You are here: Forums Coupes & Convertibles Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8

Mazda RX-8

3616 messages,  Last post on Apr 22, 2009 at 5:06 AM

You are in the Mazda RX-8 Forum. Your Host is claires

What is this discussion about? Mazda RX-8, Coupe

Messages Page 347 of 362 1 ... 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 ... 362 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#3456 of 3616 ... by plekto Feb 16, 2007 (10:57 am)
A possible solution might be to avoid the complicated turbo and just run a small supercharger on it. Turbos are nearly worthless at low RPMs and that's exactly what the engine lacks.   Maybe a supercharger that cuts out/bypasses at 4000rpm? You'd get more low-end grunt, but once the engine was wound up, it'd throttle it back.
#3457 of 3616 Re: New Rx8 redesign in '09 or '10? [trispec] by pathstar1 Feb 16, 2007 (1:56 pm)
Replying to: trispec (Feb 16, 2007 10:35 am) Re torque the MT doesn't have a lot more than the auto (a little less at low RPMs actually). It just continues above 7500 RPM up to 9000. Thus the HP is higher (HP=torque X RPM). The extra ports are needed to get enough air at the higher RPMs (basically due to time restricted air flow - but of course it's always more complicated than that). In fact if you look at torque curves, the 4 port starts to loose torque around 6000 RPM. The 6 port uses the extra ports to compensate for this - it still looses some torque, but not as much as it would if it was restricted to the 4 port design.   Now a number of years ago a turbo system was developed that worked well at low RPMs and wouldn't over-boost at higher RPMs (no mechanical control needed, which is the Achilles heal for the 3rd gen RX-7). With ceramic technology steadily advancing, we could end up with a ceramic turbo boosting to get the torque up in the rotary. -IF- the rotary survives expensive fuel/fuel economy wars.   The problem with supercharges is they suck so much power from the engine. Turbochargers are -almost- "free" to run, recovering some energy from the exhaust to compress the intake air. I say "almost" because, not withstanding the large extra cost they add, they do add some exhaust restriction, which costs HP. This restriction does have some benefits, however. It helps low end torque, and it attenuates exhaust noise, allowing smaller lower restiction mufflers.   It is possible a 9000 RPM torque converter will be developed, allowing the car to make full use of the 6 port in the auto equipped cars (which now have the 6 port engine).   Mazda are working with H2 powered rotary engines, and could even go to hybrid units. They've built some wild "concept vehicles" in the last few years.
#3458 of 3616 ... by plekto Feb 16, 2007 (7:29 pm)
Of course, with this sort of application, you would only need a few PSI of boost and so you'd go with a belt-briven model with a fan-type clutch.
#3459 of 3616 Re: Broken Visor [bullwinkle fan] by trailwaze Feb 18, 2007 (7:21 pm)
Replying to: bullwinkle fan (Feb 01, 2007 10:02 am) am on my 3rd sunvisor in about 2 years of ownership-fairly normal use-the dealer does not even blink an eye, he just replaces it. If you look closely, the wrap around/hollow portion of the hard plastic hits on an obstacle; it is almost designed to crack. My local dealer has been a real stand up guy-new battery (they put in a "bigger" one); also, after a series of strange but not alarming incidents-repeated CEL/check engine lights and concern about my engine mounts-on recent normal visit to change the oil, they came out to the service waiting room, handed us the keys to a free rental and, over a week including phone calls to Mazda USA and Japan, the dealer replaced the engine. This was with no real discussion-I got a very vague "extreme emissions problem"; all I know is, had it back for 3 months now, including sub freezing temps, runs like a race pony with no hesitation. The customer service has been tops, otherwise I'd really be spooked. Got to admit,been looking at Infiniti G35 2 doors, but, man oh man, I want to stay loyal to Mazda; for now I will.
#3460 of 3616 instrument panel noise by tomatnavy Feb 22, 2007 (7:42 am)
Has anybody had this problem [rattling noise on driver side panel] fixed with madza bulletin no:09-023/06, and still have the same problem? If yes, did you ever get it fixed?
#3461 of 3616 Should I Get an RX8 by csconn Feb 25, 2007 (11:08 am)
I am in the process of determining if I should buy a leftover 06 Rx8. I could get a really good deal and the dealership is anxious to get rid of it.   I have read through all the forums and most sounds negative which has me concerned. I took it for a test ride and loved it. My kids were thrilled with the ride.   It concerns me with what I have been reading about flooding problems, engines failing because of 20W oil etc.   Any opinions on what I should do? Please advise...
#3462 of 3616 well... by plekto Feb 25, 2007 (12:22 pm)
How many miles/year/price?   With end of year incentives, you can get a 2007 base model for about $21-22K. IMO, it's like a motorcycle. You need to treat it exactly like, say, a Harley with carbs. Abuse isn't a good thing and it takes maintainence to own one that's simmilar to a bike.(needs to warm up, can't hammer it cold, need to blip the throttle when you shut it off, and check the oil every weekend). It's not an appliance-like Honda. But it's also the most speed and handling for the money - not too bad, really.   I'd buy new if at all possible unless the price was really low.   My money, though, has to go to the new Mini just because it will depreciate roughly $1000 a year or less. Replies to this message: csconn (Feb 25, 2007 1:18 pm) bullwinkle fan (Feb 27, 2007 9:32 am)
#3463 of 3616 Re: well... [plekto] by csconn Feb 25, 2007 (1:18 pm)
Replying to: plekto (Feb 25, 2007 12:22 pm) The 2006 RX is brand new (40 miles), dealer leftover. It's a MT with touring package. Rebates add up to $4000 and the trade in price on my old car was excellent.   Just not sure it's worth the risk I have been reading about. Not sure if I am just reading more the negative than the positive.
#3464 of 3616 ... by plekto Feb 25, 2007 (9:29 pm)
If it's new old stock,it's a tough call. But remember - 4K is the rebates. The dealer should be selling it for close to invoice in addition.   http://www.carsdirect.com/build/options?zipcode=91107&acode=USB60MAC161B0&restor- - e=false Cars direct says about $23,700 including delivery.   http://www.carsdirect.com/build/options?zipcode=91107&acode=USB70MAC161A0&restor- - e=false Roughly $24,400 for the new one.(ignoring the Mazda financing "deal"). Now, true, the 2006 has a sunroof and stability control, but that's about the only difference between the 2006 Touring and the 2007 Sport(and adding in the stability control is a few hundred dollars.   If you can wait, just get a 2007 in a few months when the 2008s come out and save a years worth of depreciation. Replies to this message: csconn (Feb 26, 2007 9:41 am)
#3465 of 3616 Re: ... [plekto] by csconn Feb 26, 2007 (9:41 am)
Replying to: plekto (Feb 25, 2007 9:29 pm) The dealer is letting it go at invoice.   Thanks for the advice. It really helped.

Messages Page 347 of 362 1 ... 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 ... 362 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Coupes & Convertibles Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8