mdrizzyo

So I'm relatively new to the automotive world. I've driven manuals, but I've never owned a sports car like the RX-8. I bought one with a bad engine (apex seals I think) and I ordered a used engine. I counted the intake ports that were visible and there were only 4. So, naturally I ordered the 4 port. From what I've seen, I can still hook the 4 port up to a 6 speed manual. Think this will cause any problems? The used engine comes with the ECU, wiring harness, and all of that great stuff. Only paid 800 bucks for the 04 rx-8, so that's a win! I think my main question is: Will this combination bury the engine? Or will it work for awhile? No warranty on the engine and no returns so I'm a little without options.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Just set the car and the engine on fire and save yourself a lot of hassle.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

you don't want a 4 port.

mdrizzyo

That's what i've been told, but only for reasons of 30hp loss. Which i'm okay with. I'm hoping if I end up liking it I'll really put some money into it. I'm just wanting to try out the rotary life.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

It'll work. You will need some reprogramming to get the new ECU to work with your ignition key, nothing a local Mazda dealer can't fix.

Actually, it depends on what you mean by 'motor'. Does it include intake manifold and the valves in it?
Are you sure this new engine is in good shape?

mdrizzyo

It's a long block engine, I didn't mean to say motor. It does include everything. Here's what I'm worried about as well, is that I ordered the engine from JDM. Thus, the no warranty.

mdrizzyo

The more I read people's comments, the more I feel like the odds are stacked against me sadly. First investment I've made in a long time. The bright side is that I do work at an auto shop, but the problem is no one really knows much about rotaries. I'm getting it fixed through the shop and actually paying the shop to do the labor and all. So I'm confident in knowing it won't leave until it's running, but it seems like I may be in over my head. Would it be easier just to find someone to trade a 6 speed to in return to a 5?

BigBadChris

iTrader: (4)

It really depends how deep down the rabbit hole you want to go.

Is it possible to install a 4 port engine into a 6 port car? Yes

Is it possible to have a 6 port ECU run a 4 port engine? Yes

Is it possible to install a 5 speed transmission into a USDM car? Yes

Do you want to try any of this? NO.

Sell the motor on craigslist, eBay, or this forum, and buy the right motor. Better yet, buy a rebuilt motor. People have had good things to say about Rotary Resurrection, Mazdatrix, MazMart, Pineapple Racing and several others. I would not put a questionable motor into the car if you dont have a lot of experience with rotaries.

Welcome aboard, and check out the new owner's guide:

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Don't worry about the transmission, that's the least of your problems. It will run. I don't even know where you would find a 5-speed in north america, they weren't sold here.

BigBadChris

iTrader: (4)

I bought one from an importer. Only cost me 400 bucks. I'm certain the JDM importer who sold OP the engine would sell him a five speed.
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mdrizzyo

Great news! The JDM importer is sending out the 6 port. I had to pay the difference PLUS 2 ways of shipping (~280 bucks plus the 300 dollar difference) but I'm glad at least it'll be less hassle.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

You're crazy for ordering a Renesis without a compression test.

mdrizzyo

it can be rebuilt, it's not the end of the world if it doesn't have great compression.

CelestialGryphon

iTrader: (1)

Are you a rotary expert? Do you have access to a fully fledged machine shop that can also do plating and such? Have you a spare engine on hand for parts in case the rotor housings are worn to uselessness or the rotors themselves are shot?

mdrizzyo

I'm not an expert, I just work at repair shop that does thankfully have these things on hand. And I do have the engine that I bought with the car, so I do have a spare engine. I definitely don't want to sound like I know squat about rotaries, it's a new ballpark for me. I appreciate everyone's input, and the company has 5 engines in stock and are compression testing them and shipping the best one they have.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Well it's not the end of the world but if you like wasting money then rock on man.

CelestialGryphon

iTrader: (1)

God I hope they compression test correctly?

mdrizzyo

Yeah, they told me the lower the compression the better.

mdrizzyo

Totally kidding! They're shooting some videos and sending them on

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

They don't. And the whole "JDM engines have about 30k on them" is BS too. And you get a warranty but if the engine fails, you have to pull it, send it back, wait for warranty claim approval, etc.