Hey guys, Recently bought a non running rx8 231 model to use for a 13b-rew conversion and then turn in to a track/race car. I have been on to the uk rx8 forum to search for information and they have been very helpful, I have came on as another source of information. I plan to run it with a holset hx40 at 1.5 bar boost. Few things first, this is my first time working with a rotary but i have lots of experience building other cars and doing conversions. The only side i'm not so hot on is the electronics and wiring side, is there any wiring guides for fitting the 13b rew in a 231? I plan to run either a link g4/adaptronic/apexi pfc ecu but i would like to retain as much of the dash clocks/drive by wire throttle ect to work as possible If its not possible i will just find another way around it, It has been done a few times but it seems the rotary community are very secretive of how it was done. Many nights looking through google and various forums hasn't really turned up what i'm after.

Im guessing i need most of the rx7 engine loom to begin with so i guess i need a wiring diagram to splice it in to the rx8 loom. Do i have to retain the rx8 ecu and piggyback it or can i use a standalone and still retain the features? I know its been done so there must be something out there to make this much easier.

 

I'm not trying by any means to sound insulting when I say this, but if you have to ask, there is a 80% chance you shouldn't be doing it.

Some of what you said in your post makes me think that you might be getting in over your head by trying to undertake a swap of this magnitude. Mounting the motor and transmission is a task, engine management, Transmissions are different lengths, driveshaft, intercooler piping, converting to a single turbo setup, drive by wire would not work, etc. Its a laundry list of problems and you will spend thousands getting it done, and better be a damn good fabricator to boot.

If you have the money to be spending that much to begin with and are determined to have a wild build I'd just use 13brew housings and build a renesis hybrid.

 

Well In all honesty I completely expected negative comments as most of what i have read on rotary based forums seems to be heavily negative.

I have done a fair few conversions before and always used forums for advice to speed up the build, this isnt my first and most certainly isnt the hardest. It seems that i may just have to spend a lot of time with trial and error instead then.

you do realise that people here have done the conversion using the stock 6 speed gearbox? so the lengths of the transmissions is irrelevant, i will be using the 6 speed box and the stock propshaft. I know i need to modify the bulkhead slightly but in all honesty that is easy work as is making up engine mountings. I also know stock twins wont fit if i do this so I am going to have to use a single (i would have anyway) and no one as of yet makes a manifold off the shelf so i know i need to make the manifold myself, again easy work when i finally fix my tig welder. and intercooler piping is again not exactly a hard problem to solve, Fabrication is my strong point so i have little concern here.

as for the drive by wire throttle not working, that is bollocks! Clive from mazda rotary parts has done it, has the drive by wire throttle working, the dsc and all the dash clocks ect working. unfortunately he hasnt made the information of how this was achieved, hence my question in an attempt to save my self considerable amounts of time without having to aimlessly shell out thousands of pounds. I know i will need to spend money but i won't be spending any more than is needed. for instance the base car cost me £150 and i gained a non running 13b with all ancillaries loom ect for £300. Yes i will have to strip and rebuild this but its cheaper than spending £3-4k on a freshly rebuilt engine, Its much more pocket friendly to buy a blown engine and a rebuild kit and do the work. Luckily the rotors housings ect are in reusable condition.

 

No one? So no one else who has done this conversion has any advice on the wiring?

 

Op,

You need to read through the forum rules. Members should not have to open the thread to figure out its subject.

If you titled it correctly you may have gotten a better initial response.

I have corrected it.

Travis

 

F51


Use the following as a Google search term:
site:rx8club.com 13brew swap


You should find some interesting reading there.

 

I have read a fair few but none seem to use the stock rx8 throttle and none have the dsc ect working. The only one i know of having all that working is the mazda rotary parts race car. there arent any details of exactly how it was achieved.

 

Check my thread

 

Hi F51..

I have trailed you for a while.
In hope to have you share the answer you have been seeking.

Thus i have created an account for this sole purpose in hope you may share it with me and that you've succeeded in your project engine swap.


Please know that I am uncertain if I may provide an email address for you to contact me directly or not.
But your response would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

 

Do 8s really run that hot and have that much trouble with just ambient and AC on?
Last HPDE, an 8 driver said he was only running a cold air intake and a s2 water pump and didn't need anything else for a trackable car.

I'm trying to pick one up as a daily/backup track car since the FD undergoes "renovation" too often and I miss out on a lot of seat time. Also would prefer a car where I'm not constantly glancing at my AITs and coolant/oil temps...