So I found a guy selling a 2004 RX8 with a 5.3 vortec engine swapped into from a Chevy 1500 and it also has a rebuilt transmission. When I went to take a look at it and it didn't really have that good of acceleration, cause it's supposed to have about 320 horsepower. What could the problem be? If it's easily fixable, what else should I look for?

 

Don't buy a swapped engine rx8 if you don't know how to troubleshoot. It'll open up a world of pain (mostly for us lol).

 

I have a 5.3 swapped 8, and it really could be anything. Over/under fuel pressure, bad tune, could be poorly matched gearing, dirty maf, not running o2 sensors, bad ground (ask me how I know..), etc. It could be cause of the swap, could be cause of the engine. Piston engines can have low compression, too. Like Soldier says, if you can't troubleshoot it, you should pass. Not saying it to be harsh, but there's no telling what this guy did to get it running without spending a lot of time tearing it apart.

It should definitely have better acceleration than a rotary powered 8.

 

To quote paraphrase 9K, that would be like marrying a stripper. Unless you are prepared to sort out all her emotional problems and live with the drama, the sex won't be worth it for long.