Series 2 Front End Conversion (Underway)
 

Dudes & Dudette's.

I have researched pretty extensively, but it doesnt seem like anyone has done a series 2 conversion? Anyways, I am knee deep in it, and figured I will update in this thread too, since my build thread is about (gasp) pistons and no one seems to like it :yelrotflm

All parts are brand new OEM mazda components, as I have not been able to find ONE (yes, literately not a single one) used part that is cheaper than OEM Mazda. It almost seems like no one has ever priced OEM parts before? Closest I found was headlights that were only $6 more than a brand new OEM part.

I will disclose that I am the Parts Manager at a GM Dealership, and I get 25% off retail at the Mazda dealer near me.

So far I have:

-2 Fenders (well under $300 CAD each)
-New front bumper cover (bit over $300 CAD)
-Both headlights (Mid $400's CAD each)
-Fender guide brackets
-Upper fog area trim
-Lower fog area trim
-Signal assemblys in fenders

I think thats it but it doesnt look like enough part numbers there lol.

I decided on doing this once I realized that my OEM front bumper cover is cracked and drivers fender cant be saved without excessive filler. Its being painted GM arctic white at the body shop at my work. The front rad support of my car is also long gone and has a bolt on tubular bash bar section that holds the 6 coolers in the front of my LF4 3.6L Twin Turbo setup, and is easy to modify to fit the S2 parts

Anyways, here is what its looking like so far. I will keep this updated. Fenders fit absolutely perfect and use all the same S1 mounting spots.

Headlights have not arrived yet, and I am eager to see if there is any details I have missed and will require some fab work


I will answer questions as I can, but in case anyone has some tips or something to watch out for, let me know :)


Attachment 217056

So im a huge fan on the s2 over the s1, and sometimes regret creeps in that I didn't go that way,

But, conversion, its a lot of work, and you still miss out on the extra modern things that came in 2009+
bluetooth, steering wheel change, engine improvements.

I would only attempt this if there was front end damage and parts needed replacing anyway.

How cost effective was this solution??

other benefits of s2 that i forgot to mention...

Rear tail lights.
Rims

Im sure theres more

I am not worried about any of those, as there is not a single OEM mazda wire left in this car haha. Its essentially a racecar with licence plates, and not much more lol. No AC, Marginal heat, no sound deadening, fixed racing bucket, half cage, solid mounted driveline, coilovers etc lol.

If I were to ignore the headlight expense, these are cheaper OEM, than a S1 fender set/bumper. Otherwise, it will be about $1500CAD all in, and I have parts to sell left over.

That's awesome. I was wondering about doing a conversion like this as well. I highly prefer the S2 headlights and fenders over the S1. I'm interested to see how smoothly this goes, because I may attempt it as well. Although I probably won't be sticking with the stock front bumper or hood.

It's pretty simple, you will need the extensions for the fender liners if you want all that to be correct and the wiring for the side marker lights and fogs will need to be done. We cut the connectors off of the S2 donor car.

This is a 2005 Base Sport :)

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...4c28d47908.jpg

Chezmanbespoke, you have any update on this conversion or your build in general? Interested to see how things are coming along. I'm thinking about doing mine very soon. Just want to make sure no other parts are needed beside what you and 9k mention.

He has a build thread here.

Yes, as 9K said, I have a build thread in the non-rotary swap area.

This is the list of parts I ordered for my conversion, though a RX8 that isn't a learning tool would likely need a few more parts than I did. I think the oil coolers mount different.

I have from series 2:

Fenders
Headlights (Which I opened and modified)
Front fascia (R3)
Fender guide brackets
Headlight guide brackets
2 pc Fog/Cooler trim on each side
Grille
Fender Liners
Fender lamp's/trim
Top bumper mounting trim(?) - I fabricated this part myself.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...5bc6c71301.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...ead77cf432.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...f1b42425fb.png
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...c913c45ca3.png