Readers' Rides: Adrian's Turbocharged Mazda RX-8
After we shared Regular Car Reviews' take on the Mazda RX-8, many of you took to the comments claiming that the famous rotary engine isn't as unreliable as people make out. The general consensus was that if you take good care of it, it'll live long and prosper.
After seeing the video, Greek student Adrian got in touch with us to show off his 260hp turbocharged RX-8. Unfortunately, it suffered an untimely demise, so we thought we'd share the highs and lows he experienced as a Wankel owner. Take it away Adrian...
In January 2012 I bought myself a Galaxy Grey Mazda RX-8 in Greece, leaving the car at my family home while I attended University in England. Whenever I had time away from studying, I would return home to Athens and take the car out onto the road.
After spending the summer of 2012 enjoying the car, the thought of returning to England in September without it was not appealing. I packed all my stuff into the boot, and drove 2000 miles from Greece to my student accomodation in the U.K.
When I drove it back to Greece at the beginning of summer 2013, I really loved the idea of having more power as the car was an early 189bhp model. I took the decision to save up for a turbo.
I added a customised GReddy turbo to the car which upped the output to 260hp. The forced induction gave me the extra power I desired, and I really enjoyed the car at the time, although it was hard to maintain it.
As well as the turbo I fitted a bunch of other parts to improve performance, including a front-mounted Apexi intercooler, a custom exhaust system and I remapped the ECU. To improve the handling I fitted Daiyama coilover suspension and Asuka Racing ST15 wheels wrapped in Hankook Evo V12 tyres.
Unfortunately, the tuners that built my car also ruined it. As you probably know, RX-8s have issues with spark plugs. When I took the car to get serviced, I asked if the car needed new spark plugs. I was told they'd be fine, but it turns out they never even checked them.
Editor's Note: We've been contacted by Easy Tuning, the company behind Adrian's RX-8. The owner says that it was recommended to Adrian that he purchase the company's LS2 ignition kit as his stock coils could do with upgrading. He did not complete the upgrade, and a few months later his stock coils failed, breaking the engine.
The car blew its engine in September 2013, and it was sold in November due to the fact I was unable to cover the expense of rebuilding the engine.
I hope I can own a rotary again at some part of my life because I really loved that car. I loved it so much, I even put together a video about my time with it.
If you want your car featured on Readers' Rides, email darren.cassey@carthrottle.com with a pic and a few words explaining why you love it so much. If we like it, we'll feature it!
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