Mazda RX8 V8 1UZ-FE engined project, Insurance woes
Discussion
After reading a few threads here and seeing how cheap these are now I thought I'd take a plunge and start a new project.
I recently bought an RX8 with FSH, all the nice options, got the 231 model so 6 speed gearbox and a LSD all for £1100 but low compression. The intention was to strip the engine bay down and see if the Lexus V8 would fit as no one seems to have done it already.
but before I've even started insurance seems to be a massive problem. I'm open to different engine choices too, I've read that the bolt pattern on the bellhousing may even be common to other Mazda cars which is a definite option. As a last resort I could recondition the engine but I wanted something different and unique.
So basically has anyone got any specialist insurance recommendations? I'm 23, 1 years NCB and an accident in November 2010. I've called Footman James, Sky insurance so far and the only place that even quoted was confused.com at £9,500, am I stuffed?
I recently bought an RX8 with FSH, all the nice options, got the 231 model so 6 speed gearbox and a LSD all for £1100 but low compression. The intention was to strip the engine bay down and see if the Lexus V8 would fit as no one seems to have done it already.
but before I've even started insurance seems to be a massive problem. I'm open to different engine choices too, I've read that the bolt pattern on the bellhousing may even be common to other Mazda cars which is a definite option. As a last resort I could recondition the engine but I wanted something different and unique.
So basically has anyone got any specialist insurance recommendations? I'm 23, 1 years NCB and an accident in November 2010. I've called Footman James, Sky insurance so far and the only place that even quoted was confused.com at £9,500, am I stuffed?
I know the lexus v8 is a big engine, probably why no one has done it. but it is such a cheap engine and can be made to be so powerful. your are right about the GM V8 though, I've seen a few build threads for those on american websites, one even in progress now with a twin turbo!
I'm going to have spend the day on the phone, I want to hope its at least doable to insure. its covered right now on a laid up policy
I'm going to have spend the day on the phone, I want to hope its at least doable to insure. its covered right now on a laid up policy
k me, even with a knackered engine that's a lot of car for the money!I will add greenlight to my growing list of places to try thank you. just had the afternoon of being made to feel like a criminal because I'm young and had an accident, I've got a squeaky clean license.
and don't think the engine cover idea will work as much as I would love it too!
notice the alternator in the middle of the engine bay, that's where the engine stops! its tiny. there's so much room in there if you move the ancillaries out of the way
and don't think the engine cover idea will work as much as I would love it too!
notice the alternator in the middle of the engine bay, that's where the engine stops! its tiny. there's so much room in there if you move the ancillaries out of the way
It is pretty cheap isn't it! I was surprised too. kept my eye on ebay for a couple weeks, it was a 300 mile round trip in that van though. http://www.transporterhire.co.uk/ If anyone is interested, excellent service!
ensignia said:
How dare you try and put a V8 engine in the RX-8? It's designed purely for the magical rotary, and no other engine will fit because the car is designed around it. It's the only medium sized coupe available don't you know?
reckon a 350z engine might go well in it 
. In all seriousness as a concept I love the idea of a rotary engine, it has some real advantages. but evidently if I can pick one up for peanuts there maybe not all that magical, just have a look how many non runners are about.BarbarianBeast said:
ensignia said:
How dare you try and put a V8 engine in the RX-8? It's designed purely for the magical rotary, and no other engine will fit because the car is designed around it. It's the only medium sized coupe available don't you know?
reckon a 350z engine might go well in it . In all seriousness as a concept I love the idea of a rotary engine, it has some real advantages. but evidently if I can pick one up for peanuts there maybe not all that magical, just have a look how many non runners are about.
Don't worry about Ensignia, he buys cars he dislikes and then moans about them for the rest of time.Can't help with insurance but good luck with the project and make sure you start a build thread when you get underway.
Thank you for all the suggestions, ill try again next week with insurance, but I may leave it standard for now.
I'm still not entirely sure what's wrong with the engine, the guy I bought it from reckoned he hadn't even taken it to a garage just assumed it was knackered low compression. I suppose I ought to check its just not flooded and in need of coils. It cranks but doesn't start. I'll have a look at the state of the spark plugs tomorrow, not sure where to start looking. I only get a chance to work on it weekends.
I'm still not entirely sure what's wrong with the engine, the guy I bought it from reckoned he hadn't even taken it to a garage just assumed it was knackered low compression. I suppose I ought to check its just not flooded and in need of coils. It cranks but doesn't start. I'll have a look at the state of the spark plugs tomorrow, not sure where to start looking. I only get a chance to work on it weekends.
Different guy, I think, but same project is underway on driftworks at the minute....
http://www.driftworks.com/forum/drift-car-projects...
http://www.driftworks.com/forum/drift-car-projects...
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