gracer7-rx7

Time for a build thread!

I bought MagnusRacing's RX8 race car back in 2020 when COVID was starting. We've been friends for ages having met on the rx7club when he had an FD and then moved to SD. His 8 is a great car. Well loved. Needed an engine.


I thought it would be a fun project, give me a reason to learn how to rebuild a rotary engine and experiment with a different race car beyond my Spec Miata.
Long story short but things didn't quite go to plan... Surprise, right?! Work and other stuff got in the way and here we are 4 frickin' years later finally getting started on this. This weekend, I started getting the car ready to remove the engine for a rebuild. I've done this before on Miata race cars so it is not my first rodeo but it is my first rodeo with an RX8.

Spent some time reading this thread and some others to understand what was involved in engine removal:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...w-pics-178937/

After 2 afternoons of working carefully and lots of sweating, we are here:



I plan on removing the engine and transmission together for various reasons. I need to detach the PPF, attach the hoist, remove the engine mounts and I should be good to start hoisting. I'm sure this will go as smoothly as my stubbly chin.

Follow along. Wish me luck. ​

gracer7-rx7

Question for you guys... Where are the engine removal hooks normally on the renesis? Mine seem to be missing. Ideas on what else to use to hook up the chains?

gracer7-rx7

Never mind. Figured it out. Found an album from another RX8 thread. Lost the thread but have the album open on my phone. I couldn't find the RX8 hooks but managed to attach 2 hooks from a Miata. Should work...

SparklingFresca

Good luck with the build. How is the chassis setup on it?

gracer7-rx7

Thanks
Ohlins and stock sway bars

Mazdaspeed RX8 ver2

Aren't you just having all the fun now? Looking forward to this build, will motivate me to get the rx8 back up and running.

gracer7-rx7

It will be more fun when it is running! I'm also hoping this thread will keep me motivated as well. Can't believe I've been slacking this long...

What's wrong with your 8?

Mazdaspeed RX8 ver2

Was in an accident, front passenger side hit. Needs headlights, hood, RH fender, straighten up the body, replacement oil cooler, fender liners, under tray and a few connectors. Also, stainless steel oil line coming from the engine is shooting out oil galore, 2nd time this happened, thinking of just going back to stock. I already picked up a replacement hood, just needs some PDR, ordered LED headlights, getting LED corners and LED Tail Lights as well (might as well just indulge a little) but still need a fender, the liners and undertray and been going back and fourth with @RX8Performance.com on getting my replacement oil cooler. It hasn't been a priority so it's been sitting for months already as i slowly pick up parts.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Always wondered about this one. So often they sell and then never to be heard from or seen again. As I recall, he had transplanted a Series 2 engine in the last configuration. Best wishes going forward.
.

Warrior777

iTrader: (11)

Wait is that the same Magnus Racing company that took 3rd at the 6 hours of Glen?

gracer7-rx7

No relation. This Magnus is faster, blonder and races west coast. jk

gracer7-rx7

Yep. Figured some of the forum vets would enjoy hearing of this car.

gracer7-rx7

Engine is out! I pulled both the engine and transmission together as a unit. I was surprised it came out so easily easy given old threads where people say it is difficult to remove together.



Engine bay is surprisingly clean and oil free. I sprayed it with some degreaser after taking this pic and scrubbed down the surfaces that I could reach with a nylon brush.


Lastly, i removed all the ancillaries and dropped it off at a local racer's house who is going to tear it down and see what we need to do to rebuild it. Not sure what is going to be able to be reused. When I turned it over by hand, liquid would spurt out the open holes. Not sure if it was oil, water or a mix of both. Obviously, the last guy that attempted the rebuild screwed something up during assembly. We knew that going into this project. Soon we will figure out what he screwed up.



2 asks:
1. Does anyone have the stock engine hoist hooks they want to sell me? I used some from my Miata but I'd like to install the factory hooks to make this easier next time?
2. If anyone has a line on a rebuildable 6 port renesis locally, please let me know.

Thanks.