rx8 VAG 20v motor

Nice car Can anyone tell me what VAG actually means?

Why? Serious question, why?

It makes all of about 7 more HP, about 2 more mpg and weighs a lot more. The cost in getting it to work would buy you a replacement RX-8 engine and I can't see any project like this (once complete) doing more than the 50k or so that a new/replacement RX-8 engine should last so reliability isn't the goal.

V8's, big power turbo'd engines yes but the S2000? Pointless.

I've got my name down with Reyland hopefully one of the two setups will crack the VAG conversions. From a consumers point of view I would prefer the VAG as its how the RX8 should have some from the factory. Silly power of a LS engine would be great but you are still stuck with the poor mpg of the original and a hell of a weight in the nose. 20VT should be a great compromise.

I dont get it either. The VAG engine is much easier to get hold of, cheaper, ighter and I think shorter. I was looking at the Honda engine before and it seemed a bit of a lump without a dry sump fitted? Loads more torque and way more scope for cheap power over the F20C which is a gem but needs working hard to wake it up. You would end up with FI to make serious power so why not start with that in the first place at about 1/3rd the costs?

Why argue??? If someone's a V8 or a 200sx or a s2000 or diesel transit motor in one Tinker will do that for you

A 1.8T VAG engine is lighter than an S2k engine? Really?

We're not talking abour gearboxes here. The engines have adapter plates to fit the RX8 box, aye?

I thought that was the point.

Sure the F20 will weigh less than the Vag unit with that lump of cast metal hanging off the side.

its a 210 motor thats been 'chipped' so even if its only 230-240 its better that the 193 that was in it , this car is for a feind of mine and the power is not that important it will be plenty . i will do another for myself for track daying etc and go for nearer 400 with that one , these engines are way cheaper and more plentifull than s2000 engines as well .

fastdruid who are you ? info is always welcome cheers craig

Surely a 5 cylinder will be too long and would require butchering of the front crossmember and/or changing the bonnet line?

In contrast, the photo in this thread of the Reyland car appears to show the whole 1.8T engine sitting behind the crossmember, which means it can sit nice and low and not affect the bonnet line and front structural/steering setup (although the firewall looks like it has needed some work).

Very interesting conversion and I look forward to seeing how both outfits execute it. I don't get why anyone would find the Honda engine an appealing conversion...

Add to that you can get 350bhp out of the VAG units using stock internals with just bolt ons and you have a nice little unit. Is the 1.8 an iron block? i always thought it was.....

How about the Audi A4 V8? they are very short (well the one with the chain drive at the rear is) and can take some boost (TTS do a 600bhp supercharger kit).....

Chris.