On the RX-8, Mazda is cursed with a flywheel power rating that's uncomfortably close to that of a dyno veteran's. The Honda S at least until the model is rated 2 hp stronger than the RX-8, with a power peak at about the same rpm. The two have the same basic drivetrain layout, though none of the components are actually the same. The Mazda drivetrain could have more drag, and the RX-8's inch wheels have more rotational inertia than the S's 16s.
There are enough differences that you wouldn't expect the two to make exactly the same power at the wheels. But the difference is 14 hp. Could the S have 16 percent driveline loss and the RX-8 have 21 percent? Maybe, but it doesn't seem likely.
Mazda agrees. Multiple sources at Mazda tell us the RX-8 is so computer laden, it's nearly self-aware. When it sees the rear wheels spinning and the fronts sitting still, it realizes there won't be much air flowing across the catalytic converter. It also realizes that 50,mile emissions system durability is a federal mandate, and that if it overheats its cat with screaming-hot rotary exhaust, it might get in trouble with the feds. So the RX-8, according to Mazda, goes into don't-overheat-the-cat mode and tries lowering the exhaust temperature by running extra rich.
This lowers power output under chassis dyno conditions. If we're measuring some cat-safe mode, how do you measure the real, full-power mode? I spent most of a weekend trying to trick the RX-8 by running jumper wires from the rear wheel speed sensors to the ABS computer's front wheel speed input.
This, I hoped, would let the RX-8 think all four wheels were turning at the same speed. Getting my ruse past the car's multiple self-diagnostic systems proved difficult, however. I was able to get the ABS computer to accept the left rear wheel signal to both left-side inputs, but when I did the same on the right, there was a fireworks show of warning lights on the dash.
Undaunted, I next tried measuring power on the road with an accelerometer. Tesla Electronics' new G-Tech Pro Competition is a shockingly sophisticated little box that, among other things, is able to measure horsepower on the road in essentially the same way a Dynojet does, by watching how quickly the engine can accelerate a known mass. In the Dynojet's case, the known mass is a set of rollers 3, pounds.
Then, the Mazda owners would take the cars to dealerships. While many dealers could not find issues, some would recommend a full engine replacement. Then years later, Mazda started taking note of ignition coils that were failing right around the 30,mile mark.
While nothing significant was etched in stone, lots of Mazda owners and third-party mechanics decided that the Rx8 rotary engine was experiencing lots of engine failure, due to ignition coil failure. But it was not just ignition coils, but a combination of other issues. As we outlined previously, there are four reasons that the rotary engines are horrible engines:.
Mazda introduced the RX-8 in and put that rotary engine back into circulation within the car market once again. Buyers purchased this compact, cute and stylish family coupe Rx8, with details such as rear-hinged back doors and sleek bodywork. So, to sum it up, perhaps the car is cute to look at, but the engine needs much to be desired.
Are you sick and tired of dealing with the rotary engine in your Mazda Rx8 that keeps you in circles between your home and the auto shop? We buy all makes and models- including that Rx8 with that horrible rotary engine!
You can even obtain the quote in the comfort of your home or location too! When you accept your offer, you can call us. One of our friendly agents will ask you some questions about your car, ensuring you receive the best guaranteed cash offer possible! Once you accept it, we will make plans to come to your locaiotn, appraise your car and pay you on the spot for your Mazda!
Forget being stuck with that Mazda and that rotary engine that is so wrong! Click here and get your offer. Why Us? All Rights Reserved. But the turbo RX-8 is about more than just acceleration numbers. Throttle response is markedly improved, for example, and it doesn't suffer from levels of turbo lag often associated with high-boost engines. Especially impressive is acceleration at highway speeds, because in stock form, when you ask for a burst of power in sixth gear, there is no answer.
Check out the flexibility times: The 5-tomph time 5. The exhaust note is noticeably louder and more aggressive, but it's not overbearing.
Compared with stock, the modified RX-8's decibel full-throttle shout is 4 dBA higher, but while cruising at 70 mph, we recorded 72 dBA, which is one quieter. Credit goes to the Tein suspension for erasing almost all body roll without an over-the-top, stiff ride. Skidpad grip increased 0. Problems were few but included some minor engine surging at idle and a slight hesitation as the turbo wakes up, but PTP insists these shortcomings will be smoothed out before the first kit ships.
Another niggle is a blinking check-engine light caused by the oxygen sensor seeing the rich air-fuel ratios associated with forced induction. If you love the idea of a fine-driving four-seat sports car, you're sure to like one with more horses that can run up the back of a Mustang GT.
0コメント