My RX-8 resto build
 

Here is the new rotary.

Specs-
2004 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring
6 speed
196,115 miles
Navigation
Leather
Heated seats

I got this RX-8 for stupid cheap. The dealer said they just wanted to get rid of it. They thought the clutch was toast, and their local Mazda dealer quoted them $1800 to replace it. Compound that with the mileage, a busted tail lens, and a few minor dents and it wasn't worth it to them to fix it.

So yesterday, it was finally delivered from Miami to Murfreesboro. We had to push it to the driveway, since you can't get the car into gear when running.

The first thing I noticed was the clutch pedal looked skewed towards the brake pedal. I have done my research, and know that the pedal bracket is prone to failure. After they helped push it into the driveway, I got down on the floorboard and check it. Yep! Broken!

That is really good news, as this means saves me a TON of work, and money.

Here are some pics:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00525.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00527.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00528.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00529.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00547.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00559.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...0/DSC00559.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OFjbTkyhkOs/S2...800/intrx8.jpg

I have already ordered the clutch pedal assembly, a new shift knob, and steering wheel from Tom at partsgroup.com (thanks man!!!)

Today I am going to the salvage yard to get a tail light, and pick over some other parts.

Plans are:
-PDR the dings
-gangsta tint
-Tein S-Tech springs
-RB sways
-tires
-BHR Ignition upgrade
-Cobb Accessport
-catless mid-pipe

Nothing too gnarly right now. Both the wife and baby are going to get rides, so I have to keep it comfortable. I would like to get an MS front bumper and skirts, as well as a catback system. We will see.

how the hell did someone get 200,000 miles on a 2004 RX-8?

Holy hell, and I thought that 200k for an 1980's FC was excessive!

The owner was in sales all over South Florida. He drove it ALOT!

It has had a Mazda reman, but it was a long time ago!


And I go agree, my FC only has 140K, and its 20 years old.

Nice find DJ. So what's the final verdict on the FC? Keep, sell, upgrade :suspect:

Beautiful car. So when you planning on doing the BHR Ignition upgrade? Want me to test it out for ya first :D

Unfortunately the FC is gonna have to go. :(

It does make me sad, but I know if will go to a good home. I won't sell it to drifters (no arguments in my thread please). I am just waiting on the UIM gasket to fix it. Then I might spot paint the flaked areas to get a little more $$$ out of her. The good thing is it has excellent compression (like I always knew).

With 196,000 miles on this thing, and the current engine with unknown miles, I need to have the cash available to rebuild if necessary. Add to that the guarantee that it will need several suspension upgrades, etc.

I can still drink beers at DGRRX with you guys right :)

Oh, and you buy the BHR kit, and I will test it for you.

Oh, and in case anyone wants to know how much I paid.............

































$5000

$5000? Ok, I'll be the first to say it.......I hate you.

I know it has already been said, but damn, 200,000 miles on an 8. That is a lot of miles for such a new car. The car looks to be in really good condition.

Once you are done with the suspension, the next project should be slapping a supercharger on there. They are a lot more fun with one of those :driving:

Good luck with it and hope you enjoy your new toy.

Nah, skip boosting a renni and drop an REW in there with the GZ MIN and put 500hp to the wheels and not think twice about it.

But send me the BHR ignition upgrade first or no beers at Deals ;)

why even bother rebuilding a renni? Just get a better engine. You have plenty of other cars to drive, so it's not like this is your daily. Though, judging from the amount of work you did on the fc over the period of time you had it broken, maybe this aint such a good idea after all....:leaving:

And did I mention you suck for not selling it to "Certain people" cause a lot of them would take just as good a care of it as anyone else. How bout you change that statement to "i wont sell this car to irresponsible, clueless teenagers who don't know wtf they're getting themselves into and have little to no cash"... which is exactly what we all were at some point in time.:D

Good day, sir.

you jerk! lol I saw that car on ebay I think and I was thinking about it. Im glad it went to a good guy. my plans were a re swap or something similar if I bought it

If anyone is thinking about swapping the renni out of an RX8 to go with a turbo engine, talk to Dave @ KDR, seriously. He's done a few of them and has a way of doing it that is pure genius.

Hey! I did do some work to it, but I also had two other Mazda's plus my DD's I had to take care of all at once.

No more. I will only have this, the Jeep and the Volvo for a long time. I am not in a rush to do an engine swap. Although the power would be nice, I think the wife wants to drive it every now and then as well. I wouldn't boost the renny, but there is no reason to not rebuild it and wait for a while to swap in an RE.

Tomorrow it should be able to drive it!

REW > RE for an RX8. There are a few products out there that coupled with the REW make it virtually plug and play as far as the electronics go. Still need to fab up engine mounts, dp's etc etc.

Find me solid information on an REW swap. Details, I don't wanna hear about this person did it, or this shop did it. I want to know what goes into it 100%

Otherwise, I'll just keep my renny.

I need beer.