Rx8 with AWD - Question for the Greese Monkeys out there!
03-18-2007, 08:31 AM
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Rx8 with AWD - Question for the Greese Monkeys out there!
Being my first winter with my 8 and all, I've come to the conclusion that Rx8 and snow dont mix...
I had a thought...would it be possible to take the CX-7 AWD setup and mod it for the RX-8 (maybe even the Subaru)? Now, I know its a big project, so my question to you is, can it be done, and if so, what kind of work are we talking about; i.e. would there be a lot of fab work or is something that i can switch out in a weekend without doing much welding or heavy mod work?
thanks for your time guys!
Keith
I had a thought...would it be possible to take the CX-7 AWD setup and mod it for the RX-8 (maybe even the Subaru)? Now, I know its a big project, so my question to you is, can it be done, and if so, what kind of work are we talking about; i.e. would there be a lot of fab work or is something that i can switch out in a weekend without doing much welding or heavy mod work?
thanks for your time guys!
Keith
03-18-2007, 08:46 AM
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I'm not really sure about CX-7 to RX-8, but Vivid Racing swaped an EVO drivetrain into an Outlander (calling it an EvoLander). The only thing is that the Outlander does come in an AWD format, and it was going from a car to an SUV, not an SUV to a car.
The project would require LOTS of custom cutting and welding, not to mention that the drivetrain may not actually fit under the car. Also, is the CX-7 engine mounted transverse of lateral? That could be an issue as well.
Who knows if it would work, but I would try it if I had the cash to do it.
The project would require LOTS of custom cutting and welding, not to mention that the drivetrain may not actually fit under the car. Also, is the CX-7 engine mounted transverse of lateral? That could be an issue as well.
Who knows if it would work, but I would try it if I had the cash to do it.
03-18-2007, 09:51 AM
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cutting shafts to make them fit isn't the problem. i just don't know where you plan to locate the center and front diff's. not to mention the engine and tranny. i just don't see it happening.
buy a subaru? that'll be the much cheaper option for sure.
buy a subaru? that'll be the much cheaper option for sure.
03-18-2007, 09:55 AM
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I wanted AWD. I bought a CX7.
Sweeeet ride. Where the RX8 is pure dry weather pleasure, the CX7 is pure wet weather pleasure. Kind of like the difference between a track car and a rally car.
Sweeeet ride. Where the RX8 is pure dry weather pleasure, the CX7 is pure wet weather pleasure. Kind of like the difference between a track car and a rally car.
03-18-2007, 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by rcpilotp51
I have stock 18's with the bridgestone tires. (soon to be 19" Zinetti's with Dunlop performance)
You're either incredibly ignorant (not stupid, just uninformed) or incredibly brave.
Honestly, before you even consider a $20k project to make your car heavier, less reliable and worse handling, try getting yourself a set of cheap 17" rims with real, honest to Jeebus snow tires on them (Nokian Hakkapiletas, Bridgestone Blizzaks, Dunlop Wintersports, etc).
The OEM Bridgestones are a high-performance SUMMER tire. They have very little in the way of horizontal groves between treadblocks, no siping and the rubber compound hardens up to something like granite when the tires are below 45F or so. If it's dry, they can at least warm up through driving but if it's wet out, good luck, they'll never warm up.
Just to answer your original quesiton:
No, this will not be a weekend project.
This will require a nearly custom rebuild of the front half of your car.
03-18-2007, 12:53 PM
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Ok OK stupid question...
sorry for the stupid questions...but ive learned that anything is possible, especially when it comes to you guys...i just figured someone did it already...
thanks for your help...
im getting 19" Zinetti's, do you suggest i just put a winter tire on there right off the bat?
thanks
keith
thanks for your help...
im getting 19" Zinetti's, do you suggest i just put a winter tire on there right off the bat?
thanks
keith
03-18-2007, 12:56 PM
#10
stop flooding ur engines
good luck findun winter tires for 19s bro, put race rubber on the 19s and put winter crap on the oems. used the stockys for winter
wow, so many ways to bash ur idea where to start.....ok......
take for example the wrx, that engine nearly sticks OUT of the front bumper it sits so far forward.
let me start over.....take ur evo/outlander idea.....
both engines are mounted transversely....thats from fender to fender the cylinders go 1234
those engines r in front of the front axle, which means the transaxle is behind the engine....sending the shafts to each wheel. then the transaxle has another shaft going from the case to the rear of the car.
what u first need to do is....unless u want a REALLY custom transaxle.....u have to first turn the renesis and mount it transversely. then u need to mount it, o.... about 12-18 inches forward in the engine bay, which btw will be hard with that huge cross memember saying hello to ur eccentric pulley (they r 4 inches from each other when the engine is mounted from the factory....)
then your 6 speed auto from the cx7 must somehow bolt onto the engine, which is gonna be easy after all, u just turned a rotary sideways and put a fwd/awd 6 speed auto behind it without any problems...this should be cake....
honestly, crazy one off adapter plates foir the engine/trans marriage can be made by custom shops.....eg hasport might do weird stuff. they do some crazy custom engine mounts at least
then if all that works, somehow the 3 piece driveshaft must fit under the car...which it prolly would anyway, once u remove the PPF and add a custom exhaust to go around the driveshaftSSSSSS......
to ease ur mind the rear diff on the active torque split is a mildly redesigned rx8 diff if that makes u feel better. it just has a big box bolted in front of it full of clutch packs, and wiring and other goodies.....
then of course i doubt the pcm will enjoy figuring out awd. which is only awd when it wants to be, itll be 100/000 when it wants or 50/50 when it wants, u dont decide the pcm does.....so theres a couple grand for a cutom EMS that can monitor yaw rate, g force, wheel speed, rpm, wheel slip etc
once all that is done ull be wishing u got leased a cx7 or been like me and just dont drive when it snows
wow, so many ways to bash ur idea where to start.....ok......
take for example the wrx, that engine nearly sticks OUT of the front bumper it sits so far forward.
let me start over.....take ur evo/outlander idea.....
both engines are mounted transversely....thats from fender to fender the cylinders go 1234
those engines r in front of the front axle, which means the transaxle is behind the engine....sending the shafts to each wheel. then the transaxle has another shaft going from the case to the rear of the car.
what u first need to do is....unless u want a REALLY custom transaxle.....u have to first turn the renesis and mount it transversely. then u need to mount it, o.... about 12-18 inches forward in the engine bay, which btw will be hard with that huge cross memember saying hello to ur eccentric pulley (they r 4 inches from each other when the engine is mounted from the factory....)
then your 6 speed auto from the cx7 must somehow bolt onto the engine, which is gonna be easy after all, u just turned a rotary sideways and put a fwd/awd 6 speed auto behind it without any problems...this should be cake....
honestly, crazy one off adapter plates foir the engine/trans marriage can be made by custom shops.....eg hasport might do weird stuff. they do some crazy custom engine mounts at least
then if all that works, somehow the 3 piece driveshaft must fit under the car...which it prolly would anyway, once u remove the PPF and add a custom exhaust to go around the driveshaftSSSSSS......
to ease ur mind the rear diff on the active torque split is a mildly redesigned rx8 diff if that makes u feel better. it just has a big box bolted in front of it full of clutch packs, and wiring and other goodies.....
then of course i doubt the pcm will enjoy figuring out awd. which is only awd when it wants to be, itll be 100/000 when it wants or 50/50 when it wants, u dont decide the pcm does.....so theres a couple grand for a cutom EMS that can monitor yaw rate, g force, wheel speed, rpm, wheel slip etc
once all that is done ull be wishing u got leased a cx7 or been like me and just dont drive when it snows
Last edited by RoXanneBlack8; 03-18-2007 at 12:58 PM.
03-18-2007, 08:18 PM
#11
anything can be done with for the right amount of money...
I have a 1974 Datsun 260Z, and engine swaps are really popular for this car. The most popular is the retired RB26DETT in-line 6 twin-turbo motor from the Nissan Skyline GT-R. The GT-R comes with ATTESSA AWD stock, but most people just hook it up to RWD (like the Z cars had stock). But one guy hooked up the AWD system. Said it took him $12,000 plus the engine and a few other tweaks. Super sweet and unique for sure, but worth it? Unless you want peoples jaws to drop and your car to (more likely than not) break down every weekend, go for it.
You need an all-wheel drivetrain from a longitudial engine car. So Evos, CX-7's, Mazdaspeed6, and a few others are out as donor cars. You will need to find a wrecked Suby- probably your best bet to harvest your AWD drivetrain.
Throwing up a center diff will be the most difficult part, and routing your front driveshaft and front diff. It will require a completely new front end, and nevermind what to do about your PPF and front suspension componets.
Lots of custom axles and propeller shafts.
Like I said- anything can be done with the right amount of money. But I imagine you'll be able to purchase a used Subaru by the time you're done.
Dave
I have a 1974 Datsun 260Z, and engine swaps are really popular for this car. The most popular is the retired RB26DETT in-line 6 twin-turbo motor from the Nissan Skyline GT-R. The GT-R comes with ATTESSA AWD stock, but most people just hook it up to RWD (like the Z cars had stock). But one guy hooked up the AWD system. Said it took him $12,000 plus the engine and a few other tweaks. Super sweet and unique for sure, but worth it? Unless you want peoples jaws to drop and your car to (more likely than not) break down every weekend, go for it.
You need an all-wheel drivetrain from a longitudial engine car. So Evos, CX-7's, Mazdaspeed6, and a few others are out as donor cars. You will need to find a wrecked Suby- probably your best bet to harvest your AWD drivetrain.
Throwing up a center diff will be the most difficult part, and routing your front driveshaft and front diff. It will require a completely new front end, and nevermind what to do about your PPF and front suspension componets.
Lots of custom axles and propeller shafts.
Like I said- anything can be done with the right amount of money. But I imagine you'll be able to purchase a used Subaru by the time you're done.
Dave
03-18-2007, 09:52 PM
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Side question if I may, just that I haven't seen this many CX-7 owners in one place
what sort of economy do you guys see?
We have had ours for 4500 miles and are seeing 14.5mpg in city driving. Thats about as good as I get in the 8!
what sort of economy do you guys see? We have had ours for 4500 miles and are seeing 14.5mpg in city driving. Thats about as good as I get in the 8!
03-18-2007, 11:07 PM
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im suprised deedub hasn't chimed in with his suggestiong for a FWD B18 swap.
anyway,
does your car not have dsc/tcs? That seems to help a lot in the rain. i've actually never drove in the snow.
anyway,
does your car not have dsc/tcs? That seems to help a lot in the rain. i've actually never drove in the snow.
03-19-2007, 07:42 AM
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Originally Posted by BigOLundh
im suprised deedub hasn't chimed in with his suggestiong for a FWD B18 swap.
anyway,
does your car not have dsc/tcs? That seems to help a lot in the rain. i've actually never drove in the snow.
anyway,
does your car not have dsc/tcs? That seems to help a lot in the rain. i've actually never drove in the snow.
Dont get me wrong i love my 8...i'd even consider it my dream car, but in the snow you might as well have casters for wheels!...just trying to figure a solution.
keith
03-19-2007, 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by RoXanneBlack8
good luck findun winter tires for 19s bro, put race rubber on the 19s and put winter crap on the oems. used the stockys for winter
wow, so many ways to bash ur idea where to start.....ok......
take for example the wrx, that engine nearly sticks OUT of the front bumper it sits so far forward.
let me start over.....take ur evo/outlander idea.....
both engines are mounted transversely....thats from fender to fender the cylinders go 1234
those engines r in front of the front axle, which means the transaxle is behind the engine....sending the shafts to each wheel. then the transaxle has another shaft going from the case to the rear of the car.
what u first need to do is....unless u want a REALLY custom transaxle.....u have to first turn the renesis and mount it transversely. then u need to mount it, o.... about 12-18 inches forward in the engine bay, which btw will be hard with that huge cross memember saying hello to ur eccentric pulley (they r 4 inches from each other when the engine is mounted from the factory....)
then your 6 speed auto from the cx7 must somehow bolt onto the engine, which is gonna be easy after all, u just turned a rotary sideways and put a fwd/awd 6 speed auto behind it without any problems...this should be cake....
honestly, crazy one off adapter plates foir the engine/trans marriage can be made by custom shops.....eg hasport might do weird stuff. they do some crazy custom engine mounts at least
then if all that works, somehow the 3 piece driveshaft must fit under the car...which it prolly would anyway, once u remove the PPF and add a custom exhaust to go around the driveshaftSSSSSS......
to ease ur mind the rear diff on the active torque split is a mildly redesigned rx8 diff if that makes u feel better. it just has a big box bolted in front of it full of clutch packs, and wiring and other goodies.....
then of course i doubt the pcm will enjoy figuring out awd. which is only awd when it wants to be, itll be 100/000 when it wants or 50/50 when it wants, u dont decide the pcm does.....so theres a couple grand for a cutom EMS that can monitor yaw rate, g force, wheel speed, rpm, wheel slip etc
once all that is done ull be wishing u got leased a cx7 or been like me and just dont drive when it snows
wow, so many ways to bash ur idea where to start.....ok......
take for example the wrx, that engine nearly sticks OUT of the front bumper it sits so far forward.
let me start over.....take ur evo/outlander idea.....
both engines are mounted transversely....thats from fender to fender the cylinders go 1234
those engines r in front of the front axle, which means the transaxle is behind the engine....sending the shafts to each wheel. then the transaxle has another shaft going from the case to the rear of the car.
what u first need to do is....unless u want a REALLY custom transaxle.....u have to first turn the renesis and mount it transversely. then u need to mount it, o.... about 12-18 inches forward in the engine bay, which btw will be hard with that huge cross memember saying hello to ur eccentric pulley (they r 4 inches from each other when the engine is mounted from the factory....)
then your 6 speed auto from the cx7 must somehow bolt onto the engine, which is gonna be easy after all, u just turned a rotary sideways and put a fwd/awd 6 speed auto behind it without any problems...this should be cake....
honestly, crazy one off adapter plates foir the engine/trans marriage can be made by custom shops.....eg hasport might do weird stuff. they do some crazy custom engine mounts at least
then if all that works, somehow the 3 piece driveshaft must fit under the car...which it prolly would anyway, once u remove the PPF and add a custom exhaust to go around the driveshaftSSSSSS......
to ease ur mind the rear diff on the active torque split is a mildly redesigned rx8 diff if that makes u feel better. it just has a big box bolted in front of it full of clutch packs, and wiring and other goodies.....
then of course i doubt the pcm will enjoy figuring out awd. which is only awd when it wants to be, itll be 100/000 when it wants or 50/50 when it wants, u dont decide the pcm does.....so theres a couple grand for a cutom EMS that can monitor yaw rate, g force, wheel speed, rpm, wheel slip etc
once all that is done ull be wishing u got leased a cx7 or been like me and just dont drive when it snows
Thanks for all of that info, and I'm sorry about you failing first grade English class.
03-19-2007, 08:20 AM
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BTW, butthead, look at the 4wd setup of a truck. No transverse mounted engines there. The engine could still be mounted longitudally, having a transfer case and a driveshaft that goes to the front diff. The engine would not have to be relocated as there is plenty of room to fit a transfer case after the transmission on the Rx8.
"Well, tony_673, that would leave you with a shortened driveshaft in the rear!" Listen up, nonbelievers: The Jeep Wrangler has a rear driveshaft that is less than 20" long, and it's on a sharp angle, unlike the relatively flat drivetrain of the 8.
This project could work, but as pointed out, it would cost much more money than it would be worth.
...uneducated, closed-minded haters. You suck!
Some of you are getting your panties in a bunch for something that will never be attempted. Have fun with it and open your minds....
"Well, tony_673, that would leave you with a shortened driveshaft in the rear!" Listen up, nonbelievers: The Jeep Wrangler has a rear driveshaft that is less than 20" long, and it's on a sharp angle, unlike the relatively flat drivetrain of the 8.
This project could work, but as pointed out, it would cost much more money than it would be worth.
...uneducated, closed-minded haters. You suck!
Some of you are getting your panties in a bunch for something that will never be attempted. Have fun with it and open your minds....
I hate green beans.....uh, oh....oh God I said it didn't I....
03-19-2007, 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by rcpilotp51
Dont get me wrong i love my 8...i'd even consider it my dream car, but in the snow you might as well have casters for wheels!...just trying to figure a solution.
keith
keith
The stock tires that comes with the 8 are summer tires. They're not meant to be driven in the cold or snow or ice. I believe the manual even says as much.
Do yourself a favor and get yourself a decent set of 17" wheels and some good snow tires and be safe. AWD drive sounds like a good idea, but it really isn't. Our cars handle phenomenally. Why would you want to ruin that?
03-19-2007, 02:46 PM
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hmm, winter is almost over here...but anywayz, get some winter tires and you will be just fine. swaping engine is a bad idea. if you like your rx-8,plz do not do it. and if you really think that the 8 is ur dream car.store it in winter.
