I have an 04 rx8 and I was just thinking about a piston engine swap. Im aware they make conversion kits but they usually run 2 grand and i have 3.5 grand to spend. So a few questions (staying under 3.5k), what would the best piston engine to swap into my rx8? I value reliability, but still would like some power, not crazy but around 260-300 or so. Next, what is the best option for a kit? And lastly, would my stock gauge cluster still work and what would I do with the plethora of sensors that wouldn't have anywhere to go?

p.s. If you've seen my other posts and are wondering why this one strays so far from the bunch, again im just thinking, trying to lay out all my options.

 

There is no engine swap that you are going to be able to do for $3500. Even if you get a free motor and transmission...

 

Not even something like LFX? 1800 conversion kit plus 1000 used engine =2800 That leaves 700 dollars for exhaust and radiator. 300+ HP and just use the stock RX8 transmission. Why wouldn't this work? (I don't doubt that you are right, just wondering)

 

chevy 350 swap with a carb.

 

nice - remove fuel management by going simple - carbs.

 

That simple huh?
Where do you find a LS engine in good running condition with complete wiring harness in good condition for $1,000? Also, you can use the RX8 transmission.

 

Who makes an LFX kit for the RX-8? I see V8Roadsters has one for NA/NB Miatas but not the '8. And you're going to need an adapter plate fabricated to mount the RX gearbox to the LFX engine and there's no guarantee you'll be able to fit the gearbox in the stock location without significant modifications to the engine bay. If you can't, you'll have to look into a custom driveshaft and mounting for the trans (and likely the diff if you get rid of the PPF).

The combination of LFX and MT is pretty rare so you'll have a fun time sourcing that. The only car I know of with that combo was the Camaro and they weren't very common.

I've seen 4.8/5.3 Vortec truck motors going for $500 with harness but you'll have to swap in LS accessories and intake to fit in an RX-8. An LM4 isn't a bad choice with its aluminum block and ability to make close to 400 hp at the crank with just LS1 heads and a hot cam. If you want to go crazy, you could make a destroker LS-family engine by using the 4.8 crank and it should easily spin to 8k (or more) with the right head configuration.

OP still has to work out the electronics, bump steer, steering, clutch pedal, cooling, swaybar, driveshaft, dash, accessories, throttle control...

There's a guy in AZ that does LS RX-8 conversions in his garage. I hit him up for a quote on doing mine with 400 HP and AC/ABS/OBD Emissions and he quoted me just shy of $9k in turn-key form (drop the car off, pick it up a month or two later). That's an incredible price and I don't see anybody doing it for less on their own especially with an engine for which a mounting kit doesn't exist.

 

just need a welder and cutter a good hoist and the drive train you wanna run. with any swap everything else you have to get creative, check this swap out.

 

Yeah you don't need electronics or engine control, or even to know what you're talking about

 

You don't switch to a throttle cable and carb. You don't need abs either but it can be kept using the body control module and oem ecu.

 

Whats the guys contact info please sounds great.