VR6 RX-8 Swap
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VR6 RX-8 Swap
So after thinking about various engines and options I decided to go a different route.
I looked at SR20's, 1J and 2J engines, even some LS engines. I almost settled on an Isuzu engine before my friend mentioned the VR6 which I completely forgot about.
So I got some money together and bought one! It had one owner and only 113k miles on it. Which I can believe after opening up the valve cover.
I got the engine, harness and ECU out of a 98 VW GTI VR6.
Now the fun begins, I need to get my hands on a trans and start working on bolting them together, then I can finally work on mounting it in the car.
Here's some pics!
Now, lets hear what you all have to say!
I looked at SR20's, 1J and 2J engines, even some LS engines. I almost settled on an Isuzu engine before my friend mentioned the VR6 which I completely forgot about.
So I got some money together and bought one! It had one owner and only 113k miles on it. Which I can believe after opening up the valve cover.
I got the engine, harness and ECU out of a 98 VW GTI VR6.
Now the fun begins, I need to get my hands on a trans and start working on bolting them together, then I can finally work on mounting it in the car.
Here's some pics!
Now, lets hear what you all have to say!
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Sure N/A it does MAYBE 175hp. but all I need to do to ready it for boost is space the head with a thicker head gasket and add some ARP head studs. That alone will make the engine last on 10-12psi and push nearer to 400hp.
The VR6 was designed as a diesel then changed last minute. As a result the internals are all forged and the engine is built pretty strongly.
The ultimate goal is to boost it for max fun, but that's down the line.
Another reason I picked the engine is it's unconventional. Anyone can take an SR20 or LS1 and plop it into another RWD car, but I like a challenge and the uniqueness of this build.
And I shouldn't run into many problems with emissions, at least not until I try modifying the engine
Last edited by Prescription 8; 01-23-2015 at 12:07 AM.
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I agree about the rotary engine, but Kicker made a good point the last time I was talking to him. If it wasn't for US emissions limiting just how much oil the engine can burn then maybe they'd last a bit longer and people could have more fun with em.
As for attaching the VR6. I need to relocate some of the coolant passages where the hose attaches and move the t-stat housing and sensor housing (there are 3 of em in the t-state housing)
I'll also move the ignition module and coil pack and see what else needs moving or modding.
Then it's a matter of getting an adapter plate to make this engine fit a bell housing that'll fit the transmission.
Here's an example of what one guy did to swap a VR6 into his 350z
He made that black plate to bolt to the block, then the bell housing of his 350z trans bolts to that plate and job done.
One interesting thing about this engine is the timing runs on the back side of the engine. That bump at the top right houses a jack shaft with a chain coming from the crank, and another chain going up to the cams.
As for attaching the VR6. I need to relocate some of the coolant passages where the hose attaches and move the t-stat housing and sensor housing (there are 3 of em in the t-state housing)
I'll also move the ignition module and coil pack and see what else needs moving or modding.
Then it's a matter of getting an adapter plate to make this engine fit a bell housing that'll fit the transmission.
Here's an example of what one guy did to swap a VR6 into his 350z
He made that black plate to bolt to the block, then the bell housing of his 350z trans bolts to that plate and job done.
One interesting thing about this engine is the timing runs on the back side of the engine. That bump at the top right houses a jack shaft with a chain coming from the crank, and another chain going up to the cams.
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Seeing as it looks pretty clean I'm likely going to run it as it, If it fires up and runs fine at first then I'll drive it for a while as I save some money.
But when it comes time for boost I do plan to tear it down, put all new bearings and seals and chains etc before going turbo.
But when it comes time for boost I do plan to tear it down, put all new bearings and seals and chains etc before going turbo.
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Oki doki, does this engine come with forged pistons from factory or high silicon cast ? I'm not raggin on your selection, just curious as to the cost of rebuilding it properly. I would be inclined to do a comp test as well as a leak down test before you get started.
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Yup all forged internals. VW guys are claiming 400+hp on head spacers and arp studs.
It was originally designed as a diesel so it has some beef to the block and head.
It was originally designed as a diesel so it has some beef to the block and head.
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you may want to go boosted right of the gecko.
one of my good friends had a vr6 gti with some internal work done to it, and my stock 8 would leave him in the dust....up a hill..
I'm pretty sure the rx8 is heavier then the vr so that would only make it slower, Good luck op
one of my good friends had a vr6 gti with some internal work done to it, and my stock 8 would leave him in the dust....up a hill..
I'm pretty sure the rx8 is heavier then the vr so that would only make it slower, Good luck op
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oh **** here we go. in like flynt
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you may want to go boosted right of the gecko.
one of my good friends had a vr6 gti with some internal work done to it, and my stock 8 would leave him in the dust....up a hill..
I'm pretty sure the rx8 is heavier then the vr so that would only make it slower, Good luck op
one of my good friends had a vr6 gti with some internal work done to it, and my stock 8 would leave him in the dust....up a hill..
I'm pretty sure the rx8 is heavier then the vr so that would only make it slower, Good luck op
The VR6 has some torque so I'm sure I can still have some track fun.
Also, they sound pretty darn good IMO
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And believe me, I hope I get this swap done too. It's all I can think about and not having all the parts drives me bonkers.