So an RX-8 is going to fall into my lap. It's the perfect candidate for a K-Swap. Has anyone on here done that before and have any advice they could pass off?
I found a few people who've done it but not a lot of info other than some parts they used were "custom." I've found a few fabricators that offer some of the parts to bolt the K motor to the RX-8 trans, no motor mount kits, and Kpower has most of the other quirky things you need.
1) Would a NC Miata K-swap kit work on these? They are essentially NC Miatas correct?
2) Any recommendations on a stand alone ECU?
4) Is the CANBUS system on the RX-8 a nightmare like everyone touts it to be?
In reply to DirtyBird222 :
the subframes and everything underneath is the same.. the NC is a RX-8 with the roof cut off..
Talk to k-power industries.. if you want to pursue the K swap.. they're super helpful and a GREAT group of guys.
I would also talk to the guys who do the NC 2.5 swaps.. just because it's the same chassis..
Haltech seems to be the hot business for standalones with the Gridlife guys, even though they're a sponsor.. people still have to BUY them and multiple guys did and are SUPER happy with their systems.
79rex
Reader
5/3/21 9:34 p.m.
K miata is working on the NC chassis I think. Its early in development though.
The issue I ran into when deciding what engine to swap into the rx8 is the gear ratios.
Because the rotary hit Red line at 9k, the rear end ratios and trans ratios mean that you will be spinning like 5k rpms at 80 mph.
You would either need to swap the rear diff for something like a 5th gen camaro diff (kits are available, but people don't like how they feel compared to the stock diff). Or, swap in a trans with a better 5th gear ratio.
As far as canbus, it seems you just leave the rotary ecu in the car and add it's oil pressure sensor, coolant temp sensor, and crank sensor to whatever engine you throw in there. This will make the rotary ecu happy enough to drive the speedometer, electric power steering, tach, and ABS.
The stock cruise has not been figured out yet that I am aware of.
There is a hondata ecu that will run the k swap.
I thought I remember Keith saying there was an option to make the CANBUS happy. Can't remember if it was double-top-secret still in development or not
