I said I thought it was a downgraded motor since it didn't have turbos. If that had a redesigned more reliable rotary (which they did) I'm sure they could have figured a way to package in a couple turbos, make it as much if not more powerful than the FD and still maintain the capabilities in the twisties as the current RX-8. But they didn't. Which sucks.
I agree. I wish it had a turbo on it from the factory too, but if they got a bad reputation for reliability like they did with the FDs it would probably kill off the rotary completely (at least in the U.S.) - something they didn't want to risk. The rotary already has downsides to it such as sub-par fuel economy and oil consumption. Although mine burned very little oil (about 1/2 a quart between oil changes). BTW they were designed to inject oil into the engine to lubricate the apexi seals.
__________________ 12.6 at 109 on street tires
bolt-ons, stalled 80, gears
btw the turbos in the fd were much less reliable than the engine itself. although mazda does have other turbo vehicles now. i think its stupid how theres a mazdaspeed 3,6, and mx5 but still no mazdaspeed 8. the mx5 ok, but why the other before the sport car? i think they are worried about reliability, but just 5 psi would make a big difference.
__________________ M6 T/A with lid, slp lm1, corsa clones, sequential signals, and some stickers and paint
I didn't know they were making multiple "rx" models in Japan at the same time thats pretty interesting. I knew during the 70's they made multiple variations but once the Rx-7 came out that was it til the Rx-8.
I had an FC that I was going to drop an LS1 into but got stationed somewhere I didn't want to drag a project car. An LS1 RX-8 would be sweet IMO and it would have all the suspension options the RX-8 does....which to me would be a huge benefit.
I wonder if the rotards will cry as hard about this swap as they do for their beloved 7's.
DO IT!
__________________
Quote:
You know what I hate most about you fleshlings?
War... nature... god... You think you can control it all...
... I dont know whats larger, your arrogance or your stupidity.
We have an Rx8 here at the dealership I work at. We took it in on trade about 2 weeks ago and the first thing I did was pop the hood to look at how much space there was for a possible ls1 swap. First thing I noticed is that the engine bay is narrow. You could prob just barely fit the ls1, and you'de deff have to use the factory manifolds.. if even those fit. Also I dont remember exactly what in the engine bay makde it hard but generally the shape of the shock towers cut out a lot of room for the engine, I think I remember the brake booster being huge and kinda in the way. It just didnt look like it would fit very well if at all. At least nothing like my FC which has a HUGE engine bay for such a small car.
Also the new renesis rotary (the ones in the Rx8) are much much lighter than the old 13Bs in the FCs and FDs. Not being turbocharged is part of it but they also went through the renesis and tried to save weight absolutly everywhere they could. I dont remember exactl weight numbers but if I'm not going blind deaf dump and mute, I think I remember the renesis being over 100lbs lighter than the ls1. So you will see an effect of handling, not to mention the ls1 will prob need to be mounted higher up in the chassis to clear the pan.
So far it just doesnt seem like a great swap chassis, but I think a narrower engine like an inline 4 or 6 would fit great, still would throw off the weight balance though.
__________________ 1989 Mazda Rx7 GTU
Bolt On Ls1/T56 Powered
Status: Running... Most of The Time
11.68 @ 120 1.73 60' 3rd time out
Stock Ls1 ported TB W/ Full exhaust
Slowhawk Tuned
Yea, I had heard the weight difference wasn't alot between the 2 due to the aluminum LS block, but weight placement would be the bigger factor due to the longer drivetrain. I always kind of wanted the turbo'ed 3 rotor 20B swap myself. Those guys are getting 650rwhp pretty easily with that setup. Pricey though considering it has to be imported.
Ultimately though I ended up just buying a T/A and selling the 8. Oh well.
it would cost even more to swap a 20b into it lol....but ive decided to just sell it and try to buy an ls..
Quote:
Originally Posted by usmc320
They got a bad name though for the problematic twin turbo system on the 7s, so they tried to sacrifice power for reliability on the 8.
haha
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flaring Afro
um, the rx8 weighs less than 200 less than ours. with the swap it would be the same, i can imagine.
put a 3 rotor in. dont take out the heart of the car. or forge a crank and put 2 2 rotors together. 700 horsepower n/a would be nice.
actually, its a better engine, just no turbos. but its not the replacement of the fd just because it has a rotary. mazda put that engine in more than rx7s and 8s such as the 3 rotor cosmos. rx8 replaces the mx6 because same price range, both 2+2 cars. the rx7 was competing with corvettes.
3 rotors are epensive and hard to find!
Quote:
Originally Posted by usmc320
Of course the 8 followed the 7 along with a redesigned rotary engine. No one is disputing that. No one is disputing the lack of torque in the N/A engine either.
As Flaring Afro said earlier the 7 was competing with vettes. I can't imagine anyone thinking the 8 is Mazda's next generation "Vette Killer". It's not even Mazda's "Cobalt SS Killer".
lol itd take it "inthetwisties", but i wish they had gone FI on the 8 in the first place
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deceptikon
I wonder if the rotards will cry as hard about this swap as they do for their beloved 7's.
I tried convincing my friend with his rx8 to do it. He said he just wants to get it turboed....
For you....small engine bay, but possible imo. You'd have to relocate the battery and the fuse boxes. maybe ding at the firewall but I say it's worth the try. As hard as those rotaries are hard to gain power why not save money and get the ls1? It's gonna cost you a new motor anyways, do you really wanna go back to that 1.3L 200 (guessing) hp engine?
