The PHD build...because it will take me 8 years to finish.
 

Finally officially cool enough to have my very own swap thread. :Peace: This must be how Antonio Brown feels when he scores a touchdown.

I bought the car no transmission or engine and already had a Toyota engine hacked in there, so I naturally thought much like a few of my other vehicles, an LS swap was in order.

However, in my never ending, bordering on reckless research, I am finding that may not be the answer. I loathe vehicles that are a pita to work on.

So, now the quest (Que Holy Grail Theme Song) continues for what to put in between the fenders.

I have looked at my usual suspects...SR20DET, KA24DE, Pineapple Built Renesis, LS, Mazda 1.8, and even the F20C since I really like how Steve's came out.

I refuse to alter my steering to the point where it induces bump steer, the only change will be a manual steering rack because that electric one is Kim K sized.

Although while tearing apart this unnecessary clutter, I am really liking this chassis...to the point where I am strongly considering building multiples, track/ street car, track/street car w/ls, and a mischievous DD.

https://s11.postimg.org/axckpreg3/IMG_7698.jpg
https://s11.postimg.org/bo5avjgtf/IMG_7699.jpg




New Home - This and the next wall are coming down...sing it Mellencamp


https://s11.postimg.org/3wt6aq21v/IMG_7700.jpg


Taking out the factory underhood relays and fuses and building my own setup in the car. Lots of things I am not going to need.


https://s11.postimg.org/y2rkpi8yr/IMG_7762.jpg
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At least this time, they have a nice, detailed wiring schematic...I give them a B grade


https://s11.postimg.org/uygwsps6b/IMG_7764.jpg




Bought an extra instrument cluster for Can-Bus tampering.


https://s11.postimg.org/7liva7c2r/IMG_7788.jpg




ABS you are fired, Electric Power Steering, actually power steering altogether you are fired.


https://s11.postimg.org/daz3uii8z/PA230002.jpg




All the air bags will be gone, errr, ummm, modified. No carpets or trim other than what is pictured

https://s11.postimg.org/vf24f5fxf/PA230004.jpg




My Can-Bus project...not pictured is the Shield. I will use this to convert what I can on the stock cluster to work for the new motor. Certain things like the oil pressure will get an actual aftermarket gage...the Yes/No factory gage won't cut it. Maybe a GPS module for speed instead of VSS...idk yet.


https://s11.postimg.org/wvdmxaiub/IMG_7787.jpg

Got my power supply in and was able to power the cluster up, headers, resistors, and such for the Arduino will be here Wednesday...then start deciphering the cluster's commands and functions. Traction control, coolant, Air Bags, ABS, and the tire pressure sensors will be eliminated.

https://s16.postimg.org/j9c3d1i2d/IMG_7808.jpg

Hail Hydra!

Took the dash out for previously scheduled cage and maybe a guest appearance by firewall modifications!

https://s24.postimg.org/yul1xc8th/IMG_7844.jpg

https://s24.postimg.org/g3j4n6e91/IMG_7845.jpg

subbed. so LS it is?

Eventually I will put an LS in one, not entirely sure if it will be this one....really want to have something to drive for the summer, so we shall see.

i see. im keeping mine on the road till i have everything i need all at once, then the swap begins, and im sure ill find stuff i still need....:yelrotflm

That's a good way to do it! Hahah yeah the list never actually ends....LS1Tech.com has a lot of great parts

Gonna be a fun build.

Haven't touched the car, but decided to push the project back as I cannot go another year without something fun to drive....so looks like I am going to be placing an order for tires, beadlocks, and finding a car trailer...bye bye tax return :wavey:



I mocked up the front tire on a beadlock I bought to check my backspacing and make sure I can maintain my 50 degree steering :boink:
https://s23.postimg.org/ocgppn5az/IMG_7854.jpg

Why did you strip everything jw? Wouldn't it been easier to get a complete ls1 swap with pcm instead of re running literally everything when u can run 2 pcm one for rx8 internal component and ls1 pcm to run engine ?

I don't do these projects to make them easy. I am making my own fuse block and wire distribution as the factory one is gigantic and I don't need half of it.

The instruments cluster and the few interior components I will use I can program up an Arduino and CanBus shield to take care of that.

Although, most of my gages will be aftermarket as I trust them more than I trust most OEM instrument clusters.

This thing is now #3 in line as if I take my time and do it correctly, I will be far happier with the end result and it will be old enough to not have to go through emissions which saves me many headaches.

I see what u mean. You got a pricy project I like the way 04 rx8 is with cluster and all I plan on just putting corvette ls1 in mine and call it good because the rotary has no power

At this point, I don't really care about the money...no way in hell it will be as expensive as my last project! I like when they look stock inside and out like nothing changed, but I needed to shed weight in mine.


LS1 makes more than enough power for the lightweight RX8 and they are very reliable motors. Rotaries can make power, the RX8 is just god damn unreliable...people can talk all they want....there is a reason there are so many blown up RX8s for sale on Craigslist...its a garbage motor period. There are probably motor RX7s running on the road than RX8s.


Good luck with the project, have you started a build thread yet?

Yeah rotarys blow easy and sslow

Did a lot of this during the summer, broke some stuff, fixed it, did a bunch (8) of neutral drops from a bunch of rpms trying to make a bounty hill...kamikazed the rig right over a couple boulders spun myself sideways violently and snapped a 2x2 1/4" wall link, blew my driveshaft and broke the pinion out of my front axle. So like whatever, I said F8ck this ssssh*t and decided to work on the RX8.


https://s26.postimg.org/lqnjichvd/17...90006085_o.jpg

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This is how the garage did look...
https://s26.postimg.org/3p8zyad89/IMG_7700.jpg


This is how it looks now...
https://s26.postimg.org/nxwdk0cjd/IMG_8573.jpg


This is my brain on drugs....its a JDM Honda motor going into a Mazda :dunno: Well just placed it there to take a picture, still a loooooong ways to go. Going to go K24, super built bottom end, 9000RPMs of awesome, some things that Vrooom, Psht, and an S2000 Transmission.
https://s26.postimg.org/6ynf4r1bt/IMG_8595.jpg

What are you doing for an ECU?

I am really leaning towards an AEM stand alone. I did not know it was coming with a harness and ECU, so I could go Hondata, but I won't have any Honda gages or IC, so I dont see the benefit.

Cut the old mounts off
https://s26.postimg.org/iz3q30zp5/IMG_8630.jpg

Oooh the weight savings! Ordered some new tie rods for it as well.
https://s26.postimg.org/xwc741cxl/IMG_8629.jpg


It fits oddly swell right there, but am going to put it further into the car...safety first, then teamwork.
https://s26.postimg.org/w5t62jveh/IMG_8631.jpg

Trying to unbarn it as much as I can, the insulation and new lighting will be a huge difference.
https://s26.postimg.org/stvvt12k9/IMG_8632.jpg


Insulation and some drywall.
https://s26.postimg.org/d74mfnos9/IMG_8633.jpg


Front motor mount is gone, need to fabricate up a pulley tensioner. Should be easier than what is on the buggy.
https://s26.postimg.org/src066ywp/IMG_8634.jpg

Progress is looking good!

Thanks man!

I ordered a full cage for it, since I basically live at work it was cheaper for me to just buy it.
https://s1.postimg.org/4mq8hs7kan/Ca...Weld-33000.jpg

Looks like I will be picking up an S2000 transmission this weekend :ylsuper:

Got a low mileage transmission this last weekend, guy was good people, builds and races S2000s :ylsuper:

https://s1.postimg.org/2c5blkrrmn/IMG_8691.jpg

Great thread . I really admire guys that can build their own shit .I've probably put as much effort into just modifying what Mazda already designed and built.

Got the cage in, also got the tubing, heims, and adapters for my steering modifications.

https://s1.postimg.org/8c5v0hn2wf/IMG_8707.jpg

Something like that, but a little higher once the mounts are there...and probably won't use visegrips on the bolts.

https://s1.postimg.org/3vm1w1iim7/IMG_8729.jpg

Just bought 10 led lights for the back section of the garage....soo000 65000+ lumens total. Cant wait to be able to see back there!

I put 10 of those lights up, what a friggin deal! I am probably getting 10 more.
https://s1.postimg.org/8y3ttna1sf/IMG_8755.jpg

Steering rack all mounted up (need to drill out knuckles for heims) and notched the crossmember as well.
https://s1.postimg.org/6s4f7vl6cf/IMG_8756.jpg

Adapter from Ballade Motorsports
https://s1.postimg.org/2uc1r77l3z/IMG_9688-1024x682.jpg

Got the manual rack all welded in, got my adapters for the heims welded in, need longer bolts though, and got the steering knuckles swapped over. Had to buy another knuckle setup since mine was shot and only one side fit. Spent some time over the weekend installing more led lights, garage is now sitting at 128,000 lumens :lol2:
https://s18.postimg.org/6iarxy65l/IMG_8856.jpg

this was exactly what i was looking to do with the rx8 when i got it last month. do you see any possibility of doing the swap without notching the subframe. can you modify the oil pan instead. since i'm build the car to race with NASA, the rules doesn't allow the subframe to be modified.

You could modify the oil pan, but that may not be enough, the 2.4 head and coolant outlet keep you from pushing the motor back far enough. Even the notched subframe on mine will be very close, if not I have to modify the hood.

I am hoping I can some time to test fit it over this weekend, and if I do I will report back what I found.

great, that would be awesome. per the rules, not allowed to modify the subframe, firewall or trans tunnel, except to cut hole in trans tunnel for shifter. can you modify the coolant outlet, or the head is still an issue. modify hood is not an issue in the rule.

I imagine if you can cowl the hood you can fit it no problem.

I will take some pictures of the coolant outlet, I believe it be altered, but will still be a nuisance. I guess the 2.0 head is a lot better fit.

Cool videos by the way, you make it to Palmer yet?

that would be nice if the k20 head has more room. have you seen this post with F20 swap? looks like he cut out the cross member completely.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fcyriousgarageworks.com%2Fmazda-rx8-honda-s2000-f20c-rx2000%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHZvrtCqQYaQ2WO14Yq rOCvwsQGiA


was at palmer for the first time last year. but haven't been back since nasa didn't run there this year. it's an awesome track, but there are some safety concerns.

Pretty sweet - If i ever go to the dark side of piston swap in my RX-8 I was planning on a full S2000 swap, and keeping it relatively stock.

If your not really chasing power, any benefits of using the K-Series VS the s2000's F-series?

Yeah I went through that whole build thread, they cut the hell out of the firewall too, but I do love how low they got that motor in there.

Super cool, tt3 record! What safety concerns, definitely want to be on the look out for those.

My original thought process was the F20 too, but to run boost the F20 would cost more to build, and the initial cost of the motor was way higher. I got a very low mileage K24 for 700 bucks and found a surprisingly strong aftermarket for it.

If I were to keep it relatively stock and did not mind spending the extra money upfront, definitely the F20. The guy I got my transmission from had some awesome S2000s that put out some good power 300+ at the wheels, but for my car I was looking in the 500 range.

K series are cheap because there's a shit load of them out there, they were in RSX, TSX, Element, CRV and accord. they are better then F20/22 because of variable timing along with VTEC. cheap to get and more aftermarket support. there's a company that sell 500 hp NA crate motor K24

the F series would make it easier to use the s2k tranny, which is probably one of the best shifting tranny. also it was designed for longitudinal mounting, where as the K series were transverse mount. this could lead to oiling issues for high G force track car. I've heard a few instance where k24 swapped miata blew engine because of oil starvation. might have to modify the oil pickup or go dry sump for heavy track use.

exposed rock face long the track. barrier wall not high enough, and need more catch fence on some areas. if your car make it over those low wall, you're flying down the mountain like pikes peak.

Thanks guys, Yeah I am a strong believer in NA power, and wouldn't really do much beyond a solid intake and exhaust setup - I missed the part about you saying you were going the forced induction route - So that makes sense.

That build thread also is not working for me - Asking me to download something to view it, and if I hit no it just keeps popping up something every 3 seconds. I'll try on my phone.

My exgirlfriend had a S2000 before her Supra, and she educated me on that the F20C had an oiling problem as well - specific to the AP1s...

Try this one instead.
https://www.engineswapdepot.com/?p=12158

I am contemplating not doing a turbo setup as I have been driving my DD and not driving my truck for a while, I got in it the other and was like damn I hate this turbo lag!

I heard they have done a lot since then to remedy those issues, hopefully that is true. Yeah I live right near there and those are some big hills to somersault down, I already barrel rolled down one of them.

Here are some mockup pics, this is with the oil pan resting on the crossmember I notched. If I moved the fuel lines and harnesses up top I could pick up another inch+, but the coolant outlet would be literally into the firewall.

PS, the po hammered the firewall/wiper motor tray back to "fit" the 2jze he had in there.

Here are some pictures of the coolant exits at the back of the block, would probably have to make a plate that mounts to the block with a 90 degree coolant outlet and a remote thermostat.

Great work @BecauseRaceCar I'm about to get started on a j32a2 + s2000 transmission into my 04 Rx8. I've got the j2f trans adapter and almost everything I need to start test fitting.

Did you consider swapping over to the NC Miata subframe? It doesn't get the rack as far fwd as you did but I'm thinking it might give just enough room with a v6...

Thanks! And thats going to be a cool setup there, cant say I have ever seen one of those swaps.

Hmmm didnt think about swapping the sub frame, I am going to have to look into that.

Thanks! I have read that the NC Subframe bolts in - I'm thinking for swaps where the smaller rack in the stock location works this could keep from having to go custom on the subframe. I was researching this because NASA has a rule in the ST3/4/5 classes where you take some points for modifying the subframe. I'm not sure if I'm going to bother or not, I guess I'll figure it out after I test fit with the stock subframe. If I have to mount the Miata rack like you did I might just hack it all up and go mustang steering rack. I'm quite a few steps behind you, still cleaning up my chassis.

That would be cool if it does. Yeah without modifying the sub frame and/or firewall I dont know if much else will fit.

I stripped some stuff off the motor to see if it helps and it doesnt really. That motor is damn tall.

thanks for posting all the pics. i think the k20 deck height is about 20 mm shorter than k24. wonder how that would fit.