RX-8 LS-1 Project
#251
#256
We drove it for the first time yesterday.
It has plenty of power
The gearing is very low, we are using the stock 4,44 differential.
First gear is almost useless.
We are using a Camaro steering rack and oil pan.
And there are no gauges yet, the 8 uses CAN bus cluster so I think it is impossible to use it with this setup.
It has plenty of power
The gearing is very low, we are using the stock 4,44 differential.
First gear is almost useless.
We are using a Camaro steering rack and oil pan.
And there are no gauges yet, the 8 uses CAN bus cluster so I think it is impossible to use it with this setup.
#258
#259
#262
I have an LS1 93 RX-7 and I love it, but I also have an RX-8 and love it for very different reasons. I definitely prefer the clutch and shifter feel of the RX-8 over the T56.
For those of you that are interested, a basic swap into an FD often runs $10,000 if you do the work yourself. Expect to pay at least $15,000 if someone else does it. Hinson charges $8,700 for a turnkey FD swap plus the cost of motor and transmission. The LS motor, transmission, and ECU can be had for around $2,500-$5,000.
In an FD it is reasonable to use the stock 4:10 rear end. In an RX-8 I would definitely want to change the rear end to a Cobra IRS rear to handle more torque and get a better final ratio, which will probably add about $1,800. This means if you have someone else do the swap, expect to start at around $15,000 for the conversion and the price can climb pretty quickly.
#263
For the gauges... Ever think of sending the cluster out to DAKOTA DIGITAL? Many S2K LS1 swaps have done this to prevent hacking away with the interior?
And for all you that "want to go fast" with an LS1 swap, ill be here for your part out after you wreck
And for all you that "want to go fast" with an LS1 swap, ill be here for your part out after you wreck
#265
an LSxRX8 will never be 100% plug and play, nor will it be without some headaches........ Oh it can be done, and it has, but why would you want to do things half-assed when you have all the money and effort invested. Honestly the 54% up front probably isn't that big a deal, because doesn't the 8 have 51/52 ish% up front anyways?.....I wonder if the Aisin 6 speed behind the Camaro-6 is more stout than ours or the same, because I wouldn't want to give up the notchy feel of it over a T56.
#267
well i called hinson about 2-3 months ago and after several days of calling with no answer i was finally told the kit was finished and that pricing needed to be done,
havnt heard anything else since then. i've got a project rx8 waiting, might go ahead and drop a 20b or supercharge the renesis if nothing happens by october. what am i going to do all snowed in this winter other then tear my rx8 apart and drop a v8 in it?
p.s. i did notice an update on there turn-key page. I really hope they release this soon, also curious what it would cost for them to build it vs. buying the kit
havnt heard anything else since then. i've got a project rx8 waiting, might go ahead and drop a 20b or supercharge the renesis if nothing happens by october. what am i going to do all snowed in this winter other then tear my rx8 apart and drop a v8 in it?
p.s. i did notice an update on there turn-key page. I really hope they release this soon, also curious what it would cost for them to build it vs. buying the kit
Last edited by mitsokid; 09-02-2011 at 07:59 PM.
#269
I don't know if anyone saw this yet but Hinson listed their LSx swap headers for the Rx8 for $935. They look like a solid design with some interesting tech. It says they are mandatory for the swap and provide significant power gains over stock.. This might just be coming together afterall.
http://www.hinsonsupercars.com/p-134...l-headers.aspx
http://www.hinsonsupercars.com/p-134...l-headers.aspx
#271
with my neverending addiction to throwing practicality out the window, I might just have to build myself an ls1, last time I did that things got a little crazy, haha
So I was shopping around, I might go pick up an LS1 for sale up the road. Anyone want to buy my 455 Olds engine? How about a 13B Renesis? lol
So I was shopping around, I might go pick up an LS1 for sale up the road. Anyone want to buy my 455 Olds engine? How about a 13B Renesis? lol
Last edited by mitsokid; 09-09-2011 at 09:34 PM.
#272
not to go off topic but, wouldnt it be a hell of alot easier and quicker to go with a carbed 5.7? cheaper for sure and 1 wire could run the whole motor. i just got a chev 350 w/ turbo400(not sure if its an ls or not, im a ford fan) in a dunebuggy trade and have been seriously thinking long and hard about goin ahead with this. thoughts?
#273
not to go off topic but, wouldnt it be a hell of alot easier and quicker to go with a carbed 5.7? cheaper for sure and 1 wire could run the whole motor. i just got a chev 350 w/ turbo400(not sure if its an ls or not, im a ford fan) in a dunebuggy trade and have been seriously thinking long and hard about goin ahead with this. thoughts?
Do It!!!
I have been thinking same. use a carbed engine and eliminate 98% of wiring troubles.
i will most likely drop a 350 and 4 barrel carb i have from my jeep wrangler
in the 8 when current motor dies.
#274
not to go off topic but, wouldnt it be a hell of alot easier and quicker to go with a carbed 5.7? cheaper for sure and 1 wire could run the whole motor. i just got a chev 350 w/ turbo400(not sure if its an ls or not, im a ford fan) in a dunebuggy trade and have been seriously thinking long and hard about goin ahead with this. thoughts?
It's been done and it was the biggest fail ever.
#275