RX8 replacement?
Discussion
So I have had a RX8 as a daily, which I bought after basically not having another option. I was concerned but I took the risk. Now it seems it is in its last legs. Sad because in many ways it is the perfect daily. It's a RWD manual sports car which not only has real back seats but even rear doors. But it's not a big 4 door saloon or a hot hatch, which is a good thing.
When I bought it I bought exactly because of that. There is basically no equal and no real competition. The only similar thing would be a Ferrari FF if it was RWD and had a manual. Or a GTC4Lusso if it had a manual. And of course cost considerably less.
Now the RX8 is in its last legs and I always knew this day could come. My thought was, if or when it comes I will just buy another one. They are affordable. But honestly, after everything, I'm not sure I want to do that any longer. I investigated the engine swap kits available but that would put the price of the car at around 10-15k and who knows what Pandora's box I would be opening with that.
So here I am again, where I was. No option that will do what the RX8 did. Yes, it lacks torque, even if the hp is more than fine for a daily. Yes it can get tiresome sometimes to have to rev the nuts out of it for any and everything when driving in traffic or overtaking. But despite all this, it is a lot of fun to drive, handles fantastically, and again, it's probably the only sports car which is as practical as a saloon for all effects and purpose.
I don't want a FWD hot hatch. I don't want a 4 door saloon. I can't use a 2 seats sports car. Any 2 door car that I can think of, even with a back seat, will just make me miss the RX8. But I also don't want to put up with the rotary annoyances anymore. I would gladly do it again if it at least had the torque and power to make it worth the high costs and maintenance and make it easier to swallow the V8 levels of fuel drinking. Or if it wouldn't drink like a maniac.
I'm in a dead end alley here. I guess this is more of a rant than a request really hoping for any suggestions of cars that could replace it. But who knows. Maybe I will see something I couldn't before. Desperation will do that sometimes.
When I bought it I bought exactly because of that. There is basically no equal and no real competition. The only similar thing would be a Ferrari FF if it was RWD and had a manual. Or a GTC4Lusso if it had a manual. And of course cost considerably less.
Now the RX8 is in its last legs and I always knew this day could come. My thought was, if or when it comes I will just buy another one. They are affordable. But honestly, after everything, I'm not sure I want to do that any longer. I investigated the engine swap kits available but that would put the price of the car at around 10-15k and who knows what Pandora's box I would be opening with that.
So here I am again, where I was. No option that will do what the RX8 did. Yes, it lacks torque, even if the hp is more than fine for a daily. Yes it can get tiresome sometimes to have to rev the nuts out of it for any and everything when driving in traffic or overtaking. But despite all this, it is a lot of fun to drive, handles fantastically, and again, it's probably the only sports car which is as practical as a saloon for all effects and purpose.
I don't want a FWD hot hatch. I don't want a 4 door saloon. I can't use a 2 seats sports car. Any 2 door car that I can think of, even with a back seat, will just make me miss the RX8. But I also don't want to put up with the rotary annoyances anymore. I would gladly do it again if it at least had the torque and power to make it worth the high costs and maintenance and make it easier to swallow the V8 levels of fuel drinking. Or if it wouldn't drink like a maniac.
I'm in a dead end alley here. I guess this is more of a rant than a request really hoping for any suggestions of cars that could replace it. But who knows. Maybe I will see something I couldn't before. Desperation will do that sometimes.
Edited by GTdrive on Wednesday 17th February 21:50
hiccy18 said:
M135i.
Pros: faster, more torque, much more economical, more space, much more practical boot. Six cylinder snarl.
Cons: handling isn't a patch on an RX8, steering isn't as communicative, not as fun.
15k would get you a decent second hand model.
I'm glad I owned an RX8 but I consider it the worst car I have ever owned, flawed in so many stupid ways it infuriated me. Steering was great and I enjoyed the handling, which was what I was looking for when I purchased it.
Thanks for your input. But this is what I mean. The M135i is just a normal common car. A 4 doors hatchback. It is an alternative to a Golf. Not to a car like the Rx8. Your list of cons is exactly what disqualifies it in my opinion. Otherwise really any car could be a replacement for the RX8. Pros: faster, more torque, much more economical, more space, much more practical boot. Six cylinder snarl.
Cons: handling isn't a patch on an RX8, steering isn't as communicative, not as fun.
15k would get you a decent second hand model.
I'm glad I owned an RX8 but I consider it the worst car I have ever owned, flawed in so many stupid ways it infuriated me. Steering was great and I enjoyed the handling, which was what I was looking for when I purchased it.
This is what makes the RX8 such a hard act to follow. it is a true sports car in the sense of the word and looks exotic too. But it has rear seats and rear doors.
I did the 2 cars thing. Problem is you are never driving the car you really want to be driving. So I rather have a special car as a daily. My plans was to then get something really and properly special for weekend duties. Something faster, rear mid engine and even more exotic.
The GT86 is indeed the closest thing, But just on paper. I passed on it when I went for the RX8 because it basically has the same power, same low torque, but it's uglier, the rear seats are a joke and the RX8 on top of having real rear seats has also rear doors. My RX8 is the later looking facelift. I think it looks way better. But the deal breaker in the GT86 is that I need real rear seats. I have small children. In the RX8 it's basically no different than in most hatchbacks and smaller saloons. The seats work well.
Not to mention that the RX8 has a premium feeling compared to the GT86. GT86 feels cheap in comparison. So the only upgrade would be the reliability. The rest is the same or a downgrade. And no usable rear seats breaks the deal.
The GT86 is indeed the closest thing, But just on paper. I passed on it when I went for the RX8 because it basically has the same power, same low torque, but it's uglier, the rear seats are a joke and the RX8 on top of having real rear seats has also rear doors. My RX8 is the later looking facelift. I think it looks way better. But the deal breaker in the GT86 is that I need real rear seats. I have small children. In the RX8 it's basically no different than in most hatchbacks and smaller saloons. The seats work well.
Not to mention that the RX8 has a premium feeling compared to the GT86. GT86 feels cheap in comparison. So the only upgrade would be the reliability. The rest is the same or a downgrade. And no usable rear seats breaks the deal.
Edited by GTdrive on Thursday 18th February 06:40
Yes, I'm aware it is basically impossible to replace the RX8, as I mentioned. 
I also know that I will need to compromise. But where I won't or can't compromise is on it being RWD, manual and having real back seats.
I know there is no way around compromising on the rear doors. As said, the RX8 is unique. There is no other sports car with rear doors. So I'm fine with that. Fine with the ideas of no rear doors. Prefer that than driving a 4 door saloon or any conventional 4 door, regardless of it being saloon, estate or hothatch. It can be without rear doors. But must be a coupe Reason also being weight. The RX8 barely weighs more than 1300kg. A Panamera, despite being among the ugliest car is a whale in comparison.
The problem is not really the fuel costs. I would be glad to pay for the fuel if it gave back a matching amount of power. So being economical is not the problem. I'm just tired of babying the engine. I don't care for rotaries. This is not the reason I bought it. I didn't buy it because I love wankles. I would first put up with babying a nice Alfa V6, or a V8, V10 and the like, because I like them, they sound nice and I'm a fan. I have no such feelings for rotaries. The only reason I bought a rotary is because it came in the RX8 and that is the perfect shell for my needs.
If at least it was reliable and gave power, the fuel would be fine. So the only problem is not just that my engine is going bad. The problem is the engine! I don't want to spend money replacing it as if it was a consumable.
As for the requirement for rear seats, I have children. They currently fit well in the RX8. Not different than in a hatchback really. Or even smaller 4 door saloons. It's actually easier to get them in the back of the RX8, because of the suicide doors. It's just a big large opening. Yes, they will grow but you can easily fit 3 adults in the RX8. 4 adults if one of the front ones is not so tall. It is really practical and even has a nice size boot. We have a second large car too. So the RX8 is for the eventual time I need it to be practical. I might need to carry the kids a few times a week. But it is not our only car. It is just my daily.
So it doesn't need to be a short term purchase. Adults are fine in the back seat for city driving and short country runs. I wouldn't drive to the south of France with 4 adults though. But also not impossible.
As far as having loads of options, not really. Yes, loads of options as long as it's a BMW it seems. That's not loads of options. I'm also not fixated at all in a brand. Its more about the unique features the RX8 offers.
I looked at swaps and found nothing that makes financial sense. This is even before looking into the legality of it. And I think a V8 would be a mistake. Much of the handling would be just ruined. It would need to be probably a V6. The shortest engine profile and closest to the rotary. Otherwise you have too much engine sticking out beyond the front axle and everything is ruined. Interestingly, I checked Dynotorque now and the reason the owner swap a RX8 is exactly because he needed a sports car which he can take his kids in as well.
I knew this would be difficult. There is a reason I bought a RX8 in the first place instead of a FWD hothatch or a BMW 3 or even a GT86. The only BMW that would come close is if there was a Z4 coupe with real rear seats. Otherwise I would feel better about an Alfa GT, if it was RWD, than any other 2 doors BMW I can think of. At least the Alfa looks nice and is more of a coupe than 2 door saloon. The space in the back of an Alfa GT is also more than enough. Although still heavier than the RX8. At least in V6 guise.
I also know that I will need to compromise. But where I won't or can't compromise is on it being RWD, manual and having real back seats.
I know there is no way around compromising on the rear doors. As said, the RX8 is unique. There is no other sports car with rear doors. So I'm fine with that. Fine with the ideas of no rear doors. Prefer that than driving a 4 door saloon or any conventional 4 door, regardless of it being saloon, estate or hothatch. It can be without rear doors. But must be a coupe
Reason also being weight. The RX8 barely weighs more than 1300kg. A Panamera, despite being among the ugliest car is a whale in comparison.The problem is not really the fuel costs. I would be glad to pay for the fuel if it gave back a matching amount of power. So being economical is not the problem. I'm just tired of babying the engine. I don't care for rotaries. This is not the reason I bought it. I didn't buy it because I love wankles. I would first put up with babying a nice Alfa V6, or a V8, V10 and the like, because I like them, they sound nice and I'm a fan. I have no such feelings for rotaries. The only reason I bought a rotary is because it came in the RX8 and that is the perfect shell for my needs.
If at least it was reliable and gave power, the fuel would be fine. So the only problem is not just that my engine is going bad. The problem is the engine!
I don't want to spend money replacing it as if it was a consumable. As for the requirement for rear seats, I have children. They currently fit well in the RX8. Not different than in a hatchback really. Or even smaller 4 door saloons. It's actually easier to get them in the back of the RX8, because of the suicide doors. It's just a big large opening. Yes, they will grow but you can easily fit 3 adults in the RX8. 4 adults if one of the front ones is not so tall. It is really practical and even has a nice size boot. We have a second large car too. So the RX8 is for the eventual time I need it to be practical. I might need to carry the kids a few times a week. But it is not our only car. It is just my daily.
So it doesn't need to be a short term purchase. Adults are fine in the back seat for city driving and short country runs. I wouldn't drive to the south of France with 4 adults though. But also not impossible.
As far as having loads of options, not really. Yes, loads of options as long as it's a BMW it seems.
That's not loads of options. I'm also not fixated at all in a brand. Its more about the unique features the RX8 offers. I looked at swaps and found nothing that makes financial sense. This is even before looking into the legality of it. And I think a V8 would be a mistake. Much of the handling would be just ruined. It would need to be probably a V6. The shortest engine profile and closest to the rotary. Otherwise you have too much engine sticking out beyond the front axle and everything is ruined. Interestingly, I checked Dynotorque now and the reason the owner swap a RX8 is exactly because he needed a sports car which he can take his kids in as well.
I knew this would be difficult. There is a reason I bought a RX8 in the first place instead of a FWD hothatch or a BMW 3 or even a GT86. The only BMW that would come close is if there was a Z4 coupe with real rear seats. Otherwise I would feel better about an Alfa GT, if it was RWD, than any other 2 doors BMW I can think of. At least the Alfa looks nice and is more of a coupe than 2 door saloon. The space in the back of an Alfa GT is also more than enough. Although still heavier than the RX8. At least in V6 guise.
AlexNJ89 said:
Your thread is similar to mine, I even mention that I'm looking for something that gave me that same feeling at the RX8:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The only thing that could really come close to the RX8 is a manual BMW M2.
But the lightest M2 seems to be almost 200kg heavier than a RX8 and looking at photos on the web, rear seat space seem to be much less. It doesn't even look like the rear seats are usable?https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The only thing that could really come close to the RX8 is a manual BMW M2.
Latters said:
I know you said you wanted rear wheel drive, but I’m assuming this is just because you want a car with good handling. As another poster said, it’s not like you can go drifting around on public roads without looking a bell end. Anyway, could you get an Integra within budget?
Not the only reason. It's also more enjoyable to drive RWD. Nothing to do with drifting. There are also some great B roads around me and I can take B roads instead of motorway all the way through in my daily commute. RWD is a must as is manual.
300bhp/ton said:
I have driven the 4th generation camaros. They are indeed not heavy by modern standards. But they have a rigid rear axle. Coming from a RX8 I think it will be a downgrade in basically every way but power.
Same with the Mustangs I would say. Ditto with the Monaro. They are all heavier, less capable chassis, lower spec'd and older too. I would guess a BMW would be better? Even if they are much more common.
ZX10R NIN said:
I think I have the answer obviously a 370 doesn't have enough seats so what about it's four seater cousin:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009193...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008032...
The Monaro makes a lot of sense & tick a lot of your boxes it's not light but it's still a drivers car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012026...
More Leftfield.
RCZ R 270 may not have enough rear space
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...
RCZ is FWD.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009193...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008032...
The Monaro makes a lot of sense & tick a lot of your boxes it's not light but it's still a drivers car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012026...
More Leftfield.
RCZ R 270 may not have enough rear space
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...
I thought about the G35 or G37. It looks perfect on paper. But then I drove one and found it lethargic and same problem as most coupes with lack of space in the back seats. It seems fast on a straight. But too heavy. Nowhere near a RX8.
griffter said:
What about a manual Maserati 3200/4200? Admittedly the only two within budget on Autotrader are needing clutch and Cat D respectively but they are both under ten grand!
Brave for a daily but would it fit the bill?
I want out of the RX8 which is basically the perfect car type for me with great handling, because of reliability issues, and you want to throw me in an old Maserati bought for cheap? Brave for a daily but would it fit the bill?
You don't like me, or what? And it handles like a bus, the Maserati.
ChrisH72 said:
In the very first post he mentions that engine swap options would put the price of the car at 10-15k so I assumed the discussion was about alternatives up to around 15k.
But there aren’t any alternatives, well nothing the OP would consider anyway.
I wouldn’t bother with an engine swap at that changes the handling characteristics of the car that he’s not willing to compromise on. The only option as far as I can see is just get the engine rebuilt. No idea what that costs but it’s probably the most economical thing to do.
Yes. Indeed. I didn't give a set budget because I though RX8 + the mention of the price of the swap, which I find too much, would be a good reference. Sorry. But there aren’t any alternatives, well nothing the OP would consider anyway.
I wouldn’t bother with an engine swap at that changes the handling characteristics of the car that he’s not willing to compromise on. The only option as far as I can see is just get the engine rebuilt. No idea what that costs but it’s probably the most economical thing to do.
But definitely under 15K. Although it is still interesting considering all options despite price, because it just cements even more that, even at any price the RX8 is not easy to replace.
sawman said:
3 pages and only one cerbera mention....
Back in the early days of the century, when it was all fields in these parts, the standard answer for “i need a car with rear seats for the kids” questions was always the missile from blackpool
The irony of recommending a TVR to somebody looking for a daily to carry his kids in. Not safe even for me alone. I would never risk my kid's lives by driving them around in such a car. Even if I didn't have to cut off their legs to fit them in the back. Back in the early days of the century, when it was all fields in these parts, the standard answer for “i need a car with rear seats for the kids” questions was always the missile from blackpool
300bhp/ton said:
Better? Maybe. More fun? Probably not.
300bhp/ton said:
I had an S13, awesome car. Esp for the money back then. But I would say the Camaro z28 is better on every single level. And more fun.
You seem to really like the Camaro. You don't find the rear twitchy and waving about, with the rigid axle? Great straight lines cars with an old school feel. But not great around curves, even if you are not trying to compare it to a great handling car such as the RX8. And then if I remember well, the V6 Camaros 4th gen handle better than the V8. V8 is definitely faster of course.
And the rear seats are not that useful. One of the advantages of the RX8 is that the rear doors really make it easy. If no rear doors, then the rear seats have to really have space. Not easy buckling kids up otherwise.
Lincsls1 said:
Having owned an RX8 (192) and now the owner of a Monaro...
The RX8 is a proper sports car, fantastic feel and handling.
The Monaro is not, its a muscle car, handling totally different, but still competent, power obviously in a different league, laugh out loud ownership.
The RX8 is more practical with its four doors.
If its your engine that's knackered, assuming the bodywork is excellent, get it rebuilt or shove a LS V8 in. This would be a unique experience, and it would be very fast.
If the body is failing, buy another, the best you can find. They really are cheap.
I really think the V8 will ruin it.The RX8 is a proper sports car, fantastic feel and handling.
The Monaro is not, its a muscle car, handling totally different, but still competent, power obviously in a different league, laugh out loud ownership.
The RX8 is more practical with its four doors.
If its your engine that's knackered, assuming the bodywork is excellent, get it rebuilt or shove a LS V8 in. This would be a unique experience, and it would be very fast.
If the body is failing, buy another, the best you can find. They really are cheap.
But it's great to see so many other RX8 owners posting. It is indeed a great car and just about the perfect daily for those who want a sports car, like to drive but also need a practical car. I think Mazda missed an opportunity when they killed the RX8. Once the wankle could no longer pass emissions, they should have facelifted the RX8, given it a nice V6 and pushed on. Even if they would have to rename the car. I think it would have out sold the RX8. So many didn't buy the RX8 because of the wankle.
By the way, what is the rust situation with all of you with RX8s?
Lincsls1 said:
Curious to know more about the RX8 flaws you experienced? Apart from the quirky engine, I think they are pretty reliable.
The 192 I had years ago was pretty reliable. Flooded it once, but got it going again. Otherwise never let me down.
Compression. A few rust spots too. But that I would take car of. The 192 I had years ago was pretty reliable. Flooded it once, but got it going again. Otherwise never let me down.
I always read the RX8 likes you to drive it as if you stole it. So I did. Maybe I should not have. LOL.
300bhp/ton said:
Rear seats are def better on the RX8, no doubt at all. I always used to say on here I'd much rather an RX8 over a Focus ST and arguably just as practical for most things.
The rear seats are low in the Fbody, but quite comfy once in. There was a user on here who used one as a sole family transport, he even fabbed up a bike rack.
Handling wise, I can't say I've ever noticed the rear twitchy at all. I owned a blue '99 model with an auto gearbox for many many years. Standard suspension and it handled fine. Surprised a few friends who had Porsches when I got it. Not going up against them, but letting them drive it.
A few years back I bought another '99 model. Green but this had the rare in the UK 6 speed manual. I've since sold the auto. The manual is a lot of fun. Mildly uprated suspension. Went on a PH run the other year in it. Despite being coldish and damp out it had no trouble keeping up with a raft of fast cars and was very enjoyable. One person in a 911 Turbo even said I looked to be having more fun than he was, as the 911 was so capable, despite some fairly rapid speeds.
So yes I do like them. But I'm now a serial buyer and have owned a 4th Gen for 15 years +. Very easy car to live with and has cost peanuts to run. Excluding servicing (which is cheap and easy) and tyres/brakes. I've only needed to spend about £600 in parts in all the years. I admit I do need to look at replacing the window motors (although bought one, which is included in the £600). But not fitted.
That's pretty cheap motoring. Will do high 20's or even over 30mpg on a good run too.
Watch the Nurburgring lap I linked earlier. It is quite impressive on the number and types of vehicles he goes past, while not being overtaken at all.
Re: the V6. Don't know, never driven one. But the V6 was a bit of a boat anchor. I'd guess the all alloy Ls1 (98-02 models) is lighter. The V8's also use a different rear axle and slightly different suspension. And there was an optional handling pack not offered on the V6's. So ultimately I'd be surprised if true.
And don't get me wrong. I'm not saying they handle anything like an RX-8. But on the flip side they don't handle anything like most Brits would stereotype either. And you really can throw them about and play with them very well. Ultimately if you want a 2+2 rwd manual with rear seats bigger than a GT86. Your choices are very limited, so I thought I'd suggest something that you may not have considered.
The 2003/4 Cobra Terminator likewise. It isn't going to be the precision instrument the RX-8 is. But C&D thought the two cars were similar enough to compare. Although finding a Cobra in the UK is hard. They are one of the few cars I'd have considered selling the Camaro for. IRS, 6 speed, supercharged engine. And still handle well, just in a bigger more brutish fashion. Really with the American cars the chassis feel and handling is good. But there steering isn't going to be as communicative as an RX-8. Plus there are plenty of relatively easy and cheap suspension upgrades for the American cars. And running and owning them is generally completely painless.
The RX8 is absolutely as practical as a Ford Focus. And looks better, is more special, and drives infinitely better too. It is really that practical. It's a little miracle of a car. The rear seats are low in the Fbody, but quite comfy once in. There was a user on here who used one as a sole family transport, he even fabbed up a bike rack.
Handling wise, I can't say I've ever noticed the rear twitchy at all. I owned a blue '99 model with an auto gearbox for many many years. Standard suspension and it handled fine. Surprised a few friends who had Porsches when I got it. Not going up against them, but letting them drive it.
A few years back I bought another '99 model. Green but this had the rare in the UK 6 speed manual. I've since sold the auto. The manual is a lot of fun. Mildly uprated suspension. Went on a PH run the other year in it. Despite being coldish and damp out it had no trouble keeping up with a raft of fast cars and was very enjoyable. One person in a 911 Turbo even said I looked to be having more fun than he was, as the 911 was so capable, despite some fairly rapid speeds.
So yes I do like them. But I'm now a serial buyer and have owned a 4th Gen for 15 years +. Very easy car to live with and has cost peanuts to run. Excluding servicing (which is cheap and easy) and tyres/brakes. I've only needed to spend about £600 in parts in all the years. I admit I do need to look at replacing the window motors (although bought one, which is included in the £600). But not fitted.
That's pretty cheap motoring. Will do high 20's or even over 30mpg on a good run too.
Watch the Nurburgring lap I linked earlier. It is quite impressive on the number and types of vehicles he goes past, while not being overtaken at all.
Re: the V6. Don't know, never driven one. But the V6 was a bit of a boat anchor. I'd guess the all alloy Ls1 (98-02 models) is lighter. The V8's also use a different rear axle and slightly different suspension. And there was an optional handling pack not offered on the V6's. So ultimately I'd be surprised if true.
And don't get me wrong. I'm not saying they handle anything like an RX-8. But on the flip side they don't handle anything like most Brits would stereotype either. And you really can throw them about and play with them very well. Ultimately if you want a 2+2 rwd manual with rear seats bigger than a GT86. Your choices are very limited, so I thought I'd suggest something that you may not have considered.
The 2003/4 Cobra Terminator likewise. It isn't going to be the precision instrument the RX-8 is. But C&D thought the two cars were similar enough to compare. Although finding a Cobra in the UK is hard. They are one of the few cars I'd have considered selling the Camaro for. IRS, 6 speed, supercharged engine. And still handle well, just in a bigger more brutish fashion. Really with the American cars the chassis feel and handling is good. But there steering isn't going to be as communicative as an RX-8. Plus there are plenty of relatively easy and cheap suspension upgrades for the American cars. And running and owning them is generally completely painless.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is indeed a lot or motor for the money and around these parts, quite exotic and it doesn't have the stereotypes attached as it does in the U.S. It would definitely have to be a manual for me. The good thing is that I really wouldn't need a V8. The V6 makes the same amount of power as the RX8 and the cars are not really much different in weight. But the Chevy V6 has way more grunt.
But I could see myself breaking my back already. The rear seats are the bucket or shell type. The type you fall into. So I can see myself breaking my back to buckle the kids up or to get them in and out.
Edited by GTdrive on Friday 19th February 19:26
300bhp/ton said:
I have to say, for more than a few years I've eyed up an RX-8 as a track/tarmac rally car. I think it would be a great alternative to an MX-5. But with the engine, I think the real risk or ballache is. You can spend a shed ton of cash rebuilding/fixing it. But all of this is only a temporary stop gap. As the same fundamental issues will remain unsolved. So you know at some point in the future you will be back to square one again.
Yes! That's it. Your last sentence defines well why I don't feel like rebuilding the engine. If I knew it would be my last time or at least another 200k miles, I would maybe feel different. But I know it will happen again. Like I said, I don't feel like treating the engine as if it was a consumable. Lincsls1 said:
Based on what you've said, and the fact you clearly love the drive and practicality, I'd seriously consider sticking with a RX8.
Get the engine rebuilt, new coils, latest starter. Jobs a good-un.
Jump on the bodywork before it develops to far.
Just remembering the times I had with the RX8, and yes, it really did drive fantastically, brakes were strong, interior was great and it was fast enough. I never found it gutless either, but yes it liked revs.
They are rare on the roads now, certainly unique and another sure classic.
300bhp/ton defines it well above why it is not worth rebuilding the engine, for me. Get the engine rebuilt, new coils, latest starter. Jobs a good-un.
Jump on the bodywork before it develops to far.
Just remembering the times I had with the RX8, and yes, it really did drive fantastically, brakes were strong, interior was great and it was fast enough. I never found it gutless either, but yes it liked revs.
They are rare on the roads now, certainly unique and another sure classic.
The only way I see myself staying with the RX8 is if a V6 swap existed which was affordable and gave at least the same amount of hp and more torque. But all swap kits put the price way up there. And I'm not good enough of a mechanic to figure a swap on my own for cheap. Specially for the electronic, CANBUS and the like side of things. But it would need to be a V6. A V8 will certainly ruin the car. But all swaps a crazy expensive.
300bhp/ton said:
Watch the Nurburgring lap I linked earlier. It is quite impressive on the number and types of vehicles he goes past, while not being overtaken at all.
Indeed! I just watched it. Nice drive!Ate Porsches and Lotus and everything in between.
But I think that drive is as much a testament to the car as it is to the driver. It seems he was on the edge of both. He can handle it. He knows his car. Looked like he was on the edge and could lose control anytime. Just going crazy on it. Great drive! You can see the forces by watching the female's feet floating around in the passenger seat.
Watching it I was reminded of that crude feeling the F-bodies have. During the whole time I had the impression the car could disintegrate at any moment. I swear that steering wheel was loose! What a fun drive. I'm sure he had a blast. I just wish the camera position wasn't so low. Could barely see the road ahead.
But that seems far from a stock car. He lists some mods and it seems like a track car, stripped and all. Somebody in the comments mentioned the car had IRS. Although not sure he knows the owner or was just guessing. Maybe because of the impressive drive.
As we have been saying, it is a lot of car for the money and honestly a lot of car in any case. And bargains too. The Mustangs have a higher value and are over priced in comparison in my opinion. I guess it's that Ford cult.
One thing that always puts off is the interior quality. The low tech on the mechanical side I consider a good thing. Robust, easy and cheap to maintain. It's in the interior that is more the letdown. Even the Monaro is a few notches above there.
Do these 4th gens share anything with the European GM products like Vauxhall or Saab that can be swapped? Just some nicer leather Saab seats would already elevate the cabin a bit. A more modern steering wheel, similar to how the Lotus people upgrade to the newer steering wheels. Apart from the cabin the exterior aged well. Specially here where we don't see one every corner. Performance is a bargain. The interior is the low point. Specially if you drive it everyday and spend a lot of time in it. Is it your daily by the way?
Talking about parts, everything must be F-body and imported? Or are there bits from European GM which can be used?
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