RX8 replacement?
Discussion
All this talk of Monaros in a thread asking for a RX8 replacement. I think a Monaro couldn't be more different. Compared to a RX8 a Monaro handles like a boat anchor, to use another expression also used in the thread.
Despite having independent rear suspension, does a Monaro really handle better than the Camaro being talked about? Both cars are probably the complete opposite of a RX8. As is a BMW 3 or any of these saloons being thrown around.
OP as many are saying, this is a difficult one. I know you said you don't want a V8 swap. But this is probably your best chance. I agree with you it will ruin the handling. But at least you will keep the sports car look, the practical side and it will be faster. You will not find a perfect replacement. There is no other light weight sports car with proper rear seats and which handles like the RX8. Not even talking about the extra set of doors. But you already know that. So best compromise is probably the V8 swap.
Despite having independent rear suspension, does a Monaro really handle better than the Camaro being talked about? Both cars are probably the complete opposite of a RX8. As is a BMW 3 or any of these saloons being thrown around.
OP as many are saying, this is a difficult one. I know you said you don't want a V8 swap. But this is probably your best chance. I agree with you it will ruin the handling. But at least you will keep the sports car look, the practical side and it will be faster. You will not find a perfect replacement. There is no other light weight sports car with proper rear seats and which handles like the RX8. Not even talking about the extra set of doors. But you already know that. So best compromise is probably the V8 swap.
Edited by Shifter1 on Sunday 21st February 20:25
still don't see why a proper rebuild has been discounted, as all other options have faults too?
a rebuilt engine just needs some awareness and care, not "babying". it would last a long time and be the "perfect car".
premature wankel death was often mistreatment and/or older tech, whilst it might not last forever, a new one would give long service.
a rebuilt engine just needs some awareness and care, not "babying". it would last a long time and be the "perfect car".
premature wankel death was often mistreatment and/or older tech, whilst it might not last forever, a new one would give long service.
If there are no other realistic options and you really do love the RX8, surely the engine rebuild costs are worth it?
https://theperformanceshop.co.uk/pages/engine-rebu...
No affiliation nor experience, just a quick Google.
Buy the nicest RX8 you can and just enjoy it?
https://theperformanceshop.co.uk/pages/engine-rebu...
No affiliation nor experience, just a quick Google.
Buy the nicest RX8 you can and just enjoy it?
RussNC said:
If there are no other realistic options and you really do love the RX8, surely the engine rebuild costs are worth it?
https://theperformanceshop.co.uk/pages/engine-rebu...
No affiliation nor experience, just a quick Google.
Buy the nicest RX8 you can and just enjoy it?
Especially because the rebuild is pretty cheap. Even if you needed a rebuild every 4 or 5 years it's not massive amounts of money.https://theperformanceshop.co.uk/pages/engine-rebu...
No affiliation nor experience, just a quick Google.
Buy the nicest RX8 you can and just enjoy it?
GTdrive said:
Back to the Camaro, I think it depends on the V6 in question. The older V6 might be a boat anchor. But the Buick 3800 used in the facelift Camaros weighs basically the same as a LS1. And is listed as only 10kg heavier than the modern High-Feature V6s. It's a very good engine the Buick V6. But it is shorter, so it sits further inside the chassis than the V8s. And the 3800 compared to the LT1 is much lighter. The LT1 is a heavy lump.
To be fair you are probably right. The 3.8 wasn't a bad engine. I think those cars where mid/low 7 sec 0-60mph and 130mph+. Which in 1998 was about as quick as most V6 coupes/saloons on the UK market (thinking ST220 etc). The engine actually sits quite far back in the engine bay, even with the V8. the majority of the engine is behind the front axle line, in other circles they'd probably call it mid-front engine
Not mine:
GTdrive said:
There are IRS kits for the 4th gen F-bodies. But if I remember well they are expensive. Like 10K or around that. I wonder how much it would transform the car.
I guess it depends what you want from the car. But I honestly don't see it being worth it. The car handles great as is. Fun and capable. IRS is likely only to serve benefit for ride quality IMO. Personally I think there is sometimes too much stigma around live rear axles, mostly lead by the motoring media. I'm not saying on an ultimate level that IRS isn't technically superior. But I think that point is way above a road going variant of the car for most types of enthusiastic driving. I certainly wouldn't ever consider fitting it on mine. Interestingly, I think these kits are relatively new things too.GTdrive said:
And I'm not basing any of that on any stereotype we may have around these parts. I have driven the Camaros, Firebirds and Corvettes in the U.S. Several of the generations. I know them quite well.
Very nice to hear. As they are rare, I suspect most people in the UK haven't. 
GTdrive said:
Which Camaro do you have? I know it's not a popular opinion, but I always liked the facelift better.The 1998-2002 ones. I always thought it looked classier and more grown up. I think it also aged better. I need to duck when I say this, but it gives me a quite Aston vibe, in a DB7 type of way. The 98-02 ones that is. I used to like the 4th gen Firebirds and Trans Ams better when I was younger. But now I like the Camaro facelift better. More grown up.
I have a 1999 z28.
CABC said:
still don't see why a proper rebuild has been discounted, as all other options have faults too?
a rebuilt engine just needs some awareness and care, not "babying". it would last a long time and be the "perfect car".
premature wankel death was often mistreatment and/or older tech, whilst it might not last forever, a new one would give long service.
As I said above, 300bhp/ton really sums it up well the reasons not to go with a rebuild. a rebuilt engine just needs some awareness and care, not "babying". it would last a long time and be the "perfect car".
premature wankel death was often mistreatment and/or older tech, whilst it might not last forever, a new one would give long service.
Apart from that, there is also the side that I also already mentioned. That I don't love the wankle. The only reason I bought the car is because of the rest. I actually would go as far as to say I dislike most things about the rotary. The only thing I like is the high rev. But it gets tiresome in normal traffic to have to rev the nuts out of it just to "pass a minivan". I dislike that it is gutless and I definitely dislike the way it sounds. I much rather have the sound of a V6 and of course V8 in my ears than a wankle. Even 4 cylinders like the Alfa Twin-Spark and S2000 sound nicer. So there is also that. Pouring more money and work on an engine I couldn't care less about it. I would never buy a rotary if it was in a saloon or any other car I would have more choice.
The babying part is not about the rebuilding. It's in general. I'm tired of having to worry about oil all the time and etc, etc, etc and etc add nauseum. Tired of having to put up with all the special needs of the rotary. I don't want to put up with it anymore. I know engines need care and I have owned Alfa Romeos. So I have no problem with that. But the rotary is excessive!I just don't feel like it anymore. Not worth it for me.
I know somebody who had a rebuilt rotary engine fail not much longer after. I know the blame will be placed on him or the person who rebuild it. But the fact is, this is just shifting blame from the engine, which should just be reliable. I understand all the fans saying it's a special engine and that it deserves special care etc. But honestly, this is an excuse. And only if you are a fan will you feel that way. I'm not. I'm a fan of the car. Not of the flawed engine. So there is this.
I don't want to go on bashing the engine. But I have tried explaining why I don't want to go for a rebuild and yet, people keep asking. So I hope this will put to rest the rebuild topic. I will not do it again.
The only reason I have not dumped the car yet is because I'm not fully decided I won't go for a swap of some sort. If this turns out to be my last resort.
300bhp/ton said:
GTdrive said:
Back to the Camaro, I think it depends on the V6 in question. The older V6 might be a boat anchor. But the Buick 3800 used in the facelift Camaros weighs basically the same as a LS1. And is listed as only 10kg heavier than the modern High-Feature V6s. It's a very good engine the Buick V6. But it is shorter, so it sits further inside the chassis than the V8s. And the 3800 compared to the LT1 is much lighter. The LT1 is a heavy lump.
To be fair you are probably right. The 3.8 wasn't a bad engine. I think those cars where mid/low 7 sec 0-60mph and 130mph+. Which in 1998 was about as quick as most V6 coupes/saloons on the UK market (thinking ST220 etc). The engine actually sits quite far back in the engine bay, even with the V8. the majority of the engine is behind the front axle line, in other circles they'd probably call it mid-front engine
Not mine:
GTdrive said:
There are IRS kits for the 4th gen F-bodies. But if I remember well they are expensive. Like 10K or around that. I wonder how much it would transform the car.
I guess it depends what you want from the car. But I honestly don't see it being worth it. The car handles great as is. Fun and capable. IRS is likely only to serve benefit for ride quality IMO. Personally I think there is sometimes too much stigma around live rear axles, mostly lead by the motoring media. I'm not saying on an ultimate level that IRS isn't technically superior. But I think that point is way above a road going variant of the car for most types of enthusiastic driving. I certainly wouldn't ever consider fitting it on mine. Interestingly, I think these kits are relatively new things too.GTdrive said:
And I'm not basing any of that on any stereotype we may have around these parts. I have driven the Camaros, Firebirds and Corvettes in the U.S. Several of the generations. I know them quite well.
Very nice to hear. As they are rare, I suspect most people in the UK haven't. GTdrive said:
Which Camaro do you have? I know it's not a popular opinion, but I always liked the facelift better.The 1998-2002 ones. I always thought it looked classier and more grown up. I think it also aged better. I need to duck when I say this, but it gives me a quite Aston vibe, in a DB7 type of way. The 98-02 ones that is. I used to like the 4th gen Firebirds and Trans Ams better when I was younger. But now I like the Camaro facelift better. More grown up.
I have a 1999 z28.Or is it just my impression?
But I definitely want to carry on the conversation about the Camaro.
By the way, a green one like yours would be my top choice. Although green seems to be rare with the facelift cars. Much more common with the pre 1998 cars. Apart from dark green, black or a darker grey.
I used to have an rx8 231.
I changed it after it blew a bearing in the gearbox and almost set its self on fire. An injector failed and burnt out the cat.
I bought a Volvo C30 (only a 1.8 as bouggt foirst house) to replace it. Has the 4 seats,a useable boot space (that doesnt get too hot) and quirky looks. So my suggestion to the OPs dilmea even though its fwd is a
Volvo c30 t5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102199...
I now have a focus st thst replaced the volvo.
I changed it after it blew a bearing in the gearbox and almost set its self on fire. An injector failed and burnt out the cat.
I bought a Volvo C30 (only a 1.8 as bouggt foirst house) to replace it. Has the 4 seats,a useable boot space (that doesnt get too hot) and quirky looks. So my suggestion to the OPs dilmea even though its fwd is a
Volvo c30 t5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102199...
I now have a focus st thst replaced the volvo.
Edited by sherman on Monday 22 February 16:48
I replaced mine with an Elise and an Impreza estate. Still got the Elise, the Impreza was replaced with a 9-5 Aero then an E320CDI then and E350CDI.
Closest thing to it I've driven in feel was a GT86, but it aptly demonstrates what you get in return for the wankel engine's foibles - it drives like the Mazda, but it's got no rear leg room.
Closest thing to it I've driven in feel was a GT86, but it aptly demonstrates what you get in return for the wankel engine's foibles - it drives like the Mazda, but it's got no rear leg room.
sherman said:
I used to have an rx8 231.
I changed it after it blew a bearing in the gearbox and almost set its self on fire. An injector failed and burnt out the cat.
I bought a Volvo C30 (only a 1.8 as bouggt foirst house) to replace it. Has the 4 seats,a useable boot space (that doesnt get too hot) and quirky looks. So my suggestion to the OPs dilmea even though its fwd is a
Volvo c30 t5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102199...
I now have a focus st thst replaced the volvo.
A FWD would just not do it for me. Then we have strayed just too far. There is nothing left from the RX8 experience anymore. I changed it after it blew a bearing in the gearbox and almost set its self on fire. An injector failed and burnt out the cat.
I bought a Volvo C30 (only a 1.8 as bouggt foirst house) to replace it. Has the 4 seats,a useable boot space (that doesnt get too hot) and quirky looks. So my suggestion to the OPs dilmea even though its fwd is a
Volvo c30 t5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102199...
I now have a focus st thst replaced the volvo.
I think the best way to go will be to just find the RWD manual 2+2 coupe with the most space in the back and see what I can do with that. And hope it won't handle like an ambulance.
I don't see another alternative. I guess it's that or a family hatchback or saloon, which I absolutely don't want.
Interesting that you want to get out of the RX8 and I want to get in. For very much the same reasons as you like it so much.
But it is indeed a little scary to look for RX8s for sale. All the adds seem to read the same. All mention cold and hot start not a problem. But the cars have sometimes more than 100k miles and when I ask, it is still the original engine. There was one example with about 135K and according to the seller still the original engine. When I ask about compression they all say they don't know.
According to what I have heard an engine with over 100k if still the original engine, is probably living its last days.
So it is a very scary thing to look for a RX8. When sellers don't seem to be completely honest it makes it even more uninviting. But I really want one.
But it is indeed a little scary to look for RX8s for sale. All the adds seem to read the same. All mention cold and hot start not a problem. But the cars have sometimes more than 100k miles and when I ask, it is still the original engine. There was one example with about 135K and according to the seller still the original engine. When I ask about compression they all say they don't know.
According to what I have heard an engine with over 100k if still the original engine, is probably living its last days.
So it is a very scary thing to look for a RX8. When sellers don't seem to be completely honest it makes it even more uninviting. But I really want one.
ZackM said:
Interesting that you want to get out of the RX8 and I want to get in. For very much the same reasons as you like it so much.
But it is indeed a little scary to look for RX8s for sale. All the adds seem to read the same. All mention cold and hot start not a problem. But the cars have sometimes more than 100k miles and when I ask, it is still the original engine. There was one example with about 135K and according to the seller still the original engine. When I ask about compression they all say they don't know.
According to what I have heard an engine with over 100k if still the original engine, is probably living its last days.
So it is a very scary thing to look for a RX8. When sellers don't seem to be completely honest it makes it even more uninviting. But I really want one.
Just buy the best one you can, I'd pay more attention to the general condition of the car rather than the engine. In the performance world £2.5k for a rebuild is cheap, (I paid that for a performance brake kit) but I appreciate that's the price or more of many RX8 available.But it is indeed a little scary to look for RX8s for sale. All the adds seem to read the same. All mention cold and hot start not a problem. But the cars have sometimes more than 100k miles and when I ask, it is still the original engine. There was one example with about 135K and according to the seller still the original engine. When I ask about compression they all say they don't know.
According to what I have heard an engine with over 100k if still the original engine, is probably living its last days.
So it is a very scary thing to look for a RX8. When sellers don't seem to be completely honest it makes it even more uninviting. But I really want one.
Having had a 192 RX8, and knowing their unique offerings I think they are worth saving.
I'm very tempted myself reading this thread!
I'd be looking at this one.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Mazda-RX8-Blue-231...
Yes, back in the UK the situation is totally different.
Around here, cars of that mileage are about 8-12K Euros. For 3-4K you get cars which are above 100K miles. Although they do have a MOT. But that doesn't really guarantee anything in a rotary.
Since I was told that with RX8s the mileage says nothing, because even a low mileage one might blow the engine the month after, I would prefer to spend less.
I would actually prefer finding one with a blown engine for cheap. But you never see them. Because it is then more profitable to break them and sell the parts.
An engine rebuild here will cost around 4-5K. Found a person who rebuilds them for sale for around 3K if you give your broken engine in exchange. But it seems there is no warranty. It's just a single guy doing this on his free time, who says to have done it for several years now.
The support for these cars here are nowhere as wide spread as in the UK. They are actually very rare here. I have only seen one in town.
Around here, cars of that mileage are about 8-12K Euros. For 3-4K you get cars which are above 100K miles. Although they do have a MOT. But that doesn't really guarantee anything in a rotary.
Since I was told that with RX8s the mileage says nothing, because even a low mileage one might blow the engine the month after, I would prefer to spend less.
I would actually prefer finding one with a blown engine for cheap. But you never see them. Because it is then more profitable to break them and sell the parts.
An engine rebuild here will cost around 4-5K. Found a person who rebuilds them for sale for around 3K if you give your broken engine in exchange. But it seems there is no warranty. It's just a single guy doing this on his free time, who says to have done it for several years now.
The support for these cars here are nowhere as wide spread as in the UK. They are actually very rare here. I have only seen one in town.
GTdrive said:
PrinceRupert said:
Especially because the rebuild is pretty cheap. Even if you needed a rebuild every 4 or 5 years it's not massive amounts of money.
You find it cheap? £2500.00? How much do RX8s sell for around you neighborhood? PrinceRupert said:
GTdrive said:
PrinceRupert said:
Especially because the rebuild is pretty cheap. Even if you needed a rebuild every 4 or 5 years it's not massive amounts of money.
You find it cheap? £2500.00? How much do RX8s sell for around you neighborhood? Also that is probably starting at £2.5k. I’m willing to bet many people end up spending considerably more. Especially if you aren’t taking the engine out yourself.
300bhp/ton said:
It’s still a fair chunk of money. Engine rebuilds aren’t exactly expected with most makes of car at this age. Plus you need to consider the price point of the car. At present an RX-8 doesn’t cost much to buy. I suspect for many potential owners, if £2.5k is nothing. They’d not be looking at RX-8’s anyway.
Also that is probably starting at £2.5k. I’m willing to bet many people end up spending considerably more. Especially if you aren’t taking the engine out yourself.
Yes but in the context of the cost of some of the alternatives getting thrown about in this thread it isn't a lot of money. OP's query wasn't "what car could I buy that rivals an rx8 but only costs a grand". If it is a keeper which it seems it could be that 2.5k will quickly seem good value and the value of the car is irrelevant.Also that is probably starting at £2.5k. I’m willing to bet many people end up spending considerably more. Especially if you aren’t taking the engine out yourself.
My last car was an RX8 and I absolutely loved it. I got rid because it was getting old, and as most of my miles are long journeys, reliability is critical- so I wanted to move on before it became unreliable.
I had the same problem- it was the perfect car for me, so how to replace it? I too tried a GT86, and found it disappointing by comparison-quality, lack of 'special' feeling, less practical, just not for me.
So I sat down and asked myself what I actually enjoyed about the RX8, bearing in mid I rarely pushed it anywhere near its limits - the answer was that it feels special. I bought a Mustang- totally different, but also feels special. So I would have a think about the various Camaros, Monaros etc suggested above.
If I had anywhere to keep it, I would have kept the RX8 as well just for fun though!
I had the same problem- it was the perfect car for me, so how to replace it? I too tried a GT86, and found it disappointing by comparison-quality, lack of 'special' feeling, less practical, just not for me.
So I sat down and asked myself what I actually enjoyed about the RX8, bearing in mid I rarely pushed it anywhere near its limits - the answer was that it feels special. I bought a Mustang- totally different, but also feels special. So I would have a think about the various Camaros, Monaros etc suggested above.
If I had anywhere to keep it, I would have kept the RX8 as well just for fun though!
PrinceRupert said:
Yes but in the context of the cost of some of the alternatives getting thrown about in this thread it isn't a lot of money. OP's query wasn't "what car could I buy that rivals an rx8 but only costs a grand". If it is a keeper which it seems it could be that 2.5k will quickly seem good value and the value of the car is irrelevant.
It comes down to what I said before. I don't care for the engine. If we were talking about the Alfa V6, I would rebuild it. But as is, I will rebuild an engine which I don't even like and which I know will give me trouble again. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff