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Swap or Turbo

Old Jul 29, 2008 | 11:48 PM
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Swap or Turbo

First off. I did search, but maybe not enough? I'm interested in a 13b swap. I don't understand why people spend 4 or 5 thousand for a Greedy turbo and get happy about 295HP. I want 400! I've seen 13b's for 2500 with tranny. Why not just swap. I know someone has thought about this but I just couldn't find anything. Is the renesis that much better than the 13b. One is made for a turbo the other is not is my opinion. How easy is the 13b install? Interested in your thoughts. I'm new to the scene but not new to cars. Don't talk to me like I'm your kid. Thanks.
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Old Jul 29, 2008 | 11:58 PM
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If you want 400 rwhp reliably, this is not the car for you.

--Jonathan
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 12:03 AM
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Originally Posted by obx8
First off. I did search, but maybe not enough? I'm interested in a 13b swap. I don't understand why people spend 4 or 5 thousand for a Greedy turbo and get happy about 295HP. I want 400!
What's your budget?


Originally Posted by obx8
I've seen 13b's for 2500 with tranny. Why not just swap. I know someone has thought about this but I just couldn't find anything. Is the renesis that much better than the 13b. One is made for a turbo the other is not is my opinion.
How much do you know about the 13b?


Originally Posted by obx8
How easy is the 13b install? Interested in your thoughts. I'm new to the scene but not new to cars. Don't talk to me like I'm your kid. Thanks.
You're not new to cars, but how new... or familiar, are you with wrenching?
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 12:21 AM
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Originally Posted by obx8
First off. I did search, but maybe not enough? I'm interested in a 13b swap. I don't understand why people spend 4 or 5 thousand for a Greedy turbo and get happy about 295HP. I want 400! I've seen 13b's for 2500 with tranny. Why not just swap.
I recall seeing at least one 13b swap at Sevenstock last year in an RX8 so I know it can be done. Yes, it will come down to what kind of a budget you're going to be working with.

If 400whp or greater is your goal, I can tell you already you'll need to invest in BHR axles and a much stronger transmission. The stock tranny really can't even handle stock power levels, much less anything near the 400 WHP range.

For about $7,000 you can get the greddy kit w/ an upgraded garrett turbo along with the accessport for tuning and have a setup good up to 400whp.

The renesis is very reliable with 310 - 320 WHP with this turbo setup...water/meth can also aid that process.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 01:39 PM
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I still want to see someone do a LS X swap....

Maybe...

I`ll put that down in the list lol
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 01:57 PM
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A stock 13B-REW and tranny isn't going to do 400 whp either. Does that 2500 include the turbos, turbo piping, and required accessories? Then, how much is it going to cost to reroute all the plumbing? You'll still have to get a fuel pump. Then, on the REW, what do you have to change to get it to 400whp? It isn't free. In a couple years, it'll probably be cheaper to run a renesis up to 400 whp (drivetrain issues withstanding) than to swap in an REW. The lower compression of the REW makes it easier to tune for higher boost so it might always reach bigger numbers easier, but the difference might not be enough to cover the swap cost at 400 whp and below.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 02:38 PM
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And its not like the REW was really considered that reliable at 400whp either.

Last edited by jones75254; Jul 30, 2008 at 02:40 PM.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 11:04 PM
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I know enough to get in trouble. I've had a few supras. I've changed headgaskets and turbos among other things. I just wanted to post this to see what's the most reasonable. I sell crack and make good money jk. I'm a network admin and do pretty well. Money isn't a huge issue as long as I'm really happy in the end. I really love the car. I love the way it handles but I want more power.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 11:13 PM
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you can get reliable 320-360 whp with the BHR/MM turbo kit. The turbo is capable of going higher, but I wouldn't try it unless your budget allows for engine replacements every 20k miles. Try a ride in Jeff's car first before you think you need "400"

A number is just a number. Unless all you want is bragging rights on internet forums.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 12:07 AM
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Originally Posted by 05rex8
If you want 400 rwhp reliably, this is not the car for you.

--Jonathan
You'll see.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 12:16 AM
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mysql: how much hp would you say jeff has?
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 01:25 AM
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Originally Posted by mysql
Try a ride in Jeff's car first before you think you need "400"

A number is just a number. Unless all you want is bragging rights on internet forums.
Having ridden in his car a few times I can back this up. Horsepower numbers are just one factor in performance. Sure, you can buy cars with 500whp but some that weigh in excess of 4,000 lbs are just pigs.

The RX8 with 320 - 340whp is a pretty fast car.
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 01:29 AM
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Originally Posted by J.Cab
mysql: how much hp would you say jeff has?
You can't just look at the thread created to answer questions just like this?
Its a sticky, for crying out loud!
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Old Jul 31, 2008 | 01:34 AM
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Originally Posted by obx8
You'll see.
Can't wait

edit: can't wait to see you do it with the renesis that is

Last edited by 05rex8; Jul 31, 2008 at 01:39 AM.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 01:58 AM
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Originally Posted by 05rex8
Can't wait

edit: can't wait to see you do it with the renesis that is
I have hopes and dreams don't be mad at me.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 05:38 PM
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Not mad, will be interesting to see. GL.

--Jonathan
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 04:06 AM
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If you give me a mkIV supra ill swap anything you want for you lol Oh and it has to be a TT not NA-T please :P.
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 08:18 AM
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The hard part of the swap is....guages, fuel system, engine mounts, and engine management. Its not impossible of course, but its MUCH easier to order a turbo kit made for the car...bolt it on and go. Its not the route I went, and I have a reliable 400hp rx8.
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by mysql
you can get reliable 320-360 whp with the BHR/MM turbo kit. The turbo is capable of going higher, but I wouldn't try it unless your budget allows for engine replacements every 20k miles. Try a ride in Jeff's car first before you think you need "400"

A number is just a number. Unless all you want is bragging rights on internet forums.
Recent events have made it abundantly clear that 320+ RENs do not last long.

MMs motor was in the 7s, correct?
Didn't you just have a rebuild?
importsshowoff84 just blew his engine at 340.

I'm not trying to attack you but I also don't want the OP to turbo his car happily only to hear that dreaded sound 5k miles later.

Originally Posted by Outkast187
I have a reliable 400hp rx8.
Dyno?
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Falken
Recent events have made it abundantly clear that 320+ RENs do not last long.

MMs motor was in the 7s, correct?
Didn't you just have a rebuild?
importsshowoff84 just blew his engine at 340.

I'm not trying to attack you but I also don't want the OP to turbo his car happily only to hear that dreaded sound 5k miles later.
Please do not make broad generalizations using incorrect assumptions about events you do not understand.

My engine tested with normal compression after 25,000 miles. The rebuild was done to correct a crack in the front iron housing. I'm not going to get into the details since there's a pending court case.

If your car is properly tuned, you really don't need to worry about much more than you worry about now with a NA RX-8. You just have to be more cautious and meticulous with making sure wires and hoses remain in good shape and aren't cracking or breaking.
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Outkast187
The hard part of the swap is....guages, fuel system, engine mounts, and engine management. Its not impossible of course, but its MUCH easier to order a turbo kit made for the car...bolt it on and go. Its not the route I went, and I have a reliable 400hp rx8.
So I take it you got your car and got it running? Post pics!
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by obx8
First off. I did search, but maybe not enough? I'm interested in a 13b swap. I don't understand why people spend 4 or 5 thousand for a Greedy turbo and get happy about 295HP. I want 400! I've seen 13b's for 2500 with tranny. Why not just swap. I know someone has thought about this but I just couldn't find anything. Is the renesis that much better than the 13b. One is made for a turbo the other is not is my opinion. How easy is the 13b install? Interested in your thoughts. I'm new to the scene but not new to cars. Don't talk to me like I'm your kid. Thanks.
sorry if this offends you in some way but why dont you learn what kind of motor you currently have under the hood first, its a 13b! if you buy a turbo kit it'll be just like a 13b-re just you wont have turbo rotors or transmission that will hold the power you want. Read this ok: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13B

but here are some questions:

What kind of 13b are you trying to swap? (there are 5 versions of it)

Whats your budget?

How much experience do you have with swapping engines?
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 03:59 PM
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Anyone following the forum of late would have noticed the alarming number of FI8s spitting the dummy.
However , I have a feeling that the tuning tools now available will gradually see a transition to more reliable tunes and a reduction in the mayhem we've seen up till now .
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