Rotary newbie questions...

[jlf12345]

Well... first off, I'd like to say "hi everyone.." cause this is my first post.... now that thats done, I need some help/info/advice. I took an RX8 for a test drive last weekend, and now I'm in love. I've always been a fan of old American muscle cars... but I think that car has crossed me over to the dark-side. I am probably purchasing a used 2006 RX8 w/ about 30k on it. I have no idea what oil the person before me ran in it, or basically anything about them, other than they paid cash for the car 2 years ago (not financed), and it looks to be in good shape. I know the engines burn oil, that the engine likes it rough (don't we all?), and not to move parking spaces in it without really driving it cause it will flood. I am hoping for a few tid-bits of advice from this forums knowledge base and rotary gurus.

1) is it too late to switch to mobile 1 synthetic, as I'm not sure it ever had that in it, or is that a bad oil for that engine.

2) I understand that rotary engines can be, shall I say, "particular", so what should I watch out for/not do/do/whatever? I plan on keeping this car for a while, in addition to the fact that I don't plan on modding it much at all. It will be my daily driver, so any help/info would be great.

Well, thank you for any help/info you may be able to provide me, and "hi" again everyone!

 

[JoseProte83]

Always use Mazda oil filter. You can use synthetic but only Mobil or Royal. Don't over-rev the engine. This engine has no limiter like normal piston engine. If it goes to 8,000 and you leave the gas pedal pressed, it will stay in 8,000. Really bad for the engine.... Seals are important for this engines. Rotary Aviation make good packages for 300$ and save some for a future engine rebuilt. Take good care of the engine and it can live for 150,000+- miles.....

 

[altspace]

Welcome aboard!

Never use synthetic oil! It's been discussed over and over again, trust me. Or trust the guys from SpeedSource racing as I asked them the same question in person at Lime Rock Park just a few days ago. The rotary does not burn oil, but rather pumps small amounts into the engine to lubricate the seals. This is also a misconception that it's such a hard thing to do, adding a little bit of oil. Which of course depends how much driving you do. For me, I add some oil every 2 weeks or so.

As for the many other questions, there is much to learn so I suggest spending a bit of time researching here and other websites. Heck, if you look at my recent post of the training video that'll teach you quite a bit. http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123708545

Most important of all, if you do end up buying one, never call it an engine. It's a rotary.

 

[jlf12345]

good stuff....

hey thanks for the link! those videos were pretty informative plus im thinking im gonna follow the video as it said "the rotary (engine) is designed for 5w-20 non-synthetic oil....

PS- the video said "rotary engine"

 

[JoseProte83]

I use Synthetic and Mazda has used it in the race cars. It is recommended by them. Still my car is a race car and I use it sometimes for the road. A few of the drag racers here use synthetic. Maybe Mazda don't recommend it for road engines. But only Mobil and Royal are the only approved as far as I know since tests has been made. Royal Purple owner has RX7's and have been racing then with Synthetics. No idea if is the same for a daily factory engine. Anyway, is better to stick to your owner's manual...

 

[jlf12345]

well, either way, ill be contacting the local rotary guru, probably in person this weekend. my new used 2006 RX8 is orgasmic!

 

[JoseProte83]

Awesome. Glad to see you are loving it.

 

['87 Turbo II]

The rotary does not burn oil, but rather pumps small amounts into the engine to lubricate the seals. \

Which in turn, puts the oil right smack dab in the combustion chamber and that is where it gets burned. The reason you don't use synthetics is because the additives gunk when BURNED so yes, the engine does BURN oil. Don't use synthetic, and not 5W 20 but rather 20W 50, I've run it for years and the engine loves it. Rotaries get hotter than piston engines. The thicker oil picks up a perfect consistency at these temperatures.

Enjoy the 8, I love my 7.

 

[lil_red_wagon]

ELF oils are alright to run, but they are hard to find. the average synthetic doesn't burn fully in the combustion chamber as '87 Turbo II pointed out. this will cause build up. a synthetic also has a tendency to thicken when it heats up whereas a petro-oil will thin. you need the oil to thin as it heats in a rotary.

 

[jlf12345]

well... I see I opened a can of worms about oil and all that.... my bad... either way. Is it strange that I WANT to drive to work today, just so I have a reason to hit the highway? I wanna go zoom-zoom

 

[altspace]

Not strange at all. Over a year later and I still get all gitty to go for a drive.

Obviously if the car uses oil it burns it off, unless you have a major malfunction. My point being is that it's normal and not the type of "burning oil" associated with faults in a piston engine. That is all.

We just say "rotary"....nothing else is needed after that...hehe. Though from time to time I have people asking me, "Does that have the Wankel in it?"

 

[jlf12345]

I figured as much altspace... I was just pokin' some fun

 

['87 Turbo II]

Not strange at all. Over a year later and I still get all gitty to go for a drive.

Obviously if the car uses oil it burns it off, unless you have a major malfunction. My point being is that it's normal and not the type of "burning oil" associated with faults in a piston engine. That is all.

We just say "rotary"....nothing else is needed after that...hehe. Though from time to time I have people asking me, "Does that have the Wankel in it?"

I'd rather be wanking than stroking.

And yes, the burning oil doesn't carry a negative connotation in a rotary.

 

[jlf12345]

for those interested, this is my new baby!

 

[Antoine]

(woowoo) Another Rotary fan joins the Forums!

Nice 8...Nice color! (2thumbs)

Be sure to keep us updated with your progress and include lots of (pics)!

 

[jlf12345]

(woowoo) Another Rotary fan joins the Forums!

Nice 8...Nice color! (2thumbs)

Be sure to keep us updated with your progress and include lots of (pics)!

I don't really plan on doing many mods yet... mostly cause me and my wife BOTH got new cars, in addition to the fact that we are BOTH military (enlisted). fist on the chopping block is pickup a radar detector, or I'm gonna be more broke... this car likes to move . Then I really want to get a factory spoiler as I like the way it looks. Then maybe an intake, but those look like they are 4 months - 1+ years out... I got alot of studying for the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) exam to do.

Yeah, I know... I'm a computer nerd, but it doesn't exclude me from falling in love with the rotary

 

[altspace]

Most excellent color choice! The best appearance mod is the OEM Appearance package. I'd do that instead of just the rear spoiler. Be unique, not many people have it that way, but my friend does and I think it looks great. Oh, and a simple drop with Tein S-Techs lowers it just the right amount to be sporty and have clearance.

My car the day I brought her home.

...and after the spring install.

 

[jlf12345]

hows she handle after the drop? I donno bout the no-spoiler thing... just looks naked from the back.....

I've been thinking of picking up the rotary accent kit, and the chrome exhaust finishers (the things that sit in the little outlets for the exhaust pipes.

but again, im dirt broke, barely affording this car right now as my wife and I are both E-4s in the military...

EDIT: well... I will say, it is growing on me... I kinda do like the way she looks without the spoiler... today I'll be working on a DIY from another forum, basically making the 3rd break light say "RX-8" when it lights up

 

[jlf12345]

well, waxed the hell outta my car today, and added my first mod

 

[altspace]

Accent kit - yes
Exhaust chrome finishers - cheap bling (stay away)

Along with my Tein S-Tech springs I recently installed brand new Mazdaspeed struts. Car feels fantastic! I really got to push the limits a couple weekends ago at the Lime Rock Park race track.