Well well, when I pulled the front cover, all looked ok, HOWEVER, when I started pulling the parts off the end of the E-Shaft I had the remains of the front roller bearing fall into my hand. Yeah, the one that likes to slide off the end of the spacer that I took SPECIAL care to try to ensure would NOT slide off the end of the spacer (pix included). Ok, that's one issue.

 

I went ahead and replaced the front bearing and the RX-8 stationary gear/bearing slipped in with absolutely no problem. The old one still did not look good to me so I am glad I replaced it (see pictures), however, the e-shaft looked ok. You can see the deformed edges and the brass in the picture.

 

Yes, Marc, the key was in place when I pulled the oil pump, however, as I was putting it together, I dropped the damn key in the oil pan and decided to call it a night. I will fish it out along with the front o-ring that dropped down there too when I get a chance to get back out there and remove the pan. Then to got ahead and replace the other parts I got to try to make it all a little better.

 

Chris