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Coupes & Convertibles Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8
3616 messages, Last post on Apr 22, 2009 at 5:06 AM
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Replying to: articist (May 11, 2007 5:59 am) Please note, synthetic is also petroleum oil. It's just got certain petroleum molecules in it that don't occur in nature. They have to be converted from "normal" oil. In fact, these days, most synthetic oils have moved back to being very close to normal oil. It's expensive to convert to the group 4 molecules and they are using group III more often now (eg Mobil 1 has changed from group IV back to group III last I heard). I think Royal Purple, Redline, and Amsoil still make group IV, and the German Castrol was group IV as well. Don't know if it's still available. Only reason I mention this is many think the group IV works best in the synthetic world. Mazda allege synthetics will harden certain seal materials in the engine. Lots of people use synthetic oils with good results. As always, YMMV.
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Replying to: pathstar1 (May 12, 2007 6:45 am) Anyway, after some extensive search for 5W20 non-synthetic, I did find a website which says they import such. I know you are in Canada, and this particular brand is Petro Canada. Is it a good oil? I think they have SL and ILSAC GF-3 seal. Thanks again.
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Replying to: articist (May 13, 2007 7:02 am)  For example, I learned synthetic group III oil doen't harden seals like group IV and group V does. So if that's true, Mobil 1 would be fine in the RX-8. At any rate, I don't think you have to be really worried. As long as you stick to the grades specified by Mazda it should work just fine. The weights are not that critical, except for mileage. Especially if you are sure to warm the engine up before reving it or putting high loads on it. Mazda are walking a fine line re fuel economy in the US, hence the insistance on 5W20. |
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Folks -- After reading about the RX-8 for two years, bought a 2005 Nordic green last week. Can't make the smile go away -- I'm wondering, when using the paddle shifters, is there an 'ideal' RPM level to shift from one gear to another? Is it the same to go 1-2, 2-3, etc.? Thanks for any help.
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Replying to: sonnysayshi (Jun 04, 2007 9:26 am) Performance dictates that you shift at 2/3 to 3/4 of maximum(bottom of the red/orange area) if possible and try to always maintain about 2/3 max rpm. this, as expected, kills gas mileage. Maximum mileage you want the thing to barely be moving - so never let it get over about 3000 rpm if you can. Yes, it will be glacially slow by comparison. And you might as well be driving a Civic.(ie - you get this car to DRIVE it)
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Replying to: plekto (Jun 04, 2007 11:03 am)
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Replying to: sonnysayshi (Jun 04, 2007 12:04 pm) (Automatic is limited by software to not blow itself up as opposed to the manual with is limited by software to not blow the motor up) When I have driven them I pound it up to 6-7k with impunity. It'll take a while for your ears to get used to hearing it whine like a sportbike. Of course, make sure it's properly warmed up before flogging it. Give it a mile or so to get going, sort of like if you owned a motorcycle. Any yes, it is a crazy fast car for the price. Wind it up hard and you're essentially getting the same results as a ten year old 911.(non-turbo of course) 1995 Porsche 911 Cabriolet 6.4 14.5 1997 Porsche Boxster 6.0 14.5 2004 Mazda RX-8 5.8 14.49 (6 speed) (MT Mar '04) Yes, a real shocker. In manu-matic mode, expect to add about 1/2-1 second, which is still very very fast.
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Replying to: plekto (Jun 04, 2007 12:30 pm) There's a cool factor to it, too. I live in suburban Chicago and see one maybe once a month. That, you can't price.
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Replying to: sonnysayshi (Jun 04, 2007 1:07 pm) I experience complete thrill running rotarys in my rotary everyday. Priceless! |
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Sonny, I live in suburban chicago as well and also drive an 05 AT. There is a pretty active RX-8 and rotary club in the chicago area. Email me at mdw1000 at yahoo.com if you want details. Or you can check out the midwest section at RX8club.com. The Rotary Car Club of Chicago has its own website at chicagorotary.com. The RX8 specific club is listed at rx8club, but generally most events involve both. We meet at least the 1st saturday of every month and often more than that. Congrats! You are going to love this car! FYI - it is actually good to rev a rotary a lot. Keeps the carbon from building up. It won't hurt it like a piston engine. That and its smoothness are two of my favorite things about the rotary. And of course its power to engine weight and size ratio. To get the most out of the car and have the most fun, I almost always use the manual shifting mode. Around town I end up using 3rd gear as a cruising gear. For routine cruising i normally shift at around 4k or so. I make sure to hit redline at least once every time or two that i drive it.
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