So am I crazy? V8 RX8

Just gonna point out that you can throw some serious parts at bandaiding a 78 ford fairmont suspension (79-2004 mustang) for less money. If you throw a bit at the engine as well (302 or 4v mod motor) you will make power. That said, its still a old chassis.

Cheaper and more classic, what about an FB swapped?

LS1 swapped 240sx nissan is also an option.

Those are just alternatives.

Have a friend who's RX8 lost an apex seal after 98k. I do think if someone made an affordable swap to an LS motor it would sell like hotcakes. Apex seals seem common.

Though I do wonder how many "blown engine" cars could be brought back with an ATF soak. (dissolve the carbon, bring back apex seal)

Apexcarver wrote: Though I do wonder how many "blown engine" cars could be brought back with an ATF soak. (dissolve the carbon, bring back apex seal)

Ditto. Then just change the fouled out $20/each plugs....

I'd just go and get a GTO

I'll be happy when the prices on RX8s bottom out like FC RX7s are right now. Sweet chassis, love the high strung rotary but a V8 is more efficient and more powerful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm0IKl6cd2c

In reply to NOHOME:

Not funny.

psteav wrote: So how much does it cost to rebuild a Renesis? Can it be done by the average shadetree mechanic? I know naught of the magic spinning triangles...

I probably don't know much more, but given what I do know, they aren't any harder to rebuild then a V8. Sure the "rebuild" kit is mostly just seals for $1500 plus, but what does a set of pistons, rods, bearings plus machining and assembly cost for a V8? Then add in the amount of hi-po extras you would want....

AAAARRRGHHH... That RX-8 in Charlotte is in my price range, and I don't trust Wankel engines unless I build them.

If it was blue I'd be on my way down there tomorrow, but black? No. I can't do it.

(edit) though maybe a vinyl wrap would fix the black car syndrome.

Brett_Murphy wrote: AAAARRRGHHH... That RX-8 in Charlotte is in my price range, and I don't trust Wankel engines unless I build them.

Sounds like you should buy it and rebuild the engine, bridge ported of course.

So is there anything else I'm missing that fits between the GTO and the rx8. Ie light weight, powerful, useable back seat, and decent MPG.

1999-2004 Mustang.

Especially the 03/04 Cobra and the 03/04 Mach 1.

Really bad interior. I would like an 03 cobra but those probably cost more than an 05 gt

Ranger50 wrote:

psteav wrote: So how much does it cost to rebuild a Renesis? Can it be done by the average shadetree mechanic? I know naught of the magic spinning triangles...

I probably don't know much more, but given what I do know, they aren't any harder to rebuild then a V8. Sure the "rebuild" kit is mostly just seals for $1500 plus, but what does a set of pistons, rods, bearings plus machining and assembly cost for a V8? Then add in the amount of hi-po extras you would want....

Kevin at Rotary Resurrection is doing RX-8 rebuilds starting at $1550, so there's your baseline.

I love the idea of a v8 rx8 but Hinson has been "almost ready" for two years now!! Also, I always end up coming back to the total completed price being too high. If you could really get it done for $18k, that's not horrible, but what's it worth when you decide to move on? Probably not $18k. With my automotive add, I would end up selling it a year after finishing it for half what I had into it.

BUT with that said, if there was a kit that was actually available for purchase I would spend some time looking at that $3500 RX8. Man that would be a sweet car with a v8.

dculberson wrote: If you could really get it done for $18k, that's not horrible, but what's it worth when you decide to move on? Probably not $18k.

Prices for LS7 FDs don't really seem to go down too much, I bet if it was a nice swap you wouldn't lose too much money on the deal.

unevolved wrote:

dculberson wrote: If you could really get it done for $18k, that's not horrible, but what's it worth when you decide to move on? Probably not $18k.

Prices for LS7 FDs don't really seem to go down too much, I bet if it was a nice swap you wouldn't lose too much money on the deal.

The FD is one of the best looking car designs all stop. The RX-8 just isn't. There's your difference. FWIW, FC LSx swaps don't really seem to hold their value all that much.

Xceler8x wrote: A motor swap is going to have some serious issues to work through. I'm not saying it can't be done/shouldn't be done but a GTO would get you there with a lot less hassle. If this is going to be a track car then you don't have to worry about HVAC controls, adapting the gauges, or any of those other niggling details. You might not even have to worry about those issues if you're ok with aftermarket gauges, no AC, or cruise on a DD street car.

PFT, naw, motor swaps in newer vehicles is a piece of cake, don't be so silly and realistic

This is the V8 RX7 image I have etched in my head. I know I would not settle for a GTO.

I may have a lead... I will keep you posted!

Back from the dead!

Does anyone know of a build thread for this yet? Getting a base rx8 may be on my list for this year and this would be on the list of mods as soon as the more gives out, because it probably will.

Javelin wrote:

unevolved wrote:

dculberson wrote: If you could really get it done for $18k, that's not horrible, but what's it worth when you decide to move on? Probably not $18k.

Prices for LS7 FDs don't really seem to go down too much, I bet if it was a nice swap you wouldn't lose too much money on the deal.

The FD is one of the best looking car designs *all stop*. The RX-8 just isn't. There's your difference. FWIW, FC LSx swaps don't really seem to hold their value all that much.

Amen. I don't give a E36 M3 what engine is in an FD. It's a beautiful car. This isn't a "future" classic, it's a now classic. Especially in original form. If you can possibly resist temptation to up teh boosts.

An FD w/ LSx for $18k sounds like a bargain for a gorgeous car with a fantastic powerplant.

Another year and still no updates from Hinson. After almost 3 years from being "almost complete," I would assume that their kit is dead; does anyone sell v8 swap kits for the RX8?

In reply to dculberson:

Keith from FM was bragging up he had stuff ready to go in Tim's "Caught the Fever" LS-swap thread. Might be a worth call...

I've only heard negative things about Hinson supercars. But I know other people have done swaps.