🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Model Year Covered:

2004 onwards

Chassis Code:

SE3P

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact sports car, unique rotary-powered vehicle

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Subaru WRX, and entry-level luxury coupes

Defining Features:

Renowned for its naturally aspirated rotary engine (13B-MSP Renesis), rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, and distinctive freestyle doors.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive parts catalog for the Mazda RX-8

Sections:

Engine & Transmission, Chassis, Body

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated 500-700 pages (based on typical comprehensive parts catalogs)

Type:

Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (assumed, typical for parts catalogs of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Transmission:

Intake/Exhaust systems, fuel system, engine housing/gaskets, rotor assemblies, oil pump, cooling system, brackets/pulleys/belts, manual transmission components (clutch, gears, control systems), automatic transmission components (torque converter, governor, clutches, control valve, case), engine electricals (starter, alternator, wiring, switches, relays)

Chassis:

Rear axle and suspension components, brake systems (rear, front, master cylinder, ABS, parking brake), steering system (column, wheel, gear, power steering), front axle and suspension, tires and jack, engine/transmission mountings, exhaust system, clutch control hydraulics, accelerator control, fuel tank and lid, clutch and brake pedals, fuel piping

Body:

Bumpers and mouldings, interior lighting, body panels, dashboard and console, seats and seat belts, heating and air conditioning, body electrical system, interior trims

Identification And Specs:

Model identification, body paint and interior color codes, assembly part numbers

Depth:

Detailed exploded view illustrations of all components, OE (Original Equipment) part numbers for ordering, assembly configurations

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Likely printed book, potentially available as a PDF scan for digital sales

Quality:

Professional print quality with clear illustrations and text (typical for OE parts catalogs)

Binding:

Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (common for large technical manuals)

Paper:

Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B-MSP Renesis

Displacement Cc:

1308 cc (2 x 654 cc rotor chambers)

Horsepower Ps:

Approx. 210-232 PS (depending on market and transmission)

Torque Nm:

Approx. 211-220 Nm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-port fuel injection (S-MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some models)

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4415 mm

Width Mm:

1770 mm

Height Mm:

1340 mm

Wheelbase Mm:

2700 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1390-1470 kg (depending on transmission and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Good

ABS:

Standard

Traction Control:

Standard (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system available on higher trims, with CD player, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary input.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system available.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Available on later models or as an aftermarket upgrade.

Engine Management:

ECU (Engine Control Unit) with advanced diagnostics, variable intake and exhaust timing control for the Renesis.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

5,000-7,500 miles (depending on driving conditions and oil used). Rotary engines require specific oil types and levels.

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

Typically 30,000-60,000 miles (uses two spark plugs per rotor, long-life types).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-20 (check specific owner's manual for precise recommendations, especially for synthetic).

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 or equivalent long-life OAT coolant (typically blue).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Mazda Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-4, SAE 75W-85) or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF JWS3309 or equivalent (check specific owner's manual).

Apex Seal Wear:

Wear of apex seals is a known concern for rotary engines if not properly maintained, especially concerning oil dilution and carbon buildup.

Ignition System:

Coil packs and spark plugs can be a common failure point.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume a small amount of oil as part of their lubrication system; however, excessive consumption can indicate seal issues.

Catalytic Converter:

Can be susceptible to fouling from oil or unburnt fuel, especially with aggressive driving or minor engine issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Rotary Legacy:

Mazda has a long and distinguished history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo.

Rotary Renesis:

The RX-8 featured the 'Renesis' (Rotary-Engine-Genesis) engine, a side-port rotary designed for better emissions and driveability compared to previous peripheral-port rotaries.

Production Years:

2003-2012

Manufacturing Plant:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Engine Of The Year:

The Renesis rotary engine was a 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' winner in 2003.

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists multiple times during its production run.

Emissions Compliance:

Designed to meet contemporary emissions standards, a significant challenge for rotary engines.