Ottmxr

Hey guys, I am knew to the rotary scene and decided to buy an rx8. Yes I question my sanity sometimes.... Anywho, I have done some research and is it true the 13b is better to build for boost? I read I will need lower compression for the turbos and 2mm apex seals, but would i touch the housing at all or the rotors. And would I need a new trans, ecu, or clutch? Again I am new to this platform so any insight on everything I would need for this would help and even where to get these parts would mean a lot. I'm shooting for 450-500whp for a summer only build, if that's not possible without breaking the bank let me know!

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

welcome to the board.

in order ....

1. yes, the REW was built as a turbo engine from the factory, so it is "better" for boost
2. whether or not you "touch" the rotors or housings is entirely up to you. i assume you mean porting, so no, you don't need to port it. depending on how you acquire the engine, it might not hurt though.
3. you don't inherently NEED a new transmission, but depending on how you treat it, you might.
4. a standalone would probably be a good (my opinion is it's the best) idea, but there are other ways to skin the cat.
5. clutch will need to be appropriate for your power level and the type of use.

you'll need to figure out how to mount it. there are two ready-made mounting brackets that i am aware of, but one of them may or may not be sketchy. obviously, you will need to tackle wiring no matter what direction you choose to go for management. there will be a lot of fabrication involved (intake, intercooler and exhaust. having never done it myself, but i'm sure there are other things, too.).

"will it break the bank" will completely depend on your budget (available resources), but it's likely to easily run you a solid 5-figures. if you can't do any of the work (fabrication, wiring, etc.), then obviously it will be even more.

Ottmxr

Is there a better option to reaching the power levels I want going with the ways of the renesis ? I’m all for doing things differently and teaching myself to fab. But wiring is def not my cup of tea. I’m devoted to learning this motor and getting my power goals, would a 20b be cheaper and or easier.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

everything in me says no, but i haven't been on Rx8Club for a minute, so i simply don't know.
well, there will be wiring in some form or another no matter how what you do.
the simplest and nicest way i can answer that is ... no.

Ottmxr

what would you do if you were 19 and In my situation with the goals I would like to achieve. My license is revoked until I’m 21 for racing so I have time to build it for meets and the track

fendamonky

iTrader: (6)

If I were 19 with no license then I'd work my *** off to save money and get a reliable car as the baseline. Seriously, get yourself something like an early gen Miata to start with. They're fun as hell, relatively cheap, and reliable as all get out.

I'm damned near 40 now, but was 19 with a revoked license once too, lol. Trust me when I say that you're trying to get yourself into a money-pit for a 30 year old. As a standard 19 year old you still have a lot to learn and a lot to earn before jumping into this particular path.

TwinCharged RX7

iTrader: (14)

Lost license for years due to racing, proceeds to build race car for streets.

Just stop. Find a new hobby. Street racing literally kills people and there is a reason your license is gone. Let common sense prevail.

GtiKyle

iTrader: (5)

I don't disagree that there's some serious stupidity on display, and I'm sure OP knows this. But to be fair, he said he was building it for meets and for the track, not mentioning street. I hope that's true, to your point, because street racing is extremely dumb.

Ottmxr

I do not plan to race on any street, I plan to daily a prius while going to school and etc. But I do plan on having something I can take to racewars here in upstate ny.

Ottmxr

Its nice to know other people have been in my boat. Im really just looking to be different, hence the rotary platform. I could easily reach 500whp on an k series but I hate hondas. Coming from european cars that make power so easy but unreliably its a tough change. The only miata I somewhat find appealing is the NC.

Ottmxr

I raced in high school but as a volunteer fireman its helped me mature as a driver. Only tracks for roll racing and meets to show off. No street racing at all in any car.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

glad to hear you're maturing as a volunteer firefighter. i would imagine some of those calls may involve the horrific side of street racing, so you can see and compare the sides of the spectrum.

well, if you have a Prius for a daily, then you're ahead of the game. good for you.

in terms of building the Rx-8, it really comes down to your income situation. whether you make a decent amount or not, just make sure to save a percentage of it for yourself either liquid or as an investment. put it somewhere that it will be too inconvenient to give in to temptation - especially if the withdrawal is for the project. do not touch it!!!

don't rush yourself in getting the car. look for the best one you can find - for your plans, a broken, but complete one would be a just fine. a decent driver would be better though, that way you can familiarize yourself with a working Rx-8. at that point, it's a matter of making and refining your plans, then buying parts when you can. it might help to buy them by systems (engine, fuel, turbo, ignition, etc.)

TeamRX8

iTrader: (2)

You aren’t getting to 450+ whp reliably with a Renesis, but if you have to pass emissions for a street car you’re not going to get there with an REW conversion either

ditch NY and move to Florida; no emissions there and in addition to an REW swap being a go think of all the other freedoms you’ll gain as well. Unless your a criminal, they still prosecute them there.
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