engine swap
10-18-2007, 11:19 AM
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engine swap
ive been looking into all options for increased hp/tq. i know nothing about swaping an engine. which ones fit, cost, etc.... i know some of you will say im taking away the soul of the car but i dont care. i just want some info and discussion on the process of swaping your engine for something different.
Rick
Rick
10-18-2007, 11:22 AM
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ls1 - cheap, reliable, fast, weight difference isn't much.
13b-rew - expensive, fast, expensive, not *too* reliable.
20B - more expensive, very fast, you get the picture.
ls1 is probably your best route.
if you do, sell me your transmission cheap for giving you the ls1 idea
13b-rew - expensive, fast, expensive, not *too* reliable.
20B - more expensive, very fast, you get the picture.
ls1 is probably your best route.
if you do, sell me your transmission cheap for giving you the ls1 idea
10-19-2007, 02:16 PM
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best bang for the buck. i dont have a set hp# but i want to spend my hard earned money as wise as i can. 8k for 350 wheel hp and semi reliable........it makes me think if this is really the best choice. they have chevy crate engines for 3k that put down 400hp. i dont know if they will fit or what it will take to make that swap. but i would love to hear a muscle sound coming out of my 8. and i know to each his own but its something that i think is cool.
can it be done and if so what extra costs would i be looking at?
can it be done and if so what extra costs would i be looking at?
10-19-2007, 05:13 PM
#8
There are a couple of engine swaps going on in this forum. One was a 2JZ swap, a few 20B swaps, and I can't remember the couple of others. Have you taken your car to a road course yet, maybe during a HPDE event? Before you settle on the idea that you need more power I'd suggest you learn to throw the car around a track and see what it is capable of. You'll find that if you can get around 300 rwhp, which isn't that difficult, you'll have plenty of fun and a nice streetable car. I am no rotary purist, believe me, but I'd hate for you to make rash decisions without fully investigating all angles.
10-19-2007, 08:32 PM
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honestly, and this is my own opinion, but i think putting a crate engine like a chevy will be gay as hell, hard and expensive as ****, and that isnt what the car is made for. Take the car to the track, let her lose! im sure you wont be dissapointed, and if you are, just throw a turbo or s/c in there and you will be 100% satisfied, just ask any of the FI guys. But if you want to go fast in a straight line, you may have bought the wrong car.
10-20-2007, 01:07 AM
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opening this thread is me investigating all angles. ive done just about all the homework i can on the fi options. the only tracks around here are straight ones. im not real big into the whole race thing. im trying to go with what will work for me. if i want to drop a V8 in there il do it. i have not even begin to reach a descison. and to tell you the truth i will 80% go with the renny and a turbo. but i need to check this option out.
you guys are still trying to tell me not to do it. can you please start telling me how, cost, parts, etc.
R.
you guys are still trying to tell me not to do it. can you please start telling me how, cost, parts, etc.
R.
10-20-2007, 08:54 AM
#11
What we are telling you, Rick, is that if you do not take your RX-8 to a road course then you are missing 90% of that which it was intended to do. To be honest, if 1/4 mile and stoplight challenges are what happens in Baltimore perhaps you should have gotten yourself the vehicle of choice for hamfisters; a Neon SRT4. It has loads of power but it can't stop or turn for ****. It doesn'ts seem like you care much about those 2/3 anyway.
Part of the discipline in modding your car involves doing your own homework and figuring most of this stuff out on your own. In doing so, you may develop a bit of respect for your car and for those who have done what it is you are trying to do. At this point, I can guarantee that if any of us were to hold your hand and show you the way you'd still bitch about one thing or another.
Engine swaps are plenty around here so go ask those forum members how much they cost and if it was worth it. Same with turbo kits.
Part of the discipline in modding your car involves doing your own homework and figuring most of this stuff out on your own. In doing so, you may develop a bit of respect for your car and for those who have done what it is you are trying to do. At this point, I can guarantee that if any of us were to hold your hand and show you the way you'd still bitch about one thing or another.
Engine swaps are plenty around here so go ask those forum members how much they cost and if it was worth it. Same with turbo kits.
10-20-2007, 08:57 AM
#12
He's as bad as Can
Your less than 2 hours from Summit Point Raceway I wish I was that close to a road coarse. In fact if you act quick you can run there next weekend http://www.mazdadrivers.com/
The RX-8 was not designed as a 'drag' car so the amount of knowledge on draging one is limited. Most are also still under warranty which also limits the number of engine swaps done. So the best advice at this time regarding a V8 swap is find a good welder / fabricator and what ever you budget for this double it.
The RX-8 was not designed as a 'drag' car so the amount of knowledge on draging one is limited. Most are also still under warranty which also limits the number of engine swaps done. So the best advice at this time regarding a V8 swap is find a good welder / fabricator and what ever you budget for this double it.
Last edited by expo1; 10-20-2007 at 09:02 AM.
10-20-2007, 09:44 AM
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give the 8 a chance, im racing today at miller park and i couldnt be happier. chances are for you, its not that the car isnt enough for you, but you arent enough for the car
10-20-2007, 12:36 PM
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jesus you guys are insane some times lol. i do not race around a track nor do i want to. it doesnt have to be a v8. like i said im probobly not going to do it anyway i was just asking. and yes i love the turning and stoping. thats all great. but i can promise you i will never have this car on any kind of track straight or curved. i just want it faster without buying a new car.
10-20-2007, 12:46 PM
#17
Yes we are a rough crowd, Rick. I am glad you are taking it in stride.
The RX-8 is a helluva car and with a few simple bolt-ons will run in the mid-high 13s in the 1/4 mile. Is that quick enough for you considering it is one of the best handling for it's price category and has one of the BEST braking systems, regardless of price?
There are a few mods, like catless midpipe and lightweight flywheel that will pep it up and when you get some sort of F/I, even moreso.
A couple years ago, when my car last ran well, I had a few mods and a 55 shot and I used to take down STis, Evo8s, Mustangs, GTOs, etc., all the time. Those idiots aren't as quick as they think they are, especially from a 20 mph roll. The Renesis is not a bad engine, Mazda just screwed up the OMP oiling system on the '04-'05 models, and the problems you read about are mostly from ******** like me who are trying to see what can be gained from higher levels of boost, more nitrous, porting, and other stuff. The 99% of those who only do minor mods have no issues, at all.
Plus, those other cars don't handle aggressive driving as gracefully as the RX-8, don't look as cool doing it, and driving an 8 will almost always get the average guy laid from time to time.
The RX-8 is a helluva car and with a few simple bolt-ons will run in the mid-high 13s in the 1/4 mile. Is that quick enough for you considering it is one of the best handling for it's price category and has one of the BEST braking systems, regardless of price?
There are a few mods, like catless midpipe and lightweight flywheel that will pep it up and when you get some sort of F/I, even moreso.
A couple years ago, when my car last ran well, I had a few mods and a 55 shot and I used to take down STis, Evo8s, Mustangs, GTOs, etc., all the time. Those idiots aren't as quick as they think they are, especially from a 20 mph roll. The Renesis is not a bad engine, Mazda just screwed up the OMP oiling system on the '04-'05 models, and the problems you read about are mostly from ******** like me who are trying to see what can be gained from higher levels of boost, more nitrous, porting, and other stuff. The 99% of those who only do minor mods have no issues, at all.
Plus, those other cars don't handle aggressive driving as gracefully as the RX-8, don't look as cool doing it, and driving an 8 will almost always get the average guy laid from time to time.
10-20-2007, 12:50 PM
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Yes we are a rough crowd, Rick. I am glad you are taking it in stride.
The RX-8 is a helluva car and with a few simple bolt-ons will run in the mid-high 13s in the 1/4 mile. Is that quick enough for you considering it is one of the best handling for it's price category and has one of the BEST braking systems, regardless of price?
There are a few mods, like catless midpipe and lightweight flywheel that will pep it up and when you get some sort of F/I, even moreso.
A couple years ago, when my car last ran well, I had a few mods and a 55 shot and I used to take down STis, Evo8s, Mustangs, GTOs, etc., all the time. Those idiots aren't as quick as they think they are, especially from a 20 mph roll. The Renesis is not a bad engine, Mazda just screwed up the OMP oiling system on the '04-'05 models, and the problems you read about are mostly from ******** like me who are trying to see what can be gained from higher levels of boost, more nitrous, porting, and other stuff. The 99% of those who only do minor mods have no issues, at all.
Plus, those other cars don't handle aggressive driving as gracefully as the RX-8, don't look as cool doing it, and driving an 8 will almost always get the average guy laid from time to time.
The RX-8 is a helluva car and with a few simple bolt-ons will run in the mid-high 13s in the 1/4 mile. Is that quick enough for you considering it is one of the best handling for it's price category and has one of the BEST braking systems, regardless of price?
There are a few mods, like catless midpipe and lightweight flywheel that will pep it up and when you get some sort of F/I, even moreso.
A couple years ago, when my car last ran well, I had a few mods and a 55 shot and I used to take down STis, Evo8s, Mustangs, GTOs, etc., all the time. Those idiots aren't as quick as they think they are, especially from a 20 mph roll. The Renesis is not a bad engine, Mazda just screwed up the OMP oiling system on the '04-'05 models, and the problems you read about are mostly from ******** like me who are trying to see what can be gained from higher levels of boost, more nitrous, porting, and other stuff. The 99% of those who only do minor mods have no issues, at all.
Plus, those other cars don't handle aggressive driving as gracefully as the RX-8, don't look as cool doing it, and driving an 8 will almost always get the average guy laid from time to time.
10-20-2007, 01:13 PM
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believe me im with you guys on loving the 8. everything you mentioned is what i love about it too. i purchased my 04 in feb 07. it had 28k miles on it. since then i have put 20k miles on it. now my car almost has 50k miles. and im not sure if it has the problems you speak of with the 04-05 models. and i want a high boost application. i drive alot as you can tell by the amount of miles i put on my car. so i cannot comprimise my engine. so if the renny needs to be replaced thats what il do. i have numerous mods that i have not installed just sitting in my garage. i want to install them all at the same time. im always confronted at a redlight. i never have time to take it to a track. none of my friends are into track type stuff. so i need the car as a daily driver "lots of highway". and to be able to go up and down ritchie hwy and keep up with most of the vehicles that pull up to red lights with me.
now that you know my driving situation....what would you do with a 50 k engine
R.
now that you know my driving situation....what would you do with a 50 k engine
R.
10-20-2007, 01:50 PM
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believe me im with you guys on loving the 8. everything you mentioned is what i love about it too. i purchased my 04 in feb 07. it had 28k miles on it. since then i have put 20k miles on it. now my car almost has 50k miles. and im not sure if it has the problems you speak of with the 04-05 models. and i want a high boost application. i drive alot as you can tell by the amount of miles i put on my car. so i cannot comprimise my engine. so if the renny needs to be replaced thats what il do. i have numerous mods that i have not installed just sitting in my garage. i want to install them all at the same time. im always confronted at a redlight. i never have time to take it to a track. none of my friends are into track type stuff. so i need the car as a daily driver "lots of highway". and to be able to go up and down ritchie hwy and keep up with most of the vehicles that pull up to red lights with me.
now that you know my driving situation....what would you do with a 50 k engine
R.
now that you know my driving situation....what would you do with a 50 k engine
R.
10-20-2007, 02:27 PM
#21
The first thing, with regard to the engine, is to make sure all of the technical service bulletins (TSBs) have been addressed. BTW, the factory warranty has been extended to 60/60K. Access the TSBs at FinishlinePerformance.com and read through them all.
Next, what is the consumption rate of oil on your engine. How far, in miles, does it take to burn a quart of oil?
Then, check your compression and intake manifold vacuum to be sure those are in-spec.
Which mods are they that you either have sitting around ready to be installed or are interested in getting.
If you guys want more direct and personal attention, feel free to contact me via p.m. I don't have any particular favorite mods or companies and I am not paid to promote any, either. What I try and do is assess your particular needs and make suggestions according to a number of different factors that we discuss.
Next, what is the consumption rate of oil on your engine. How far, in miles, does it take to burn a quart of oil?
Then, check your compression and intake manifold vacuum to be sure those are in-spec.
Which mods are they that you either have sitting around ready to be installed or are interested in getting.
If you guys want more direct and personal attention, feel free to contact me via p.m. I don't have any particular favorite mods or companies and I am not paid to promote any, either. What I try and do is assess your particular needs and make suggestions according to a number of different factors that we discuss.
Last edited by Charles R. Hill; 10-20-2007 at 04:07 PM.
11-12-2007, 11:09 PM
#23
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your biggest problem you will have to overcome with putting in an ls1 is your steering rack. its really the only thing thats holding you back. there are two ways to make it work though. #1 is make a custom low profile rack that is moved forward a bit, then go about ties rods and such. #2 cut a big *** hole in your hood to allow the engine to peak through. i have already been down the road for trying to do a v8 swap. it can be done but will cost a whole hell of alot of money. My newest interest is the sr2det. reason for this is its smaller, very easy to find and build if you want, and its way way more reliable than that stock renisis peice of **** that we have for an engine. Im doing a swap soon because i have a dead car in my driveway and my enigine only has 75k on the odometer. If you want to do a swap i say do it, there are pleny of people out there like me and you that think that it will be the best thing and thing to do. besides we dont road race so who cares. im just in it for the fun.
11-13-2007, 06:42 PM
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11-13-2007, 07:46 PM
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