LFX HPDE Toy
04-30-2019, 11:39 AM
#51
Keisler
Don't be too hard on the 3.91 rear end yet. I was worried about it at first to but after 4 or 5 weeks got used to it and am now glad I did it. Coming out of the hole is great but you have to be quick.
Reporting in that I picked up my car from Andrew about 10 days ago. I have some mixed emotions on the swap which may have more to do with the RX-8 than the swap itself:
1. First issue was the AC crapped out about an hour into the trip. I'll have to take it to a local shop to be looked up, fairly upset as I paid extra for the AC to be working and it didn't even go 100 miles.
2. On the drive home it was pouring, car experienced a couple hiccups as I tried to do a couple pulls, a very hard "cough" would happen. Today I am experiencing none of that. When I got home i wiggled some connectors and saw some wires that I routed slightly differently. I really don't think I did anything and right now am thinking it was moisture related.
3. The 3.91 I selected I think isn't right for the trans. 1st gear is useless. It doesn't do too badly on the highway but, a 3.45 is probably the way to go.
4. The steering ratio feels slow to me, though I'm used to a Tesla Model 3 which is 2 turns lock to lock. I'm looking into seeing if I can fit a NC Miata rack in as it appears to be quicker ratio.
5. Car seems to have amazing torque but power seems to fall off up top. I was expecting it to pull harder, it may be just expectations not based on reality?
The good parts of it though:
1. Very clean swap! Andrew showed me some of the parts off the car and he really did a good job designing and having them machined. I particularly like the cast exhaust elbows.
2. I'm using a "stock" RX-8 Greddy exhaust from eBay and actually like the sound of the LFX.
3. It's a great "street" car in that it can cruise for miles without complaints. I drove mine 700 miles back from TN.
4. As mentioned before, the torque is great. Passing is never a problem and really besides the sounds, downshifting is rarely needed on the highway.
I'm really looking forward to trying this thing out in some more high performance capacity.
1. First issue was the AC crapped out about an hour into the trip. I'll have to take it to a local shop to be looked up, fairly upset as I paid extra for the AC to be working and it didn't even go 100 miles.
2. On the drive home it was pouring, car experienced a couple hiccups as I tried to do a couple pulls, a very hard "cough" would happen. Today I am experiencing none of that. When I got home i wiggled some connectors and saw some wires that I routed slightly differently. I really don't think I did anything and right now am thinking it was moisture related.
3. The 3.91 I selected I think isn't right for the trans. 1st gear is useless. It doesn't do too badly on the highway but, a 3.45 is probably the way to go.
4. The steering ratio feels slow to me, though I'm used to a Tesla Model 3 which is 2 turns lock to lock. I'm looking into seeing if I can fit a NC Miata rack in as it appears to be quicker ratio.
5. Car seems to have amazing torque but power seems to fall off up top. I was expecting it to pull harder, it may be just expectations not based on reality?
The good parts of it though:
1. Very clean swap! Andrew showed me some of the parts off the car and he really did a good job designing and having them machined. I particularly like the cast exhaust elbows.
2. I'm using a "stock" RX-8 Greddy exhaust from eBay and actually like the sound of the LFX.
3. It's a great "street" car in that it can cruise for miles without complaints. I drove mine 700 miles back from TN.
4. As mentioned before, the torque is great. Passing is never a problem and really besides the sounds, downshifting is rarely needed on the highway.
I'm really looking forward to trying this thing out in some more high performance capacity.
06-02-2019, 09:43 AM
#52
Would I do It again, YES a million times. This car is so fun to drive now it is hard to describe. I would recommend the 3.91 rear end it took a little time to get used to it but I am so glad I did it. Also do the tune on it, 32 extra hp at the rear wheels for 800 bucks is well worth it. What I would do different is replace the fuel rail sensor and MAF sensor at the get go. If you do the AC with it also replace everything, dryer evaporator core and get new parts not used or your original equipment. Working with Andrew was extremely impressive, he wants you to be happy and he is old school about getting it right. Also the ebay cat back is fine and a lot cheaper. It is so funny when other rx8 owners ask me about how I got that sound my response is Keisler lfx engine. I have debadged and repainted mine original color with .004 flake and done 1 flow coat. I have one more flow coat to do and then cut and buff it. If you are unsure about doing the swap, come to Monroe La and drive mine you will love it.
07-22-2019, 06:36 AM
#53
Have followed up on this idea and much thanks to danger dan and others for providing info needed
engine swaps are an art form and I am almost through the door of becoming an artist?
looking for the right roller, then my goal is this swap with a 325 range rwhp and 290 something torque.
stay tuned.
engine swaps are an art form and I am almost through the door of becoming an artist?
looking for the right roller, then my goal is this swap with a 325 range rwhp and 290 something torque.
stay tuned.
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yomomspimp06 (07-24-2019)
07-31-2019, 09:17 AM
#58
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Tomasz: The car is great. I have nothing but good things to saw about the car and the LFX swap in general. I'm confident you will be very pleased with yours. TeamRx8 hit the nail on the head. WIth 2 kids under the age of 3, I don't have the time to really enjoy the car. I only made it to the track once this year and don't get to drive it much. Once the kids are a little older and things slow down, I'm sure I'll get back in a track car, but it's time to pass this one on to someone that can enjoy it.
Haven't posted in the classifieds yet because I have a couple local buyers interested, but may still be coming.
Haven't posted in the classifieds yet because I have a couple local buyers interested, but may still be coming.
08-01-2019, 04:16 AM
#59
I also have to small kids, but remeber they cannot eat away your pleasure 
Hopefuly someone else will enjoy the car.
I have started my build page on facebook if anyone wants to take a look. #LFRX8
Hopefuly someone else will enjoy the car.I have started my build page on facebook if anyone wants to take a look. #LFRX8
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hufflepuff (10-26-2020)
12-17-2019, 07:13 AM
#61
My swap is complete and Im currently dealing with some suspension issues. I have upgraded KW V3 springs to 12kg front and 9kg rear, however it is not tuned yet with proper rebound and bound adjustmets. In front suspension, the lower control arms bolts keep unscrewing even though they are new and with 90Sha poly busings. This causes that my front camber and toe keeps getting misaligned. I decided to convert it to uniball mount as the rest of the suspension is already like that with complete Hardrace setup.
I have finished (for now) tuning the engine and got 370hp cranck and 420Nm and reving the engine to 8000 rpm.
I have also completed 3 trackdays where I have eliminated biggest issues. I was able to record one sesion:
More info on my build on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lfrx8
12-17-2019, 07:26 AM
#62
It's all about perspective, i'm coming from a dedicated sprint race car and own a partnership in an endurance car. I'm also finishing up a Bronco build where the suspension alone was $12k, this toy will be cheap in comparison.
Have you tried monoball caster bushings? Those might help keep the front end sorted. I've not seen those bolts back out before but i'm new to Mazdas.
Your numbers look great and i'm basically copying your build from Andrew but going MCS shocks and will likely SC the car later in 2020. I chose the same diff though after watching your videos. Crazy how cheap GM parts are compared to BMW. All in i think this diff will cost $1k while a started clutch diff for the bmw race car was $3500...$6k if you wanted the baller diff. Crazy
Keep the info coming please
Have you tried monoball caster bushings? Those might help keep the front end sorted. I've not seen those bolts back out before but i'm new to Mazdas.
Your numbers look great and i'm basically copying your build from Andrew but going MCS shocks and will likely SC the car later in 2020. I chose the same diff though after watching your videos. Crazy how cheap GM parts are compared to BMW. All in i think this diff will cost $1k while a started clutch diff for the bmw race car was $3500...$6k if you wanted the baller diff. Crazy
Keep the info coming please
12-17-2019, 11:00 AM
#63
You might not be able to get the V3 shocks tuned in because I thought they only offer the original valving for the supplied spring rates and those appear to be substantially higher rates (~50%+) as I recall. That was the case for a set of V3s I have for on a different street application (non-RX8) when I sent them in to be rebuilt.
Also, the OE bushings are better than the poly replacement bushings due to their unique internal design that limits compliance movement. This has been discussed over the years on the forum. If you replace them then they either need to be a hard polymer like delrin etc for single-axis rotation or heim/spherical/pillowball for multiple-axis rotation or single too.
.
Also, the OE bushings are better than the poly replacement bushings due to their unique internal design that limits compliance movement. This has been discussed over the years on the forum. If you replace them then they either need to be a hard polymer like delrin etc for single-axis rotation or heim/spherical/pillowball for multiple-axis rotation or single too.
.
Last edited by TeamRX8; 12-17-2019 at 11:04 AM.
12-17-2019, 09:10 PM
#64
I pulled the trigger so andrew is currently building my car also. So far he has been great. This is just an hpde/tt fun car for me. I choose to have andrew build it because I'm 40 have a job and a family so not enough time to build another race car and honestly so far what I'm being quoted is so fair it's worth having him do the heavy lifting of the swap.
short term plan is to run on stock wheels, I have 2 sets, and will run rs4's. I have MCS on the current car, going to do that again as their good parts backed by good people.
im currently agonizing over spring rates.
I'm thinking 700/550 will be my starting point.
im pretty excited, but little sad to be moving away from the rotary but I think this is the more economical choice in the long run. I bet I'll be missing those $75 13x10 takeoffs pretty soon!!
Im a long long long time member of rx7club.com but I see there are a few active racers here so I'll probably start posting my experiences here with the rx8.
short term plan is to run on stock wheels, I have 2 sets, and will run rs4's. I have MCS on the current car, going to do that again as their good parts backed by good people.
im currently agonizing over spring rates.
I'm thinking 700/550 will be my starting point.
im pretty excited, but little sad to be moving away from the rotary but I think this is the more economical choice in the long run. I bet I'll be missing those $75 13x10 takeoffs pretty soon!!
Im a long long long time member of rx7club.com but I see there are a few active racers here so I'll probably start posting my experiences here with the rx8.
12-18-2019, 03:02 AM
#65
I've been talking to some race drivers in Poland and reading on different forums and it seems the shocks should work with these springs. I'll find out more in spring when the season starts. There is a guy who has a lot of experience in tuning KW suspension - Ill see what he says.
As for the control arms, I think Im lacking proper vocabulary, but I think Im getting monoball caster bushings - a friend of mine who's producing racing subframes and control arms is helping me with it.
Another problem I might have is the lack o Power Plant Frame - and I started to think about it, as i have noticed some "loosness" in my drive train area. When on and off the throtle there is some metalic sound like sth in engaging and disangaging. However there is no place for it now, transmission are now mounted to a dedicated brace and bolted on to the chasis.
As for the control arms, I think Im lacking proper vocabulary, but I think Im getting monoball caster bushings - a friend of mine who's producing racing subframes and control arms is helping me with it.
Another problem I might have is the lack o Power Plant Frame - and I started to think about it, as i have noticed some "loosness" in my drive train area. When on and off the throtle there is some metalic sound like sth in engaging and disangaging. However there is no place for it now, transmission are now mounted to a dedicated brace and bolted on to the chasis.
12-18-2019, 12:35 PM
#66
that may be
but regarding those shocks, I’m betting you can’t get the compression or rebound valving anywhere close to what’s needed. Those settings would respectively be extremely over/under damped for the original spring rates. I don’t believe the range is that wide in either direction.
but regarding those shocks, I’m betting you can’t get the compression or rebound valving anywhere close to what’s needed. Those settings would respectively be extremely over/under damped for the original spring rates. I don’t believe the range is that wide in either direction.
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Dodo23 (07-20-2020)
12-19-2019, 10:11 AM
#67
Water Foul
I called KW US on behalf of a friend, when we were building up his 8 for track use, and they told me the factory valving is good for a 1K increase in spring rate, and they would not / could not re-valve for custom rates. There is probably more tolerance than 1K, but probably not substantially more without ending up under-damped. 2K? This surprised me somewhat for a dual-adjustable shock, but it is not a true motorsports shock, so there is that.
That friend ended up going with an Ohlins race setup, because his V3s kept needing repair.
That friend ended up going with an Ohlins race setup, because his V3s kept needing repair.
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Dodo23 (07-20-2020)
12-22-2019, 03:35 PM
#70
I was wondering about that...got an email confirmation and didn't see anything. I'm in a similar situation and having Andrew build my car. Too busy at work and 2 kids, all free weekend time is spent on other projects until spring and i have this car.
12-26-2019, 04:14 PM
#71
I think track cars are anything but cheap :P
My swap is complete and Im currently dealing with some suspension issues. I have upgraded KW V3 springs to 12kg front and 9kg rear, however it is not tuned yet with proper rebound and bound adjustmets. In front suspension, the lower control arms bolts keep unscrewing even though they are new and with 90Sha poly busings. This causes that my front camber and toe keeps getting misaligned. I decided to convert it to uniball mount as the rest of the suspension is already like that with complete Hardrace setup.
I have finished (for now) tuning the engine and got 370hp cranck and 420Nm and reving the engine to 8000 rpm.
I have also completed 3 trackdays where I have eliminated biggest issues. I was able to record one sesion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdvtjLI6Rg4
More info on my build on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lfrx8
My swap is complete and Im currently dealing with some suspension issues. I have upgraded KW V3 springs to 12kg front and 9kg rear, however it is not tuned yet with proper rebound and bound adjustmets. In front suspension, the lower control arms bolts keep unscrewing even though they are new and with 90Sha poly busings. This causes that my front camber and toe keeps getting misaligned. I decided to convert it to uniball mount as the rest of the suspension is already like that with complete Hardrace setup.
I have finished (for now) tuning the engine and got 370hp cranck and 420Nm and reving the engine to 8000 rpm.
I have also completed 3 trackdays where I have eliminated biggest issues. I was able to record one sesion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdvtjLI6Rg4
More info on my build on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lfrx8
Just out of curiousity, what springs are you using? I can find front upgrades, but the rear one is a progressive one and I cant find much details on it.
05-16-2020, 05:41 AM
#73
I also bought Eibach helper springs for the rear as they had ones which expand to 123mm but still compress to about 40mm.
If your really interested in the spec shoot me a PM.
Last edited by Tomasz LesiĊski; 05-16-2020 at 05:44 AM.
07-20-2020, 12:10 AM
#75
Jcolley response
I did not have it balanced. No difference in handling as I can tell. If you want to talk call me at 318-344-8076. Drove rx7 and rx8 (shitty engine) for over 30 years just for the handling. This is the first time I have any GOGO to really drive it. I run a 265/35 square for tires, trying to go to 275/35 on my next set.