Engine conversion options
 

I was just curious as to what engines can swapped in the RX8, somone said something abt an LS1. But what about 4 banger turboes, like the new GM turbo Ecotec in the new sky redline/solstice gxp. That engine puts out impressive numbers and shouldn't be too heavy compared to the 13B.

If I was going to swap out the rotary, I certainly wouldn't go through all that trouble for a +30 HP gain. The increased TQ would be nice but still not enough to justify it.

The LS2, now we're talking!

my concern is more about weight than HP, if I were to swap the 13b I would like to keep it as close to the original weight balance

Then why swap?

if you are looking at weight here you go

http://www.jackssmallengines.com/graphics/fd590v.jpg

20B 3 rotor.

the ls2 is nearly all aluminum and doesnt weigh that much more

any swap is going to cost a ton in fabricating for this car.

I think in another thread someone stated that the LS1/LS2 was only 30 pounds more. I think the power to weight ratio would be killa personaly. That and if anyone did slap a LS1/LS2 into a 8 they surely dont give a damn about the handling the 8 has now and is obviously looking for pure power. The idea intrigues me to be honest then again its the part of me that likes the hotrod scene. Remember Hot Rod did a Ls7 conversion to the Solstice recently and before that people have been putting in a Ford V8 into (of all things) a Focus. Some call it stupid others progressive.

Slapping in a Ecotec engine would be interesting solely because I've seen/read about how SoCal has been modifing that engine for the Flats and have produced some high Hp numbers. Not sure on its weight though or reliability of the eninge though in the long run if its modified. Why I think everyone always gravitates torwards the LS's they have been proven for a long time now. That and aftermarket support omfg its like a wet dream lol.. just wish the 8 had such support.

My understanding that the hardest part is fabricating the motor mounts. Once you've got that done - it's mainly just "pipes and wires" from there (assuming you get the engine and tranny to match up without too much issue). But that's just what I've heard..

What are the minimal parts that need to be fabricated? Assuming you use as many "stock" parts as possible with plans to upgrade later what must be fabricated?

for a 13b (2 rotor) or a 20b (3 rotor) nothing from the original renesis is retained, and i believe rongza from puerto rico with his 20b swap cut the cross members, check out his thread on his conversation (he did all the work himself impart mainly because he has the experience to complete such a major project, but here in NJ there's a shop that will do it but for no less than about 12,000 USD.)

I understand that none of the stock Renesis parts are retained. By stock parts I mean the stock parts that typically come with an engine -- as opposed to using high-performance components at the time of install. Stock fuel rails, injectors, etc..

The claim I was attempting to verify was the "cost a ton in fabrication" comment.

By fabrication, I assume that would mean parts that would have to be custom made because you can't buy them "off the shelf."

How much could that cost? Things like custom engine mounts, custom exhaust manifold, etc.. (not including the engine or off the shelf parts such as turbo, BOV, PCM, intercooler, hoses, etc.)

Bottom line is - what exactly needs to be fabricated that can't be bought? Or perhaps I'm misinterpreting the meaning of fabrication.

I'm not considering the actual act of installing, bolting, attaching, etc the engine and components as part of the fabrication.

BTW dills -- the 12K you mentioned includes everything.. right? I don't think that's too bad if that's the case. Considering it could cost around 10K just to do it yourself.

Look at the price of standard car parts now, and multiply that by a gazillion to get an idea of what fabrication will cost you. These are custom parts than may never have been done before to fit your chosen path/application.