My RX-8 resto build

djmtsu · 02-06-2010, 11:04 AM

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:

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.

Max777 · 02-06-2010, 11:28 AM

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!

djmtsu · 02-06-2010, 11:37 AM

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.

***TitaniumTT*** · 02-06-2010, 12:03 PM

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

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

djmtsu · 02-06-2010, 12:33 PM

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.

djmtsu · 02-06-2010, 12:34 PM

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

$5000

FC3S Murray · 02-07-2010, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djmtsu

$5000

You sneaky son-of-a-bitch!

THAT IS A STEAL!! Congrats man. I really wanted to see the SSR's on the FC though....

BTW; love the interior on the 8. I have become a big fan on the tan/black combo over the last few years.

JDriftM · 02-06-2010, 02:21 PM

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

MrsJoff · 02-06-2010, 04:06 PM

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

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

***TitaniumTT*** · 02-06-2010, 10:40 PM

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

Max777 · 02-06-2010, 11:10 PM

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....

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.

Good day, sir.

djmtsu · 02-07-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max777

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....

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.

Good day, sir.

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!

mazdadude7 · 02-07-2010, 03:54 AM

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

***TitaniumTT*** · 02-07-2010, 09:53 AM

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.

***TitaniumTT*** · 02-07-2010, 10:45 AM

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.

02-06-2010, 11:04 AM	#1
djmtsu My minds tellin' me no... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN iTrader: (10) Posts: 4,043 Rep Power: 21	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: 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. __________________ 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 2003 Toyota Tundra TRD 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5

02-06-2010, 11:28 AM	#2
Max777 Pirate Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central IL iTrader: (5) Posts: 1,323 Rep Power: 18	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! __________________ Rotaries:They are NOT that complicated!

02-06-2010, 11:37 AM	#3
djmtsu My minds tellin' me no... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN iTrader: (10) Posts: 4,043 Rep Power: 21	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. __________________ 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 2003 Toyota Tundra TRD 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5

02-06-2010, 12:03 PM	#4
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	Nice find DJ. So what's the final verdict on the FC? Keep, sell, upgrade Beautiful car. So when you planning on doing the BHR Ignition upgrade? Want me to test it out for ya first __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

02-06-2010, 12:33 PM	#5
djmtsu My minds tellin' me no... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN iTrader: (10) Posts: 4,043 Rep Power: 21	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. __________________ 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 2003 Toyota Tundra TRD 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5

02-06-2010, 12:34 PM	#6
djmtsu My minds tellin' me no... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN iTrader: (10) Posts: 4,043 Rep Power: 21	Oh, and in case anyone wants to know how much I paid............. $5000 __________________ 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 2003 Toyota Tundra TRD 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5

02-06-2010, 02:21 PM	#8
JDriftM Dedicated Rotorhead Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (1) Posts: 92 Rep Power: 16	$5000? Ok, I'll be the first to say it.......I hate you. __________________ DGRR 2013.

02-06-2010, 04:06 PM	#9
MrsJoff Rotary Fan in Training Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NE Mesa, AZ iTrader: (0) Posts: 46 Rep Power: 0	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 Good luck with it and hope you enjoy your new toy.

02-06-2010, 10:40 PM	#10
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	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 __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

02-06-2010, 11:10 PM	#11
Max777 Pirate Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central IL iTrader: (5) Posts: 1,323 Rep Power: 18	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.... 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. Good day, sir. __________________ Rotaries:They are NOT that complicated! Last edited by Max777; 02-06-2010 at 11:14 PM..

02-07-2010, 03:54 AM	#13
mazdadude7 Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Franklin, NC iTrader: (5) Posts: 410 Rep Power: 17	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

02-07-2010, 09:53 AM	#14
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	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. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

02-07-2010, 10:45 AM	#15
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	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. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**