Hi everyone to read this. I am new to the rx/mazda world and understand the basics of the rotary motor and an RX8s build. Badass cars in my opinion though I've never had the privilege to drive one. I own a 13 WRX and am familiar with how the forums work as I am a member of NASIOC.
Anyways, I have recently purchased a blue 2004 RX8 6MT Grand Touring with some nice chrome 18'' Weld Racing wheels. Though, as you an see in the attached pictures it is not in any type of running condition...


The story behind it all is the engine bay caught fire and the fire department ended up taking a pry bar to the hood and wind shield to control and put out the fire. (see pictures) The interior is still in good condition besides the dash and front of the head board. The previous owner sold the engine -for parts I'm assuming- and planned on rebuilding the car at a later date which he never ended up doing.
The car had 16000 miles on it when the fire took place in 2012 (CARFAX - car sold in 2011 with 11,700 miles on it) and has been sitting ever since. There was no insurance on the car when the flames hit which is why the previous owner didn't take that route.


So, I'm posting on here to get some ideas on an engine swap, and just to hear what others think of possibilities. I have put quite a few hours into the Frankenstein RX8 threads but haven't really made up my mind. My first thought would be a S2k motor swap due to the similarities of the RX8 and S2k and after reading they supposedly share the same transmission.
I have also thought about parting it out or selling as whole.
I'm open to any and all ideas.

 

http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/jessk357/slideshow/

 

Your better bet is to part it out and buy another shell. You're looking at several thousand dollars in parts and hours of labor to get it back to a position where you can start a swap.
I bought a running 2004 in great shape for $4,500. I've seen some good condition non-running cars going for less than $2,500. I guarantee you'll spend at least that in parts and then another $1,500+ for paint

What is your total budget going to be?

 

You can buy a working car for much less than you will spend to repair that one. Part out as much as you can dump the shell at the junk yard and go buy yourself a proper vehicle.

 

damn the issue with that is so many electronics got toasted that its going to cost alot....also when the fire hits the metal it becomes weaker....no bueno. sorry for your loss bro, but if it cheers you up....i may be selling my 8....45k miles, 6 speed...fully loaded except nav and app package. let me know.