So I'm at the point where the RX-8 is needing a rebuild. 160k on the original motor, I'm considering doing it proactively, rather than reactively. I've debated on what direction I want to take the car, and I have two options, one invoking it and one somewhat not involving it.

I don't plan on ever selling it, but this is the crossroads I'm at.

I could pull the engine, have it rebuilt by Pettit, and install the Greddy turbo kit with the fixes, and have it tuned. That would be option one.

Option two, is I've been eyeballing an FD nearby. I've owned two of them in the past, so this isn't uncharted territory for me in the least.

Just curious as to the forums opinion. The REW is obviously easier to squeeze power out of, and I loved my FD. But part of turbocharging the eight is it's a much less traveled road. With some meth injection I think it would be interesting to try as well.

Thoughts?

 

No Idea what you want to hear . Maybe have a read around the FI forum.

 

I've combed through the FI forum and the 7 club (been a member there for 10+ years.) I guess I'm moreso just trying to weigh which one I would enjoy most.

Honestly the FD is just a driving experience of its own, but there aren't very many forced induced RX8's around in comparison. Plus being able to get a new greddy turbo kit is nice.

I suppose at this point I'm just brainstorming, looking from FI opinions from members on here.

 

I guess if you have the money/skills and like messing with your car , it can be quite satisfying to turbo your 8. If you don't enjoy constantly working on it ....don't do it.
I would say my turbo Renesis RX8 is superior to most turbo rx7s in both power and driving experience , but to get to that point .................. oh man ....what a mission!

 

I've read through your thread, quite the journey indeed. I have to tip my hat to you, though, that was a tremendous amount of effort and dedication.

I'm not scared of turning wrenches by any means, I did a five speed swap on a base model NA FC, and took it to a jspec turbo swap after that. So the idea of taking the Greddy kit and using it as a baseline and going from there would be right up my alley.

Then again, the FD I'm looking at is automatic, so that would be step one, making that five speed, lol.

What part of NZ do you hail from? I've got friends in New Plymouth.

 

Thanks for that . I'm about 21/2 hrs north of NP (Hamilton)..... great fun drive from here to there !

 

Np. You did start out with the original Greddy kit, right?

What do you think is the weakest part of the kit? I've heard the couplers are less than ideal, and as it comes the turbo just spools too quickly and runs out of steam (hence one of the fixes of tapping right into the compressor outlet and running to wastegate.)

If I pulled the trigger on this, I would definitely be running AI, methanol preferably. How long does your tank of AI last (what size?)

I appreciate the feedback.

 

Yes, but I've run the 57trim and 60-1 upgrade comp. wheels ...not the stock wheel. 57 trim is the optimal one. 60-1 ruins the spoolup without much gain in real terms.There are a lot of weaknesses ...suggest you read the greddy FAQ thread. Basically the kit should be considered something to get you started ..... many of the components will end up in the trash . Hence the value of buying one second hand and upgrading it from there.
I tried AI and didn't like it . We have E85 here close to me ...much better to use that as an octane enhancer (E30) .

 

Yeah, I was considering it a baseline kit more than a 100% bolt on solution, given all of the fixes that should be applied to it. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Greddy designed a bolt on kit with properly fitted charge pipes and manifold/downpipe. But Honestly, the kit lacking water cooling (hello BNR upgrade if I go this route) lacking a recirculation valve/flange, and the emanage included was kind of poorly thought out. So I guess that would be why its a good base kit, id never throw it on there as it comes and just expect it to be sufficient.


We unfortunately do not have E85 anywhere near me, or at least, not enough that would make it practical. Somewhat unfortunate. I would have to go with AI if anything.