Kas

Ok, just got back from my tuners factory.

We worked out initial pricing for the unit and I have agreed to go ahead.

There is a few facotrs with which "type" of computer will be running it, meaning fuel/ignition or fuel only. This depends on the ignition curve that the stock ecu has. more on this later.

The kit is estimated to produce 220-230kw at the wheels which means all you good drivers out there can achieve 12 second quarter miles.

Hopefully we will start over the new year break and have some figures around the same time.

Just thought i'd let you's all know.

I'd be ecpecting around the $6500 mark including tuning when finished. but dont quote me =)

pepe

damn, for that price, if it's reliable, they'll have a flood of owners racing in!

MadMAX

Sounds good. Keen to see how this will work out, and get some real numbers! At that sort or pricing there should be quite a few "quick" 8's around soon

Kas

yeah, there is a few factors about price, the parts. Most people looking to develop these kits are using parts that are just overkill for the application.

As i put it "i dont want to squeeze this engine for the power, i want it ultra reliable and be able to thrash around all day should i choose to do so"

Again, it comes down to tuning.

Kas

the issues with the ECU are this:

- Does the stock ecu log details and tampering (Yes?/Warranty issues)
- Can the stock ECU be re-mapped , Yes but whats it cost.
- If we go fully aftermarket we loose DSC and other features, maybe even the dash/tacho's as they are all digital.
- Do we use 2 extra injectors to help with fuel management and let the standard ECU function as normal. Well this depends on the ignition curve.

few things to think about there, however i'm hoping others will work this out before I get to that stage =)

any input is more than welcome. Help to un-jumble this mess will be gladly considered.

Wildcard

Thanks for the update. I love the current tacho and speedo, so I'd hate to see that go. I guess this means the SC option is out of the window for you kas?

One more thing to consider - what will be the effect on insurance for a turbocharged RX-8? This might particularly cause grief for those of us under 30.

Wildcard

Sorry kas - one more question, since I have never done anything like this to a car before:

How long would a car typically be off the road for to get a turbo installed? I've only got one RX-8, and I don't fancy resorting to riding my mountain bike around all summer.

Kas

First off: i'm 21 with previous loss of lisence (6 months) so insurance was a worry for me.

I have "Just Car Insurance" undrewritten by AAMI.

First 4 mods is like an extra $136 on my premium, 5+ (unlimited) mods is like $250 extra on the premium and an extra $400 exxcess for any mods. this was a big issue for me, but with these prices, not anymore.

SC is out, my tuner hates them + i want the kick in the pants that the turbo can give ontop of other things like heat etc which i covered in another post.


My car will be off the road for around 3 weeks, but once the kits made, its a matter of installing the pre-fabricated parts and tuning it. It may even be a 1-2 day job provided all parts are ready to go.

Wildcard

Sweeeet.

Looking forward to hearing how it all goes. Sign me up as No. 1 customer for the kit. Glad to be the NSW test pilot.... I'm assuming that a Borla exhaust would be a waste of money now - since a new exhaust would be a key part of the whole project?

DGW

Kas

nope, leave it standard.

you see, with a turbo, the bigger the exhaust the more boost it can run as its ress restrictive. as a safty measure we will be using the standard pipes which can handle the extra few psi and reduce the likely hood of it being able to boost enuf to break anything. make sence?

Wildcard

Makes sense. Do you think the engine note will change though? It's nice at the moment, but one of the main reasons I am looking at the Borla is because of the really tough sound it makes. (13 extra hp is a bonus).

Kas

it will be quieter if anything, the turbo muffles the sound.

the exhaust wont be a huge issue, the cat-back should be fine as we will be restricting from the midpipe but i'm not touching anything like that until testing is done.

Lock & Load

KAS

From everithing i have read most rx8 devotees believe the car is more suited to S/C NOT TURBO CHARGING , IKNOW YOUR TUNER DOES NOT LIKE S/C have you consulted other tuners ?

Considering you have already had an episode with your 1st cars engine , you are brave to be tryng the turbo as a test pilot .

The first white man who went out to the west , some got killed others cane back with arrows in their backs and then some wise people realized there were indians out there. HA HA HA.

"Learning to shave on someone elses face is always safer."

Any how enough words of wisdom , whatever path you take may the rotary force be with you , best of luck .

Michael

Kas

L & L, Your words of wisdom are always welcome!

I'll be putting 5k+ on the car before doing anything to it.

Boost is boost, turbo or SC we're still forcing air in there. SC seems to be easier to do but not as effecient and not to mention they generate more heat believe it or not.