My RX8 VAG 20v project.
Discussion
Fastdruid said:
Disco You said:
Something like a honda s2000 lump would work well in an RX-8 I think.
Why? 9 extra HP, less torque, more weight, 4mpg better and the loss of the DSC/traction control. Hardly really worth it for the cost.If you're going to do an engine swap it needs to be a real improvement or cheap.
Maybe an s2000 engine with forced induction, then
I've made some parts for a guy who's fitted a Saab b234 in his rx8 using an omega gearbox . The massive electric steering rack is the biggest issue and he built a new frame with a mk2 escort quick rack coupled to a corsa epas powered Column . The box may have issues once its running over 300hp but so far had been a very cheap conversion . Build thread is on uk saabs
I've made some parts for a guy who's fitted a Saab b234 in his rx8 using an omega gearbox . The massive electric steering rack is the biggest issue and he built a new frame with a mk2 escort quick rack coupled to a corsa epas powered Column . The box may have issues once its running over 300hp but so far had been a very cheap conversion . Build thread is on uk saabs
dom9 said:
Isn't the S2000 lump a massive improvement in reliability though? Can also add forced induction for mega-power [devil's advocate]
So what if it is? You're going to spend a fortune to fit it, at cheapest it's going to be something like 5k and an RX-8 rebuild (with warranty) is £2500. Given that it seems about 50-60k is when RX-8's _might_ need a rebuild you're talking at 100-120k before you 'break even'.
On the plus side it does bolt straight up to the gearbox and you can tune it to ~400hp (although you could also turbo the Renesis to 400HP)
I agree that of all the engines out there it's the closest in character but for that reason I don't see the point.
Still don't know of anyone who's done it.
If your going to pit a 4pot in then surely the obvious choice is the 2.0 MZR out of a Mk3 MX5,as in the engine a 2ltr duratec is based on. They can be boosted easy, and I guess would be an easier fit as the RX8 and MX5 share a bit (gearbox even?).
There's also the 2.3 versions that come in Malta 6's?
So long as it fits under the bonnet....?
(but really a 4 banger in an RX8 is daft, V8 or nothing IMO).
There's also the 2.3 versions that come in Malta 6's?
So long as it fits under the bonnet....?
(but really a 4 banger in an RX8 is daft, V8 or nothing IMO).
snotrag said:
If your going to pit a 4pot in then surely the obvious choice is the 2.0 MZR out of a Mk3 MX5,as in the engine a 2ltr duratec is based on. They can be boosted easy, and I guess would be an easier fit as the RX8 and MX5 share a bit (gearbox even?).
There's also the 2.3 versions that come in Malta 6's?
So long as it fits under the bonnet....?
(but really a 4 banger in an RX8 is daft, V8 or nothing IMO).
The turbocharged 2.3 engine out of the MPS surely. There's also the 2.3 versions that come in Malta 6's?
So long as it fits under the bonnet....?
(but really a 4 banger in an RX8 is daft, V8 or nothing IMO).
But the RX-8 drivetrain pretty much slots into the MX-5 so it should also go the other way round. Not sure about the gearbox though.
Fastdruid said:
But the RX-8 drivetrain pretty much slots into the MX-5 so it should also go the other way round. Not sure about the gearbox though.
I would think any four cylinder lump is going to be a little longer and a lot taller than the renesis. It sits so low down and virtually under the dashboard that height may be an issue - if it is then you're stuck with moving it forward, which I guess you can do because there's an awful lot of empty space in front of the engine, but you are then getting away from the front mid-engine weight distribution that makes the thing handle well in the first place.otolith said:
Fastdruid said:
But the RX-8 drivetrain pretty much slots into the MX-5 so it should also go the other way round. Not sure about the gearbox though.
I would think any four cylinder lump is going to be a little longer and a lot taller than the renesis. It sits so low down and virtually under the dashboard that height may be an issue - if it is then you're stuck with moving it forward, which I guess you can do because there's an awful lot of empty space in front of the engine, but you are then getting away from the front mid-engine weight distribution that makes the thing handle well in the first place.Supercharged Renesis into an MX-5 project
http://www.rx8club.com/australia-new-zealand-forum...
No cutting apart from the torque tube and driveshaft, pretty much just bolt it in.
Post 16 shows the Renesis in an MX-5
http://www.rx8club.com/australia-new-zealand-forum...
No cutting apart from the torque tube and driveshaft, pretty much just bolt it in.
Post 16 shows the Renesis in an MX-5
Edited by Fastdruid on Sunday 2nd March 21:42
good to see some positive feedback, I have already made a prototype adaptor plate from 10mm allu (turned out about 3mm off centre on the shaft so wont do for a final piece but it gave me the opportunity to get everything lined up where I wanted it.
yes it does involve a massive bit of bulkhead chopping but the engine sits back where it should behind the axle so hopefully the chassis setup will not be affected (from the info I could gather they weigh virtually the same?)
the 20v is a short block in terms of longitudal length (pulley to flywheel) its a little taller the rotary but there is till loads of under the hood.
ive just spent the last few days building an exhaust manifold so that's one thing off the list.
i'll post a project thread up in the Japanese section soon.
pete
yes it does involve a massive bit of bulkhead chopping but the engine sits back where it should behind the axle so hopefully the chassis setup will not be affected (from the info I could gather they weigh virtually the same?)
the 20v is a short block in terms of longitudal length (pulley to flywheel) its a little taller the rotary but there is till loads of under the hood.
ive just spent the last few days building an exhaust manifold so that's one thing off the list.
i'll post a project thread up in the Japanese section soon.
pete
Right i'll make a start of this thread then given some may actually want to see one finished haha.
please bear in mind this is a budget build, it could all be easily done by throwing a pile of cash at it (as can anything)
this is how I bought the car in sept last year, cost me £500 delivered. came with no engine and some wiring missing (sorted now) so was an ideal base for me.
bose sounds,6 speed box, alcantara not leather seats and no sat nav
please bear in mind this is a budget build, it could all be easily done by throwing a pile of cash at it (as can anything)
this is how I bought the car in sept last year, cost me £500 delivered. came with no engine and some wiring missing (sorted now) so was an ideal base for me.
bose sounds,6 speed box, alcantara not leather seats and no sat nav
how far the engine sits into the car, some modification to the heater box should see the whole dash back no probs.
waaay back behind the axle
where the turbo will sit, did think it would look better with the turbine inlet underneath but this was how it had to go. excuse the welding, I just tacked it and had it welded properly across the road from me, will upload some pics when it looks pretty
home made manifold flange from 10mm steel cut using a hole saw I might add
start of the manifold build
next on the list is subframe, will be mostly tubular with custom mounts for the (as yet to be found) steering rack as the rx8 one is mahoosive and hits the bottom pulley.
waaay back behind the axle
where the turbo will sit, did think it would look better with the turbine inlet underneath but this was how it had to go. excuse the welding, I just tacked it and had it welded properly across the road from me, will upload some pics when it looks pretty
home made manifold flange from 10mm steel cut using a hole saw I might add
start of the manifold build
next on the list is subframe, will be mostly tubular with custom mounts for the (as yet to be found) steering rack as the rx8 one is mahoosive and hits the bottom pulley.
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