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Saab Turbo engine convert

Old 01-28-2013, 02:44 PM
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Saab Turbo engine convert

Now my 2005 192 engine has gave up the ghost, i'am just going to replace it with one of my saab turbo engines b204..
So will post some pics and info asap...
Attached Thumbnails Saab Turbo engine convert-rx8-7.png  
Old 01-28-2013, 02:46 PM
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Cool, but personally I think you should go with an Isuzu V-6, it's a much more popular swap.

Last edited by 9krpmrx8; 01-28-2013 at 03:09 PM.
Old 01-28-2013, 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8
Cool, but personally I think you shoudl go with an Isuzu V-6, it's a much more popular swap.
Has the supporting graphs too
Old 01-28-2013, 05:58 PM
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What is with the trend of swapping into the 8 whatever crappy old engine one has lying around? I don't understand people. Its not an old broken lawn mower.

And doesn't belong in the DIY forum
Old 01-29-2013, 02:16 AM
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Moved thread..Not certain it even belongs here...perhaps should be lounge.
Anyway OP...all I can say is OH NO!
Old 01-29-2013, 03:31 AM
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Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8
Cool, but personally I think you should go with an Isuzu V-6, it's a much more popular swap.
^^ THIS!

moving from win to uber fail might be a fun thing to watch.
Old 01-29-2013, 09:13 AM
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I have one question, WHY?

You're just making a totaly unique car into a conventional coupe.
Old 01-29-2013, 11:18 PM
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:/.
Old 01-30-2013, 04:16 AM
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Originally Posted by godesshunter
What is with the trend of swapping into the 8 whatever crappy old engine one has lying around? I don't understand people. Its not an old broken lawn mower.

And doesn't belong in the DIY forum
If the Admin staff wish to place this thread into another forum section, please do so..
and my saab engines are good for 500bhp plus, but unfortunately my 470bhp set up, manifold, holset etc won't fit in the engine bay ;-( so will be sticking to 275bhp. and they will run forever unlike the rotory.. i have a 2003 231 rx8 also at 96000miles lasted longer than a 2005 192..?? and far expensive to rebuild, We don't have the same warranty in the UK as you do elsewhere...
So i want to keep the car as an everyday reliable car and hope it will still be as good as the 231 drives and handle..
Old 01-30-2013, 04:17 AM
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Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8
Cool, but personally I think you should go with an Isuzu V-6, it's a much more popular swap.
I've got some good Saab engines already mate so make sense to use what i have.
Old 01-30-2013, 04:22 AM
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Originally Posted by simonmd
I have one question, WHY?

You're just making a totaly unique car into a conventional coupe.
Well can anyone supply a rotory engine that will last, not get all the normal problems,.. exactly..
so i'am doing what i hope is best for me and to have a nice looking car and will start, stop everytime i want it to.
did think about mx5 engine/turbo
Old 01-30-2013, 07:08 AM
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Originally Posted by T4XJS
Well can anyone supply a rotory engine that will last, not get all the normal problems,.. exactly..
Mazda already provided it. Proper maintenance keeps them happy.

And before you say you properly maintained it, I believe your dead engine disagrees.
Old 01-30-2013, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by T4XJS
If the Admin staff wish to place this thread into another forum section, please do so..
and my saab engines are good for 500bhp plus, but unfortunately my 470bhp set up, manifold, holset etc won't fit in the engine bay ;-( so will be sticking to 275bhp. and they will run forever unlike the rotory.. i have a 2003 231 rx8 also at 96000miles lasted longer than a 2005 192..?? and far expensive to rebuild, We don't have the same warranty in the UK as you do elsewhere...
So i want to keep the car as an everyday reliable car and hope it will still be as good as the 231 drives and handle..
rofl, failed.
Old 01-30-2013, 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by T4XJS
Well can anyone supply a rotory engine that will last, not get all the normal problems,.. exactly..
so i'am doing what i hope is best for me and to have a nice looking car and will start, stop everytime i want it to.
did think about mx5 engine/turbo
I really don't want to sound like i'm flaming you, honestly I don't, you obviously have WAY more experience and mechanical knowhow than me. I wouldn't have a CLUE how to do some of the things you are capable under the bonnet by the sound of it.

However, the question still remains, if you don't want a rotary engine, WHY buy an RX8? Surely you're going to totaly screw with the perfect 50/50 weight distribution by dumping another engine in so the driving experience will be compromised as well.

I can totaly understand you obviously love the shape, layout, etc. but the engine is the heart of these cars and one of the main things that makes them so special. If you want a car that "will start, stop everytime i want it to", get a good rebuild and look after it properly.

Last edited by simonmd; 01-30-2013 at 12:01 PM.
Old 01-30-2013, 11:59 AM
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Since when are Saabs reliable? I always thought they were not. Paging Shadycrew31 (he used to drive one) IIRC.
Old 01-30-2013, 12:11 PM
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SAABs do have a habit of blowing head gaskets, even more likely on a tuned turbo unit.
Old 01-30-2013, 02:37 PM
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My brother had a saab that we called " The Swedish POS " it was a turbo car and wasn't any faster than my 8. It did exactly what most saab's do and blew a head gasket..... he now drives a benz..... and he's still a loser
Old 01-30-2013, 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8
Since when are Saabs reliable? I always thought they were not. Paging Shadycrew31 (he used to drive one) IIRC.
Yea I owned a 96 900se V6 for about 3 weeks before the ECU took a **** and the car had to be towed. Then the vert top stopped working and something else blew up.

That was about 10 years ago and was 7 year old car at the time with 35,000 miles.

I still like Saab's though, dunno why...
Old 01-30-2013, 05:10 PM
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Old 01-30-2013, 05:18 PM
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I use to drive Saabs. Had two 97 900 Turbos, and a 2001 9-5 V6 turbo. Saab engines are just like the renesis...they have their quirks. However, I'm curious how you will wire the trionic ECU system in with the RX-8. The wiring alone sounds like it will get complicated. However, if you are able to integrate it, the B204 block is very strong and will last a long time. I would also consider a toyota engine if the Saab engine doesn't work out. My daily driver is a Lexus with over 230,000 miles on it (1mz-fe). Now THAT engine is reliable!

-Lawrence
Old 01-30-2013, 05:38 PM
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George Carlin is awesome, it's so true.
Old 01-30-2013, 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by tigersilhouette
I use to drive Saabs. Had two 97 900 Turbos, and a 2001 9-5 V6 turbo. Saab engines are just like the renesis...they have their quirks. However, I'm curious how you will wire the trionic ECU system in with the RX-8. The wiring alone sounds like it will get complicated. However, if you are able to integrate it, the B204 block is very strong and will last a long time. I would also consider a toyota engine if the Saab engine doesn't work out. My daily driver is a Lexus with over 230,000 miles on it (1mz-fe). Now THAT engine is reliable!

-Lawrence
Why is this happening... Have you considered buying another saab?

They are more comfortable and wont require an engine swap.
Old 01-30-2013, 07:36 PM
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Attached Thumbnails Saab Turbo engine convert-386732_10100137522939917_1772608987_n.jpg  
Old 01-30-2013, 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by supergoat
Mazda already provided it. Proper maintenance keeps them happy.

And before you say you properly maintained it, I believe your dead engine disagrees.
That's not true. There are members here who took meticulous care of their 8s, and still had engines blow. Yeah, you can trash one by ignoring maintenance, but well-maintained Renesi can randomly fail.

Ken
Old 01-30-2013, 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by ken-x8
That's not true. There are members here who took meticulous care of their 8s, and still had engines blow. Yeah, you can trash one by ignoring maintenance, but well-maintained Renesi can randomly fail.

Ken
eat healthy, non-smoking, rest on time/well, etc does NOT mean you will never get cancer.

**** happens, dont 'ask me how I know (No no no I never had cancer, was talking about my 8's engine, LOL)

but it IS true that a LOT of idiots never keep up with regular maintenance ...

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