LS1 RX8 Kit?
 

Has anyone actually used the LS1 RX8 Kit? I've been waiting for the v8roadsters kit to come out, but my engine is starting to have longer hot start times, and I'd rather get this thing done now before I fix the problems I had when painting my car.

Not gonna lie, I was advised against it by a friend of mine who has swapped an LS (Well, Vortec, but whatever.) into just about every car known to man, arguing that a full subframe replacement would be a much better choice if I intended to keep the car, and that I'd never get the car working (handling, etc) the same if I had to change the geometry of the steering and try to compensate with other methods.

Not knocking LS1RX8, just checking to see if anyone has had any experience with the kit and stating my concerns.

My car is to the point where I either LS swap it or let it die and buy something else (I'm looking at you, 2014 vette ;) )

I know of no one who has used that "kit" successfully. As for handling, well that is just silly.

Not knocking a V8 swap at all but a RX deserves a rotary. Motor replacement is cheaper than a 14 Vette anyways.

RNS11Z is installing his engine with the kit

And a two others kits are being shipped soon

Will everything work is the bigger question. Mounting an engine and transmission doesn't mean a thing if the gauges don't work or the dash is lit up like Vegas.

The battery ,traction control and check engine lights stay on

The only way to change that is a can bus system.

The tachometer fuel level coolant temp speed oil pressure gauges all work and abs is retained as well

that is my car. engine is in the car, surprisingly sits further back then expected.the kit works fairly well, how ever we have had some clearance issues which has been rectified. this may be due to the fact the car is rhd. btw my engine is a ls2. still not running but should be in about 6 weeks.

He used an aftermarket high volume Moroso f-body oil pan. And I am happy to hear that the oil pan was able to be used for those of witch will need it.

And I believe the front of that oil pan is allittle thicker that the factory F-body oil pan that the kit was designed for.

Just an update on the v8roadsters kit for those interested. I asked them for an update and if I could mount their kit without replacing my rear with the ford 8.8 (temporarily).


Yes, we have some beta kits that are being built next week. Once installed and we receive feedback we'll move the kits into full production.
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Our kit uses the 8.8 and deletes the PPF. The final drive ratio of the stock diff is not favored and you would need to make some sort of adapter for the front diff mount.

The rx8s diff can handle quite a bit of abuse.

I know a guy with 500hp on the stock one.

Thanks for the update RNS11Z. So it sounds like nobody has really fully tested this kit except ls1rx8. Keep us posted though. I want to get your thoughts after you're up and running.

Sounds like more of the LS Rx8 guys should chime in on the forum. We don't have to much info going on here on these swaps, and it is kinds interesting to see.

The sump was one issue. The abs module, cool pack, lower radiator mount and other little areas where all fouling. You do need something like a die grinder but it's nothing major.

I will be using stock diff, will keep you all posted once up and running.

How much for a can bus? I want something I can drive on the streets.

I don't know the guy that built hasn't responded. But you can use the obd2 port from the gm setup to pass emission test

Can't pass emissions with a Christmas tree dash. Not where I live anyhow.

sub'd. This is my goal. I love the rx8, but not so much the powertrain, and I love the LS engines.

Yeah but .............. your user name ?

Do you have smog testing?

Cause I am a Louisiana state inspector.
The major test things are:
• Lights
• gas cap has to be tested
• the check engine light is supposed to illuminate when the ignition is turned on and must turn off. Within 20 seconds after engine is running.
(This part of the inspection can be controlled by the inspector)

Then the OBD11 is to be connected to the car to detect readiness test & codes
(If this is plugged into the chevy obd11 connector that you can have no codes in it and run readiness test)

The only thing that has to be over seen is the inspector has to put in the computer that: "yes the check engine light illuminated & yes it turned off."

(Completely controlled by the inspector.) same as if there was a head light bulb out,turn signal ect.

If you have smog you will just have to put a catalytic converter on.

Can be changed... And It still works if I have a V8 car

Yeah, very intense smog here, almost equal to Cali. I need something that is 100% no question, going to pass. Can't rely on a shady person/shop to pass me.

how about using some black tape to cover the dash lights and make sure to put the chevy OBD port where the RX8 port is. Might work

No that will not work, most shops aren't that dumb. Need a real viable solution.

I remember there was a forum member who is supposedly a computer wiz is working on some sort of canbus conversion thing. I cannot remember which thread that was in though. Maybe he finally did it and is not sharing.