New RX8 Owner

[skybouncer]

Hello everybody, Im a new owner of a 2004 RX8 and found this site to learn more about what I got into LOL. and the Rotary engine.
I love this thing, its a blast to drive.
My last sports car was a 1976 MG migget, got married in 1977 and that was the end of the sports cars for me, 37 years later and after the big D!!!!!!!
IM BACK :-)
I got a problem that I searched the internet for with a whole lot of different answers and I didnt really want to rebuild the car after just getting it LOL.
Well I thought this forum would be the right place to get a stright answer form people that has experince with it and for me to start the learning curve for it.
Heres my problem:
As far as I know its a stock car / motor, has 45,000 miles on it,purrs like a kitten and has what I think a lots of power when tacking it out
After I turn the car off after a drive and normal temps it wont start back without sitting about 30 mins. The longer it sits and cools down the quicker it starts.
I have only drove it for short drives because I dont want to get stranded and im wanting to take a road trip in it.
OK lets here from the informed experinced rotary guys!

[GySgtFrank]

Probably your best bet to begin diagnosing your problem would be to take it down to the Mazda dealer and have a compression check done (rather than chasing a bunch of silly stuff around in circles). Usually a couple hundred dollars, depending on the dealership.

The most common problems with the first generation RX-8s that I have heard tell of are low compression, a less than stellar ignition system, and a crappy starter. It could be any of these, but the low compression would be the most serious.

To repeat what has been told to me by people that rebuild these things regularly:

Low compression, this would require a rebuild if it is the problem. The first gens had insufficient oil injection to the rotors in an attempt to cut down on oil use. Bad idea as rotaries require oil just like a two stroke. Easiest fix is to premix 2 stroke oil with your fuel to give it a little additional lubrication. The shorter apex seals didn't help things either.

Most people upgrade the coils as the stock coils were marginal when new and get worse quickly.

The starter did not spin fast enough and has also caused hot start issues. The fix for this is to use the starter from the 2nd generation 8s. Pricey, but worth it. So I've been told.

caveat: I don't own an 8. This is what I have been told by those that work on them regularly and what I have seen others struggling with. We'll see if I get any arguments from those that actually own one.

[rotaryman13]

Everything that Sgt said is true. If you find a nice dealer the service department can run your VIN number and tell you what has been done to the car. If the previous owners didn't have the computer reflashes done, it may very well need an engine. Start by trying to find out the history, and have them do a compression test. Any updates that were not performed should still be free for you. Go to pettitracing.com and go to the guide and then rx8 recommendations. Racingbeat.com also has a rotary tech tips section that is helpful. I would add to these that you need to change your spark plugs every 15-20k miles. Rx8club.com has a lot of good info in the new owner stickies, but don't go on there asking basic questions because you will just be told to search. I have 86k on the engine in mine and enjoy it very much. Good luck with yours, and I hope your engine is ok. My first car was a $600 1977 MGB, and I have been hooked on sports ever since.