Hey guys, this is my build thread i have over on ls1tech.com, so i thought i should copy it over here, cause there is hopefully some people interseted in it haha. Little bit of background... i have a 2006 Mazda Rx8 and put a greddy turbo kit on it and ran it for a while then got board with it, then i decided i wanted to do an engine swap. After bouncing back and fourth between either doing a 3 rotor swap, or a 2jz.. i finally landed on the lsx swap.
So finally here are the pics i have so far. Keep in mind im a college student so funds are not that adundant lol, but as i get the money i will keep getting more parts as available.

This was what the car started as, when i started tearing into it, had the greddy turbo kit and alot of goodies on it.

Got some progress done on getting every thing off, and out of the way

Motors out!!, sold it to a guy on the rx8club forum

Tranny came out next, also was sold to a guy on rx8club.

AC lines and other misc stuff came out, im actually surprised at how much room the engine bay has, it looked so cluttered with the small rotary, but actaully its pretty big


Some of the new parts ...Of course the heart of the project, its a 5.3 got it from Marcello7x on here only had about 50k miles on it and is in great condition

More of the engine

Ls6 Intake also bought from this forum

Bottom of intake

Corvette fuel rail covers, had to have them there super sexy lol :nod:

ARP Head and intake bolts

New gaskets for the intake and heads

And finally the 243 heads!

Alright guys i know it has been forever since i updated my build thread, but like i said at the beginning im a full time college student so free time is not in my favor haha. Nothing to big has happened, but there is a need for an update.

Finally got a Ls1 PCM and harness from a member on here.

Tore into the motor more, got the timing cover, timing chain, cam, lifters, and crank pulley all off.


Now that its getting closer to being totally tore down the next step is getting it all cleaned up, and repainting it. On that note anyone have a hint on the best way to get this old paint off?? Airplane paint thinner maybe i heard it works good??

 

God damn thats a clean block. MORE MORE MORE

 

Yeah airplane paint thinner works good just wear gloves. By the way thanks for the motor It will soon be on its way to the surgeon for some port work and maybe ceramic seals. Ill be watching this to see how you fair I would guess good. Are you going to keep it N/A or have future plans?

 

did you sell the turbo kit? if not what do you want for it? gl with the swap

 

Looks like a hell of a start for the swap. Keep us posted, I'm sure you'll get plenty of interest here.

 

This should be interesting.
Looking forward to more pics.

 

Please keep a cost journal if possible.

 

Good im glad everything worked out, and for right now my plans are to keep it N/A.... the heads, cam, and intake i have already got for the build will put me right around 400whp, 400wtq with a good tune which is plenty in a car as light as the 8. However, in the FAR future i would like to supercharge it.

 

Yes, i sold it to a member on here actually sorry.

 

I have everything documented in a spread sheet, as far as all the parts i have bought and still need so once the swap is finished ill have a complete cost journal so i can let you guys know the cost.

 

good luck with this.

 

Thanks, I am trying to plan out what I am going to do once I pay off the car.

 

Good luck with your build

 

Can't see this ending well given your shortage of funds and inexperience - but would be cool if you do manage to get it all sorted .

 

^Well that is a fairly relative statement. Especially coming from someone with a FI RX8 and is now moving to a full LSx swap. Maybe the OP has a good sugar momma

 

Good luck with the build. I'd love to actually see one of these swaps finished and running on a regular basis (not totaled after being dropped off a lift).

 

i would love to swap a LS1/LS2/LS3 into my 2004 RX8, but am hoping there are some plans i could pay my local guy to follow. I dont want to spend $15k re-inventing the wheel to get it done. Hinson just updated their site about 2 weeks ago but still not a complete V8 kit...

Keep posting progress on this!!!!

 

It would be nice if somebody ever completes one properly ....

 

wow. Looks great so far! good luck with the build!

 

Can't wait for the final chapter of this build.

 

Good luck, if my motor pops out of waranty i would love to do a ls swap.

 

Any updates?

 

I talked to Hinson Supercars earlier today. They said that the car they had been working on is running. Im keeping up with them cuz my 8 is sitting in the garage with a fried motor. They wouldnt quote me on a price for anything yet... but its a good sign that they're still alive after everything thats been talked about on the forums.

When I graduate in May, This will be what I do to the 8. I cant wait for 400+ lb ft

 

Cool, you can send your car to Hinson and be the Guinea Pig. Just make sure you don't send it to them with nice rims on it, they might end up on someone Else's car.

 

/teaser thread