9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Okay I want o see pictures of the most awesome builds in your opinion relating to the RX8. Vehicles that come to mind are PhillipM's buggy, 20B 8's, swapped 8's, custom Turboes 8's, Track 8's, Miata's with renny's, etc. I though I had seen everything but recently I have com across a few builds that are totally awesome and I somehow missed them. Just post some snap shots and a little info so we can go look it up if we want to know more.

This car is one build I missed.

elysium19

iTrader: (1)

Wow that is a really clean 8 considering it's all dismantled up front


On topic: Most Beautiful Build Photos Ever
http://jalopnik.com/5361519/pagani-z...posed/gallery/
http://jalopnik.com/5162152/beauty-i...r-mega-gallery
The machining on some of those components is just staggering, in my opinion.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

That Pagani is amazing.

rodjonathan

iTrader: (6)

theres a thread of the ls1 swap ima try and look for it

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Yeah there are a couple I think. Plus the 20B build Vivid is doing.

rodjonathan

iTrader: (6)

^ yup that one is pretty sweet too

PhillipM

Hmm, don't really have much in the way of a build thread for the buggy, it's more of an alteration thread, as we originally built it with a VW-engine and don't have any pictures, but I'll go through what I've got if you like.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Sure, just some cool pictures is fine! or I could fly out there and take some myself

PhillipM

The turkey's on the oven, come on over...



Step one, build cheap VW-based off-road buggy, complete with 2.3 aircooled engine, needle roller rockers, full flow casing, etc, etc:



Step 2, go playing in the mud and blow it up:



Bring home, throw in workshop for a bit, go sulk:



Get engine crane out:



Consider V6:



Decide it's too big, too heavy, and too long.

Source Renesis:



Fit beefier gearbox from a 20-year old van you found in the scrapyard:



Fit engine, make shiny exhaust:



Make new rear frame:



Mock up cooling system (mark 1, not big enough by long shot!):



Fit new springs, torsion bars, and revalve dampers for new weight and power:





Make new doors + vents for cooling, then melt the alternator terminal from engine bay heat, oops:



Go testing new brake system:





Fix a lot of problems and head off to the national off-road rallying series:

















I've got more, but just a rush job as I'm off out for a Christmas Eve drinking session!
All the frame is T45 (similar to your 4340 chro-moly tubing), 3 stage springs up front, 4 stage at the back, braced trailing arms, 4-pot brakes all around, carbon-ceramic pads, 4.5" clutch, etc, etc.
It's not pretty, but it was cheap, cheerful and shedloads of fun!

PhillipM

And merry christmas

rodjonathan

iTrader: (6)

really sweet

mscamp02

iTrader: (3)

Phillip you have the ultimate build!

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

That is so absolutely awesome on so many levels. Thanks!!!!!!

alz0rz

iTrader: (41)

that is awesome!

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

thats an amazing looking header.

PhillipM

Hmm, we thought about chopping the front end off for a set of pro-linked double wishbones as the car would benefit from a bit of front end rework now it's so much quicker, but decided just to build a new car instead, as the whole point was it should be a budget car, adding double wishbones wouldn't really get us any more value in the car for what it would cost.


But saying that, 268 horsies + 800kg + fiddle brakes = turns on the throttle pretty well anyway...

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

what engine management are you using?

PhillipM

DTAfast S80.

Originally we put it on a Microtech LX10s, but we had some problems with the unit itself and the service was dire, so went to DTA as we use them on the other cars and never have any trouble.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

looks very comprehensive!

PhillipM

Might treat it to a supercharger next year, so I'll take some pictures and get a build thread up then.