View Full Version : Engine swap projects


R.P.M.
10-25-2007, 05:25 PM
Alright guys, I've been reading around here for quite a while now and see several threads with people inquiring about different engine swaps. (20B, 13B-RE, LSX, SR20, RB2X ect ect)

Lots of options out there for the guy that wants something different but still want to keep their awesome RX-8 platform. Which I think is a great idea, I'm all for engine swaps. Especially engines that can produce realiable power!

I've posted up here in the past and have had alot of response but nothing really ever came through. Now that winter is approaching us here in Canada its about time to start booking in major jobs while the cars are in hibernation.

I've been approached about the 20B swaps, LS1 swaps, 13B-RE and 13B-REW swaps, one person asked about a 4G63 (Eagle Talon/Mitsu EVO engine) swap.
It can all be done if the engine measurments are right and even if they are not it still can be done. The biggest thing is $$$.

Anyways, what I'm getting at is that we have some room in or winter build schedule and we would like to do one of these swaps for someone. Someone willing to spend a bit of money on getting the right parts and having a clean 'from the factory' install.
So shoot us your ideas and what your goals are for your car and we can work something out.

Currently we are swapping a Cosmo 13B-RE engine into our own '04 GT and plan on daily driving it with 350 whp while keeping all the factory accessories working and having it pass a legitimet e-test. So tearing into an RX-8 is nothing new to us.

Just figured I'd try to help some of you who are interested in such a thing. I could post some pics of our shop and some of our work if anyone would be interested who doesn't already know about us.

Thanks
Joe

eviltwinkie
10-25-2007, 06:09 PM
Seeing as I'm the evil one of the group...here's my unsolicited 2 cents...

Especially engines that can produce realiable power!

Yeah because we all know how unreliable the stock engine is...


Currently we are swapping a Cosmo 13B-RE engine into our own '04 GT and plan on daily driving it with 350 whp while keeping all the factory accessories working and having it pass a legitimet e-test.


Or they could drop 5k and get the same if not more power instead...Currently FI options are beginning to really become much more available and increasingly very formidable in comparison to the options.

Unless someone is wanting for personal reasons to drop a significant amount of money and take a difficult route...it simply no longer makes as much sense.

ricky356
10-25-2007, 06:59 PM
i was thinking about a swap. but not in canada.

R.P.M.
10-25-2007, 09:04 PM
Seeing as I'm the evil one of the group...here's my unsolicited 2 cents...



Yeah because we all know how unreliable the stock engine is...


Well its good to get feedback :) I have heard from many people how their FI Renesis doesn't make the power they were hoping for mostly due to the fact that whoever tuned it, made it very safe and cut the power back because of others the've tuned, blew up.

FI engines were desgined for boost. High compression FI engines are built to be drag race engines and get rebuilt almost every weekend.


Or they could drop 5k and get the same if not more power instead...Currently FI options are beginning to really become much more available and increasingly very formidable in comparison to the options.

I do understand what you mean, there are alot of great turbo and supercharger kits out there for the Renesis. Maybe the times are changing, honestly I haven't looked at any FI kits mostly because I think its a waste of time to try and boost a 10:1 compression engine running pump fuel. How long is that going to last for :rolleyes:

I always said if I got an RX-8, the first thing I'd do with it is take the Renesis out and put in a reliable rotary. Stock port, stock twin turbo's 13B-RE. Not saying that the Renesis is unreliable, in stock N/A form its great.....if you like driving an underpowered car.

R.P.M.
10-25-2007, 09:06 PM
i was thinking about a swap. but not in canada.

Our dollar is about the same now :) so it shouldn't make a difference :lol2:

Rootski
10-25-2007, 09:17 PM
Engine swaps? This ain't no damn Civic.


All I hear is people bitching about the power, so they want to drop a bunch of coin on an SR20 swap? Some dreary Nissan 4-pot? Doesn't make any sense to me. Neither does dropping 10 grand on an old 13B just so you can have the illusion of reliability. Your plans are nice and all, but you know, somehow I just don't see reliability as a defining characteristic of an engine transplant. Running any car with any engine it isn't defined for is probably going to lead to more rather than fewer problems.

eviltwinkie
10-25-2007, 09:51 PM
Well its good to get feedback :) I have heard from many people how their FI Renesis doesn't make the power they were hoping for mostly due to the fact that whoever tuned it, made it very safe and cut the power back because of others the've tuned, blew up.


Well its been a while since you have checked, but so far the only limitation is the stock ignition system. The kits available now easily do 300-375 reliably. The new one out recently "Esmeril" is reporting to have figured out an ignition "fix" of sorts for the stock system, for example.

Esmeril Thread: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=125203

Anything after 400+ whp is technically "unknown land" as far as I am concerned. I have yet to see anything to make me feel like the tuners really have a firm understanding of the next "hurdle" or if one exists. But we will see...

I will have to disagree that the "older" power plant is the better alternative in light of the recent changes in aftermarket support available now and in the near future.


FI engines were desgined for boost. High compression FI engines are built to be drag race engines and get rebuilt almost every weekend.


Agreed, however the nature of the new design is proving to be both reliable and tolerant of the abuse. Unlocking the potential of this last design change has only recently started to really pick up steam. It might be bias, but I definitely think from a system builder standpoint that the current engine is the better of the two choices.


I do understand what you mean, there are alot of great turbo and supercharger kits out there for the Renesis. Maybe the times are changing, honestly I haven't looked at any FI kits mostly because I think its a waste of time to try and boost a 10:1 compression engine running pump fuel. How long is that going to last for :rolleyes:


Again unlike the older engine...this appears to be stronger and ALOT more tolerant of boost than the older version.

The problem has always been engine manglement, and ignition. Those hurdles have been or are being overcome with impressive results.


I always said if I got an RX-8, the first thing I'd do with it is take the Renesis out and put in a reliable rotary. Stock port, stock twin turbo's 13B-RE. Not saying that the Renesis is unreliable, in stock N/A form its great.....if you like driving an underpowered car.

This either demonstrates your lack of comfort changing old ways, or simply a lack of knowledge. I bet if you spent some time and do a little bit of searching on the forum, your mind might be changed.

GTAW
10-25-2007, 10:57 PM
Yeah... these engines are junk. :D:

Renisis Engines are junk for turbo'ing....dont do it.

rotorocks
10-25-2007, 11:32 PM
I do understand what you mean, there are alot of great turbo and supercharger kits out there for the Renesis. Maybe the times are changing, honestly I haven't looked at any FI kits mostly because I think its a waste of time to try and boost a 10:1 compression engine running pump fuel. How long is that going to last for :rolleyes:


Over 20K miles daily driven out of it's mind @ 11 -12 PSI and drives like I just put the turbo in yesterday.
Seriously, do more research before making such statements.

No offence man, but you choose to ignore the info that has been proven, tested and implemented over and over.
Stop making yourself look ignorant.

eviltwinkie
10-25-2007, 11:59 PM
Haaa I JUST GOT your avatar...

LOAD UNDER 11 PSI....heh...

R.P.M.
10-26-2007, 12:15 AM
Over 20K miles daily driven out of it's mind @ 11 -12 PSI and drives like I just put the turbo in yesterday.
Seriously, do more research before making such statements.

No offence man, but you choose to ignore the info that has been proven, tested and implemented over and over.
Stop making yourself look ignorant.

Cool what kinda of whp does it make?

rotorocks
10-26-2007, 12:32 AM
Donno, never bothered to dyno it. but I target 12:1 AF under boost and live in a hot and Humid state, so my car sees 100F+ temps near every day in the summer. I tried to go for higher boost too, but like the others found the ignition limits.

ricky356
10-26-2007, 01:01 AM
Our dollar is about the same now :) so it shouldn't make a difference :lol2:

i was talking about the distance. and judging by what you have wrote thus far on this page i wouldnt choose you to work on my car. no offense but it doesnt seem like you have done your homework on our car or our engine.

R.

R.P.M.
10-26-2007, 01:02 AM
Well its been a while since you have checked, but so far the only limitation is the stock ignition system. The kits available now easily do 300-375 reliably. The new one out recently "Esmeril" is reporting to have figured out an ignition "fix" of sorts for the stock system, for example.

What are the costs of these kits that can produce 300+whp? Like I mean total costs, standalone (piggy-back), FI kit, piping, I/C, tuning ect.


Again unlike the older engine...this appears to be stronger and ALOT more tolerant of boost than the older version.

How can you tell they are ALOT more tolerant of boost? Some people I know are running 25+ psi on pump fuel and street diving their 400+whp 13B RE powered RX-7's.

The problem has always been engine manglement, and ignition. Those hurdles have been or are being overcome with impressive results.

That I definatly agree with, having an engine management and a good igniton setup would be key to having a reliable FI car.

R.P.M.
10-26-2007, 01:07 AM
i was talking about the distance. and judging by what you have wrote thus far on this page i wouldnt choose you to work on my car. no offense but it doesnt seem like you have done your homework on our car or our engine.

R.

LOL, well I'm sorry to say, but I started this thread with the intention of getting rid of the stock engine because it doesn't interest me as far as reliable HP is concerned.

I'm sorry that it sounds like I dont know much about the newest turbo kits for these cars. Its probably because I dont and dont care to either.

RX-8 owners from Canada and the north eastern US have emailed me asking what else can be done to improve the power in their cars while still keeping it reliable. They have heard too many stories of these expensive Greddy kits not working so well. So I suggest swapping engines to an engine already built for boost and that can make decent power reliably. Seems like a logical thing to me, most dont realize how cheaply and engine swap can be done for.

eviltwinkie
10-26-2007, 10:31 AM
What are the costs of these kits that can produce 300+whp? Like I mean total costs, standalone (piggy-back), FI kit, piping, I/C, tuning ect.


Depends on what type of system you buy. I never recommend the Greedy kit unless Mazsport has performed the upgrades to it.

But generically your looking at starting 6k up to 12k for one of the best kits out there all inclusive.

A swap and turbo setup is going to be higher after everything is said and done. It also will have lots of kinks to work out before its "right".

One of the most recent advances which should further drop the price of FI kits will be the COBB AccessPort. Once that is released, a standalone will not be required.


How can you tell they are ALOT more tolerant of boost? Some people I know are running 25+ psi on pump fuel and street diving their 400+whp 13B RE powered RX-7's.


Its very simple...the older 13B puked its guts out if you had any detonation. The new one does not...and has survived not just the abuse, but mild amounts of detonation. You can put alot more stress and abuse on this engine...where as the older supposedly more "reliable" one dies if ANYTHING goes wrong.

We are also starting to see the same power levels...and extrapolating the data...potentially even more.

eviltwinkie
10-26-2007, 10:34 AM
LOL, well I'm sorry to say, but I started this thread with the intention of getting rid of the stock engine because it doesn't interest me as far as reliable HP is concerned.

I'm sorry that it sounds like I dont know much about the newest turbo kits for these cars. Its probably because I dont and dont care to either.

RX-8 owners from Canada and the north eastern US have emailed me asking what else can be done to improve the power in their cars while still keeping it reliable. They have heard too many stories of these expensive Greddy kits not working so well. So I suggest swapping engines to an engine already built for boost and that can make decent power reliably. Seems like a logical thing to me, most dont realize how cheaply and engine swap can be done for.

The Greedy kit is not expensive...which is one part of the problem...its cheap and fails...

You also again indicate that you do not care to change old habits...that said, you are probably barking up the wrong tree here. Most of the users here are now only interested in FI of the current engine, or a 20B swap.

ricky356
10-26-2007, 12:15 PM
LOL, well I'm sorry to say, but I started this thread with the intention of getting rid of the stock engine because it doesn't interest me as far as reliable HP is concerned.

I'm sorry that it sounds like I dont know much about the newest turbo kits for these cars. Its probably because I dont and dont care to either.

RX-8 owners from Canada and the north eastern US have emailed me asking what else can be done to improve the power in their cars while still keeping it reliable. They have heard too many stories of these expensive Greddy kits not working so well. So I suggest swapping engines to an engine already built for boost and that can make decent power reliably. Seems like a logical thing to me, most dont realize how cheaply and engine swap can be done for.

1. if the engine doesnt intrest you thats cool, it still intrests us and presents more of a challange and in no way is unreliable. the only reason the engine got a bad name was because greddy sent out ecu with maps setup to detonate the engines.

2.the rx8 owners in canada and the NE US look to have been schooled on the renny the same way you have "word of mouth" and have clearly been misinformed. if everyone is asking you for ways to make more power because of the greddy power numbers maybe you should do your homework first before advising them. how can you tell them to swap a engine when you dont even know the rennys market??? and the greddy kit is not expensive compared to other kits....OR YOUR ENGINE SWAPS!

3. I believe you may know what your doing as far as putting a new engine in the 8. but i dont think you now what the renny is capable of. wait for the igintion upgrade to see what power the renisis can yield before making more outlandish statments.

4. what is decent power to you?? 300whp 400whp?? i think you should see esmerils numbers now and new numbers before you go yanking the engine out of your car.

Red Devil
10-26-2007, 12:26 PM
I wouldn't do a swap. But if I were to do one it would probably be a LS2. They're bullet proof, light for their displacement, compact, easily modified, and of course very powerful.

eviltwinkie
10-26-2007, 12:32 PM
I wouldn't do a swap. But if I were to do one it would probably be a LS2. They're bullet proof, light for their displacement, compact, easily modified, and of course very powerful.

I hate to say this...but you are right...

A buddy has an RX-7 w/ an LS1...pushin something like 500HP NA...

It's utterly disgusting...

Yet...I have trouble not trying to hump the car....

Red Devil
10-26-2007, 02:18 PM
I hate to say this...but you are right...

A buddy has an RX-7 w/ an LS1...pushin something like 500HP NA...

It's utterly disgusting...

Yet...I have trouble not trying to hump the car....

Yep, and in light chassis like the RX series it's just plain nasty.

Met a guy at Road America a few years back that had a NA LS1 in a '93 RX-7. He'd bought it without an engine, and said he picked it up because in his mind the chassis was more suited to be a weekend track car/racer than the C5. He had time slips from the car running in the mid to high 11s.

mac11
10-26-2007, 02:48 PM
How can you tell they are ALOT more tolerant of boost? Some people I know are running 25+ psi on pump fuel and street diving their 400+whp 13B RE powered RX-7's.



Here is something to think about. That ~400whp RX7 is running 25psi to get that, as you say.

Once the ignition gets sorted out, which looks to be rapidly approaching, the Renesis should make ~350whp on ~14psi on pump gas without aux injection. You are getting into the same power range and you're using much less boost. Coupled with the already proven ability to withstand some detonation the reliability edge is going to fall with the Renesis.

Rootski
10-26-2007, 03:03 PM
How can you tell they are ALOT more tolerant of boost? Some people I know are running 25+ psi on pump fuel and street diving their 400+whp 13B RE powered RX-7's.


Yeah? Ask them how many engines they've been through. I'll bet you its more than one each.

Red Devil
10-26-2007, 03:21 PM
At 25psi, it should be more than 400+hp...upwards of 500hp.

And I don't see how that was on strictly pump gas alone. Gotta be some sort of auxillary injection, at least.

eviltwinkie
10-26-2007, 03:25 PM
According to Esmeril's estimates...

its 400whp @ 16-17psi...on the new Renny

mac11
10-26-2007, 03:29 PM
According to Esmeril's estimates...

its 400whp @ 16-17psi...on the new Renny

I will be very interested to see if that is attainable on pump gas w/o aux injection.

eviltwinkie
10-26-2007, 03:33 PM
I will be very interested to see if that is attainable on pump gas w/o aux injection.

You and I are both on the skeptical list on that one...

But so far they have managed to talk the talk and walk the walk...

So I'm all about the wait and see....

Red Devil
10-26-2007, 03:37 PM
I don't think the Renesis even gets to a bar of boost on straight 93 octane without auxillary injection.

tdiddy
10-26-2007, 04:44 PM
^Hopefully we will see soon!

rx820bna
10-27-2007, 02:13 AM
Check this out, here's a 13BREW swap on an RX-8.


http://www.autotechmotorsports.com/project-rx8.htm

eviltwinkie
10-27-2007, 10:26 AM
Check this out, here's a 13BREW swap on an RX-8.


http://www.autotechmotorsports.com/project-rx8.htm

I think your missing the point bub...

ricky356
10-27-2007, 01:20 PM
lol just a lil

Rootski
10-27-2007, 02:18 PM
Check this out, here's a 13BREW swap on an RX-8.


http://www.autotechmotorsports.com/project-rx8.htm

Cool. Now let's see someone swap out an LS2 for an LS1.

SilentSpring
10-27-2007, 04:57 PM
*YO MANG I'm running 25psi on my T25* *Pshhhh f00 I'm running 15psi on my T86*

I don't know why people get all funny in the pants when boost number are involved. The number itself is USELESS without knowing what turbo it's on. That T25 on the Renny will do nothing and the 15psi through a T86 will send it back from whence it came. It's all about the CFM.

Point is, somehow, somewhere running 20, 30 ,40 psi became the "thing" when it came to how much performance you have and how much you can brag.

I also don't know when a 10:1 became high compression. How you should look at that number is....you can run a lower psi but achieve the same power then someone with a 9:1, using the same turbo's of course. Does it limit the amount of boost you can run.....sure. If you start needing to run higher boost to achieve the power you want then switch the turbo for one that is better matched. I would rather run 10psi and keep my motor cooler, happier and make the same power as someone that runs 25.

In the end though, it ALL comes down to the tuning.

EdvinRX8
10-30-2007, 11:17 AM
Alright guys, I've been reading around here for quite a while now and see several threads with people inquiring about different engine swaps. (20B, 13B-RE, LSX, SR20, RB2X ect ect)

Lots of options out there for the guy that wants something different but still want to keep their awesome RX-8 platform. Which I think is a great idea, I'm all for engine swaps. Especially engines that can produce realiable power!

I've posted up here in the past and have had alot of response but nothing really ever came through. Now that winter is approaching us here in Canada its about time to start booking in major jobs while the cars are in hibernation.

I've been approached about the 20B swaps, LS1 swaps, 13B-RE and 13B-REW swaps, one person asked about a 4G63 (Eagle Talon/Mitsu EVO engine) swap.
It can all be done if the engine measurments are right and even if they are not it still can be done. The biggest thing is $$$.

Anyways, what I'm getting at is that we have some room in or winter build schedule and we would like to do one of these swaps for someone. Someone willing to spend a bit of money on getting the right parts and having a clean 'from the factory' install.
So shoot us your ideas and what your goals are for your car and we can work something out.

Currently we are swapping a Cosmo 13B-RE engine into our own '04 GT and plan on daily driving it with 350 whp while keeping all the factory accessories working and having it pass a legitimet e-test. So tearing into an RX-8 is nothing new to us.

Just figured I'd try to help some of you who are interested in such a thing. I could post some pics of our shop and some of our work if anyone would be interested who doesn't already know about us.

Thanks
Joe

Thank you for taking the time to post here. I agree with you on just about everything, but why a EVO motor lol.

I had a 05 GT and sold it, the renesis is a piece of crap period. It was boosted I made 300whp and kaabooomm. Now I own a 2008 350Z with the new HR motor and this thing stock would pull on my 8. This is also a nice motor to add and boosts like butter in n/a configuration.

I think the RX8 is one of the nicest looking cars on the road, and the LS7 would make it a true beauty. 505bhp N/A is what I would love to see, I am thinking of getting a wrecked 8 and build it my self as a side project.

Again thanks for giving these blind and ignorant fools a option to the slow ass two rotor dirt of a motor:puke: .

(FLAME SUITE IS ON)

eviltwinkie
10-30-2007, 11:58 AM
I had a 05 GT and sold it, the renesis is a piece of crap period. It was boosted I made 300whp and kaabooomm. Now I own a 2008 350Z with the new HR motor and this thing stock would pull on my 8. This is also a nice motor to add and boosts like butter in n/a configuration.

Again thanks for giving these blind and ignorant fools a option to the slow ass two rotor dirt of a motor:puke: .

(FLAME SUITE IS ON)

I'm not going to flame you...but I will say that you are being ignorant.

You appear to be the type of person who makes snap decisions without understanding situations. It's a bad life philosophy...

You blew up your motor...so its junk...good call there...

You probably did it as cheaply as possible without understanding how anything works. If you had any type of clue, you would not make a gross generalization based off a single example.

What you did was buy a steak taco...add tons of hot sauce...hated the way the hot sauce made your taco taste...and so labeled the steak taco crap...

You fail to understand how the world works bud...

dillsrotary
10-30-2007, 12:25 PM
if anything i'm in red devil, i would be interested in an LS2/LS3 swap a couple years from now, but that will involve a trans swap as well.

eviltwinkie
10-30-2007, 12:45 PM
Got to drive a buddies RX-7 w/ LS1 in it...

I hate to admit that it felt great having all that torque...

I did not like the handling of the car at all compared to the RX-8 tho...

Both the RX-7 and my RX-8 are built up for track duty so neither are slouches by any stretch...but they DO feel different and the LS1 is approximately the same weight as the 13B so it was not the change.

I came away from the whole thing with a new found appreciation for the RX-8 chassis and handling characteristics. It just needs an extra 100WHP to be perfect.

At the track I do not have problems pwning C5's or anything with obscene amounts of power. I just need a little extra juice for the straights. In my case I'm probably going to be getting the Esmeril kit and keeping boost conservative at first.

Rootski
10-31-2007, 12:52 AM
Thank you for taking the time to post here. I agree with you on just about everything, but why a EVO motor lol.

I had a 05 GT and sold it, the renesis is a piece of crap period. It was boosted I made 300whp and kaabooomm. Now I own a 2008 350Z with the new HR motor and this thing stock would pull on my 8. This is also a nice motor to add and boosts like butter in n/a configuration.

I think the RX8 is one of the nicest looking cars on the road, and the LS7 would make it a true beauty. 505bhp N/A is what I would love to see, I am thinking of getting a wrecked 8 and build it my self as a side project.

Again thanks for giving these blind and ignorant fools a option to the slow ass two rotor dirt of a motor:puke: .

(FLAME SUITE IS ON)

Good thing you sold it. We don't need another turd who can't tune.

ricky356
10-31-2007, 01:36 AM
Thank you for taking the time to post here. I agree with you on just about everything, but why a EVO motor lol.

I had a 05 GT and sold it, the renesis is a piece of crap period. It was boosted I made 300whp and kaabooomm. Now I own a 2008 350Z with the new HR motor and this thing stock would pull on my 8. This is also a nice motor to add and boosts like butter in n/a configuration.

I think the RX8 is one of the nicest looking cars on the road, and the LS7 would make it a true beauty. 505bhp N/A is what I would love to see, I am thinking of getting a wrecked 8 and build it my self as a side project.

Again thanks for giving these blind and ignorant fools a option to the slow ass two rotor dirt of a motor:puke: .

(FLAME SUITE IS ON)

guess you missed it .....in car and driver as well as a couple other tests. the rx8 turned a better track time than your 350z.....stock

do your homework....and i would put money on it you have neither an 8 or 350....or any friends for that matter. and your mom cant stand the thought she birthed you.

R.P.M.
10-31-2007, 08:15 AM
Wow you guys are terrible...

Anyways, since all of this engine swap bashing began and some of you provided me with a few links to look at, I see that some persistant people are making some decent power with these FI kits.

Since I'm taking the Renesis engine out of our RX-8 and was going to toss it in a corner for something to kick around on a rainy day and some of you think I know nothing about the Renesis and turbo setups, I've decided to fabricate my own turbo setup on our engine block. I'm going to be running it without any emissions, none of the factory ignition setup, and doing away with the factory ECU because I'm going to put it into this:

My 1972 Mazda 616

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d86/RPM-1/pics015.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d86/RPM-1/pics012.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d86/RPM-1/pics014.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d86/RPM-1/pics013.jpg

Originally equipt with a 4cyl piston engine, the 616 is the brother to the Mazda RX-2 which came with a rotary. Really the only differences between the two models.

My plan for this is to use a T04R BB turbo on the stripped down Renesis block and control everything with a new Haltech E6X using LS1 coils, which is the same turbo and ignition setup we used on our FC racecar that made 320whp at 11psi on pump fuel.

Should be an interesting project...

eviltwinkie
10-31-2007, 01:04 PM
Wow you guys are terrible...

Anyways, since all of this engine swap bashing began and some of you provided me with a few links to look at, I see that some persistant people are making some decent power with these FI kits.


I don't think we are being "terrible" at all...I think we are being honest and quite frankly, you just do not like what you are hearing.

I don't blame you...you specialize in engine swaps, and we are telling you its pointless at this point to do. That sounds like money walking out the door...of course you are not going to like it.

I'm certainly glad you went out and starting checking out those links. If you continue to search I am sure that over time, you will change your mind regarding how much power and how reliable the new engine is compared to the older one.


Since I'm taking the Renesis engine out of our RX-8 and was going to toss it in a corner for something to kick around on a rainy day and some of you think I know nothing about the Renesis and turbo setups, I've decided to fabricate my own turbo setup on our engine block. I'm going to be running it without any emissions, none of the factory ignition setup, and doing away with the factory ECU because

My plan for this is to use a T04R BB turbo on the stripped down Renesis block and control everything with a new Haltech E6X using LS1 coils, which is the same turbo and ignition setup we used on our FC racecar that made 320whp at 11psi on pump fuel.

Should be an interesting project...

Indeed it should. I am positive everyone would love to see this happen. Start a new thread and keep us posted!

OneEvilRx8
11-01-2007, 05:08 PM
hey guys, i must say that joe is a hell of a guy and very honest, when i had my rx-8 i was considering doing a 20b swap with joe, and i must say if i ever go back to an rx-8, i will go with a 2JZ " the law".... and i would defenetly allow joe to do my car.

ps. hey joe just for the record, how much would it be, just to install the engine and start the car.

Rootski
11-01-2007, 08:40 PM
Since I'm taking the Renesis engine out of our RX-8 and was going to toss it in a corner for something to kick around on a rainy day and some of you think I know nothing about the Renesis and turbo setups, I've decided to fabricate my own turbo setup on our engine block. I'm going to be running it without any emissions, none of the factory ignition setup, and doing away with the factory ECU because I'm going to put it into this:

My 1972 Mazda 616

Originally equipt with a 4cyl piston engine, the 616 is the brother to the Mazda RX-2 which came with a rotary. Really the only differences between the two models.

My plan for this is to use a T04R BB turbo on the stripped down Renesis block and control everything with a new Haltech E6X using LS1 coils, which is the same turbo and ignition setup we used on our FC racecar that made 320whp at 11psi on pump fuel.

Should be an interesting project...

Now there's a swap I can get behind.

R.P.M.
11-02-2007, 02:25 AM
Hey Jose, Thanks for the kind words, I haven't heard from you in a while I didn't know you sold the 8.
Installing a 2JZ probably wouldn't be a problem, as for cost....hard to say. Depends on how wild you want to go :) Keep in touch if you ever want to do something like that.

Brettus
11-02-2007, 02:54 AM
only swap I would consider would be a 16x :)

eviltwinkie
11-02-2007, 10:14 AM
only swap I would consider would be a 16x :)

Haaa...you lamer....

16x + 7 Speed dual clutch FTMFW!!!

olddragger
11-02-2007, 11:44 AM
with you evil---start dropping to much power in this chassis and the car turns into something else. Been there-- done that.
Yep we do need a little extra--- i choose the pettit kit. she cranks saturday--I added a few little extras. But that should get the power to were i want it.
olddragger

eviltwinkie
11-02-2007, 12:02 PM
with you evil---start dropping to much power in this chassis and the car turns into something else. Been there-- done that.
Yep we do need a little extra--- i choose the pettit kit. she cranks saturday--I added a few little extras. But that should get the power to were i want it.
olddragger

Yep, this chassis is terrific...on the track I'm passing just about everything...which is impressive considering the supposedly "mediocre" power output.

It really only needs 100 extra HP to be a finely balanced sword...Anything above that is simply gravy...

Old video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8068635336967829043

I let C5 pass because he kept reappearing after the long straight...but I would lose it in "teh twisties"...but you can see why he reappeared after the long straight...OMFG the acceleration on that thing is no joke at all...fun was had by all...

I'm not trying to out accelerate a C5...just not lose as much ground on the straights...If I can get that, I'll be a happy camper indeed...

Red Devil
11-02-2007, 12:09 PM
Just wail until I post vids of my pratt and whitney equipped RX-8 swap.

It takes a while to spool the engine, and in city traffic it's very very slow. But when it does get to stretch its lets even the batmobile's got nothing.

Derex'8
11-02-2007, 12:16 PM
Nice vid

Was this and Hpde event?

Yeah looks to be a couple times you could've got him on the inside line

eviltwinkie
11-02-2007, 12:22 PM
Nice vid

Was this and Hpde event?

Yeah looks to be a couple times you could've got him on the inside line

Yep...first session of the day and the first time the RX saw track duty...I was still getting familiar with what it could and could not do...

You have to give them the pass...which is also why you see the other driver stick his hand out...it tells you what side they are expecting you to pass...

Had that not been the case...I'm positive I could have passed him if I just took it...but instead you "force" a pass by getting "inside their trunk"...usually a few minutes of that is enough...

DE's are technically NOT a race...technically...heh

;)

OneEvilRx8
11-17-2007, 02:07 AM
yeah, je i sold it, but i might just get another for the hell of it. i now own a audi s4 2006, that i like very much, but i migh get an 8 for the weeken. but don't know when.

jose

nikon_shooter
12-01-2007, 08:20 AM
lsx is the only way to go....enjuku racing is building an ls2 rx-8 right now...when that is finished i might take a look at the ls1/ls2. I mean, yeah...

YaXMaNGTO
12-02-2007, 04:25 PM
I'm starting my own project. Fairly long term, but as soon as you guys figure out ignition / boost problems and are able to readily get over 500whp, I'm going to swap a Renesis into my GTO, just to maintain balance in the universe.

mac11
12-02-2007, 05:46 PM
that would be a heck of a project! Would really raise some eyebrows.

eviltwinkie
12-02-2007, 09:50 PM
I'm starting my own project. Fairly long term, but as soon as you guys figure out ignition / boost problems and are able to readily get over 500whp, I'm going to swap a Renesis into my GTO, just to maintain balance in the universe.

Heh...good thing your local...since I intend on being the FI forum whore for the local area...

Soooon....muhhaa haa haa....heh

diabolical1
12-02-2007, 11:38 PM
hurry up and start that 616 project! :D

YaXMaNGTO
12-03-2007, 08:53 PM
Heh...good thing your local...since I intend on being the FI forum whore for the local area...

Soooon....muhhaa haa haa....heh

Oh so you're taking over for Adrian-1? Needed new representation.
Honestly, other than seeing his car and the PTP RX8, I've never run into another RX8 turbo in Austin

eviltwinkie
12-04-2007, 12:16 PM
Oh so you're taking over for Adrian-1? Needed new representation.
Honestly, other than seeing his car and the PTP RX8, I've never run into another RX8 turbo in Austin

I'll probably be picking up the Esmeril kit Q1 08. I'll post a new thread during install.

YaXMaNGTO
12-04-2007, 10:37 PM
I'll probably be picking up the Esmeril kit Q1 08. I'll post a new thread during install.

Tear it man. If you ever want to go run to compare before/after the turbo install against a GTO, I'd be happy to help out (promise, I won't spray, and I'm 345rwhp NA 3750lb curbweight) Id like to see you take me out after the mods. Then I'll spray ya! :naughty:

SlayerRX8
12-04-2007, 11:08 PM
Wow, after reading this, I think you guys were pretty rude to the OP.

All he's doing is offering his services. I know you all say "The renesis will be able to make more power soon", but what if you want power now? What if you want a ridiculous amount of power?

A 2JZ-GTE will make plenty more power than a Renesis probably ever will. The same goes for an LSX engine.

I definitely wanted to do an engine swap when I had an RX-8.

romycha1
12-04-2007, 11:21 PM
Whatever happened to that 8 that was getting the 2JZ in it?

eviltwinkie
12-05-2007, 02:31 AM
Tear it man. If you ever want to go run to compare before/after the turbo install against a GTO, I'd be happy to help out (promise, I won't spray, and I'm 345rwhp NA 3750lb curbweight) Id like to see you take me out after the mods. Then I'll spray ya! :naughty:

I ran into some of your partners in GTO crime during a "spirited hill country drive"...definitely beasts in a straight line...

Buddy in his STi was able to get off the line...but once the tires hooked it was pretty brutal...

That said...strictly in the name of science, I think quantitative testing is required...

I'm starting @ ~200whp sub 3000lbs...hopefully hit a target of 350 post FI...

Where you have spray...I have a boost controller...haa

;)

YaXMaNGTO
12-06-2007, 11:45 PM
I ran into some of your partners in GTO crime during a "spirited hill country drive"...definitely beasts in a straight line...

Buddy in his STi was able to get off the line...but once the tires hooked it was pretty brutal...

That said...strictly in the name of science, I think quantitative testing is required...

I'm starting @ ~200whp sub 3000lbs...hopefully hit a target of 350 post FI...

Where you have spray...I have a boost controller...haa

;)

Good stuff! Didn't know any of our guys did the hill country drives. I very likely know them.

All I have to work off of is the Car and Driver article about the PTP turbo 8.
It trapped 109 mph. I trap 107mph with no spray (have the slip from SAR track in San Antonio). If indeed the PTP car makes 350whp, then you should be able to walk me after you get the turbo. I've raced a 109mph Camaro SS a couple of times, and he does just barely pull on me.

The difference between having sub 100mph trapping car, and one that traps 109mph is unbelievable.

Don't get pissed off by the "baseline" run we do while you're still NA!

Just a side note... More of you turbo, nitrous, engine swap cars need to take it to the track!!!! We need more empirical evidence to show which of the major horsepower RX8 upgrades is king.

eviltwinkie
12-06-2007, 11:59 PM
Good stuff! Didn't know any of our guys did the hill country drives. I very likely know them.

All I have to work off of is the Car and Driver article about the PTP turbo 8.
It trapped 109 mph. I trap 107mph with no spray (have the slip from SAR track in San Antonio). If indeed the PTP car makes 350whp, then you should be able to walk me after you get the turbo. I've raced a 109mph Camaro SS a couple of times, and he does just barely pull on me.

The difference between having sub 100mph trapping car, and one that traps 109mph is unbelievable.

Don't get pissed off by the "baseline" run we do while you're still NA!

Just a side note... More of you turbo, nitrous, engine swap cars need to take it to the track!!!! We need more empirical evidence to show which of the major horsepower RX8 upgrades is king.

Haa no worries...my bud in SA has a cobra putting like 600 down (moving to 800 soon)...so I'm not at all egotistical about it...heh its always in fun, which is also why I never involve money...

I used to have an Oldsmobile...got the same MPG as the RX...but was hella fun on the strip...

You might want to ask the Pettit boys about 1/4 slips...I think Munchie187 said he was going to go...

YaXMaNGTO
12-07-2007, 12:34 AM
Haa no worries...my bud in SA has a cobra putting like 600 down (moving to 800 soon)...so I'm not at all egotistical about it...heh its always in fun, which is also why I never involve money...

I used to have an Oldsmobile...got the same MPG as the RX...but was hella fun on the strip...

You might want to ask the Pettit boys about 1/4 slips...I think Munchie187 said he was going to go...

That's awesome and I agree. If youre going to run somebody, smile and have fun, enjoy your car, and don't be a douchebag. I just want to know were I am in the food chain.
I also have a buddy with a kenne bell '03 cobra. 599whp on pump gas. He let me drive the thing. Jesus. Very humbling. My shit isn't in the same league as that, and that's okay.

The interesting thing about this discussion is something we're fighting about over in GTO land. We have a 590whp twin turbo GTO that gets pulled hard by the Cobra. On paper, looks like the two should be pretty close, but it's not the case. After driving both cars, I now understand.

What we would be defining here is how 350whp in an 8 matches up to 350whp from an engine that makes power very differently. As a bonus at the end of this, you'll know for sure that you can beat up on stock Mustang GT's, Evo, STi's, because (if theyre stock), none of those cars traps 107mph+.

How much will that turbo kit add to the weight of your car? About 200 pounds?

eviltwinkie
12-07-2007, 01:41 AM
That's awesome and I agree. If youre going to run somebody, smile and have fun, enjoy your car, and don't be a douchebag. I just want to know were I am in the food chain.
I also have a buddy with a kenne bell '03 cobra. 599whp on pump gas. He let me drive the thing. Jesus. Very humbling. My shit isn't in the same league as that, and that's okay.


Heh...at those levels its simply insanity...but definitely fun...it would eventually kill me for sure...


The interesting thing about this discussion is something we're fighting about over in GTO land. We have a 590whp twin turbo GTO that gets pulled hard by the Cobra. On paper, looks like the two should be pretty close, but it's not the case. After driving both cars, I now understand.


That's what I've learned with the RX...the finer details of power delivery...a high HP number does not translate to better performance in all situations...for example the differences in power delivery between the SC and the TC dynos...and how that translates to real world performance...


What we would be defining here is how 350whp in an 8 matches up to 350whp from an engine that makes power very differently. As a bonus at the end of this, you'll know for sure that you can beat up on stock Mustang GT's, Evo, STi's, because (if theyre stock), none of those cars traps 107mph+.


Interesting thing...I don't really worry much about GT's...and I stay on the passenger door of my buddy's stock STi...the last lightly modded MS6 also had a wee bit of trouble...

Of course have nearly every N/A mod known to the RX-8 world...and run the car as light as possible...which is like what +2 whp?? haa haa


How much will that turbo kit add to the weight of your car? About 200 pounds?

Not really sure, but that is a good question...I'll still probably be under 3000lbs tho with it on...haa

eviltwinkie
12-07-2007, 01:50 AM
Check out the dynos...S/C vs. T/C

http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=2176626&postcount=1

rotorocks
12-07-2007, 01:58 AM
200 lbs turbo kit?
what size a turbo would it be?

I don't really see how a turbo kit (for an 8) would add more than 40-60 lbs.
Besides the actual turbine, downpipe and the manifold (swapping out the stock one) the rest of the shit is mainly aluminum...

slavearm
12-07-2007, 09:18 AM
I think maybe 80 lbs if you were to add everything in the turbo kit up.