I ran into another 3rd gen owner today who is the original owner of the car, guy in his late 50's, has no idea in reguards to anything about the car, takes to a normal mechanic who just changes fluids basically, car has 145k on it without an issue except for a 4th gear issue, I was in shock

 

My motor popped @ 58k. I think it leaned out due to a shot main cat - I'd been noticing power loss for about two weeks prior. I was accellerating hard when it went, but I was at about 5500rpm and heard no detonation or anything - it just kind of stopped pulling and started running like ****!

8+ months later, I'm finally getting close to getting it back. I'm doing every mod I can think of/afford to make sure the newly rebuilt motor lasts, but there's that black cloud hanging over head..."what if?" I can't afford to do this again any time soon!

I absolutely love the car, but the RX-8 is starting to look more and more attractive (new w/warranty!)...maybe that will change once I get it back, but there's still that fear of something going wrong in the back of my mind.

Main point: Maintain, maintain, maintain! And get a boost gauge!