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Mazda RX-8

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

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


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#3511 of 3616
Re: Oil for RX-8 [pathstar1] by articist
May 13, 2007 (7:02 am)
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Replying to: pathstar1 (May 12, 2007 6:45 am)

Thanks, pathstar as always. I was actually panicking thinking that if I can't get the right oil for my RX-8, what if any thing mechanical goes wrong. You are right, I don't expect to have my warranty cover in Korea. They don't even have Mazda sales here.
 
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.
#3512 of 3616
Re: Oil for RX-8 [articist] by pathstar1
May 13, 2007 (8:46 am)
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Replying to: articist (May 13, 2007 7:02 am)

Petro Canada used to be Gulf Canada. They were bought by a Liberal govt. (Federal) quite a while ago and renamed Petro Canada. Eventually, they were sold back to private industry. I don't think their oil is much different than any other. The bobistheoilguy site is the best one to compare oils. They have more information on oil than you really want to know.
 
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.
#3513 of 3616
paddle shifting by sonnysayshi
Jun 04, 2007 (9:26 am)
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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.
#3514 of 3616
Re: paddle shifting [sonnysayshi] by plekto
Jun 04, 2007 (11:03 am)
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Replying to: sonnysayshi (Jun 04, 2007 9:26 am)

It depends if you are looking to maximize economy or performance.
 
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)
#3515 of 3616
Re: paddle shifting [plekto] by sonnysayshi
Jun 04, 2007 (12:04 pm)
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Replying to: plekto (Jun 04, 2007 11:03 am)

Thanks -- haven't revved over 5K yet, afraid I'll maim something. 3K feels like cruising level, 4-5K acceleration and passing. Any more, I feel like I'm asking for extra attention from the authorities.
#3516 of 3616
Re: paddle shifting [sonnysayshi] by plekto
Jun 04, 2007 (12:30 pm)
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Replying to: sonnysayshi (Jun 04, 2007 12:04 pm)

The redline for your vehicle is 7500, and that's due to the transmission not being able to keep up - so it's an artificially low number(the *engine's* redline is 9000!).
 
(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.
#3517 of 3616
Re: paddle shifting [plekto] by sonnysayshi
Jun 04, 2007 (1:07 pm)
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Replying to: plekto (Jun 04, 2007 12:30 pm)

The car, from what I've read and how it feels, truly seems like a great value. Performance wise, I never dreamed I could afford something so beautifully designed, so mechanically exhilarating. It looks like it should cost upward of $35K -- I have to tell people not familiar with the car that it's not as expensive as they probably think.
 
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.
#3518 of 3616
Re: paddle shifting [sonnysayshi] by trispec
Jun 05, 2007 (2:50 am)
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Replying to: sonnysayshi (Jun 04, 2007 1:07 pm)

Yep, the RX-8 is clearly an affordable classic sports car and thrill making machine. People who've I've driven around are always stunned with pure glee when I pop 7000RPM running Boston's famous traffic rotarys. They just can't believe any car can dive 60MPH into one of those little circular race tracks. My passenger explode with laughter when the lateral Gs slams them left, then right and then left again into and out of Boston's rotary-coaster rides.
 
I experience complete thrill running rotarys in my rotary everyday. Priceless!
#3519 of 3616
chicago burbs by mdw1000
Jun 05, 2007 (9:02 am)
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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.
#3520 of 3616
Re: chicago burbs [mdw1000] by sonnysayshi
Jun 05, 2007 (11:56 am)
Reply

Replying to: mdw1000 (Jun 05, 2007 9:02 am)

Thanks, I definitely will check the site -- another question . . . seat covers. You can buy them from Mazda, but can you find them elsewhere and not pay the arm and leg?

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