New to the forums. I'm looking for a RX8 with a blown engine (should be lots of those) to build into a track car. Only real requirements are manual and no sunroof. Engine doesn't have to be blown, but it's getting yanked out either way. I've been browsing the forums for a while but am new to Rx8's and rotaries. Plain is to swap in a newer v6 and look for 350HP to the wheels. With weight reduction, that should make for a reasonably quick ride. My original plan to was build an FD RX7, but I decided the newer platform would make for a more economical track ride.


Other rides include a spec'ish miata as my current track ride, 95 4runner as the off road and Benz C63 AMG as the daily. If anyone knows of a donor car close to East Tennessee, hit me up. Hoping to purchase in the next couple of months so I can build her over the winter.

 

Blown engine?? Good luck with that! Obviously you meant you're looking for a car with an engine that failed its compression test. Despite what you read here again and again and again, RX-8 engines don't get "blown":

What Happens When a Car Engine Blows?

"The definition of a blown engine is one that has been so severely damaged that it needs to be replaced or completely rebuilt. The damage is so extensive that it affects the majority of the engine parts. The damage can include a cracked block, destroyed pistons, damaged intake and and exhaust valves. Connecting rods may be broken and the cylinders scratched.

Blown engines can be caused by numerous factors. Running an engine out of oil will cause it to blow. Running an engine at high speeds and and excessive revolutions per minute (RPMs) for an extended period can also cause engine failure. A blown engine is often the result of overheating. A serious coolant leak can cause the engine to explode."

Fact is (not that facts are important here on rx8club.com), some Renesis engines lose power and will then fail a Mazda compression test. Sorry, but this is not "engine failure" - said engines can start and run, and RX-8 engines that have failed a compression test are drivable; cars with "engine failure" or "blown engines" are not. Nevertheless, Mazda decided to replace – rather than repair – engines that failed their compression test. How this somehow turned into "engine failure" or "blown engines" is a neat trick of online semantics that conveniently ignores the facts. Suffice to say that those responsible for said verbiage could well find positions as writers for Fox News.

Good luck finding an RX-8 needing an engine replacement! Most RX-8's don't. (You didn't know that either, did you? Hmm, bet I can guess where you're getting your information!)

 

^^ hit a nerve much? he's looking for a car, not a lecture.

I can't help you with the car, but you might have an easier time swapping an engine into an rx7. The electronics in the 8 make that a more complicated proposition. It's not the most economical option for sure.

If you have already factored that in, great. There should be a number of cheap RX8s with hot start issues on craigslist and other sites. Hot start issues mean new engine time, mean you can negotiate

 

Wow. That escalated quickly.

"Blown engine" is a fairly common generic phrase that, at least around here, means is not running or in need serious repair. Whether it has low compression, needs replacement apex seals or simply wont start, I don't really care. I'm looking to buy a vehicle, pull the engine and do the swap. I don't have anything against the RENESIS. It just isn't what I'm looking for. Not sure why you take it personally that my plan isn't the same as yours, and I hope your day improves.

I have a specific plan for what I'm trying to do/build. I understand the work and costs involved. Not sure why you take it personally that my plan isn't the same as yours.

 

Well, one turned up fairly quick local and I rescued her from a wholesaler. 2005 slicktop, 6-speed manual, cloth interior with 110,000 miles. Body and interior are in pretty good shape and I got her for a great price.