Yeah, so I just picked up a used 2005 RX8 2 weeks ago. My supervisor at work wanted to race me because I've been getting a lot of props for my car. So he brought in his 2001 Ford Mustang GT Bullitt collector car in to race me after work. I've never raced a day in my life, yet I accepted.



On the second run I messed up bad and took my engine to maybe 11000 rpms after missing second gear completly. Now I fear for the life of my engine because maybe it's all in my head but the engine just doesn't sound right to me. I'm hearing ticking noises that I haven't heard before and the engine seem to shake a little more than usual when it idles. But it could all be in my head. Please tell me it really is safe for rotaries to rev to 15000+ rpms.



Just in case you wanted to know, I lost the first run too, by about 3 car lenghts.

 

It's usually not as bad to redline(or dip into it) a rotary compared to a conventional piston engine. Actually, some may say, "A redline a day is good for it." I constantly overrev my 13B but that's only to about 7250-7500. In your case, the rx8 redlines at what....9K. Now I dont' know much about rx8's but don't they have a fuel cut-out or rev limiter on the top end? I dont' think your motor would be able to rev to 11k but maybe 10K...I dunno..I'm speculating. In regards to it being safe for rotaries to spin to 15k+, they have to be built properly to withstand that much force. Your car is probably okay since overreving isn't that big of a deal.

 

I wonder are there any test I can do to check that the engine is in fine working order.

 

yes, in the rx8 (and probably all cars made today) there is a rev limiter to protect your limit. In an rx8 it is 9k RPM - or if you have an auto 7500.



Also, if you are still under warranty, you might be able to have a Mazda dealer take a look at it for free.

 

the only way you can over-rev the renesis is if you downshift incorrectly. just because you missed the upshift, you shouldn't have over-reved. In any case, the engine can handle a few brief periods at 11k+.

 

The Reni is balanced to 11k it could sustain it but the rev limiter is at 9.5k so no you did not hit over 9k.



At least IIRC its at 9.5k I have an AT so mine is at 8,200RPM

 

Yo type on ^ AT limiter is 7,800 sorry.

 

Redline is 9250 for the 6 speed.

 

you guys may be right on the limiter on At and manual. My manual is on order and I didn't actually try it on any of the cars at Mazda. Those are the redline numbers Mazda's site says for the 06.

 

The 8's have a rev limiter..... I have a 6 speed and I've hit mine, but only once. There's no way you went to 11k RPMs.