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On the gas, I use Shell 93 Nitrogen enriched exclusively. Sometime I drive up into Maine from my place in Massachusetts. The highest octane in Maine is 91. I've noticed huge difference in those missing 2 octane points, when I am high revving after the engine is completely warmed up. The rotary engine under performs with anything less than 93. Hell, I'd love to get some 100 octane jet fuel if I could get it.
The octane lets more of the gas get into the firing chamber without burning, so you get the full punch at the higher revving levels.
Custom re-tuning or otherwise, is a different story.
I was just reading through, trying to get any tips on taking care of my RX8 when I came across this. I'm 17 and bought an 06 rx8 last November. I parked the car through the winter to avoid rust and everything else and brought it out around March. Before Winter I drove it several times, glad to have a fast sweet ride to care for and work on. I drove it hard and fast and it ran like a champ. The following Spring i brought it out of the garage and drove it daily.. I've put about 10k on since then.
Over time it seems like the engine has been slowly losing power. I drove it hard, like it should be, for the first few months but then dumb judgement came to me and a began to cruise at about 3k rpms for fuel mileage. i know rotarys are one of a kind, but i never thought it'd hurt.. needless to say i was pretty p/od when i realized it didn't respond like it used to. i looked into the problem recently and figured it could be bad plugs, so i replaced them and it helped but not significantly.
Not to add ignorance to this or the stupid teenager stereotype but i raced an AT 90 something camaro with a 350'. Smoked it, noted ending at 135 mph in just a mile. recently i raced an 04 chevy impala. i lost, feeling clueless as to what the h*** couldve happened. also, one late night after changing plugs, i took it for a cruise, taking about 2 1/2 miles to reach 135.
Anyway after writing a novel and reading your comment, im frustrated with myself and sure that driving low rpms is the cause of my lack of power. I'm not searching for the power to race idiot drivers, i just want the power that i know belongs there. I called Mazda a few months back, wondering if they could diagnose a problem. My check engine light isn't on and apparently they can't give a diagnosis to an unknown problem without the light being on itself.
I'm sure you weren't prepared to give me a full diagnosis but i figured you might know what could be done to get this one of a kind car running again. If you have any info or just tips, I'd probably be the happiest kid in the world. Thanks a ton,
Wes
ordering 4 new right now, let you know how it goes after installation
fingers crossed
ClaireS, Host
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Older rotary engines had shorter life spans due mainly to apex and side seal wear, but the Renesis rotary of the RX8 should last you 200,000+ miles if properly cared for. This includes oil changes every 3000 miles. This includes preventing carbon build-up by running the engine to red-line frequently and/or taking long highway drives. This includes checking your oil levels every couple fuel tank-fulls and topping up as required. This includes warming up the motor a bit before driving and warming fully before pushing it past 4K - 6K RPM. This includes not shutting down the motor "cold" as it can cause flooding (which also thins the oils with gas). And NEVER let a rotary engine overheat. This will warp the rotor housing and bye-bye motor.
Rebuilds are not really any more expensive than piston engines provided the rotors and housings aren't damaged or warped. A simple rebuild can cost between $500 - $1000 plus removal/installation labor. A factory rebuilt motor sells for around $2000 the last time I checked...a good option if the original motor has damage or warpage.
I found this from a rotary mechanic....
Adam