So you were correcting everyone who said that RX8 engines were crap, by talking about the engine in a totally different mazda car?

Strange, but at least now we have some clue what you were on about



Cool project Martin, when I saw the photos I assumed the engine was sat that far back just to be really hardcore about weight distribution so it was interesting reading why it has to be like that etc

 

I had always assumed they used the same engine as the FD rx7.

The only difference I was aware of between any mazda rotary was the porting between FC's and FD's.

My point still stands, they arnt as bad as people make them out to be.

Martin, What ecu will you be using ?

 

Maybe two!! I may have to retain the RX8 ecu and make it think its still controlling the engine, I'm not sure yet what will work if I simply bin off the original ecu. I'd like to use a VAG ecu for the engine if I can get it to work, I'm not sure about overcomming security and then if I get get software to map it.

 

looks like fun... especially with a YB i'm sure it will transport you sideways in great comfort

 

Are the crank sensor signals the same?
Thats the biggest issue with trying to retain the original ecu I would think.

Where is SECS when you need him to create a box to swap 36-1 to 60-2 or whatever?

 

Still not decided on the fate of the Evo 6 yet Grant, it was a nice car when I got it, could have done some easy work and got it on the road as it was.

Thinking transplant into something else, but for now it will sit there gutted in the corner of the garage till I work out a project direction!


Thought that might be the case too, shame, but then from what Mart has said in reply, looks like the original box would be a ball ache for my Engine plans.

I've been sent a very handy PM regarding an alternative RWD box conversion that would then sit nicely in the RX8 bay (with some chopping )

So basically lots of hard work that I'm not able to do. Back to the drawing board. The VAG lump does seem to have it's merits

 

If you need someone to defeat immobiliser on VAG ECU

drop Matt @ http://www.unitedmotorsport.co.uk a line

http://unitedmotorsport.co.uk/products/software/

 

That's good info, thankyou I will contact Matt.

 

So..

how much do audi engines go for??
and how much do you reckon this conversion will cost, Martin?

just thinking.. 900 quid car.. few hundred quid on the engine from a breakers ETC + even if your conversion cost 4k.*
you could have a pretty fast, modern and reliable car for less than the cost of an average saph cos

*obviously you could want a lot more than that though lol

 

Audi engines go from Ł300-Ł1200 ish. I will see how much the wifes costs me and see if its a viable future venture, there's so many variables right now that I have no idea how much her car will cost! If for instance I have to go aftermarket ECU that will increase my cost by at least Ł600, hence the reason I want to use the VAG ecu! I think our car needs around 300hp so a turbo and injectors has to be found too.

 

will still be a bit of a bargain fast car... if them RX8s are as popular as rx7s for drifting,
then you might be overrun with work from drift people lol.

 

Funny, we were only chatting in the pub Wednesday night about how cheap dead RX8's were and what engine would fit in them for resale, and my brother even said about the height issue of the engine. Not that I have any intention of building one, but interesting to watch someone else have a go. Keep it up!

 

Very cool projects amazing how cheap these cars are

 

was speaking about this to my mate colum who has a track prepped rx7, running circa 650hp i believe, and he runs a standard spec 6 speed rx8 box, and it copes with the power with ease, never let him down once.

the 5 speed is an mx5 unit i think he says, so basically that 1 wont be so great lol

hes really knowledgeable on all things mazda, and has done conversions to run rx7 lumps in rx8s, retaining the rx8 ecu and piggybacking it with standalone etc. plus he is involved with a lot of the big power drag rx7s in the country. hes birmingham based aswell martin, may be a good contact for any info or bits your after?

 

Any interest in producing the gearbox to engine plates, and the mounts to sell Martin?

 

Proper engine

 

Not an easy fit by any means as the rack would get in the way.

Could you pm me his contact info??

 

So you think that it's ok for a Ł25K car to eat itself if it's left to idle, and not start if you take it for a short journey?

 

BTW Martin
do you know how a ls engine with a t56 weighs compared to a v6 cologne or a yb engine with transmission?

Cheers
Geir

 

pm sent dude

 

Cool little project

Martin will a Duratec be the same Bellhousing pattern do you know ??

 

I don't actually know Kev.

 

No but I know the engine all complete with flywheel, clutch and all ancills is 218kg. I could weigh a gearbox when I get a moment.

 

great project i have wanted to do a duratec on TB conversion on one of these for ages would make a great car and is really what they should have built in the first place.

but adding the audi engine your taking it to a new level how good is the RX8 diff ?

 

We will soon find out!! If it fails I will sort a stronger replacement..

 

Vipec are developing a plug and play ecu for the VAG engine so no problem there.

Mark

 

How mucho and does it do DBW?

 

Not sure on cost yet and it does have DBW as it is desgined to go in to a stock car and run it with no issuses and control everything.
Its about 3months away from being ready,
The base ECU is already running in a SC Mini and controls everything.

Mark

 

if you use the vw clocks your ok as the imobilizer is in their

 

DBW is nice but I still have to address integrating the ecu into the RX8, rev counter is a possible issue but more so traction control If it can do all that then I could be in!

 

The Mazda instrument cluster is way nicer than any of the VAG stuff!!

 

Cant you put the Mazda crank trigger on the front pully of the Vag to run the stock ecu, This is all that is needed on most piggy back systems to keep the car happy.

Mark

 

Dead RX8 are silly cheap, wouldn`t of though you could get one for that, as for a turbo motor would go far wrong with a Saab or Volvo turbo lump as BAM engine can be few and far between and be on the pricey side.
Awesome project never the less.

 

That's exactly what I'm going to try first, I did mention that previously.. Keep up!

 

Didnt read that bit

Mark

 

An RX8 engine as a 'design concept' is hard to beat?!

"Yes, I know my Ł20k+ Mazda RX8 has fucking rubbish, unreliable, abortion of an engine and it makes TVRs and Ladas look reliable, but it's a great design concept."

"Yes, I know the Space Shuttle, Large Hadron Collider, the microchip and splitting the atom are half smart, but as a 'design concept' the Wankel engine (especially the ultra shit one Mazda put in the Rx8) is hard to beat".

And how can a fundamentally floored engine be unreliable through no fault of its own?!

Seems to me you're trying to defend the one of the worst 'design concepts' by any major vehicle manufacturer, ever!

I'll get back in my cave now.

 

Good old jap crap lol. Will keep an eye on this project.These RX8s are a nice car.

 

I love it mart . When i told you i was going to do a focos you yes but its been done befor which your right . And this is wot make me love your builds as its NOT been done befor . I will have to come round asap and have a look and bring some xmas beer

 

Update?? Following with intrest top work as always

 

Very interesting project mate