it like 4-5 times when then they changed the spark plugs at 17k then at like 32k he states lack of power would not start. They cleaned out the plugs and it was fine, then 1 time it got flooded. At 48k same problem, would not crank, lost power. At 54k (4/07) the car was cutting off so they finally replace the motor. They even installed new injectors. Total cost to Mazda was $3985 he had it till 60k miles and then got it. I have no problems so far, the 8 starts perfectly and idles great too. Oh plus dont forget still got warranty on the motor till 100k or 2012


Sounds like you got a good deal based on his misfortune...which sucks for him, but you get a new motor in a nice car!

[SATimko]

I know the Shinkas don't have spare tires. Are all of them like that?

[SpooledupRacing]

Ok before the engine oil and engine failure gets out of hand I will nip it in the butt now

It dont matter if its a piston engien or a rotary,
dont matter if u use 5w20, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, 15w40, 15w50 or 20w50

ENGINE OIL WEIGHT will not blow up a car..

now the brand of oil can cause problems due to the additives they use in the oil which can deteriorate seals, lave harmfull deposits etc

HOWEVER

The only ENGINE OIL related engine failure is the LACK of oil.

as for what killed Rikens engine my guess is:

overheated
ran out of oil
omp did not work properly

all which were problems with the Renisses when it first came out (leaks, omp failure, seal failure)

and yeah they have more power.. but side to side a stock N/A S5 fc and a stock RX8 will be alot closer then u think..

and the RX8 does not have "alot newer technology" lol... they reduced rotating mass, they have a different intake manifold and a different computer but INTERNALLY they are very close to the same parts.. matter a fact only 3 parts are different a few have been modified differently but still the same parts.

the 7 and the 8 are alot closer then most people want to think... oh and about all that technology its funny how with all that technology and all the afternmarket support on the 8's it takes alot more to get the same kinda of power out of an 8 then it does a 7

1500.00 into a 7 will give you prolly twice as much power then 1500.00 will on an rx8

but that must be technology..

if thats the case then u backed my point up I have been saying.. technology is killing these cars.. the FB was way batter then the FC, FD, RX8 and most reliable to.

[CrashKelly]

I know the Shinkas don't have spare tires. Are all of them like that?

whats a shinka?

[jungleagent]

I have a spare tire and my spare tire bracket acts like a rear strut bar. I can sacrifice the added weight(15lbs) for better handling.

[jungleagent]

whats a shinka?

Shinka is a limited edition that Mazda did to boose the sales of the 8. It has a weird purple color option and better suspension I guess is what you get. No power was added. And oh yeah before I forget the leather seats come in tan interior.

[CrashKelly]

Ok before the engine oil and engine failure gets out of hand I will nip it in the butt now

It dont matter if its a piston engien or a rotary,
dont matter if u use 5w20, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, 15w40, 15w50 or 20w50

ENGINE OIL WEIGHT will not blow up a car..

now the brand of oil can cause problems due to the additives they use in the oil which can deteriorate seals, lave harmfull deposits etc

HOWEVER

The only ENGINE OIL related engine failure is the LACK of oil.

as for what killed Rikens engine my guess is:

overheated
ran out of oil
omp did not work properly

all which were problems with the Renisses when it first came out (leaks, omp failure, seal failure)

and yeah they have more power.. but side to side a stock N/A S5 fc and a stock RX8 will be alot closer then u think..

and the RX8 does not have "alot newer technology" lol... they reduced rotating mass, they have a different intake manifold and a different computer but INTERNALLY they are very close to the same parts.. matter a fact only 3 parts are different a few have been modified differently but still the same parts.

the 7 and the 8 are alot closer then most people want to think... oh and about all that technology its funny how with all that technology and all the afternmarket support on the 8's it takes alot more to get the same kinda of power out of an 8 then it does a 7

1500.00 into a 7 will give you prolly twice as much power then 1500.00 will on an rx8

but that must be technology..

if thats the case then u backed my point up I have been saying.. technology is killing these cars.. the FB was way batter then the FC, FD, RX8 and most reliable to.


Damn it Dave I said i didnt want this thread to turn into oil issues! I'm just curious about how they physically fail...What is an OMP by the way?

[SATimko]

whats a shinka?

Black Cherry Mica hotness...

http://media.motortopia.com/files/10964/vehicle/47c1cbea1c657/1716.jpg

[SpooledupRacing]

this might be a stupid question, but what happens with a rotary with too much power? Like with a piston engine you end up snapping a rod and sending it through the block. How does a rotar break?



if there is no detonation then the apex seals will be fine..

the only thing that kills a rotary is

overheating
lack of oil
age (everything wears out with age)
detonation that blows an apex seal loose
a snapped e-shaft (over revving)

destroying the car.

oh yeah and the one everyone forgets...

CRUISE CONTROL...

[SATimko]

Shinka is a limited edition that Mazda did to boose the sales of the 8. It has a weird purple color option and better suspension I guess is what you get. No power was added. And oh yeah before I forget the leather seats come in tan interior.

Yeah, but unfortunately, the plant burnt down before they got thru the whole run of cars, so they were cut short.

The seats are a really light tan. It's a hell of a contrast.

[SpooledupRacing]

Damn it Dave I said i didnt want this thread to turn into oil issues! I'm just curious about how they physically fail...What is an OMP by the way?


thats why I wont let it get that far..

omp = Oil Metering Pump

it is on the front cover of the engien and as the engien is running it acts like an oil pump and injects small amount of ENGINE OIL form the OIL PAN through tubes into the rotor housings and sprays the oil like a washer fluid sprayer onto the engine rotor faces..

it helps to cool the rotors and apex seals down HOWEVER this is the problem with OMP's ALL engine oil will leave ASH depositis, after long enough the ash deposits can come loose and "carbon lock" an engine

poor quality synthetics and Dino oil leave alot more ash them others.. (not getting into this)

[Riken]

if there is no detonation then the apex seals will be fine..

the only thing that kills a rotary is

overheating
lack of oil
age (everything wears out with age)
detonation that blows an apex seal loose
a snapped e-shaft (over revving)

destroying the car.

oh yeah and the one everyone forgets...

CRUISE CONTROL...

Cruise control?? explain this one.

[CrashKelly]

if there is no detonation then the apex seals will be fine..

the only thing that kills a rotary is

overheating
lack of oil
age (everything wears out with age)
detonation that blows an apex seal loose
a snapped e-shaft (over revving)

destroying the car.

oh yeah and the one everyone forgets...

CRUISE CONTROL...

sorry if these are newb questions, but what is the e-shaft? is that the equivalant of the crank? ya know that stick the doritos hang off of?

How does Cruise control kill a rx-8?

[SATimko]

Without getting into the oil discussion, how would an owner like me reduce the risk of carbon lock? Or is it something that you'd just have to keep a close eye on?

[SATimko]

sorry if these are newb questions, but what is the e-shaft? is that the equivalant of the crank? ya know that stick the doritos hang off of?

How does Cruise control kill a rx-8?

Eccentric shaft. Same concept as crank shaft.

[CrashKelly]

thats why I wont let it get that far..

omp = Oil Metering Pump

it is on the front cover of the engien and as the engien is running it acts like an oil pump and injects small amount of ENGINE OIL form the OIL PAN through tubes into the rotor housings and sprays the oil like a washer fluid sprayer onto the engine rotor faces..

it helps to cool the rotors and apex seals down HOWEVER this is the problem with OMP's ALL engine oil will leave ASH depositis, after long enough the ash deposits can come loose and "carbon lock" an engine

poor quality synthetics and Dino oil leave alot more ash them others.. (not getting into this)

gotcha, thank u sir

[SpooledupRacing]

e shaft is Eccentric shaft aka crank shaft which looks like a camshaft because it has lobes..


Cruise control.... ok I will make this quick..

the apex seals are pushed out and rebounded by the apex seal springs... well normal engine failure si the springs get weak and u loose compression

when u use cruise control the apex seals are pushed out against the housing HOWEVER when left at the same rpm for extended periods of time the apex springs will begin to mold to that position, when this happens the apex seals dont retract like they should OR they retract and wont push back out as efficiently... that is when u get bad compression..


yes it has happened before..

[jungleagent]

Without getting into the oil discussion, how would an owner like me reduce the risk of carbon lock? Or is it something that you'd just have to keep a close eye on?

To reduce the carbon lock it is adviced to let the engine rev at higher rpms close to redline once a day at normal running temperature.

[Riken]

e shaft is Eccentric shaft aka crank shaft which looks like a camshaft because it has lobes..


Cruise control.... ok I will make this quick..

the apex seals are pushed out and rebounded by the apex seal springs... well normal engine failure si the springs get weak and u loose compression

when u use cruise control the apex seals are pushed out against the housing HOWEVER when left at the same rpm for extended periods of time the apex springs will begin to mold to that position, when this happens the apex seals dont retract like they should OR they retract and wont push back out as efficiently... that is when u get bad compression..


yes it has happened before..


WOOW a new one for me, and I just started to use CC since the gas went up. Ill stop right away.

[SpooledupRacing]

Without getting into the oil discussion, how would an owner like me reduce the risk of carbon lock? Or is it something that you'd just have to keep a close eye on?

use a high quality oil....

I recommend using seafoam into the intake track once a month

remove the omp and use 2 cycle and premix

that is about it.. this is a die hard way of doing things. now when I say premature due to low quality oils I do mean LONG TIME normally over 150K (well on the less technologically adavnced engines) thats right the new cars have a hard time making it to 100K without breaking apart... must be another positive about technology I overlooked

[Riken]

To reduce the carbon lock it is adviced to let the engine rev at higher rpms close to redline once a day at normal running temperature.

Yep, thus the phrase redline once a day keep the carbon away. Also premix.....

[SATimko]

To reduce the carbon lock it is adviced to let the engine rev at higher rpms close to redline once a day at normal running temperature.

Oh, I would have no problem redlining an 8 if I had one...hahaha.

[CrashKelly]

Eccentric shaft. Same concept as crank shaft.

dorito stick, thats what I thought

[SpooledupRacing]

WOOW a new one for me, and I just started to use CC since the gas went up. Ill stop right away.

I'm not sayign it WILL happen, I'm not saying it will happen soon, I am just saying it si a PROVEN fact that this DOES cause problems and dependingon the condition of the springs and seals it can happen at any time..

I think the idea was somone was on the highway for like 4 hours with cruice control on and when he turned the car off then back on later that night he had that problem with low compression.. after the engine was torn down the larger spring on 1 face was bent

[SATimko]

Ok, so far from my perspective, many of the issues can be prevented by the car having an owner that isn't a f*ckin moron. Keep up with the maintenance, like every other car, and you'll have few issues.

[jungleagent]

Ok before the engine oil and engine failure gets out of hand I will nip it in the butt now

It dont matter if its a piston engien or a rotary,
dont matter if u use 5w20, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, 15w40, 15w50 or 20w50

ENGINE OIL WEIGHT will not blow up a car..

now the brand of oil can cause problems due to the additives they use in the oil which can deteriorate seals, lave harmfull deposits etc

HOWEVER

The only ENGINE OIL related engine failure is the LACK of oil.

as for what killed Rikens engine my guess is:

overheated
ran out of oil
omp did not work properly

all which were problems with the Renisses when it first came out (leaks, omp failure, seal failure)

and yeah they have more power.. but side to side a stock N/A S5 fc and a stock RX8 will be alot closer then u think..

and the RX8 does not have "alot newer technology" lol... they reduced rotating mass, they have a different intake manifold and a different computer but INTERNALLY they are very close to the same parts.. matter a fact only 3 parts are different a few have been modified differently but still the same parts.

the 7 and the 8 are alot closer then most people want to think... oh and about all that technology its funny how with all that technology and all the afternmarket support on the 8's it takes alot more to get the same kinda of power out of an 8 then it does a 7

1500.00 into a 7 will give you prolly twice as much power then 1500.00 will on an rx8

but that must be technology..

if thats the case then u backed my point up I have been saying.. technology is killing these cars.. the FB was way batter then the FC, FD, RX8 and most reliable to.

Regardless its still newer technology. Internal combustion engines from the early 50s in theory still work the same way as what it is now. That was over 60 years ago.

However due to technology the materials used is different and also the cooling systems, safety, comfort etc etc. Plus they did not have the same ECU technology we use now.

[CrashKelly]

use a high quality oil....

I recommend using seafoam into the intake track once a month

remove the omp and use 2 cycle and premix

that is about it.. this is a die hard way of doing things. now when I say premature due to low quality oils I do mean LONG TIME normally over 150K (well on the less technologically adavnced engines) thats right the new cars have a hard time making it to 100K without breaking apart... must be another positive about technology I overlooked

remove the OMP? U mean just to put the seafoam in right? not like remove it for good?

[SpooledupRacing]

exactly....

these cars were dumbed down for the american consumer.

and as for the redline quote... its true.. but it does nto fix everything.. however I recomend redline many times while u are out.. it wont hurt the car/engine.

[SATimko]

I think he said that as a preventative measure for carbon lock. Remove it for good and pre-mix every tank.

[SpooledupRacing]

remove the OMP? U mean just to put the seafoam in right? not like remove it for good?

remove it for good and block it off and always add 2 cycle (1oz per gallon) everytime u get gas

[CrashKelly]

i dont tend to use cruise control (i cant cause they dont have that on the msp), but when I had it on my civic the only time id use it was when I was tired of driving. That was a bad idea cause it just would make me want to go to sleep more.

[CrashKelly]

remove it for good and block it off and always add 2 cycle (1oz per gallon) everytime u get gas

oh ok, very interesting. Is 2 cycle part oil and part gas or something? I hope I dont sound like a complete moron, but i really dont know shit about rotaries.

[Riken]

Ok, so far from my perspective, many of the issues can be prevented by the car having an owner that isn't a f*ckin moron. Keep up with the maintenance, like every other car, and you'll have few issues.

Yep like I said before, its like a girl. You cant just put gas and go, check the oil, add oil between oil changes, and so on...

[SpooledupRacing]

Regardless its still newer technology. Internal combustion engines from the early 50s in theory still work the same way as what it is now. That was over 60 years ago.

However due to technology the materials used is different and also the cooling systems, safety, comfort etc etc. Plus they did not have the same ECU technology we use now.

the internal materials used are the same, cooling is the same and of course the ecu is different..

but what is it u are trying to say?

cars now adays are not that much different (as far as rotaries go) then they were 20 years ago.

you have the SAME ENGINE I DO just minor tweeks, some good some bad.

[Riken]

oh ok, very interesting. Is 2 cycle part oil and part gas or something? I hope I dont sound like a complete moron, but i really dont know shit about rotaries.

I would add 2-3oz to the tank every time you fill up. This will add a little more help the seals.

[SATimko]

Yep like I said before, its like a girl. You cant just put gas and go, check the oil, add oil between oil changes, and so on...

Being an engineer...a car isn't an impulse buy for me because I simply have to do all sorts of research on a particular car before I even think it's a decent idea. Case in point... I lurked on 24/7 for two months before I bought my P5.

[CrashKelly]

you have the SAME ENGINE I DO just minor tweeks, some good some bad.

elaborate on this phrase Dave. What is it that you think was a bad change from the previous version?

[CrashKelly]

I would add 2-3oz to the tank every time you fill up. This will add a little more help the seals.

so it is part oil part gas right...like how you mix some weedwacker's fuel?

[SpooledupRacing]

oh ok, very interesting. Is 2 cycle part oil and part gas or something? I hope I dont sound like a complete moron, but i really dont know shit about rotaries.

2 cycle oil that u put in a lawnmower or weed eater..

1oz per gallon of gas..

[SpooledupRacing]

I would add 2-3oz to the tank every time you fill up. This will add a little more help the seals.


2-3 oz if you have NO OMP is not enough.. you need 1oz PER GALLON of gas if u run with no omp..

if u have the omp and just want the extra insurance 2-3oz per tank is good

[CrashKelly]

2 cycle oil that u put in a lawnmower or weed eater..

1oz per gallon of gas..

thanks, that's what I thought. This thread is getting really informative....If I buy an 8 I'll have a lot of useful knowledge now.

[Riken]

2-3 oz if you have NO OMP is not enough.. you need 1oz PER GALLON of gas if u run with no omp..

if u have the omp and just want the extra insurance 2-3oz per tank is good

yeah I meant with OMP add 2-3oz.

[SpooledupRacing]

elaborate on this phrase Dave. What is it that you think was a bad change from the previous version?

u should ask the rx8 guys they should know especially jungleagent he knows alot more then I do abotu the rx8 (he says)

[SpooledupRacing]

yeah I meant with OMP add 2-3oz.


in that case (which is what I thought u meant) I agree 110%

[CrashKelly]

in that case (which is what I thought u meant) I agree 110%

so you should be adding 2 cycle no matter what? Do they tell you that when you buy the car?

[CrashKelly]

u should ask the rx8 guys they should know especially jungleagent he knows alot more then I do abotu the rx8 (he says)

Haha ok, well I thought you had something specific to say about when you said there were som bad tweaks. This thread has sparked some real interesting conversation which I appreciate hearing from all you guys.

[SATimko]

Haha ok, well I thought you had something specific to say about when you said there were som bad tweaks. This thread has sparked some real interesting conversation which I appreciate hearing from all you guys.

+1

[SpooledupRacing]

so you should be adding 2 cycle no matter what? Do they tell you that when you buy the car?

no this is stuff that enthusiasts have learned over the years to do to help keep the engine living as long as it is possible..

they dont recomend u do that from the dealer thats what the omp is there for..

[SpooledupRacing]

Haha ok, well I thought you had something specific to say about when you said there were som bad tweaks. This thread has sparked some real interesting conversation which I appreciate hearing from all you guys.


ok ok I'll bite...

the rx8 e-shaft is almost a lb lighter but the oil journals have been tapered and the shafts sees less oil then a stock RX7 shaft does

the rear stationary gear no longer has a groove in it to hold the oil seal so u now have to use silicone to hold the seal in place and hope it does nto move when the parts get bolted down.

the omp is electronic and has tendencies to fail without warning and cause rotor oil starvation (why to use premix on top of the omp)

and many other things.

[CrashKelly]

no this is stuff that enthusiasts have learned over the years to do to help keep the engine living as long as it is possible..

they dont recomend u do that from the dealer thats what the omp is there for..

but I take it that is like extra protection cause you said that you should still be adding some if u have the OMP still. Hey if it makes my engine last longer I'll totally do it.

[CrashKelly]

ok ok I'll bite...

the rx8 e-shaft is almost a lb lighter but the oil journals have been tapered and the shafts sees less oil then a stock RX7 shaft does

the rear stationary gear no longer has a groove in it to hold the oil seal so u now have to use silicone to hold the seal in place and hope it does nto move when the parts get bolted down.

the omp is electronic and has tendencies to fail without warning and cause rotor oil starvation (why to use premix on top of the omp)

and many other things.


very informative

[Riken]

no this is stuff that enthusiasts have learned over the years to do to help keep the engine living as long as it is possible..

they dont recomend u do that from the dealer thats what the omp is there for..

lol imagine hey Mr Buyer you will need to premix chainsaw oil on your new $30k car. HAHAHAH

There has been pages of pages of pages where they talk about premixing. Some people dont premix having the OMP, but I think a little would help.

[Riken]

ok ok I'll bite...

the rx8 e-shaft is almost a lb lighter but the oil journals have been tapered and the shafts sees less oil then a stock RX7 shaft does

the rear stationary gear no longer has a groove in it to hold the oil seal so u now have to use silicone to hold the seal in place and hope it does nto move when the parts get bolted down.

the omp is electronic and has tendencies to fail without warning and cause rotor oil starvation (why to use premix on top of the omp)

and many other things.

I agree, but the electric OMP also came in the FC and FD

[CrashKelly]

lol imagine hey Mr Buyer you will need to premix chainsaw oil on your new $30k car. HAHAHAH

There has been pages of pages of pages where they talk about premixing. Some people dont premix having the OMP, but I think a little would help.

hey if it has been proven to help id rather hear that then nothing at all!

[SpooledupRacing]

I agree, but the electric OMP also came in the FC and FD



correct the S5 FC and the FD had them and again another point of mine where technology has failed..

the S4 fc had a mechanical pump..

[SpooledupRacing]

lol imagine hey Mr Buyer you will need to premix chainsaw oil on your new $30k car. HAHAHAH

There has been pages of pages of pages where they talk about premixing. Some people dont premix having the OMP, but I think a little would help.

exactly just cause its better to does not mean u can explain that to our lazy society

[CrashKelly]

correct the S5 FC and the FD had them and again another point of mine where technology has failed..

the S4 fc had a mechanical pump..

So riddle me this batman, can you swap a mechanical OMP on in place of the Electric? Or is that not a possiblity?

[SpooledupRacing]

no..

they dont bolt up the same..

and u have to have the electronic pump still plugged in or the ecu will go into limp mode..

so people normally take the lines off the pump and block them orr or unbolt the pump use a block off plate on the front cover and mount the pump to the firewall and keep it plugged in..

also the mechanical was driven by a rod from the pump to the throttle body linkage u would have no way to do this on the other models

[Riken]

So riddle me this batman, can you swap a mechanical OMP on in place of the Electric? Or is that not a possiblity?

It would be easier to just do away with it, if you really want to mess around with it.

[CrashKelly]

It would be easier to just do away with it, if you really want to mess around with it.

good point...if I would have to add 2 cycle either way I might as well just block it off at that point.

[Riken]

HAHAH our engines will never produce this failure.
http://www.matts-workshop.com/mdsale/Images/bent_rod.jpg

[Riken]

good point...if I would have to add 2 cycle either way I might as well just block it off at that point.

Yeah but if you are still under warranty I would just leave it.

[CrashKelly]

HAHAH our engines will never produce this failure.
http://www.matts-workshop.com/mdsale/Images/bent_rod.jpg

the sad thing is that looks like it is thicker than an FS rod...

[SpooledupRacing]

if u have a warranty leave the omp on this may void the warranty if u remove it.

just remember when buying an rx anything..

if the owner says it NEVER uses oil.. walk away.. because it should by design use oil and if it does not then he is either lying OR the omp is bad.

[CrashKelly]

if u have a warranty leave the omp on this may void the warranty if u remove it.

just remember when buying an rx anything..

if the owner says it NEVER uses oil.. walk away.. because it should by design use oil and if it does not then he is either lying OR the omp is bad.

good to know

[Riken]

if u have a warranty leave the omp on this may void the warranty if u remove it.

just remember when buying an rx anything..

if the owner says it NEVER uses oil.. walk away.. because it should by design use oil and if it does not then he is either lying OR the omp is bad.

or he is an idiot so still walk away hahaha

[SpooledupRacing]

exactly if he is lying then he may have lied about other stuff

if it does not then thats a bad thing..

if he is an idiot see # 1 lol

good one riken lol..

the vert I had the guy said it used no oil... I checked the omp and sure enough the hoses were all pinched and sure enough was not using oil lol..

I still miss that car.

[Riken]

Wow just found this over at rx8club, its a cleaner made by Mazda for our rotary motors.

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=118732&stc=1&d=1207773309

[SpooledupRacing]

wtf is that for? seafoam? or external?

[jungleagent]

the internal materials used are the same, cooling is the same and of course the ecu is different..

but what is it u are trying to say?

cars now adays are not that much different (as far as rotaries go) then they were 20 years ago.

you have the SAME ENGINE I DO just minor tweeks, some good some bad.

Ok sorry about the delay for my response to these statement as I was in a management meeting that took longer than expected.

Now Dave how can you say that the internal materials used are the same? Did they use carbon fiber driveshaft in that time? Did they use aluminum engine blocks back then? Better yet is the fins on the radiator thinner to help cool the radiator fluid in them? Did they use catalyctic conversrs with platinum for emission? Did they not use leaded gasoline back then?

What I am trying to say that over TIME TECHNOLOGY gets better.

20 Years ago the rotaries were based on Carburators now they use Fuel Injectors. How is that the same thing?

NO YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SAME ENGINE IN YOUR RX7 AS IT IS IN MY RX8. Renesis is multi-ported with 6 ports. Yours don't. Even better argument is your engine is BASED on Turbo Induction not N/A. How is that the same engine? SAME CONCEPTS not the same engine.

Are all Honda engine the same as Toyota engines because the share the same displacement or the same amounts of cylinders?

The answer is NO.

[jungleagent]

u should ask the rx8 guys they should know especially jungleagent he knows alot more then I do abotu the rx8 (he says)

Who said I knew more about the Rx8 than you? Is that what you think based on your own insecurities or facts?

I never said I knew more about the rx8 or the rotary than you. But you act like you know more about my car than me. But thats fine, thats your own intuition.

Regardless I think this statement was added for? A simple start of an argument?

Anyway since your the moderator here in Rotary Lounge, might as well delete this post as well.

[jungleagent]

And yeah Dave one other thing. Newer technology doesn't mean its better either.

[jungleagent]

elaborate on this phrase Dave. What is it that you think was a bad change from the previous version?

I don't think there is a bad change from the previous version beacuse its just negative to say its a "BAD" change. There are changes made in the intake ports and exhaust ports. There was also changes in the VFAD that the other rx7 did not have. If I get some free time this afternoon from my office I will show you someting very informative about the rx8. Promise.

[jungleagent]

Next-generation Renesis Rotary Delivers Driving Excitement

Mazda began developing rotary technology in 1961, and since the late seventies has been the world’s only rotary engine manufacturer to depend entirely on manufacturing technology and equipment developed in house.


Under the bonnet of the RX-01 concept sports car, the RX-8 The RX-8’s Renesis rotary engine has its origins in the car's MSP-RE powerplant exhibited in the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. The name Renesis, which stands for “the Rotary Engine’s geNESIS,” was given to the engine in the 1999 iteration of the RX-EVOLV.


Renesis - an engine boasting innovative technologies such as side intake/side exhaust porting - is a 654 cc x two rotor unit that produces 177kW (ECE) at 8200 rpm and 211Nm (ECE) of torque at 5500 rpm when combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Renesis also shows greatly improved fuel efficiency and emission improvement over the RX-7’s engine.


Manual models accelerate from 0 to 100kmh in 6.2 seconds.


By capitalising on the intrinsic benefits of the Renesis rotary engine - namely, low weight, compact size and high performance - Mazda succeeded in developing the RX-8, a wholly new concept four-door, four-seat sports car.



Basic Characteristics Of Side Intake/Side Exhaust Port Layout

The leading technology of Renesis is its side exhaust port design, with the exhaust ports relocated to the rotary chamber side housing alongside the intake ports.

The significant advantage of this layout is the elimination of intake/exhaust port timing overlap. This measure ensures that exhaust gas is not retained and carried over to the next intake cycle, thereby promoting more stable combustion and higher quality fuel economy.


The engine together with two exhaust ports per rotor chamber gives the Renesis almost twice the exhaust port area of its forefather. With sufficient exhaust port area confirmed, delaying the opening of the exhaust ports affords Renesis a longer expansion cycle, for superior thermal efficiency, power output and fuel economy.


Side exhaust ports also allow engineers more ability to optimise porting. With Renesis, both the six-port High Power version (manual transmission) and four-port Standard Power version (automatic transmission) have almost 30 per cent more intake port cross-sectional area than the preceding engine. Furthermore, the intake port close timing has been extended, resulting in increased charging volume and more power.


With the previous engine, unburned gases (hydrocarbons) were voided from the combustion chamber via the peripheral port. With the side-exhaust ports of the Renesis, unburned gases are laid away for burning in the next combustion cycle, further reducing regulated emissions.



Renesis A High Tech, High Output Engine


Synthetic Intake System For Variable Valves: The side-intake/side-exhaust port Renesis gains 30 per cent in intake port area over the older engine, and together with the delayed intake port close timing, makes for a sizable increase in charging volume producing a greater power output. The engine also incorporates innovative technology designed to boost filling efficiency.

The High Power specification engine (manual model) has three intake ports per rotor chamber: primary, secondary and auxiliary (making a total of six intake ports for the twin rotor Renesis engine), with each subject to different timing. The variable intake control system operates opening/closing of the secondary and auxiliary intake ports. Renesis also takes full advantage of the incoming air’s dynamic charge effect to boost charging for more substantial low-to-mid range torque, as well as increased torque and power output at higher engine speeds. The intake system on the Standard Power unit (Activematic model), which is tuned for superb driveability at normal rpm, has two intake ports per rotor, for a total of four intake ports. These are controlled by the opening/closing of a variable intake valve governing use of the secondary intake port. For even more accurate control, Renesis incorporates an electronic throttle control system that optimises intake control in response to feedback of sensors monitoring the degree and speed of accelerator pedal operation.

Variable Fresh Air Duct (FAD): The High Power specification engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission incorporates a variable fresh air duct in addition to a large, low resistance air cleaner. At about 7250 rpm, a shutter valve opens to shorten the intake manifold upstream of the air cleaner. The shutter valve works in tandem with the variable intake valve to boost torque and power at high engine speeds. The fresh air duct is partially inserted into the air cleaner and enables an optimal length intake system by valve opening/closing.

Straight Exhaust System Layout: To achieve a smooth flow of exhaust gases, the Renesis exhaust system, including the exhaust manifold, was made as straight as possible. The system employs large diameter exhaust pipes and a high capacity main silencer with the inlet pipe located straight through the centre of the silencer body to reduce flow resistance. These measures contribute to the engine’s high power output.



Technology For Improved Engine Response


Lightweight Rotor, Three Injectors Per Rotor, And Long-Span Engine Mount: The previous 13B-REW engine generated its maximum power output at 6500 rpm, whereas the Renesis power peak comes in at 8200 rpm. This step-up to a higher revving engine was achieved by virtue of an 11 per cent reduction in rotor weight. Additionally, the flywheel weight has been reduced by some 20 per cent compared with the previous engine. Combined, these weight-saving measures reduce inertia to assure the quick response befitting a genuine sports car engine.

Renesis also features three injectors per rotor chamber for improved fuel atomisation and employs an electronically controlled throttle and 32-bit PCM (Powertrain Control Module) for more precise control of air-fuel metering and sharper throttle response. Additionally, the engine uses a long span engine mount system with extremely long members extending laterally from the rotors’ axis. The mounts are effective in suppressing engine vibration, allowing more direct transmission of power to the drive system and contributing to the vehicle’s fast response and improved NVH.



Technology For Low Vibration, Distinctive Rotary Sound

Dynamically Balanced Rotors: To further refine the superior balance of the twin-rotor configuration, Mazda shifted from the previous static balance setting and instead adopted dynamic balance calculated from the mass of oil entering the rotors. This improvement, together with the effect of the long span engine mount system (mentioned previously) realises extremely low vibration during acceleration.

Counter-Rotating Fixed Gear And Tuning Of The Intake Sound: With the previous rotary engine, the direction of rotation of the fixed gear locating the rotors in the front and rear housing was the same for both rotors. With Renesis, the direction is reversed for front and rear rotors, achieving smoother rotation and reduced gear noise. Mazda also tuned the intake to give a satisfyingly sporty sound.



Technology For Fuel Economy



In addition to more stable combustion afforded by the side exhaust ports, as well as improved breathing efficiency, Renesis also shows a significant gain in fuel-efficiency through the use of the following new technologies.

Newly Designed Seals: Renesis employs a new cut-off seal located between the rotor’s dual oil seals and side seal. This sealing arrangement eliminates blow-by between intake and exhaust ports and prevents carry-over of exhaust gas to the next intake cycle. Side seals are a new keystone-type with wedge-shaped section. Exhaust gas build-up against the side seal can easily cause carbonisation, but with the wedge-shaped or cuneiform side seal, the seal shape is optimised to remove carbon. The shape is also more congruent to its opposed frictional surface, achieving much better sealing proficiency.

Jet Air-Fuel Mixing System: This system is installed in intake ports to promote spray, atomisation and mixing of air and fuel. The system emits a jet of air from a constricted tube in the intake port that effectively speeds the flow of fuel over the intake port walls and boosts atomisation of fuel particles adhering to the walls. The lower end of the intake port is also shape-optimised to induce transport of atomised fuel along the air stream towards the spark plug.

Micro-Electrode Spark Plugs: The last technology in the aid of fuel economy for the Renesis engine is the micro-electrode spark plug. This spark plug uses a small side electrode and thick gauge central electrode with an extremely fine tip promoting a stable ignition of lean air-fuel mixtures. Also, by maintaining a lower temperature for side and central electrodes, the plug achieves high heat-resistance. The tip of the central electrode, which was previously of platinum, is now made of longer-lasting iridium.

Technology For Lower Emissions


Reduction Of Unburned Gas Emission And Fast Activating Catalytic Converter: The Renesis engine retains unburned hydrocarbons from one cycle for combustion in the next – a process that vastly reduces emission of unburned gases in the exhaust. In addition, on starting the engine, secondary air is supplied to the exhaust port by an electric pump. Delivering secondary air in the gap between the dual exhaust ports promotes mixing of exhaust gas with secondary air to promote re-burning.

Furthermore, Renesis has a dual skin exhaust manifold that maintains the temperature of burned gases and ensures that exhaust temperature rises sharply on starting, for faster activation of the high-performance catalytic converter and consequently low Euro Stage III emissions.

Latest Control Technology For Precision Control Of Air-Fuel Ratio: The fuel metering system for the Renesis engine is a new design. To begin with the previous intake manifold pressure-sensing system for metering air intake volume has been replaced with the hot wire air-flow metre type for more precis