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Mazda RX-8 Owners FAQ

39 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2010 at 11:18 AM

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

Messages Page 1 of 4

#1 of 39 Mazda RX-8 Owners: FAQ by KarenS HOST

Aug 04, 2003 (9:55 am)

Share any RX-8 FAQs here.

#2 of 39 What is.... by omicron_inc

Oct 09, 2003 (4:38 pm)

... the purpose of the little dangly piece of plastic in front of the rear wheels? It's about 2x5 inches, and hangs down from the body just in front of the rear wheel well.
 
Anyone?

#3 of 39 Appearances. by mazdafun

Oct 10, 2003 (6:05 am)

And maybe some aerodynamics.

#4 of 39 Ya think? by omicron_inc

Oct 10, 2003 (1:34 pm)

Aerodynamics? They're so tiny that I kinda doubt it... I was thinking more along the lines of noise reduction... but who knows? I also noticed they are in front of the front tires too.
 
And appearances I guess I could see, but I think they're ugly... like pieces of trash that got caught under the car while driving.
 
Wonder if I should just remove them, and what they would affect. Hmmmmmmmm.
 
Thoughts, anyone?

#5 of 39 Curb-scrapers then. by mazdafun

Oct 11, 2003 (9:47 am)

Better watch those speed bumps too. Seriously. I've seen some driveways that crest so sharply some low-ground-clearance vehicles gouge them (and mess up their underbodies, of course).

#6 of 39 winter driving by memmer

Aug 20, 2004 (9:30 pm)

Has any one had any extensive driving with the rx-8 in snow? I live in Wisconsin where the winters can get a rough. Any input would be appreciated

#7 of 39 Re: winter driving [memmer] by mex8

Jul 05, 2005 (12:20 am)

Replying to: memmer (Aug 20, 2004 9:30 pm)
I don't have too much experience on deep snow. I save the Jeep for that. However, I have driven on ice. The traction control has saved my bacon a couple of times. The large wheels and 50 50 balance have meant that there is great control and braking.
For a sports car, it is great. I am sure an investment in good performance winter grip tires will keep you upright between the ditches....

#8 of 39 Re: RX-8 6-speed by flipper897

Aug 13, 2005 (11:45 am)

Hello -
 
    I recently bought a new RX-8, 6-speed manual and I am very happy with it.
I have a couple of questions though, I hope someone can help.
 
    It's been quite a few years since I've driven a stick, and I'm pretty rusty.
First question: Quite often I'm not sure what gear I'm in so I keep a close eye on the tach. At freeway speeds, say 65-70 mph, if the engine is turning around 3500 rpm, am I in 6th gear?
 
   Secondly, I seem to have a problem going from fourth to fifth. Quite often the revs increase, so I must be going back into 3rd, I guess. Not to worry, I've never overrevved the engine, I got as high as 5000 rpm so I shifted back to fourth. Any tips on going from fourth to fifth gear? Do I move the shifter to the right and then up? It seems to balk when I try to go to the upper right & that's when I think I'm going into 3rd gear by mistake.
 
I would appreciate any advice - thank you. Phil

#9 of 39 Re: RX-8 6-speed [flipper897] by ramses

Aug 14, 2005 (2:56 pm)

Replying to: flipper897 (Aug 13, 2005 11:45 am)
Well Phil I just bought my Shinka on Friday the 12th, But from my experience with shifting, You should go over right then up. Do not worry about revs cause rotarys likes those high rev hense the 9000rpm redline and it will beep at 8500rpm. I do understand the problem I still think I'm going into 3rd sometimes myself and I have 90% of my time driving is using manual.
 
To answer your first question I have had mine going 65-70 mph in 3rd pushing about 5500rpm with plenty of room to still get up and go. So it sounds like you are in 6th to me. But with high revs means low gas mileage. But anyways it is probably the best looking and overall car I have very owned. Very pleased driver, super pleasant dealership too, they even called me saturday to check up on me and how I have enjoyed my purchase so far. Great customer service I give the an A+ for it.
 
Caleb

#10 of 39 Re: RX-8 6-speed [ramses] by flipper897

Aug 14, 2005 (7:31 pm)

Replying to: ramses (Aug 14, 2005 2:56 pm)
Caleb -
 
     Thanks for responding. Prior to reading this, first thing after I got up this morning, I slapped myself upside the head & thought - "get in the car and practice shifting!". So that's what I did, in the garage with the engine off, out of the Arizona heat & it's what I suspected & you are correct, fifth is to the right, then up. I'll never forget it now - had I not had a brain cramp I probably would have resolved this weeks ago and never posted, haha.
 
    Another thing I discovered, the car has a warning sensor for tire pressure, it went off about a week ago, Mazda sets the timing beeper at 28 pounds. I called the dealer, they said to set them at 35 pounds (the owner's manual says 32 but the dealer should know best (I hope).
 
    Thanks again for your help Caleb & enjoy your RX-8 - I love mine!!
 
                                                                                         Phil

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