RX8 roastable reliable affordable

[APEXMX5]

I love my RX8. It is one of the best driving cars IMO. I also love to roast and this is a problem because the stock RX8 is not really roastable. I know how rad it could be from driving in the snow so I must have roastability.

after much deliberation and weighing costs I have chosen a powerplant. It came down to 2 final choices. ported 20b single turbo v. cammed ported GM LS V8.

for cost reasons and weight reasons the V8 has won out as the motor of choice. (turbo 20b engines are not as light as you may think)

This thread is for making sure every step is done in the best manner I am capable of. Any suggestions are welcome on any and all phases of the project.

Phase 1: Financing
Phase 2: Engine/Trans Purchase
Phase 3: Supply/misc Purchase
Phase 4: Teardown DIY
Phase 5: Fab/Install/Start DIY
Phase 6: Renesis swap sell off/cost recovery
Phase 7: Pay off financing and improve credit


The idea is to use credit to purchase all the parts, supplies, and material needed all at once in the beginning. This is to reduce the down time to a minimum. Once I have everything on hand I will start on the project and work like mad until it is done. Once the car is back on the road I will begin selling the stock shiz to pay off the credit cards. I dont want to pay very many payments so I hope this doesnt take more than a couple few months once I start purchasing parts.


Hokay. Financing. I have a couple low limit CC's total availibility maybe 1,500.00. I think I am gonna need more haha! I would like to find maybe a 5,000 to 7,000.00 limit card.

I am looking around places like creditcards.com but any suggestions would be helpful.

[zero.offset]

http://www.credit-land.com/1050/1050_page_12779_23254_180.php

[MattCHEW]

Sounds like you kinda have your mind set on using a credit card, but going in debt to mod a car is not a smart thing to do

[zenkiderek]

he actually has it planned out really well. we talked about this for a good 10 minutes. he's selling a bunch of his rx-8 stuff that people are willing to pay for. so some of it will pretty much wash out.

[zero.offset]

Sounds like you kinda have your mind set on using a credit card, but going in debt to mod a car is not a smart thing to do


putting yourself in debt over cars in general does suck.

but putting yourself in debt to build a car that will be reliable and competetive in formula d...... priceless!

[CRIMES]

have you thought about a personal loan from your bank?

[DubstepDave]

^^ this is the way i'd go. i did the credit card thing once, and trust me, you don't want to go that route.

[APEXMX5]

debt can be manageable. its how I got my truck, my rx8, my tools. the pressure of debt forces me to stay focused. I cant blow my cash partying and recreating if I am obligated by financial commitments. I suck at saving but I can pay bills. This way makes the car a monthly bill lol! It also has the advantage of getting me going this year.

The cost recovery phase is supposed to pay down the cards and the tax refund next year should pay it off.

[DubstepDave]

but still, why not go the route of a personal loan through your bank? you will have lower interest and most likely lower minimum payments, so that if for some reason you do get into a bind, you don't get behind and have to pay all sorts of late fees, etc.

[APEXMX5]

If that was a possibility I would.

[Jserman]

buy LS motor you mean LSX (corvette,GTO,camaro) motor or the cheaper I think L33 the truck motor???

[APEXMX5]

LS(X)

X=1,2,3,6,7 etc...

[DICKARM]

Since when someone mentions "gm ls v8" I automatic refer myself to the L33 truck motor

[APEXMX5]

well lets just say I am gonna put a lot of power in the car.

it will have 8 pistons
it will be be made of aluminum
it will be from a GM vehicle

so whatever thats called.

[zero.offset]

^^^ i believe it is reffered to as "rad as fuck-shit!"

[DICKARM]

well lets just say I am gonna put a lot of power in the car.

it will have 8 pistons
it will be be made of aluminum
it will be from a GM vehicle

so whatever thats called.

i knew what you wer talking about, just not the other guy

[APEXMX5]

Rad shit boyz!!! I have figured out the financing end of the project so I should be able to move on to phase 2 by October and actually acquire what i require lol!

I found a local buyer for my Renesis drivetrain which gives me enough to put the rest on the CCs I already have; provided I pay them back down a bit. I reworked my budget to be able to do this shit in 4 months.

I am going with the LS2 and I want to put down 450 to 500 hp and tq. Now I need to make sure I am 100% educated on the LS2 and the T56. I dont know much so the next 4 months I will use this thread for a LS2/T56 crash course.

[DICKARM]

you need to talk with cale (calebot) about that shiz, he's got some pointers i bet

[polishpat]

I haven't even read the rest of the posts, but I'm going to say what I have to say.

First off, if you have several cards, all amounting to only 1,500, I'm guessing your credit score is not so hot.

If you have a decent enough score to be able to apply for more cards, you will just continue to hurt your credit, especially once you start maxing out your cards, let alone go over 50% of your total credit limit.

Even if you ARE able to get a credit card with such a high limit, you know they're going to charge you a high APR, and that in itself will hurt you because a 7,000 loan will take quite some time to pay off, because obviously if it wasn't hard to pay off, then you would just save your money and buy what you WANT when you have the money saved.

By the way, if you want more money and have a good payment history, call your CURRENT card companies, and ask for limit increases. That way you're not hurting your credit all over the place, yknow.

...But then again that's just me being the voice of reason. Do what you will, and I look forward to seeing your project completed one day :)

EDIT: After reading the posts, Crimes and Dave are right. Personal bank loan is best way to go. ...I'm kind of wondering why you say it's not an option? o_O

[APEXMX5]

its not an option because of job history, not much time at any job. my score is high 600s and my CCs total a 3300$ limit but only about 1500 is avail. That is why I need to pay them down. I have 3 cards. each @ about 50%, I try not to ever go past 50% unless I know I will pay them off quick. My current creditors want me to have less accounts before they will increase limits.

None of this matters because I have a buyer for my stock shit, and thats makes the remaining cost affordable w/o maxing my cards... if I pay them down first. I could do it now if I maxed them out, but I dont like doing that.


the financing is all mapped out now.

[APEXMX5]

I bought somthing!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs025.snc4/33597_430663734997_770084997_5070756_5781607_n.jpg

[BRINGTHERUCKUS]

hell yea

[SRinside]

That needs to go in my car.

[zero.offset]

looks slow...... jk!

CONGRATS BUDDY!!!

[racerX 244]

FUCK YEAH DAN.

[DICKARM]

oh SHIT. its on

[Nitrous2k]

fuck. yes. shits gonna be rad

[APEXMX5]

Still setting up shipping :(

[APEXMX5]

update:

I have had the LS1 for about a week now. Not much has happened except looking at it and moving it. I am balls deep in my brothers STI drivetrain swap so I cant start yet.

phone pics of unlimited roastability:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs838.snc4/69795_438391349997_770084997_5207960_8272799_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs892.snc4/72517_438391334997_770084997_5207959_4689936_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs795.snc4/67558_438391374997_770084997_5207961_4832256_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs795.snc4/67552_438391394997_770084997_5207962_585071_n.jpg

This pile of STI stuff is almost gone now!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs792.snc4/67282_438391419997_770084997_5207963_5854085_n.jpg

I hope to be test fitting the renesis into the FB in a week or so and then the LS a couple weeks from then.

[BRINGTHERUCKUS]

update:

I have had the LS1 for about a week now. Not much has happened except looking at it and moving it.

i would be fine with that...stoked for this. I fucking love America, and bald eagles.

[APEXMX5]

i would be fine with that...stoked for this. I fucking love America, and bald eagles.

They are pretty goddamn delicious.

[daveyg]

Gotta rip off the cats and replace them with dual 2.5" pipes straight out the back. Maybe throw some flowmaster muffs in the mix too. Would be most kickass sounding RX8 in town.

[APEXMX5]

gonna run the stock manis and cats through the rx8 muffler for mad quiet action.

when its done being my Wife's DD then it will be headers with 3" collectors to 3" straight pipes out the back, no muffs no cats just bleeding ears.

[CHAdBROchiLL17]

nice motor bro.

[APEXMX5]

nice motor bro.

Thanks!

or do you mean it like "cool story bro"? in which case piss off.

[racerX 244]

gonna run the stock manis and cats through the rx8 muffler for mad quiet action.

when its done being my Wife's DD then it will be headers with 3" collectors to 3" straight pipes out the back, no muffs no cats just bleeding ears.

Gina is gonna do mad burnouts!

[CHAdBROchiLL17]

Thanks!

or do you mean it like "cool story bro"? in which case piss off.

no lol.. get it.. im chad BRO chill ahhaha

[APEXMX5]

haha thats what I thought.

[APEXMX5]

Gina is gonna do mad burnouts!

I dont think she will be able to not do mad burnouts!

[zero.offset]

i think i'm gonna come over and pull a jack move on your motorset dawgie!

[SRinside]

i'll help

[APEXMX5]

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/21/l_044cf22a6aa1473bb5cad971e79d9804.jpg

[Chaw Wee]

i think i'm gonna come over and pull a jack move on your motorset dawgie!

I would think twice now with that pic above....haha

[racerX 244]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/racerX_244/motivatorda25fd5ec1982d4ff50fd54355a75869dfb319fa. jpg

[APEXMX5]

fucking hilarious!

[APEXMX5]

Subaru infestation has been eliminated.

RX8 engine removal is on deck

2002 Camaro nerves are all over my living room and the question is, How much can go away?

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs973.snc4/76604_448891399997_770084997_5373332_2392750_n.jpg

[APEXMX5]

There has been some good progress this weekend. The stock motor and transmission are out of the car and we have moved on to removing the dash panel and body wiring harness. The engine removal was straight forward and simple. We were able to avoid any headaches that usually surround RX8 engine removal because we took the tranny out first. The only problem came when we were removing the motor mount brackets and found a rounded off nut and had to wait until the next day to buy an extractor to get it off. Once we had the extractor all things were good again.

I expect to have the RX7 in this weekend for fitting the Renesis.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs993.snc4/76678_450350029997_770084997_5390807_2788913_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs466.ash2/73977_450350209997_770084997_5390810_5413939_n.jpg

[racerX 244]

yesss.

2 awesome things coming together, a v8 rx8 and a renesis rx7. keep it up!

[APEXMX5]

Today I got the body harness and Drive by wire throttle pedal out of the car. that should be the last of the parts removal for this round.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs490.ash2/76349_450999184997_770084997_5401595_7530060_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1124.snc4/148683_450999469997_770084997_5401602_4906137_n.jp g

[SRinside]

Now it's time for a man pedal with cables and stuffs.

Maybe a big "foot".

[APEXMX5]

"I gots a hemi but its at the shop right now, getting a footprint gas pedal installed"

[APEXMX5]

So this weekend was pretty good. We figured out fueling for both cars. The LS1 and the Renesis both want 60 psi. a corvette style fuel filter has a built in regulator and only 1 discharge port to the fuel rail. perfect for use in the rx7 with a walbro 255 LPH pump.

I will fit a walbro 255 in the rx8 pump housing and the stock regulator is for 60 psi already. I will block off the return line on the fuel rail and be done.

The rx8 cluster will be used in the Rx7 and will be lit up like a christmas tree. MPH, RPM, Coolant temp, etc... will function. almost every warning lignt will be on lol. TPMS, EPS, ABS, etc...

We will modify the renny mount brackets, use the stock mounts, and weld mounting platforms to the frame rails for the mounts to bolt to. the engine is tall and will be as low as we can get it. the following pictures are of what we are working with.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1148.snc4/149060_454903554997_770084997_5448701_1939088_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs958.snc4/75183_454903609997_770084997_5448702_4362911_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1163.snc4/150534_454903654997_770084997_5448703_1353670_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1201.snc4/155335_454903694997_770084997_5448704_2933801_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs467.ash2/74006_454903744997_770084997_5448707_5542028_n.jpg


On a different issue, handling. we have all read the threads comparing engine weights, renny vs. LSx, 20b turbo vs. lsx, 20b vs renny etc...

there are a few things that change the numbers. The weight of the LSx AC comp, bracket, ps pump, bracket, idler pullys, and bracket must be subtracted from the weight figure of the LSx. I will not be using them. This means that the AC condenser will also go away as will the renny's dual oil coolers. The battery will go to the rear of the car, and the cross support bar that the airbox and other bits bolt to will go away too. (not the one that the hood latch bolts to.)

All this weight is in the very front or nearly there, and all this weight (not the PS pump) was in the car with the renny. So the amount of weight gain over stock is much less then others have calculated. also the predicted issue of too much weight up front ruining the balance and raising the polar moment is much smaller than predicted. the estimated higher CG of the LS is also helped by relocating heavy battery which is mounted high up and forward in stock form.

When you consider these comparisons but with 20b turbo vs. LSx it seems the LSx is actually the one with the advantage.

In conclusion I expect handling to be very easy to sort out. and any issues to be minimal.

(all PS related statements assume my success in being able to retain the stock EPS rack)

[DICKARM]

so the renesis motor is going in the rx7? bitchin dude

[APEXMX5]

yeap, that is gonna be Emmett DD.

[InSepsis]

Renesis FB will be awesome.

[APEXMX5]

Not a super interesting update but an update nonetheless.

I have been waiting for the new mount bits to be ready to install on the FB, but I have not been idle. I have been opening wiring harnesses and studying diagrams while doing side research on passkey and Immobilizer systems. All of this between PBRs!

The LS1 doesnt need all that much wiring if you have the complete engine harness. There are 5 or so inline connectors with a few wires each that need to be routed. I have the donor car's body harness so that means I have both male and female sides to these connectors. With the Renesis gone there are some relays and fuses that are now jobless. My plan is to get in to the back of the main fuse box and re-configure some of the wiring while adding a few new fuses to the unused spots. This will let me integrate the LS wires into the RX8 harness/junction box. The engine will plug right in to the harness with two bangs and one booky.

I made a quick n dirty diagram of what goes where and labeled an RX8 fuse box legend with the changes.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1338.snc4/163020_462852944997_770084997_5572462_7461123_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs933.snc4/74670_462852909997_770084997_5572461_4626207_n.jpg

[BRINGTHERUCKUS]

stoked for this

[bcool]

It seems like the motor swap into the far is the fast part. Then the wiring....

[CHAdBROchiLL17]

depends on the amount of wiring. engine to chassis connection shouldnt take lonng. if he was redoin the chassis it would take a long time ahaha

[racerX 244]

Hillsberry for President.

[APEXMX5]

Today's update,

FB mounts and bracket are done. The engine has been test fit. Tomorrow should be either the tranny mount or a shift of gears to prepping the miata for WSIR next weekend.

pics Mount platforms, Modified RX8 mounts, new driver's side mount bracket

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1204.snc4/155623_464568269997_770084997_5596003_7141854_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1364.snc4/163598_464568289997_770084997_5596005_7035360_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1225.snc4/155730_464568379997_770084997_5596008_3490900_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs447.ash2/72037_464568404997_770084997_5596010_5342472_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1170.snc4/154209_464568464997_770084997_5596013_4484668_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs887.snc4/72001_464568519997_770084997_5596015_2230850_n.jpg

[DICKARM]

dig that shit!

[APEXMX5]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs756.ash1/164745_475160604997_770084997_5785322_6602403_n.jp g

here is an idea I am playing with for the EPS

TS=torque sensor

also these pics show recent stuff in the FB.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs078.snc6/168879_475160369997_770084997_5785312_1511998_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs036.snc6/166683_475160494997_770084997_5785318_5010041_n.jp g

[APEXMX5]

The Renesis runs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I1fpZrh928

[APEXMX5]

Also this

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs011.snc6/166143_483650139997_770084997_5918414_3801256_n.jp g

[BRINGTHERUCKUS]

^oh fuck yea

[APEXMX5]

sorry about the pic quality

lots of room for the tranny, the engine sits about 1" lower than this
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs068.snc6/167822_486529724997_770084997_5961360_6810971_n.jp g

The rack is getting pushed into the subframe so the SF had to be cut a lot.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs244.snc6/179220_486529809997_770084997_5961363_5698152_n.jp g

It will get closed back up and the rack will be mounted to the flat steel surface.
this is a very beefy design, internal reinforcement, 1/8" steel layers, 1" thick
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs005.snc6/165591_486529894997_770084997_5961364_8376197_n.jp g

If not for Formula D rules I would have done a tubular span.

also if you are happy to put a steering rack in front of the SF and have a shallow pan then the SF needs minimal cutting.

in theory a person could pull off a swap with no SF cuts at all but just a bit of hammer work.

I did not want my rack going forward and I wanted my engine as low as possible so I pushed the rack into the subframe.

I am going to address the possible bumpsteer issues in the future with a modified knuckle.

[SRinside]

knuckles.

WIN.

[APEXMX5]

Longtube 4-1 headers, Walbro GSS342, motor mounts, moar steel, and some other misc. items are all on the way or about to be purchased.

I am gonna make engine mount brackets that use the stock RX8 mounts in their stock location. I will also try to make something reproducible for the tranny/PPF mount that is bolt in or close to it.

Once this shit is together I will see if I can offer a swap kit. I am not saying anything about it on any non-Idaho forums because others have talked this talk before and then years pass and nothing happens. Also Hinson Supercars is allegedly about to unveil their kit, but they have been at this point for a long while. I just want to make sure I have something functional and legit and then quietly and out of nowhere just drop it on the rx8 forums lol.

[APEXMX5]

Today I finished welding the mount brackets. next is to make the PPF adapter bracket and bolt this fucker in!

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs054.snc6/168411_491771689997_770084997_6028930_5822054_n.jp g

and

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs046.snc6/167649_491771764997_770084997_6028931_807741_n.jpg

[APEXMX5]

Not much of interest to report, but I am still doing things.

I bought an AFM
I measured and ordered a custom RAD.
I drew a plan for my fans/shroud
I am still doing research into several areas
I am cataloging parts that can be sold
I am raising funds

That's it for now, I expect 2 - 3 weeks until start up but longer for driving.

BTW my oil pan is cracked and I need it welded, lame

[pandatrueno4ag]

coming along great

your welds are looking better BTW, unless...

[APEXMX5]

Thanks, I am getting the hang of it. also it is way easier with pieces of metal that are the same thickness and flat.

[Squarl]

the renesis in the fb is so bad ass!!!

I was always told it was damn near impossible. you sir, are a hero... lol

[APEXMX5]

lol thanks!

Also the FB is almost on the road now
m

[APEXMX5]

Just a little something
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIKok3RuKjc

[DubstepDave]

i'm sure your neighbors love you, lol

[BRINGTHERUCKUS]

"i think im bleedin inside my chest" haha