I purchased a non-running 2004 base model RX-8 with the sole purpose of turning it into a track car. This will be for the NASA ST5/TT5 classes.



Once I get through my newbie minimum number of posts, I'll start a build thread or just post occasional progress updates.
The engine is currently under tear down at the builder and I'll be dropping the car off at the shop doing the cage installation on Saturday.

 

Ever think about doing an engine swap? Could keep it rotary and swap a 13b-REW. Better for forced induction. I look forward to seeing your progress.

 

Doing a 13b-REW swap to start with is more than I want to tackle. I might consider that "down the road", but for now I'm going to keep the car close to stock for the power plant.

 

Yea, it certainly isnt cheap. If going with the same motor, make sure to inspect housing and rotors. Worthwhile to order new pieces as needed rather than rebuild a damaged unit. Hopefully wont need too many new parts if you are lucky. Good luck!!

 

That's already being done. As expected, we're going with new housing due to the wear on the originals.


Ouch!

Through the plating

 

Yea those are toast. I assume rotors were ok?

 

I believe so, but I'm waiting to get the full assessment and needed parts list from my engine builder.

 

Based on what I've seen so far, might be more cost effective and better to just get a reman engine. Don't know how far in you are as far as time and money investment in your rebuild; but will likely need a master rebuild kit plus the cost of replacement housings and potentially rotors. Might end up cheaper to core refund the engine for a new remanufactured engine.

 

Hey tom, I'm the guy who hit you up about the bumper and we spoke about the pulleys, electrical, and other components. Best of luck on the build and let me know if there's anything you might need and I will see what I can do

 

Re-using rotors after that isn’t a good idea. I don’t recommend it generally when Renesis apex seals were used. With that kind of rotor surface wear and the shallower Renesis apex seal slots the slots are going to have been over stressed and that’s a critical sealing area. You should just do it right the first time. If the rules permit it, get new rotors, have the OE slots cut deeper using an EDM process so you can use taller 13B apex seals, and preferable Iannetti ceramic apex seals. Then short of having something come apart internally or sucking something in through the intake you can reuse the rotors and Iannetti apex seals over and over again, depending on how long you go between rebuilds.