[QUOTE=olddragger;4414568I am surprised no one mentioned the new freeze plug like thing inbetween the leading and trailing sparkplugs--lol.[/QUOTE]

I believe what you are referring to is a heat tab, centers will melt out if temps at that point exceed 300F

Mice build idea and progress! Btw I noticed you plan to swap to the s2 trans. Is the reason for this because the trans is more reliable? Also is it an easy swap because I have to get my trans replaced soon due to some rare problems.

Thanks,
Mike

S2 trans is much more reliable then the S1 and can take much more of a beating is the reason, the gearing is smaller so unless you are also doing an S2 rear diff swap your acceleration will suffer slightly also it is a bit heavier, but its the price im willing to pay for in all honestly a much better built gear box. It is direct bolt on, but you will have to modify the wiring as the S1 used different style connectors. Only 4 wires though not hard at all. Heres a complete write up on it if your interested, total swap is around 3 grand for a brand new one, much cheaper to rebuild your own

https://www.rx8club.com/tech-garage-...es-1-a-219697/

For that matter, the guages are just a personal preference i think its a cleaner look, I already have all this data on my appradio via dashcommand. but i'm old fashion and like my gauges and dials :)

thanks for clarifying the "freeze plug like thing". I hope it never gets past 300F :)
Anyone know why it is there?

Agreed the s2 trans is a much better unit. It is bigger than the S1 so if you plan on running resonators or a cat--plan on wrapping it good. I run one and I love it.

I understand the aesthetics of an a/f gauge. They do look good . You will have to buy a new sensor -- about once a year. Our exhaust burns them up pretty fast.

This is going to be a very nice build.

Hey 9K---yea the light flywheel does seem to make it harder to catch at idle after it is revved up. I got to get Steve Kan on that, but i have gotten so used to just very lightly tapping the throttle while stopping (slowing the rate of falling rpms) that --it doesnt bother me at all.
It feels even better now with my ssv locked open and the exhaust system I installed--wish yall were here to ride!

OP--there is lower intake manifold that can be done--if you are interested PM me.

I'll get to check it out next weekend :D:

OP - after looking at your list again I noticed you said, "Upgraded Radiator Fans (havent decided on brand yet)"
like OD recommended just get a fan speed controller...cheaper and variable fan speeds :)

Thanks for the tip, I was already going to incorporate this mod, for the fans
Cooling Fan Control Kit by RX-8 Performance | RX8Performance.com

I was also under the impression that stock fans, performance are sub par especially for what they cost, currently looking at Mishimoto, but i know 9k had a bad experience with them so i'm not entirely decided yet

I forgot to expalin why that "Plug" is between the sparkplugs.
Cam does water jacket work around the lead plug which eliminates the potential of those lead sparkplug cracks from developing in the housing. I know everyone knows about how Mazda reduced the water jacket size to retain the engine bolt locations.

The stock fans will work OK with a controller --or the cobb set to activate both at once. I run the oem fans along with a secondary radiator.

applause for the build

I'm not to keen on a second radiator, i think with what i have going in as far as cooling upgrade and the work cam did on the internals there is no reason i will ever have a problem. Also keep in mind i don't race this car, its just my summer/project car i may race at the track but only once or twice a year, other than that just some slightly aggressive street driving (depending on my mood ;) )

What i'm working on right now i think is already slightly overkill even without getting into a second rad, plus i live in buffalo so extreme temps aren't remotely an issue.

Why would you buy a fan controller these days when you can put that money towards an AP and get all the control you need with that ?

Touche, slipped my mind to be honest.

AP ftw.... must admit living in a northern climate really saves alot of cooling worry.... I don't see any extreme coolant temps even on the hottest of days here with the AP increased fan use; even the odd time i've tracked the car

:suitdance

Benefits of dealing with snow 6 months out of the year, just makes me want to dance.

Beautiful build. :icon_tup: Have you thought of using Evans NPG?

For the cost to benefit its not worth it considering i dont track the car and im in a colder climate, doubt ill ever get coolant temps high enough to be an issue.

dang yall and cool temps! :)
I was on track one time in ga when ambient was 105F and the pitt pavement was 155+!

Get a fan controller if you dont have the cobb--or if you are locked out of the cobb by your tuner:)

It was -4F here today, so i believe my great coolant temps are a fair trade of for this crap weather 6 months a year, and mild crap weather in the other 6 :(

Got bored last night, figured while i'm waiting for my manifold to come back for coating good time to clean up the VDI, SSV & APV

http://imageshack.us/a/img534/3294/img1031mp.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img59/5485/img1032gq.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img547/9445/img1033rd.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img594/4607/img1034xr.jpg

The Part pile, as it sits now waiting for reassembly
http://imageshack.us/a/img404/2292/img1035da.jpg

Good job, what did you use to clean the SSV?

Also, any recommendations for LIM reassembly what type of grease to use, as the workshop manual only dictates, Grease Application Point but does not give reference to what kind. I did notice it was a white Grease on the VDI and SSV, APV just appeared to be loaded with carbon, and slight engine oil.

Thanks

For the APV's you just coat them in engine oil before installing the LIM. I did the same on the SSV and VDI.

Just used a can of carb cleaner then soaked them overnight in a carb solvent, wiped them off the next day, SSV was the only one i bad shape (not even that bad either) everything else wasn't to bad, cleaned out the LIM with carb cleaner too before i sent it out for coating

Yeah soaking helped a lot for me too. All the little nooks and crannies on the SSV are kind of a pain.