The solution for this problem is simple.

You simply extend the front of the vehicle by 4 feet. Then the engine becomes mid mount.

 

Well, I can't say thats not a fair post, because according to my rules it is.

So I'll simply ask: How would one do it without extending the body?

How do the big 20B RX-8 teams do it?

 

I assume you mean the Speedsource cars, which are not RX-8 chassis, but tube frames from Riley.

Mazsport did a 3 rotor a little while ago that had the engine pushed back into the near stock location by pushing back the transmission further.

 

Maybe I misunderstand the premise, because "anywhere it would normally go" doesn't make a lot of sense to me. It normally goes in the engine bay, unless you are talking about redesigning the chassis, and then it's not an RX-8. Or are you suggesting putting the engine inside the passenger area?

 

To all: Your mods must be to a stock RX-8 chassis. Meaning you can modify the chassis but you cannot build a new one from scratch, i.e. no tube frames I'm afraid.

Well I WAS thinking of them, but I had assumed that if there was one RX-8 GT car there were more.

There was another one I had in mind but thinking about it now it had a widebody kit and probably had a modified engine bay.

And...what frames from where? EDIT : Oh. Google is my friend.


I mean that you can move it as far down/back as the normal REN could be moved. And you CAN modify the chassis, just not build it from scratch. So for example, if you needed to cut something out of the way to put the engine there, you could.

 

So with 460hp (estimated to the flywheel), and 300lbs up front...

Car is a near 50/50 split stock right? calc 300.lbs to the front, is it really that much? average driver weighs 190lbs in the usa.

Solution:

Get a wide bodykit - slap some 19x10 wheels on all 4's, 275/40 tires up front, and balance rear tires with 280/35 to 300-320/30's for the rear.... balance=dial in trial and error. this would be very suspension dependant at this point so best to have the following installed and set to custom settings before engine changes.


Suspension:
Tanabe suspension with TEAS. + all JIC suspension parts (aka *.*) so frame is stiff, and only feedback is from the shock & rubber(tires).

Now you have full suspension adjustability... and rear tire traction will be managed by tire width, as the horse power is defined at 430-460hp... you can dial your turn in and amt of traction by preference (adjust alignment for toe in or out, camber caster).

end summery: Cars weight distribution can always be offset by tire traction, covering quality of tires is moot, as sticking all season tires instead of street legal race tires is just retarded

If handling is a primary concern... one i'd expect eventually get all bushing points that are rubber replaced with silicon or ball-joint design (+JIC_insert). with full range of suspension modification, and tire chioce with a widebody kit.. hell you could stick a 737 engine in their if you can find some 20x30inch/40 wheels somewhere... i'm sure it might handle the weight, turnin response aside :P

Best of luck!

Sorry guys i haven't been here a while... 2 promotions at work ironically doesn't make work easier...

 

Tell me more about steering response.

 

Steering Response:

Couldn't tell you, never been behind the wheel of 275+width tires. Plus the rx8 handles differently then a 240sx/rps13 in a drift, i'm not sure if this is due to the electrical steering assist... but you can't let go of the steering wheel and manage the angle by throttle in an rx8...

but really.. 275/35x19's up front and 300+/30x19's in the rear? you might want to be more concerned of turning into the wall instead of understeering out .

Also if it's a v8 engine.. it's going to sit higher then the current motor, so mount points aside. Drive shaft and re-enforcing the tranny & rear diff would be the likely weakest link... don't forget the fuel pump.

You can always tweak toe in/out for the front & rear tires, with sacrifice to tire wear. With high pricing of 19" tires, zero toe angle, and camber to keep tires wear balanced, and change your driving habbit is what i'd do, though i don't have the luxury of burning 800.00 on tires every 6months...

 

Great replies.

Tell me more about that.