REW Swap Guide
02-01-2013, 04:04 PM
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REW Swap Guide
Hi everyone! I'm new to RX8 Club! I sold my R32 GTR this past year so have decided I should mod my Rx8 which was previously a daily driver.
I have searched the forum extensively and there wasn't a super detailed thread of a REW swap into the Rx8. Lots of information for sure, but a lot of people stopped posting half way through and the outcome of the swap or challenges along the way weren't mentioned. Therefore I will add to the build threads with my swap and I will do my best to make it full of information!
Unfortunately the swap wont be done until April 1st when I get time off work.
To the good stuff!
The motor is a 13B-REW built by ForceFed Racing. Bridge ported, doweled, custom apex seals etc. Dyno'd before being pulled out of the FC for my swap 660-680 WHP on race gas of course. I will be running this motor with a 67mm turbo @ around 450 WHP pump and 550 + race gas.
I have a 12a front cover being swapped on this motor as we speak to get it setup for a front mount which will allow it to sit higher in the bay and free up turbo manifold room.
My swap will be using a FD3S transmission, relocating the shifter on the trans, custom driveshaft and PPF.
I have purchased a used microtech LT10 to control the engine function and as with other higher HP rotaries I've had I will be premixing with no OMP.
I will not be using the factory Throttle body which is unfortunate because it will force the loss of traction/cruise control, however it will limit my power potential down the road. Therefore I will be running a FC lower manifold with a FD upper manifold and FD throttle body. Will have to run a throttle cable and possibly a new pedal.
Probably going to do an Air/Water setup as well.
More to come !
I have searched the forum extensively and there wasn't a super detailed thread of a REW swap into the Rx8. Lots of information for sure, but a lot of people stopped posting half way through and the outcome of the swap or challenges along the way weren't mentioned. Therefore I will add to the build threads with my swap and I will do my best to make it full of information!
Unfortunately the swap wont be done until April 1st when I get time off work.
To the good stuff!
The motor is a 13B-REW built by ForceFed Racing. Bridge ported, doweled, custom apex seals etc. Dyno'd before being pulled out of the FC for my swap 660-680 WHP on race gas of course. I will be running this motor with a 67mm turbo @ around 450 WHP pump and 550 + race gas.
I have a 12a front cover being swapped on this motor as we speak to get it setup for a front mount which will allow it to sit higher in the bay and free up turbo manifold room.
My swap will be using a FD3S transmission, relocating the shifter on the trans, custom driveshaft and PPF.
I have purchased a used microtech LT10 to control the engine function and as with other higher HP rotaries I've had I will be premixing with no OMP.
I will not be using the factory Throttle body which is unfortunate because it will force the loss of traction/cruise control, however it will limit my power potential down the road. Therefore I will be running a FC lower manifold with a FD upper manifold and FD throttle body. Will have to run a throttle cable and possibly a new pedal.
Probably going to do an Air/Water setup as well.
More to come !
02-01-2013, 04:08 PM
#2
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Cool, sucks that you are not using the Renesis front cover to retain the electronics though. What mounts are you using? Kyle Mohan or the other guy who has ripped people off in the past?
02-02-2013, 12:56 AM
#3
Uncontrollable drifter
You should read threads more carefully, you can have stock traction control without the rx8 tb, you don't have to modify ppf for any reason, nor do you have to modify the driveshaft. Why would you use a fc lower intake manifold on a rew engine? Those 2 versions don't work together properly without another adapter. 9krpmrx8-I've said it before and I'll say it again-you can use any cover you want and have the stock electronics working perfectly.
02-02-2013, 02:56 AM
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You should read threads more carefully, you can have stock traction control without the rx8 tb, you don't have to modify ppf for any reason, nor do you have to modify the driveshaft. Why would you use a fc lower intake manifold on a rew engine? Those 2 versions don't work together properly without another adapter. 9krpmrx8-I've said it before and I'll say it again-you can use any cover you want and have the stock electronics working perfectly.
The PPF for a RX8 trans and FD trans are different so I'm assuming I will have to mod. Driveshaft we will see, custom is pretty easy if I need to if not then even better!.
I don't see how you can retain traction/cruise without the Tbody... That's how half of the system works. I know you can retain the brake portion without it but you wont get the portion that limits the throttle.
And yes the microtech can output the tach signal or I will attach the rx8 pickup either way works.
As far as mounts it will be mounted to the front with a custom mount off the 12A front cover.
Here is a pic of the motor!
02-02-2013, 03:41 AM
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Yes I will document it well for all the future swaps out there! Seems to be a lot of hidden information in about 10 different threads. I'm coming from the skyline world where the information is plenty so I've never really made a build thread!
02-02-2013, 03:52 AM
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Just ordered another surge tank! On my skyline I ran this same tank in the dual pump configuration however for this build being primarily a street car I decided one Bosch 044 pump would be sufficient.
This is what I think is the best surge tank solution out there, it incorporates the fuel pump within the surge tank to cut down noise and aid in cooling the pump.
This tank has a 1.5L capacity after installing the 044 which gives it about 18 seconds of fuel providing no fuel feed from the main tank at full pumping capacity. This is LOTS for a street car and most track cars as well.
I will be running some left over -6 AN braided nylon lines to the series 4 fuel rails. These will be run in series to a A1000-6 Aeromotive FPR then finally a -6 return to the surge. On previous setups I usually run a -8 return from surge to main tank, but for this build I'm going to run a -6 return.
Currently installed on the motor are 4 - 1000cc injectors in the S4 fuel rails.
This is what I think is the best surge tank solution out there, it incorporates the fuel pump within the surge tank to cut down noise and aid in cooling the pump.
This tank has a 1.5L capacity after installing the 044 which gives it about 18 seconds of fuel providing no fuel feed from the main tank at full pumping capacity. This is LOTS for a street car and most track cars as well.
I will be running some left over -6 AN braided nylon lines to the series 4 fuel rails. These will be run in series to a A1000-6 Aeromotive FPR then finally a -6 return to the surge. On previous setups I usually run a -8 return from surge to main tank, but for this build I'm going to run a -6 return.
Currently installed on the motor are 4 - 1000cc injectors in the S4 fuel rails.
02-03-2013, 02:03 AM
#8
Uncontrollable drifter
???
Yes the PPF are different, there are a couple of ways to get around that. You don't need to modify the shaft no matter which transmission you use. True you would only have the brake assisted traction control(that's the only useful side of it)-there is no reason to have the throttle body limiting portion part of it. I really don't think you can use the output of a standalone to the tach gauge, the 8's doesn't work that way(0v,5v,8v,12v).
I really like the Integrated Engineering fuel pot, still waiting for my dual pump setup to ship out.
The PPF for a RX8 trans and FD trans are different so I'm assuming I will have to mod. Driveshaft we will see, custom is pretty easy if I need to if not then even better!.
I don't see how you can retain traction/cruise without the Tbody... That's how half of the system works. I know you can retain the brake portion without it but you wont get the portion that limits the throttle.
And yes the microtech can output the tach signal or I will attach the rx8 pickup either way works.
As far as mounts it will be mounted to the front with a custom mount off the 12A front cover.
Here is a pic of the motor!
I don't see how you can retain traction/cruise without the Tbody... That's how half of the system works. I know you can retain the brake portion without it but you wont get the portion that limits the throttle.
And yes the microtech can output the tach signal or I will attach the rx8 pickup either way works.
As far as mounts it will be mounted to the front with a custom mount off the 12A front cover.
Here is a pic of the motor!
I really like the Integrated Engineering fuel pot, still waiting for my dual pump setup to ship out.
02-03-2013, 10:10 AM
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Yeah REW Trickery.. Hehe! Perfect ya I was thinking driveshaft probably the same...
And yes that is true about the traction control.
Yeah I had the dual surge tank on my skyline it was incredible... SO LOUD tho, but you get used to it.
I'll find out soon about the tach signal I was pretty sure it has been hooked up with the micro tech, if not no big deal just put the Rx8 pickup onto the 12A front housing...
And yes that is true about the traction control.
Yeah I had the dual surge tank on my skyline it was incredible... SO LOUD tho, but you get used to it.
I'll find out soon about the tach signal I was pretty sure it has been hooked up with the micro tech, if not no big deal just put the Rx8 pickup onto the 12A front housing...
02-04-2013, 03:01 AM
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Haha Thats funny, I actually sold me GTR to buy a Z06 C6, but then looking into a investment property instead and got a Rx8 as a daily, now playing with that as its a cheaper hobby then a corvette.
You guys will have skylines soon, only 3 years I think... I had about 4 of them over a 5 year period.
You guys will have skylines soon, only 3 years I think... I had about 4 of them over a 5 year period.
02-04-2013, 03:55 AM
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Haha Thats funny, I actually sold me GTR to buy a Z06 C6, but then looking into a investment property instead and got a Rx8 as a daily, now playing with that as its a cheaper hobby then a corvette.
You guys will have skylines soon, only 3 years I think... I had about 4 of them over a 5 year period.
You guys will have skylines soon, only 3 years I think... I had about 4 of them over a 5 year period.
I WILL own one at some point.
02-04-2013, 04:03 AM
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Yeah, there is TONS available in Canada...
Any one have pictures of how they modified the trans shifter on the FD Trans? Searched for about 10 hours and have come up with nothing...
Any one have pictures of how they modified the trans shifter on the FD Trans? Searched for about 10 hours and have come up with nothing...
02-04-2013, 04:14 AM
#17
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02-04-2013, 05:25 AM
#18
Uncontrollable drifter
Perhaps Jedi mind trick?
You're going to have to install the trigger sensor anyway if you plan on using the stock power steering, so there's no real point to even bother checking it out. Although like I said it won't work unless you can fab up a signal converter for a can bus signal to the tach gauge-not worth it.
The only way that I thought about doing it that way was to mill the two sections for the shifter and blind cover and weld a new adapter onto it and then cut the selector shaft-not worth all the trouble. You being in Canada might make this a little easier: https://www.rx8club.com/major-horsep...setups-225750/
Also look at this picture: https://www.rx8club.com/major-horsep...3/#post3431968
Also look at this picture: https://www.rx8club.com/major-horsep...3/#post3431968
Last edited by dznutzuk; 02-04-2013 at 06:00 AM.
02-04-2013, 05:33 AM
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Ahh good call on the Power Steering...
Yeah I was told to cut the shaft, mill the center and weld in the shifter where you want it. That is the plan so far. It's not a huge deal I just dont like the fact then when I blow up this trans the new one isnt a direct swap. But then again I will prob just switch to a dogbox once the FD trans breaks.
Yeah the 5spd isnt in Canada either
I read your whole post and couldnt find any 5 spd rx8 parts. This is the ideal solution however.
Yeah I was told to cut the shaft, mill the center and weld in the shifter where you want it. That is the plan so far. It's not a huge deal I just dont like the fact then when I blow up this trans the new one isnt a direct swap. But then again I will prob just switch to a dogbox once the FD trans breaks.
Yeah the 5spd isnt in Canada either
I read your whole post and couldnt find any 5 spd rx8 parts. This is the ideal solution however.
02-05-2013, 03:39 AM
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Hey welcome and good luck with the build.
Just a few of things;
The 12A front cover will work fine, you can use a 12A sump and modify it if you want more capacity.
Getting the electrics to work is easy, just use the standard RX8 pully and sensor with a custom bracket.
The standard trans is good for 450hp if you are nice to it (this will save time and money initially) and if you are going to upgrade to dog engagement anyway then you can get a really nice kit for the 6 speed (AISIN AZ6).
As for the traction control I wouldnt be to fussed about keeping it but thats your call.
Best advice I can give you is listen to everyone on this forum that has actually done this swap.
check my thread if you want pics and some detail, https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multime...ad-rx8-157379/
p.s. if you're serious about 550+hp then dont hold your breath untill you actually do it
Just a few of things;
The 12A front cover will work fine, you can use a 12A sump and modify it if you want more capacity.
Getting the electrics to work is easy, just use the standard RX8 pully and sensor with a custom bracket.
The standard trans is good for 450hp if you are nice to it (this will save time and money initially) and if you are going to upgrade to dog engagement anyway then you can get a really nice kit for the 6 speed (AISIN AZ6).
As for the traction control I wouldnt be to fussed about keeping it but thats your call.
Best advice I can give you is listen to everyone on this forum that has actually done this swap.
check my thread if you want pics and some detail, https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multime...ad-rx8-157379/
p.s. if you're serious about 550+hp then dont hold your breath untill you actually do it
02-05-2013, 04:54 AM
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Hey welcome and good luck with the build.
Just a few of things;
The 12A front cover will work fine, you can use a 12A sump and modify it if you want more capacity.
Getting the electrics to work is easy, just use the standard RX8 pully and sensor with a custom bracket.
The standard trans is good for 450hp if you are nice to it (this will save time and money initially) and if you are going to upgrade to dog engagement anyway then you can get a really nice kit for the 6 speed (AISIN AZ6).
As for the traction control I wouldnt be to fussed about keeping it but thats your call.
Best advice I can give you is listen to everyone on this forum that has actually done this swap.
check my thread if you want pics and some detail, https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multime...ad-rx8-157379/
p.s. if you're serious about 550+hp then dont hold your breath untill you actually do it
Just a few of things;
The 12A front cover will work fine, you can use a 12A sump and modify it if you want more capacity.
Getting the electrics to work is easy, just use the standard RX8 pully and sensor with a custom bracket.
The standard trans is good for 450hp if you are nice to it (this will save time and money initially) and if you are going to upgrade to dog engagement anyway then you can get a really nice kit for the 6 speed (AISIN AZ6).
As for the traction control I wouldnt be to fussed about keeping it but thats your call.
Best advice I can give you is listen to everyone on this forum that has actually done this swap.
check my thread if you want pics and some detail, https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multime...ad-rx8-157379/
p.s. if you're serious about 550+hp then dont hold your breath untill you actually do it
Thanks for the tips! I must have missed your thread when I was searching, im going to read it now!..
Yeah the motor that is getting swapped in allready put down high 600's WHP in the FC just swapping shell's...
As far as the sump I was under the impression that the 13B sump will fit with the 12A cover with minimal mods. Still trying to source a 12A cover and mount off rx7club...
02-05-2013, 05:41 AM
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Just ordered up the exhaust pieces! 3" Downpipe to a flex coupling, then to a 3.5" midpipe with vibrant resonator, then it will split to dual 3" at the rear diff and each side will go through a 3" magnaflow oval muffler. All connected with Vbands.
Hopefully that will meet any DB restrictions at the local track events.
Still deciding on a wastegate however. I'm thinking 50mm with some nice wastegate plumbing in the manifold.
I have some left over 1.5" weld el's that the mani will be constructed out of.
Hopefully that will meet any DB restrictions at the local track events.
Still deciding on a wastegate however. I'm thinking 50mm with some nice wastegate plumbing in the manifold.
I have some left over 1.5" weld el's that the mani will be constructed out of.
02-07-2013, 06:24 AM
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Well seems like the 5 speed transmission are CHEAP in the UK. So I'm going to do at minimum the tail housing swap onto a FD trans so the shifter and PPF line up perfect!
I may not do the bellhousing swap as I allready have a pull clutch and not sure if I want to renew it. Never the less I'm going to get the bellhousing shipped incase my mind changes in the future..
I may not do the bellhousing swap as I allready have a pull clutch and not sure if I want to renew it. Never the less I'm going to get the bellhousing shipped incase my mind changes in the future..