nmoffatt

I just picked up my second RX8 after selling my FD last year. As it turns out I could not even last a year without a rotary...

This is an 06 sport, super clean original paint but needs a motor. Barely runs but is a great base to work from. Looking forward to the project!

CbyDesign

What kind of plans do you have for it?

nmoffatt

I'm starting off by replacing the engine. Even with the recent price increase I think the Mazda reman may be the way to go. At the same time I'll change the clutch and go with a lighter flywheel (Type TBD). Changing the cat is probably a oood idea with a new engine as well. I don't want to do any major mods just improve the feel a bit.

I'm still going over the car to see what I have it as it is not bone stock. It looks like I have an aluminum radiator but I have not had a close look yet. It has also been lowered with Eibach springs and Blistein shocks along with some sort of cross-drilled/slotted rotors. On that note I have a quick question: To remove the undertray do the fender linings needs to removed as well? Seems much more complicated to drop the undertray compared to the FC/FD.

Once it is running properly I'll more than likely want to swap the cloth seats for leather, and change the look a bit with a spoiler (Hopefully Mazdaspeed), side skirts, etc. Right now it is pretty plain so I want it to have a more unique look. I also like the look of black/gunmetal wheels on a white car. R3 wheels would be ideal but probably too hard to come by so something similar.

That's about it, just want a nice drive for mountain roads without breaking the bank...

CaymanRotary

Ever considered the LFX swap kit? I'm considering doing this when my engine eventually bites the dust. Compression is starting to get a bit low

Front rotor: 7.1, 6.8, 6.6 adjusted to 250 RPM
Rear rotor: 7.2, 6.9, 6.7 adjusted to 250 RPM

Both tests done on a hot engine. I feel I got 20k miles left tops if I'm lucky. the kit is $13k plus any extra parts. Also there is the time and energy to install everything but I think it's still worth it. Would never have to worry about the drivetrain for an extremely long time and it would be a lot faster. Plus, if it ever crashes I could swap those parts to a new shell so long as it's not written off too badly.

https://www.keislerautomation.com/

nmoffatt

That's an interesting kit however the main reason why I've owned rotaries is the sound and feel of the engine. It's just so addictive. I owned my FD for 7 years and only put 20K on it. Once the engine is done in the 8 it will last as long as I decide to keep it. *** Mazda seems to have a great price. Only $200 to ship anywhere in the US.

CaymanRotary

I love the rotary too but if I’m dropping that money in anyways, I’m thinking an LFX swap would make the car nearly perfect. You got very modern components vs 2004 grade components. It makes far more power and makes the whole car better in every way. Also, not too outrageous in price if you DIY. $13k for the whole kit vs $5k for a new Reman after shipping plus you are bolting that to a worn transmission. You’ll likely have to replace that too eventually.

My thinking is if I’m gonna just toss a new engine and transmission anyways, why not upgrade the whole car? I know it’s a bigger upfront investment but seems worth it to me. Guess I’ll make that decision when my engine eventually bites the dust. At least I’ll get some more enjoyable years out of it first before I have to worry about it.