marcjj’s budget build
#1
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marcjj’s budget build
My love for fast cars dates back prior to Gran Turismos release on the PlayStation 1, where friends and I would build Supras and RX7’s in game when we weren’t taking our civics to the beaches to show off..
Fast forward 20 years and here I am.. still building mazdas and toyotas from the same era.. This one started as an automatic, but I converted it to a 6 speed for ~$400 in parts including a good engine.
I had a little hiccup from the Pilot bearing not seating properly, but other than that the car drives like a dream. Still needs some exhaust work to be 100%
I will continue updating the status and price of things as things progress here. Thanks for joining me!
total expenses including car: ($1,665)
'04 mazda rx8 chassis w/ blown 4port: $480
'04 mazda rx8 6 speed manual transmission: $150
'04 mazda rx8 4port core engine: $150
eBay 6puck clutch kit $200
RB Lightweight flywheel $150
'04 mazda rx8 clutch pedal assm: $80
'04 mazda rx8 pilot bearing and seal x2: $25
AUTOZONE high kwatt starter: $200
18" racingline wheels with NITTO NEOGEN tires: $180
AEM wideband: $free
OEM carbon fiber drive shaft: $free
Last edited by marcjj; 06-02-2022 at 11:37 AM. Reason: eatadick
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huebie (09-27-2023),
sparrow801 (06-02-2022)
#3
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I'm taking my time this round, detailing the engine bay and making sure everything is in working (factory spec) condition. I got a set of Nitto Neogen 18'' tires for $180 WITH a set of wheels. I only bought them for the tires but I can deal with the "fast and furious" wheels for now.
I’ve got 2 brand new Bridgestone Potenza 17” tires if anyone wants them. Pickup in Jacksonville FL
I’ve got 2 brand new Bridgestone Potenza 17” tires if anyone wants them. Pickup in Jacksonville FL
Last edited by marcjj; 02-14-2022 at 10:58 AM.
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sparrow801 (06-02-2022)
#7
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Got the transmission and engine ready to drop in. I'm doing some detail work/painting the engine bay due to a few surface rust areas. I already took the carpet out and fixed all the rust in the floor board and behind the rear seats and plastics. I also sanded and painted the bar and brackets behind the dash! NO RUST ON MY bAbY!
also, I will try my best to keep the #1 post updated with a detailed list of the parts, cost and my overall expense for the project. the engine runs great for what I paid. really hoping the pilot bearing is in there good and lasts!!!
also, I will try my best to keep the #1 post updated with a detailed list of the parts, cost and my overall expense for the project. the engine runs great for what I paid. really hoping the pilot bearing is in there good and lasts!!!
Last edited by marcjj; 02-23-2022 at 01:34 PM.
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sparrow801 (06-02-2022)
#8
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Made a dust shield for the open area from the auto starter. Also did a little work on the interior. Mainly waiting for the weekend for the swap so I have some help.
I also made sure to clean and grease everything this time. I think my passenger side brake line is leaking as well, so i'll be on that tomorrow as well.
Last edited by marcjj; 02-24-2022 at 11:15 PM.
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sparrow801 (06-02-2022)
#9
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Back on the road again, and running smoothly now that it’s not binding at the input shaft!
I moved the battery to the trunk, so I need to crimp the new battery cables better. Other than a weak starter voltage, everything is great thus far!
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sparrow801 (06-02-2022)
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Joeyjoiner (03-31-2022)
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marcjj (03-31-2022)
#15
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Yeah It runs and drives great. No problems cranking it up, hot or cold. Needs a midpipe badly. The open header driving has my ears humming after long rides.
also got a center display from a newer rx8 at the junk yard. It looks red vs. the orange on ‘04-07 models.
my old display was badly sun damaged. The sun is notorious on these displays
also got a center display from a newer rx8 at the junk yard. It looks red vs. the orange on ‘04-07 models.
my old display was badly sun damaged. The sun is notorious on these displays
Last edited by marcjj; 03-31-2022 at 10:02 PM.
#18
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Thank you for sharing this! All I’ve ever read on here is that going from a 4-port to a 6-port couldn’t be done or it would be tremendously difficult and not worth the time etc etc. I can find blown 4-port S1 cars all day long for almost nothing but 6-ports are more expensive and get taken quicker. If you don’t mind me asking, where are you getting a 6-port core for that price?! That’s AMAZING!
#19
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I thought the same thing but then every once in a while I stumble on high-value posts like yours and it renews my faith in the forum! It’s criminal the amount of performance you get relative to dollars spent on these cars now in 2022. I bought my car three months ago for 1K with 80,000 original miles and a “blown” engine. Engine was fine. I was ecstatic but in a way I’m also mad that such an incredible car is viewed as such a turd by people who refuse to learn or read anything. It boggles my mind.
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marcjj (06-02-2022)
#20
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I thought the same thing but then every once in a while I stumble on high-value posts like yours and it renews my faith in the forum! It’s criminal the amount of performance you get relative to dollars spent on these cars now in 2022. I bought my car three months ago for 1K with 80,000 original miles and a “blown” engine. Engine was fine. I was ecstatic but in a way I’m also mad that such an incredible car is viewed as such a turd by people who refuse to learn or read anything. It boggles my mind.
#22
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One of my only complaints about this car is the built in climate control with the oem radio faceplate. The s2 dash harness was improved in this aspect.
#23
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And the mpg aren’t great, AT ALL. Going from a 35mpg car; it feels like I need a $20 for gas to go anywhere. $40+ if I hit the interstate for any time. Much different than my little daewoo hatchback.
#24
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Honestly this car is an incredible deal even if were just a rolling chassis. For example, the rear suspension is a multi-link setup which is very unique. The weight distribution on this car is also nearly perfect. When I bought mine I knew the MPG wasn't going to be great but I figured that my cost of entry was so low that even at 16-18MPG I was still coming out way ahead. I'm sure you feel the same way yeah? You can buy a lot of tanks of gas before you're anywhere close to what someone else bought their sports car for. I'm actually planning to buy a second one of these so I can pull the motor and install a lithium polymer battery pack just to see what that's like. Again, at $500-$1,000 for a chassis like this, I would buy five if I had the garage space available haha. I love the rotary engine and I think it gets LOTS of undeserved hatred, but for me I loved the chassis and suspension first and then the engine second. So many cool things can be done with the RX8 as a blank canvas.
#25
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Honestly this car is an incredible deal even if were just a rolling chassis. For example, the rear suspension is a multi-link setup which is very unique. The weight distribution on this car is also nearly perfect. When I bought mine I knew the MPG wasn't going to be great but I figured that my cost of entry was so low that even at 16-18MPG I was still coming out way ahead. I'm sure you feel the same way yeah? You can buy a lot of tanks of gas before you're anywhere close to what someone else bought their sports car for. I'm actually planning to buy a second one of these so I can pull the motor and install a lithium polymer battery pack just to see what that's like. Again, at $500-$1,000 for a chassis like this, I would buy five if I had the garage space available haha. I love the rotary engine and I think it gets LOTS of undeserved hatred, but for me I loved the chassis and suspension first and then the engine second. So many cool things can be done with the RX8 as a blank canvas.