It's unfortunate my RX-8's body is so rusted. I can post better pics but it's pretty tragic. That's the main reason I'm just going for the full gut swap.

I've seen other v6 swap threads, but at the track I see very few V6 swapped drift cars.

Have you wondered why?
Have you thought about cutting your losses and going with a 13B or other swap that would make more sense or be easier?
At least one that has a successful history with some kind of support system?

There's plenty of support for the 3800.
Also I'm a big fan of torque.

Do tell. :jump:

I was referring to support as in kits that are specific to RX8s swaps.

Obviously, there are too few mechanical geniuses building them
Shouldn't you be doing some research, or rummaging through junk yards?

Kits take all the fun out of making a swap work yourself IMO

I used a kit and built one hell of a car. I wouldn't take what the rotary guys say very seriously. They don't bring much to the table when it comes to this kind of stuff. they just roll this side to ball bust. I hope this comes through but judging from the "gutted" comment and motor choice I will assume it's gonna be a long time if it happens. Keep pushing though OP. I'm watching and excited to see another swap come through

Heh, I don't take anything the rotary guys say seriously.
Most of the car is already gutted, Just need to work on the wiring and sound deading, dash and hvac removal.
Engine needs a little more work, a lot of parts are still needed.
I'm anxious but I don't see this getting done this year.

I'm hoping sometime next year to see it finished, mid summer would be great.
Unless I decide to work more jobs and really push the funding for this project it won't progress any faster

That's a 2 headed coin, because most of us 'rotary guys' don't take the junk yard piston swap guys seriously.
Unless you want to build a junker for the track, that is.
Then it's more of us being sad that you took a car that was designed for a rotary engine and ruined it.
But, the flip side is, maybe one day our unmolested 8s will be worth more because there will be fewer of them.

moved LSXREX's posts and everyone elses's discussion about his posts to the lounge thread for the forum.

Yea, as I mentioned before. the rx-8 I got is just rusted up pretty badly. IMO it isn't deserving of a clean build with functioning factory electronics.
Hopefully I can balance the weight fairly well and retain some handling.

Sorry we got derailed by the LS guy.
Are you planning on using it as a daily driver?

Heh,
I was reading it but didn't get a chance to reply in time. Oh well

Nah.
I'll probably drive it to work or show it off every so often, but it'll likely get stored through the winter.
My main goal is track day/drift day car. I just want to have fun with it.

Here's some rust spot shots...


Basically there are no more rocker panels. and the rear quarters aren't too far behind...

That's pretty bad.
My old 4WD is rusting out worse than that, but it's a '95.
If you get your swap finished, maybe you can try your hand at bodywork.

Holy crap.

Yea I was thinking about it. Most likely just cut it out and find something from the hardware store to fix it, or at least make it look better.
I was thinking of playing with the look, making it go kind of rat-rod and letting the rust do it's thing.
Or I can cut out as much rust as I can, put some fender flares and see what happens.

Really that's all for last anyways. So it all depends on how long I take and how much of that rust grows heh

Buy 200's leftovers and combine!

i can cut panels off my my car

Heh, I'm not too worried about it. But I'll keep it in mind should I decide the car suddenly becomes worth it

Once your up and running you can easily swap your drivetrain into another chassis. It's unfortunate to say (because I really like the RX8) that these are sort of disposable cars with plenty of rolling chassis for years to come.

Oh by the way. I've started on the driveshaft jig. You'll have to do some measuring and see if your driveshaft length is close to mine. Being the same transmission it'll probably be damn close.

And just say no to the double flywheel!!! :lol:

A dual mass could actually help me, but nah I'm fine with my flywheel..... for now heh



Bit of an update. With the Kicker's help I got my driveshaft situated.
Same thing here, Rodeo Driveshaft with an RX-7 rear flange and Rodeo trans flange.
Damn near perfect length, and now I don't have to pay to have one changed or balanced.

Finally got to the junkyard and picked up some manifolds off a V6 Camaro.
Also scored some extra sensors and coils.

I don't have much knowledge on GM power trains but would an LFX swap work well in this case?

AFAIK they're a lighter option than the LS, they're abundant, and I've only seen the swap attempted once for an 8. Thoughts?

Those rust photos made me cringe like hell too.