Mazda RX-8 Owners FAQ

Replying to: bblair (Aug 19, 2005 8:33 am)

You don't have to use premium, though the car runs better with it. I presume you are talking about the manual. I think it's less important with the automatic, as it runs a little less HP. We've had good performance with mid-grade (89 octane).
 
The rotary has always injected oil into the intake to lubricate the apex seals (equivalent to piston rings). They inject a little more than required to be safe, so hence the notion it burns a lot. If you run at lower RPMs you will go through to the next oil change without adding any - though it will be at the "min" line. If you "play" frequently, you may have to add 1/2 qt. between changes. Most owners check it every 3 fillups or so. It will warn you long before it's a problem (oil light is very sensitive). Most carry a qt. in the trunk. The oil pan carries a lot of oil - it can hold up to 7 litres, though only 5 are called for in the service manual.
 
BTW, oil is now less expensive than gas!
Maybe it's time for a diesel rotary!

Replying to: bblair (Aug 19, 2005 8:33 am)

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• bblair (Aug 22, 2005 4:30 am)

Replying to: flipper897 (Aug 19, 2005 2:49 pm)

Replying to: flipper897 (Aug 16, 2005 6:33 pm)

Flip,
 
I've had mine since last Oct. and I used to screw up 4-5 sometimes, but I found the easiest way is to push it at a diagonal forward and away from you. It is an awesome car You can also learn much from rx8club and rx8web.com too...it's a good place to go waste time.
 
btw, you are in 6th if you're goin 65 3500 rpm's
 
Gas saving tip: a second intake port opens when you go above 3750 so if you keep it under there (72 in 6th) you'll get slightly better mileage

Replying to: memmer (Aug 20, 2004 8:30 pm)

Replies to this message:
• trispec (Aug 26, 2005 2:21 am)
• allimama (Sep 02, 2005 5:06 am)
  • pathstar1 (Sep 02, 2005 7:28 am)
    • optistar (Nov 18, 2005 8:44 am) and 1 more...
• 0514 (Nov 21, 2005 6:51 pm)

Replying to: zinny72 (Aug 25, 2005 7:21 pm)

Replying to: zinny72 (Aug 25, 2005 7:21 pm)

I am new here, and just browsing...but I have a strong opinion against driving in the snow...I live in VA right outside of DC, and I bought an RX8 manual last December... the second day I owned it the weather turned suddenly from rain to snow and froze over in less than 10 minutes. My husband and I will NEVER drive that car again in ANY inclimate weather...there was no control what so ever, we were 'sliding' backwards down a hill into on coming traffic...and that is just the half of it. we had to abandon the car and get someone to pick us up.
 
DO NOT buy this car if you live and a wintry-area and dont have another alternative!! Luckily we have another car, and I love it for the summertime.
 
I have never had to add oil, and always use premium - although who knows with the rising gas prices...i may put it up on bricks for it's bad mileage!

Replies to this message:
• pathstar1 (Sep 02, 2005 7:28 am)
  • optistar (Nov 18, 2005 8:44 am)
    • pathstar1 (Nov 19, 2005 8:31 am)

Replying to: allimama (Sep 02, 2005 5:06 am)

Replies to this message:
• optistar (Nov 18, 2005 8:44 am)
  • pathstar1 (Nov 19, 2005 8:31 am)

Replying to: pathstar1 (Sep 02, 2005 7:28 am)

Replies to this message:
• pathstar1 (Nov 19, 2005 8:31 am)

Replying to: optistar (Nov 18, 2005 8:44 am)