jschalch

So i'm looking at getting a RX-8. I found one for a good deal but the car has low compression. Its a 2005 really clean car has been kept under a tarp in a garage when the owner went out on duty and he wants to sell now that he knows it has low compression. The compressions were @ 250 (6.6 6.5 6.8), (6.5 6.5 6.3). What would you think a good price would be for the car and would you think it would be just seals or possibly something else?

And would you suggest just a engine rebuild??

Thanks
Jarrett

Roytary

Hey man ... I might just don't get your question, the : (would you suggest just a engine rebuild ?) part. No mechanical accessories would cause low compression, so if you do an engine rebuilt the compression issue will be fixed.
As for your other questions, I wouldn't replace seals only before having the engine cases checked (for clearance) first, with all the time and money involved in a rebuilt you must do it right.
May i ask how did you checked compression ? did you tested right away with cold engine? How long the engine has been sitting there, not running? If the engine hasn't been running for a long time, apex seal and cases sides must got dry as f***, wich would test bad for compression, apex seals also use fuel as a lubricant in a way to provide a better seal. your best best would be to drop a little dip of 2 stroke oil in each spark plugs holes the start it and let it run for a few minutes, then test it again.
AS for the price : how many miles on the car? Any upgrades? electrical stuff works ? if the engine is bad but the body's in great shape and without tons of miles and you're able to do the rebuilt yourself, i'd go aroud 1500-2000$ depending on current rx8's deals in your area, i also have an 05, bought it with little rust but good running motor (had a bad catalytic converter wich caused engine flood) and the owner tought the engine was dead, paid mine 1600$ CDN, had the car resprayed and swapped a 13b Rew for a total of 5k (got way more stuff on it now but thats another story), if you can get it at a good price go for it, retest compression first, if its still bad dont go over 2k i.m.o

Cheers!!

Chris