Great video discussing different engine swaps. You left out the LFX engine swap which is done by Keisler Automation. It's expensive costing $15-$20k total for the kit and engine but has major benefits and fits the RX8 well.
You forgot to mention the fact that all of these swaps require MAJOR fabrication work. You can engine swap anything with any engine if you have the tools and expertise. An easier swap, is the subframe, engine and gearbox from an nc mx5. You can turbo the 2.0l to make around 300hp on stock internals, and the gearboxes are supposedly good for 420nm of torque
Wouldn't even need a NC MX-5 motor specifically, quite sure you could get away with using a normal LF 2L/2.5L from a BL Mz3 or GH Mz6 with an oil pan replacement. Quite sure the NC has the LF motor with different cams/head Meaning you can come across motors quite easily
@@Voyakk i did it because my rotary was destroyed and I cant get parts in dubai cost efficiently so I went for the swap as it was more cost efficient, I'm running 350hp whp on a stock motor just a big turbo and manifold which was like $500 off the shelf the engine I picked up for $300 I went standalone but could have stayed with the og 1.8t harness and ecu and that was $600 stock block record is 600ish I think but reliable is under 320ftlbs of torque (before 3500rpm you can have a little more later up) then change for a set of rods that's like $300+ depending if you go maxpeedingrods or more then over 500-550ish you'll want to swap pistons as that's about when people start breaking them and at the same time a set of valves which are also cheap (under $500) as 20 year old sodium valves don't like high heat and cylinder pressures that the big turbos will make if you wanna then push for 700-800 you can I think the total record for a fully built motor is like 1200-1300 now
When you swapping something different in the rx8 chassis the car stops being the car that we all know and love or hate.... The only swap you can do is the new stock engine that costs around 10k as a new one or any other rotary engine that's in the market... Please keep this legend real and clean!
From what i have been hearing the "race" price from mazda has jumped to about 15k and the retail a bit higher. The rotary is getting really hard to justify.
@@jubrie1758 Full peripheral port with custom housings for custom ex/int timing so you can maximize the equivalent "lift" and tune the duration, overlap, and lobe separation angle to make it do whatever you want. The idea I have revolves around square-oval ports and trying to make it the equivalent of around a 110lsa, 270-300 degree advertised duration single pattern cam that's a couple degrees advanced for more torque. I'd obviously offset the port width on the exhaust side to make it smaller so the total flow numbers are matched and I don't have to add more duration to the intake to get it to work kinda like how certain LS, Mopar, and SBF guys claim they need longer exhaust duration to carry the power and compensate the poor flow. The end goal is that there isn't too much overlap or any funky too-wide equivalent LSA angle and that it hopefully makes it an excellent all-round motor. 420whp+ N/A would be the number I'm aiming for. Then I'd throw boost at it.
@@ailar101 ok so i went with a big ole heavy turbo not stock turbo and also I did my wiring in a wonky way which means I have 2 ecus in the car not just 1 but I gained a whopping 37kg and it is so far behind the strut towers that the weight ratio is basically the same as it was, I can't feel a discernable difference in weight, but I can feel the extra just over 200hp at the wheels I could probably have shaved off another 5kg maybe or if I went for a tubular mani instead of a heavy cast thing maybe get to 10kg off, lighter engine mounts too my current ones are way overbuilt maybe I could take 15kg off but really it makes no difference if you put a turbo kit on a renesis you'd probably add the same weight if not more. but I certainly have more reliability and fuel economy and more power and the same redline (I had a 4 port so only 7200rpm before vs 8000 now)
@@ailar101 ima give it in my local unit which L/100km and if I’m not a dickhead flooring it everywhere about 9-10L/100km If I’m being lively with it a bit more Remember uae is all highways with small sections off the highway that should give reference it’s mostly 80-120kmh driving
I've always wanted to do a bit of sacrilege and drop in a turbo diesel engine. Something alloy with around 180hp but loads of torque. Would be fun, and the huge fuel tank would make for a great range.
You forgot LFX, J35, 2AR-FXE (w/perf mod), 2GR-FXE (w/perf mod), LV3/LV1, and Mazda's own Duratec 2.3/2.5, but ideally a 2.5 block with 2.3 crank and rods to make it 8000rpm ready. All but the 2.3/2.5 can easily get you to 300-325whp either stock or with minimal mods, and all of the V6s can get you to 375-425whp either with significant N/A mods or boost, with the 2.3/2.5 being capable of 300-400whp boosted on stock internals, itself, and 500+ using forged internals. The LV3 and J35 with lowered compression and boost are good for 600+whp on otherwise stock internals, or E85 and true stock internals. From what I know the LFX takes boost pretty well, but IDK about the internals.
I've done a LOT of prep work when I got my Renesis rebuilt, in hopes of on day being able to put a turbo on it. I've done a stud kit, RX7 apex seals, and a lot of other goodies. However, it seems it's almost impossible to find a reputable seller of RX8 turbo kits (I've seen some questionable things, and forums don't help). All I want is 275WHP out of my Renesis, and it's very attainable on paper, but with ever-decreasing support for this, it almost makes no sense to swap in an REW just for those power numbers. I'm debating throwing in a K20/24 but I don't feel comfortable cutting into the firewall to make it fit, and the engine is extremely tall too. It's been done before, and the K20/24 have waaaay more support out there, but I love the way my Renesis sounds... stuck between a rock and a hard place, might end up just selling the RX8 altogether 😔
Buy a universal turbo (from a reputable brand of course) and have the exhaust/intake fabbed up for it. You've already built the motor to an extent, why waste that time/money engine swapping or selling the car if your like 2/3 of the way?
@@nimbleryan735 getting the parts is the "easier" part of the build, the problem is finding a tuner that can do it... Shipping it across the states just to get it tuned is not ideal either
I just purchased an 06 with LS1 manual swapped. I'm not a purist....looking forward to having a blast ! one day i may get a low mileage rx-8 and enjoy the feel and sounds of the rotary. IMO, the LS engines make the most sense, big power potential, relatively cheap and definitely reliable power! Wish the LFX engines were a cheaper option.
I’m going with an LS3, T56 magnum and ford 8.8, keisler automation mount kit and axles. Rotaries are fun, but gas hogs (I get about 250km per tank of 94 octane), low torque, have to premix, temperamental ignition systems, catalytic converters fall apart. Expensive to fix, hard to find parts.
@@dariolucchesi2201Without. The car was $4500. It could be done cheaper, but it depends on your fabrication skills and your expectations. I have definitely opted for some of the more expensive parts (Haltech ECU, LS3 aluminum block engine, and brand new t56 transmission). You could use a stock ecu, a truck motor and an auto trans.
@@Dansyoung Got it, it doesn't seem like too much money for the result, I'm thinking about buying a scrap body in good condition and just start fresh with an LS swap, seems to check all the boxes for me!
Hello I have a friend that has a mazda rx8 2008 and he want to swap the engine for a 5.0 8v for explorer motor but i don't know if that is a good option
K20 is the closest to the weight of the 13b renesis for a piston swap, 13b rew is the same as the k20. 13B rew is the way to go with a street or cross port single turbo and that car should handle like its on rails
Also you could have mentioned the MX-5 NC engines, since the RX-8 and NC are based on the same platform. There's also a fairly known NC with an RX8 engine in Germany.
I'll be doing an N/A 20B build in mine when the stock engine eventually goes. I've been sitting on the 20B for about 6 years, and I still figure I need another $20K to get it in the car and running. Absolutely terrible HP/$ ratio, but I don't care
I am trying to put a 13B REW in my rx8 but trying to get my hands on one were I live is hard (Vancouver island Canada) any suggestions on places to buy a used one online?
Connect with important companies that bring cars. I used jdmconnection back in 2014. Worked out cheaper this way as they brought over a wrecked rx7 and I just pulled the motor.
If you were happy and capable to build it yourself? I cannot imagine doing better than this for performance and reliability - The so-called Hartley 2.6litre V8 based on two Suzuki Hayabusa heads. slightly lighter than the Renesis, 11,000rpm, 400hp - custom block is the $$$$ barrier. Heads are cheap.
Putting LS1 in this chassis completely kills the balance and agility of RX8. If you swap, go with something light enough to keep the handling as close to original as possible.
LS swaps are the lamest swaps in any car at this point. Yes, it is cheap power. But EVERYONE has done it at this point. If you are going to go through the trouble of a swap, make it interesting.
A special thanks to Dennis, for his amazing contribution to this topic. 🍻
Great video discussing different engine swaps. You left out the LFX engine swap which is done by Keisler Automation. It's expensive costing $15-$20k total for the kit and engine but has major benefits and fits the RX8 well.
The best swaps are ones that include rotors in it.
Next video: "How to swap to a carbon steel body on a DeLorean"
@@chitlitlahfunny you chose another car with a good reason to do an engine swap on to something much better.
If I swap it's gonna be rotary again
I want to swap a 3.3T into one
Definition of insanity
Unreliable
You forgot to mention the fact that all of these swaps require MAJOR fabrication work. You can engine swap anything with any engine if you have the tools and expertise. An easier swap, is the subframe, engine and gearbox from an nc mx5. You can turbo the 2.0l to make around 300hp on stock internals, and the gearboxes are supposedly good for 420nm of torque
Wouldn't even need a NC MX-5 motor specifically, quite sure you could get away with using a normal LF 2L/2.5L from a BL Mz3 or GH Mz6 with an oil pan replacement. Quite sure the NC has the LF motor with different cams/head
Meaning you can come across motors quite easily
I want an RTA96-C in a Peel P50
In the states there is a swap kit for the Camaro V6, lower cost and about 300WHP.
I think donut media has broken me. I now get angry when people say horsepower and not hearse purse
It’s so amazing you’re back
Thanks man!
In Poland people usually put 1.8t from Audi into RX-8. Dunno if it is a good choice...
It’s a great choice I’ve done the same
@@perfectentrytrading why? How much hp can it do without losing reliability and what are costs of it?
@@Voyakk i did it because my rotary was destroyed and I cant get parts in dubai cost efficiently so I went for the swap as it was more cost efficient, I'm running 350hp whp on a stock motor just a big turbo and manifold which was like $500 off the shelf the engine I picked up for $300 I went standalone but could have stayed with the og 1.8t harness and ecu and that was $600 stock block record is 600ish I think but reliable is under 320ftlbs of torque (before 3500rpm you can have a little more later up) then change for a set of rods that's like $300+ depending if you go maxpeedingrods or more then over 500-550ish you'll want to swap pistons as that's about when people start breaking them and at the same time a set of valves which are also cheap (under $500) as 20 year old sodium valves don't like high heat and cylinder pressures that the big turbos will make if you wanna then push for 700-800 you can I think the total record for a fully built motor is like 1200-1300 now
My EV-converted RX-8 is perhaps the left-field choice :)
When you swapping something different in the rx8 chassis the car stops being the car that we all know and love or hate.... The only swap you can do is the new stock engine that costs around 10k as a new one or any other rotary engine that's in the market... Please keep this legend real and clean!
Additionally all this swaps are not legal!
@@panagiotisfloudas7678 how are these not legal?
From what i have been hearing the "race" price from mazda has jumped to about 15k and the retail a bit higher. The rotary is getting really hard to justify.
20B would be my choice
Can't get any better than that
@@jubrie1758 26B
@@jubrie1758 Full peripheral port with custom housings for custom ex/int timing so you can maximize the equivalent "lift" and tune the duration, overlap, and lobe separation angle to make it do whatever you want. The idea I have revolves around square-oval ports and trying to make it the equivalent of around a 110lsa, 270-300 degree advertised duration single pattern cam that's a couple degrees advanced for more torque.
I'd obviously offset the port width on the exhaust side to make it smaller so the total flow numbers are matched and I don't have to add more duration to the intake to get it to work kinda like how certain LS, Mopar, and SBF guys claim they need longer exhaust duration to carry the power and compensate the poor flow. The end goal is that there isn't too much overlap or any funky too-wide equivalent LSA angle and that it hopefully makes it an excellent all-round motor. 420whp+ N/A would be the number I'm aiming for. Then I'd throw boost at it.
Sorry guys, but Russians found out that the best swap choice is шеснарь (shesnar'), legendary outstanding engine from VAZ
What is the power potential in kartofelpowers?
I went Audi 1.8t it was super easy super cheap and works really well
What's the weight difference of the car after the swap? Did you weigh it? Thanks.
@@ailar101 ok so i went with a big ole heavy turbo not stock turbo and also I did my wiring in a wonky way which means I have 2 ecus in the car not just 1 but I gained a whopping 37kg and it is so far behind the strut towers that the weight ratio is basically the same as it was, I can't feel a discernable difference in weight, but I can feel the extra just over 200hp at the wheels I could probably have shaved off another 5kg maybe or if I went for a tubular mani instead of a heavy cast thing maybe get to 10kg off, lighter engine mounts too my current ones are way overbuilt maybe I could take 15kg off but really it makes no difference if you put a turbo kit on a renesis you'd probably add the same weight if not more. but I certainly have more reliability and fuel economy and more power and the same redline (I had a 4 port so only 7200rpm before vs 8000 now)
@@perfectentrytrading thanks for the reply! How's the fuel economy?
@@ailar101 ima give it in my local unit which L/100km and if I’m not a dickhead flooring it everywhere about 9-10L/100km
If I’m being lively with it a bit more
Remember uae is all highways with small sections off the highway that should give reference it’s mostly 80-120kmh driving
@@perfectentrytradingwhat 1.8t did you swap? Like from what car.
Did it fit easily or like was installation easy?
I've always wanted to do a bit of sacrilege and drop in a turbo diesel engine. Something alloy with around 180hp but loads of torque. Would be fun, and the huge fuel tank would make for a great range.
20B rotary ❤
💯💯🔥🔥
K series would be my choice, around 250 at the wheels I think would keep it fun as hell.
My rotory just blew yesterday after a day of driving so thanks for this video
Let's be honest... the RX-8 isn't a looker like the RX-7. Swapping the engine out is like taking out all of the appeal.
You forgot LFX, J35, 2AR-FXE (w/perf mod), 2GR-FXE (w/perf mod), LV3/LV1, and Mazda's own Duratec 2.3/2.5, but ideally a 2.5 block with 2.3 crank and rods to make it 8000rpm ready. All but the 2.3/2.5 can easily get you to 300-325whp either stock or with minimal mods, and all of the V6s can get you to 375-425whp either with significant N/A mods or boost, with the 2.3/2.5 being capable of 300-400whp boosted on stock internals, itself, and 500+ using forged internals. The LV3 and J35 with lowered compression and boost are good for 600+whp on otherwise stock internals, or E85 and true stock internals. From what I know the LFX takes boost pretty well, but IDK about the internals.
I've done a LOT of prep work when I got my Renesis rebuilt, in hopes of on day being able to put a turbo on it. I've done a stud kit, RX7 apex seals, and a lot of other goodies. However, it seems it's almost impossible to find a reputable seller of RX8 turbo kits (I've seen some questionable things, and forums don't help). All I want is 275WHP out of my Renesis, and it's very attainable on paper, but with ever-decreasing support for this, it almost makes no sense to swap in an REW just for those power numbers. I'm debating throwing in a K20/24 but I don't feel comfortable cutting into the firewall to make it fit, and the engine is extremely tall too. It's been done before, and the K20/24 have waaaay more support out there, but I love the way my Renesis sounds... stuck between a rock and a hard place, might end up just selling the RX8 altogether 😔
Buy a universal turbo (from a reputable brand of course) and have the exhaust/intake fabbed up for it. You've already built the motor to an extent, why waste that time/money engine swapping or selling the car if your like 2/3 of the way?
@@nimbleryan735 getting the parts is the "easier" part of the build, the problem is finding a tuner that can do it... Shipping it across the states just to get it tuned is not ideal either
I just purchased an 06 with LS1 manual swapped. I'm not a purist....looking forward to having a blast ! one day i may get a low mileage rx-8 and enjoy the feel and sounds of the rotary. IMO, the LS engines make the most sense, big power potential, relatively cheap and definitely reliable power! Wish the LFX engines were a cheaper option.
Pics and vids?
1.9 TDI 🔥 Torque increase will be insane! 💪🏻
so no v6 options you want to mention? LFX by chance?
Also. I can't find the body kits video you promised.
B58 sounds nice
I’m going with an LS3, T56 magnum and ford 8.8, keisler automation mount kit and axles.
Rotaries are fun, but gas hogs (I get about 250km per tank of 94 octane), low torque, have to premix, temperamental ignition systems, catalytic converters fall apart. Expensive to fix, hard to find parts.
How much would that run ya?
@@dariolucchesi2201 It’s expensive and still under way. All said and done approx 30k Canadian.
@@Dansyoung Car included or just the conversion?
@@dariolucchesi2201Without. The car was $4500. It could be done cheaper, but it depends on your fabrication skills and your expectations.
I have definitely opted for some of the more expensive parts (Haltech ECU, LS3 aluminum block engine, and brand new t56 transmission). You could use a stock ecu, a truck motor and an auto trans.
@@Dansyoung Got it, it doesn't seem like too much money for the result, I'm thinking about buying a scrap body in good condition and just start fresh with an LS swap, seems to check all the boxes for me!
what if FA20 swap ?? since RX8 is a light car, would it be good swap into lighter engine ?
In South Africa - 1uz / 3uz Lexus or Toyota 2gr - it does affect handling for sure but this is mostly whats been done here
Hello
I have a friend that has a mazda rx8 2008 and he want to swap the engine for a 5.0 8v for explorer motor but i don't know if that is a good option
K20 is the closest to the weight of the 13b renesis for a piston swap, 13b rew is the same as the k20. 13B rew is the way to go with a street or cross port single turbo and that car should handle like its on rails
I still have my original engine in my 09. Not even rebuilt yet.
Blew a side deal on my rx8 recently, will be k swapping it this year for a street driver drift build
Try an Audi 1.8t it’s easier and way cheaper
Also you could have mentioned the MX-5 NC engines, since the RX-8 and NC are based on the same platform. There's also a fairly known NC with an RX8 engine in Germany.
I'm doing this swap now!
The other way around is quite complex, nearly Impossible without modifying the Firewall, so Not street legal in Germany.
@@heroesofthelandstrasse I already moved my firewall back, not so strict here in the uk
I would swap it for 13B rew or 20B but I would like to know how much it will be for 20B swap.
Can you do a video on what a RB26DETT I6 swap for an rx8? Like details on the cost and differences?❤️
Exigent has a 4b11t swap kit for it as well.
I luv the spinning Dorito
The LFX should be mentioned more than a few vids on it
I'll be doing an N/A 20B build in mine when the stock engine eventually goes. I've been sitting on the 20B for about 6 years, and I still figure I need another $20K to get it in the car and running. Absolutely terrible HP/$ ratio, but I don't care
Thinking about 1.8t from vw/audi tbh or some bmw m52b20
I am trying to put a 13B REW in my rx8 but trying to get my hands on one were I live is hard (Vancouver island Canada) any suggestions on places to buy a used one online?
Connect with important companies that bring cars. I used jdmconnection back in 2014. Worked out cheaper this way as they brought over a wrecked rx7 and I just pulled the motor.
Good video
Why only those engines.. is it due to the difficulty of tuning and getting wirelooms?
Surely there are better inline 4s and small v6s.
20b? Hybrid 13b? 13b rews are crazy expensive now that Mazda increased the price
how about transmissions swaps
The mazda 3 mps engine would be interresting
I am about to do a rebuild on my rx8 after that I will probably build a 3 rotor
K20/K24 if you want to go for the cheap
Duratec/L-series 2.5l I4 turbo
did anyone put the engine in the back seat
Im doing a LS swap
And it's my first time doing it with no experience in engine swap
20B bar none
Rotary engine only 🔥 no piston 😢
Why would you get rid of the 50/50 weigh distribution and ruin the handling the only engine that should be in rx chassis is a rotary
Fun fact the rx8 shares the miata chassis
Io penso che se ho una rx8 la devo lasciare rotativa. Ma avere un po più si affidabilità non mi dispiacerebbe
the 13b turbo you show, is a cosmo engine, not an rx7 engine.
If you were happy and capable to build it yourself? I cannot imagine doing better than this for performance and reliability - The so-called Hartley 2.6litre V8 based on two Suzuki Hayabusa heads. slightly lighter than the Renesis, 11,000rpm, 400hp - custom block is the $$$$ barrier. Heads are cheap.
only more rotors...❤
Rotary 20b mazda cosmo
LS is not heavy. 80lbs heavier than a 13b
Putting LS1 in this chassis completely kills the balance and agility of RX8. If you swap, go with something light enough to keep the handling as close to original as possible.
Whoever told you that lied. Don't repeat him in confidence. Lol
Whoever told you that, lied. Don't repeat him in confidence. Lol
@@FirstnameLastname-pe5ib are you a troll or something? He is 100% right with what he said
There is nothing similar in size and weight to a rotary engine. If Mazda chose this engine for the RX-8 20 years ago, there is a reason.
@@dgmdgm7271 That's the point, any non rotary swap will upset the balance.
Ecoboost 2.0/2.3
26b. Ls is not an option
Mazda rx8
LS swaps are the lamest swaps in any car at this point. Yes, it is cheap power. But EVERYONE has done it at this point. If you are going to go through the trouble of a swap, make it interesting.
2jz 800 hp?! lol/ noob
AI thumbnails must stop
never ever would i put a dirty old v8 in an rx8, disgusting!
2jz ❤