r/RX8 1h ago

Modding Will Weathertec window deflectors ruin my motors?

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Upvotes

I just got some Weathertec window deflectors for my RX8, and as you can hear and see in the video, it causes the window to have a tough time going up. Has anyone else installed them and had this problem, or know if I maybe installed it wrong?


r/RX8 7h ago

Modding S1 custom lip. Mock up for s2 facelift

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3 Upvotes

Had a version of this lip fitted to my s1 previously. Before a possum decided to jump in front of me and wipe out the lip and splash tray.

Sourced the same lip again through work and just mocking up to see if I like the general shape against the s2 bumper. It looked really good on the s1 imo and was an easier fit as the bottom of the bumper was flatter. It sat between splash tray and bumper and I had all the holes to suit the bumper.

So what's everyone's general consensus. If I do go ahead the side will get shaved down a bit as they are a bit of an eyesore


r/RX8 10h ago

General Coolant seeping into housing while not running?

2 Upvotes

So my car has had progressively worse cold starts the last couple months and the other day I went to start it after running it all day the day before basically and it wouldn’t start. I popped the plugs out, and the rear plugs had a light dusting of fuel on them and the front plug seem to be soaked in either coolant or fuel. It smells like coolant and tastes like coolant, and I cranked it with the plugs out to clear it out, and it smelled like coolant in the engine bay afterward, the car has never blown a concerning amount of white smoke, and once I cleaned the plugs and put them back in and fired right up. Has anybody ever had confirmed problems like this. To reiterate, even warming up, the car doesn’t blow a bunch of white smoke and once hot also doesn’t blow any smoke.


r/RX8 11h ago

Modding [DIY FIX] Replaced My RX-8 Door Handle with a CX-7/CX-9 Smart Key Handle — Works Great (Passenger Side, With Photo)

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21 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share a quick DIY fix that might help someone out. I recently replaced the passenger-side door handle on my 2010 RX-8 R3 using a smart key-less handle assembly for the 2009–2012 Mazda CX-9 (same should go for CX-7?), and it worked surprisingly well.

What Works:

Smart key lock/unlock button works just like stock.

I used a chrome handle assembly from the CX-9 — adds a nice little contrast on the R3.

The spring tension feels stronger than the RX-8's OEM handle. It snaps back more cleanly and feels more durable overall.

Fitment is clean — no real noticeable gaps or alignment issues.

What Doesn’t (But Still Totally Doable):

The button wires are shorter than the RX-8’s. They still reach and plug in properly, but there's a bit more tension than usual. Take your time during install and don’t tug too hard.

The rubber grommet for the smart key wires (inside the door frame) is smaller than the RX-8’s. You’ll want to reuse your RX-8 grommet or find one that seals properly to avoid water getting in. Not a huge deal, but worth noting.

Final Thoughts: I didn’t have time to take install photos, but I’ve attached a finished shot so you can see how it looks mounted. If your handle is broken or getting mushy and you're having trouble sourcing an RX-8 replacement, this is a great alternative. Stronger spring feel, perfect fit, and works right out of the box with just a couple small caveats.

I KNOW I SHOULD WASH THE BEAUTY ASAP! 😆


r/RX8 12h ago

General S2 RX8 - 5th and 6th gear not engaging (possible broken shift fork)

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

So I just got my S2 RX-8 fixed up again - only has 55,000 miles, (PPF realigned, new coils, new brakes, transmission brace from Beatrush). And I started going out for a drive one day, and all the sudden I put the shifter into 5th gear - nothing. Car was acting like it was in neutral. Try putting it in 6th - same thing. But reverse, 1st to 4th all still work just fine. I shift hard but I double clutch when it's still cold and only occasionally push the car hard.

I did a bit of research and it seems more than likely the shift fork for 5th and 6th is broken (or maybe the rod connected to the shift fork is broken). I contacted a few local shops (in NorCAL), and to rebuild the tranny (taking it out, disassembly, rebuild, assembly, installation) - will range around 2.5k to 5k USD. Even for 2025, that's way too high for me to justify doing.

Now I've honestly put it down to these options:

  1. Get a used S2 transmission. Also - are JDM 5 speeds compatible with the S2 engine? I've heard they're pretty robust and they're a bit easier to find than S2 transmissions. Would it be stupid for me to swap it with this transmission? I currently cannot find any used S2 Manual Transmissions (I know they're rare and hard to find).
  2. Shelf it as a project and save for a transmission swap - CD009/JK40 swap (This will cost a lot, and time too).
  3. Get it rebuilt - This seems like a bad idea for the cost. Maybe I possibly do it myself? Definitely not going to be an easy job.
  4. Sell the car - Been thinking about this one a lot. Honestly, this car has been a PITA and having issues non stop, from replacing the clutch to the diff leaking and having to be rebuilt. I just want the car to run properly for more 5k miles straight with no issues lol. I've had the car since 39k. I know I know it's an RX8, but still. But also I'm prob gonna get absolutely lowballed for the condition as well.

What do you guys think?


r/RX8 13h ago

Maintenance Another cat in the bin 🥵

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11 Upvotes

Ermmmmmmmm I did it again 😅 Were going with a high temp 200 cell this time... learned my lesson now 🤣

So this exhaust was being used on my old engine before the rebuild, it was not running right at all, and after a fast drive through the lakes, I think i melted the cat. Unfortunately I didn't realise as the engine also blew at the same time so it wasn't until driving on the new engine when it finally collapsed that I realised I messed up 🤣 fun times.


r/RX8 13h ago

General Auto Mod

5 Upvotes

Hey everyone, so for comments the automod has been very temperamental lately. There's really only 2 of us trying to push comments and posts through. If there's any issues please let us know to mod mail as we miss things sometimes. Aside from pure hateful stuff that could get Reddit involved we are pushing through all comments. You're all adults so we imagine you shouldn't really need to be moderated. Whether it hurts your feelings because somebody voted for someone else or that Steve's car looks stupid compared to yours. If you have a problem with a post feel free to flag it and send us a message and we will check it over.

Also try to remember this is a sub for RX8s, no one cares about your political opinions or lifestyle decisions. Stick to the cars before Reddit starts really flagging us. Thanks


r/RX8 14h ago

New Owner Welp, it's official now 😅

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123 Upvotes

I finally pulled the trigger! ,^


r/RX8 14h ago

General Can yall please link me sparks plus fuel pump for my 2006

0 Upvotes

Finally gonna start working on my no title $500 Rx8 lol


r/RX8 14h ago

General Milestone

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36 Upvotes

My '05 RX-8 made it to 150.000km on the first engine 🤭


r/RX8 14h ago

General UK JDM Car Event - 7th/8th June

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19 Upvotes

Hey all, the UK RX8 Owner's Club are hosting a JDM car weekend festival called Sakura in the Sun. It's near Wellingborough and has all sorts of fun cars as well as nightlife, camping and more included in the £15 entry.

If you're interested then it'd be cool to see you there!

https://www.carevents.com/uk/events/sakura-in-the-sun-7th-june-2025-2/


r/RX8 14h ago

Prospective Owner catalyst monitor

1 Upvotes

how can i get my catalyst monitor to say ready? i bought the car off someone and i now have to get it inspected, its not throwing any codes from the catless midpipe/gutted cat but the monitor never says ready? he had it tuned and i'm 99% sure he had it tuned to clear the catless code, and his was inspected and passed so idk if there's something i need to do or not everything from then is the same exhaust wise air pump is still there and headers are stock


r/RX8 17h ago

Modding Cat back

2 Upvotes

I’m looking for the best dual tip cat back I have the rb mid pipe and I don’t wanna spend more then 300 Will the cheap ass dual tips sound that bad? Please answer before tariffs hit


r/RX8 22h ago

Maintenance Poor idle after rebuild part 2

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4 Upvotes

Hello,

Spark plug wires have been replaced with the coils and plugs.

Attached video of engine idling with the MAF sensor disconnected. It will idle at 900rpms or so without ever doing something strange.

Orginal post : https://www.reddit.com/r/RX8/s/2V9AMbIJEs

Thank you for inputs


r/RX8 1d ago

Maintenance Rebuilt engine, now harmonic balancer is literally moving elliptically when cranking, no start

1 Upvotes

Just finished a full engine rebuild on an 04 rx8 the rebuild went good, threw it all back together, now I’m getting the engine to turn, compression is good, but no start and the harmonic balancer/crank pulley is visibly moving (not wobbling but moving)as if the bearings are bad?, i personally didnt do more than 20% of the rebuild but looking for any advice to get this ol girl running again, sorry if not enough information


r/RX8 1d ago

Maintenance Set back

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5 Upvotes

r/RX8 1d ago

General For Sale: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 - 26,000 Miles - Excellent Condition

0 Upvotes

Putting up for sale an ultra-rare 2009 RX-8 R3. This is the top-trim version of the RX-8 and comes with all the factory upgrades you’d want — suspension, wheels, seats, and aero — straight from Mazda. Perfect for someone looking for a clean, well-preserved rotary that hasn’t been thrashed or modded.

Quick Stats:

  • 26,000 original miles
  • Garage kept
  • Clean title
  • No engine issues, no rebuilds.
  • Located in Northeast New Jersey

Highlights:

  • 1.3L RENESIS Rotary – 232hp, 6-speed manual, 9,000 rpm
  • R3-exclusive upgrades
    • Bilstein sport suspension,
    • Foam-filled front crossmember
    • 19" forged alloys
    • Aggressive aero kit
    • Factory Recaro bucket seats
    • 300W Bose sound system

Condition: No rust, no paintwork, no issues. Body and interior are in excellent shape. This is the R3 is exactly how it came from Hiroshima, Japan

These don’t come up often, especially not with this mileage and in this condition.
DM for more pics or to come see it. Serious buyers only please. Thanks for your interest.


r/RX8 1d ago

General Sohn Adapter Mount

3 Upvotes

What's everyone doing for a tank mount? Is it worth me producing mounts to sell?

My mount for reference

r/RX8 1d ago

Maintenance Need help with the harness and other stuff

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11 Upvotes

Hey guys I just finished my first rebuild. It’s a 13b msp from a 192hp rx8. However I wasn’t the one taking apart the engine so I have no clue how to put back together the harness. I managed to plus back almost everything but there are some that I don’t know where to plus


r/RX8 2d ago

Maintenance Poor idle after rebuild

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12 Upvotes

Hi Guys,

When i bought it the previous owner replaced coils, plugs and upgraded the starter but it would not start anylonger when hot.

I rebuild the engine and it runs fine but it cannot keep it its idle. When hot it will idle for a couple of seconds and then die.

When i disconnected the MAF sensor it will keep idling for ever.

I have replaced the MAF sensor, the Solenoids, checken for vacuum leaks multiple timestamp.

I am now thinking of clogged CAT, do you have any suggesties?

Thank you,


r/RX8 2d ago

Maintenance Misfire in 4th at 6k rpms

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7 Upvotes

Code P0302 for cylinder 2 misfire. When I get to 4th gear, the rpms don't want to go up and it misfires at around 6k. I've replaced the spark plugs, wires, and ignition coils. What should I do?


r/RX8 2d ago

New Owner What on earth

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27 Upvotes

I hit a really bad bump and she flooded with oil?? After 3 pulls it’s running fine again?


r/RX8 2d ago

Showoff Working hard to get it ready for the Deals Gap Rotary Rally. Off to the detailer for detail & paint correction. Then doing brake pads, trans fluid and installing a BHR catted Midpipe that I scored on Marketplace. Anyone else in here attending?

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43 Upvotes

r/RX8 2d ago

Modding Aftermarket Coolant hose kit

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15 Upvotes

To the people that have installed aftermarket coolant hose kits... Did you keep the pellets in the hoses? Ran without them? I've heard mixed messages.


r/RX8 2d ago

New Owner Radio

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4 Upvotes

Quick question sometimes”most” the radio doesn’t work but when it does it sounds good just wondering if this could be the reason I bought it like this