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RX8 V6 engine swap
KFC - 14/10/13 at 10:51 PM

There are a lot of good RX8's out there with dead engines and they seem to go for about 4 to 500 quid. I like the idea of the V6 in a RX8, lovely sound and power, I'm not after ridicules power, 230bhp-250bhp mark. Cars with the engine I think I want go for about the same money, an engine out of a mondeo or S-type. I'm driving a MX6 with the 2.5L klde engine but I thought a AJ30 out of a s-type would be better for the engine lay out with a lot of usable parts, manifolds, mounts, bolt on the RX8 gearbox? Adapter plate needed? I'm not sure but I thought the rwd version with the duratec based engine would be ideal. I would like to try and use the stock inlet and ecu just to keep the cost down for now. I'd just like to get one going sooner than later so I can get rid of the MX6, What do you think?

[Edited on 14/10/13 by KFC]

bi22le - 15/10/13 at 06:50 AM

Do it!!

The US love doing Rx7 with V8 in and I think they have started doing RX8 now aswell.

Do some googling and see whaat info is already out there.

balidey - 15/10/13 at 07:27 AM

I also saw how cheap they were and did some searching. Seems the VAG 1.8 turbo engine is a popular choice with a couple of companies selling adapters etc.

KFC - 15/10/13 at 08:58 AM

quote:
Originally posted by bi22le
Do it!!

The US love doing Rx7 with V8 in and I think they have started doing RX8 now aswell.

Do some googling and see whaat info is already out there.


Yeah Amercan's love their V8's , too big and heavy for my liking, I don't want to ruin the handling of the car, I enjoy corners and round abouts as chicanes.

I'm trying to find dimensions of rotary engine to compare to a small V6 that will fit nicely.
I did think about a BMW 3.0 V8 because of the sound, a higher pitched V8 because of the smaller pots, but it's too long and expensive spares.


I've heard the KLDE 2.5L V6 has good aftermarket support. My only concern is all the mods and expense I would have to do getting a transversed engine to fit longitudinally with lots of modding and expense. I want this conversion to happen as quickly as I can, weeks rather than months. The engine in my MX6 would be ideal but then I have no transport. Its a good healthy engine with no leaks and doesn't use oil.

What about getting the mazda chassis loom to speak to the engine loom in the same language? Has anyone done that?

[Edited on 15/10/13 by KFC]

KFC - 15/10/13 at 11:23 AM

quote:
Originally posted by balidey
I also saw how cheap they were and did some searching. Seems the VAG 1.8 turbo engine is a popular choice with a couple of companies selling adapters etc.


I think it would be too tall and heavy, don't they have a cast iron block? The later engines are ally but they would be expensive, I'm looking at an engine that is at least 10 years old because of the cost of buying it. This will be initially a cheap outlay and then once it's drivable then I can tinker and do mods.

bi22le - 15/10/13 at 11:53 AM

I dont know if they are common donors of their engines but certainlt would be cheap

Mitsibushi FTO V6
Ford Probe

Both V6 but under the power you are looking for. I thought I would suggest them as they are both in similar styled cars so the engines will have to be short.

I do have the feeling though that Mazda would of taken advantage of having such a physically small engine and lowered the bonnet line to match.

Good luck with weeks rather than months!

mcerd1 - 15/10/13 at 12:25 PM

you'll find all the mazda V6 experts on clairetoo's MX5 V6 thread:

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=161146


and a fair bit of info on the duratec / jaj V6's here:

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=184341

twybrow - 15/10/13 at 02:15 PM

The RX8 6 speed gearbox is the gearbox from the MX5, and therefore it should be possible to use the Mazda V6 (see links above for Clairetoo) and bolt it straight up to the 6 speed box.... Simples.

KFC - 15/10/13 at 03:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by bi22le
I dont know if they are common donors of their engines but certainlt would be cheap

Mitsibushi FTO V6
Ford Probe

Both V6 but under the power you are looking for. I thought I would suggest them as they are both in similar styled cars so the engines will have to be short.

I do have the feeling though that Mazda would of taken advantage of having such a physically small engine and lowered the bonnet line to match.

Good luck with weeks rather than months!


Yeah both of those engine are under powered, the jag 3.0l has 240bhp and quite torquey.
Thanks any way.

mcerd1 - 15/10/13 at 03:44 PM

quote:
Originally posted by twybrow
The RX8 6 speed gearbox is the gearbox from the MX5, and therefore it should be possible to use the Mazda V6 (see links above for Clairetoo) and bolt it straight up to the 6 speed box.... Simples.

is that not the box that bolts strait onto the 4 cyl duratec HE ?

correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the 4cyl duratec had a different bellhousing pattern from the duratec V6....

[Edited on 15/10/2013 by mcerd1]

me! - 15/10/13 at 04:10 PM

Watching with interest... I was thinking about exactly the same thing today!

twybrow - 15/10/13 at 04:48 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
quote:
Originally posted by twybrow
The RX8 6 speed gearbox is the gearbox from the MX5, and therefore it should be possible to use the Mazda V6 (see links above for Clairetoo) and bolt it straight up to the 6 speed box.... Simples.

is that not the box that bolts strait onto the 4 cyl duratec HE ?

correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the 4cyl duratec had a different bellhousing pattern from the duratec V6....

[Edited on 15/10/2013 by mcerd1]


I didn't say anything about the Duratec V6! I said the Mazda V6 that the OP was referring to!

KFC - 15/10/13 at 04:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
quote:
Originally posted by twybrow
The RX8 6 speed gearbox is the gearbox from the MX5, and therefore it should be possible to use the Mazda V6 (see links above for Clairetoo) and bolt it straight up to the 6 speed box.... Simples.

is that not the box that bolts strait onto the 4 cyl duratec HE ?

correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the 4cyl duratec had a different bellhousing pattern from the duratec V6....

[Edited on 15/10/2013 by mcerd1]


I think the 6 speed ratios in the mx5 and rx8 are the same but I have no idea what other engine will bolt up to the RX8 gearbox.

I have a feeling the engine block of the KLDE 2.5L V6 is different to the 3.0L duratec, even when it say it's a bored out 2.5L. I'm not sure how it can be when wiki says the duratec 3.0L shares the same block as the 3.5L and 3.7L?

I don't think the RX8 is short on space even if the duratec 30 or better yet the AJ30 to fit in without messing with the subframe. These are all opinions of course as I haven't done an engine swap for about 20 years, a lot has changed since then.

big_wasa - 15/10/13 at 05:12 PM

I am well up for doing one of these as a project. look great, handle well and have four seats as well as being a little different but the most important thing is they are cheap for now.

I am also interested in the jag 3.0 engine.

I haven't checked in a few months to see if Martin @ Reyland motorsport finished his. From his project thread I think length was an issue with out playing with the steering rack. he is a big 18 20vt fan and has fitted them to all sorts of Mgr's

clairetoo - 15/10/13 at 05:31 PM

quote:
Originally posted by KFC
quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
quote:
Originally posted by twybrow
The RX8 6 speed gearbox is the gearbox from the MX5, and therefore it should be possible to use the Mazda V6 (see links above for Clairetoo) and bolt it straight up to the 6 speed box.... Simples.

is that not the box that bolts strait onto the 4 cyl duratec HE ?

correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the 4cyl duratec had a different bellhousing pattern from the duratec V6....

[Edited on 15/10/2013 by mcerd1]


I think the 6 speed ratios in the mx5 and rx8 are the same but I have no idea what other engine will bolt up to the RX8 gearbox.

I have a feeling the engine block of the KLDE 2.5L V6 is different to the 3.0L duratec, even when it say it's a bored out 2.5L. I'm not sure how it can be when wiki says the duratec 3.0L shares the same block as the 3.5L and 3.7L?

I don't think the RX8 is short on space even if the duratec 30 or better yet the AJ30 to fit in without messing with the subframe. These are all opinions of course as I haven't done an engine swap for about 20 years, a lot has changed since then.

The whole of the KLDE (not just the block) is different to the duratec - its not in any way related (apart from having 6 cylinders.....)
The KL is smaller and lighter , but there are no V6's that will bolt to the Rx8 gearbox - the `bellhousing' is completely different to the Mx5 , so would need an adapter .

I have thought about a KL into the Rx8 - sorry to the Ford fans , but I just happen to like the engine due to its lack of size , adequate power (over 200 with just throttle bodies) and free revving nature (8000 is my normal rev limit on a stock motor - worth revving that high as peak power is up around 7300)

But......fitting one with the stock inlet is a non-starter as the throttle body would end up right where the brake servo wants to be , as well as the firewall .

Simon - 15/10/13 at 07:30 PM

Damn, thought that wasn't well known! Been watching loads of RX8's over the last month or two; and Jag V8 engines

You know the rest!

ATB

Simoon

KFC - 15/10/13 at 09:52 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Simon
Damn, thought that wasn't well known! Been watching loads of RX8's over the last month or two; and Jag V8 engines
You know the rest!
ATB
Simoon


Hey, do you have any links to these conversions?

[Edited on 15/10/13 by KFC]

KFC - 15/10/13 at 10:26 PM


But......fitting one with the stock inlet is a non-starter as the throttle body would end up right where the brake servo wants to be , as well as the firewall .


Claire, the throttle body you are talking about, that's kind of why I want to try the AJ30 as the inlet minifold would be the right way around and the ignition pack is in the v and not on the end of the head.

By the way, what do you charge for a set of throttle bodies in case it's a no go?

clairetoo - 15/10/13 at 10:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by KFC

But......fitting one with the stock inlet is a non-starter as the throttle body would end up right where the brake servo wants to be , as well as the firewall .


Claire, the throttle body you are talking about, that's kind of why I want to try the AJ30 as the inlet minifold would be the right way around and the ignition pack is in the v and not on the end of the head.

By the way, what do you charge for a set of throttle bodies in case it's a no go?

Would that be throttle bodies for the Jag or the KL ? I've not done a setup for the Jag engine - if it has the same `double' inlet ports as the duratec , I'm not sure I can.......

KFC - 15/10/13 at 10:40 PM

quote:
Originally posted by clairetoo
quote:
Originally posted by KFC

But......fitting one with the stock inlet is a non-starter as the throttle body would end up right where the brake servo wants to be , as well as the firewall .


Claire, the throttle body you are talking about, that's kind of why I want to try the AJ30 as the inlet minifold would be the right way around and the ignition pack is in the v and not on the end of the head.

By the way, what do you charge for a set of throttle bodies in case it's a no go?

Would that be throttle bodies for the Jag or the KL ? I've not done a setup for the Jag engine - if it has the same `double' inlet ports as the duratec , I'm not sure I can.......


Oh, for the KLDE.

twybrow - 16/10/13 at 03:24 AM

This is worth a read...

1.8t into RX8 build thread

Simon - 16/10/13 at 09:31 PM

quote:
Originally posted by KFC
quote:
Originally posted by Simon
Damn, thought that wasn't well known! Been watching loads of RX8's over the last month or two; and Jag V8 engines
You know the rest!
ATB
Simoon


Hey, do you have any links to these conversions?

[Edited on 15/10/13 by KFC]


No. In the best traditions of modifying cars, you get the car and engine/box and offer the two up. Take some measurements abd an angle grinder.

Etc etc etc

ATB

Simon

KFC - 23/2/14 at 10:56 PM

quote:
Originally posted by clairetoo
quote:
Originally posted by KFC

But......fitting one with the stock inlet is a non-starter as the throttle body would end up right where the brake servo wants to be , as well as the firewall .


Claire, the throttle body you are talking about, that's kind of why I want to try the AJ30 as the inlet minifold would be the right way around and the ignition pack is in the v and not on the end of the head.

By the way, what do you charge for a set of throttle bodies in case it's a no go?

Would that be throttle bodies for the Jag or the KL ? I've not done a setup for the Jag engine - if it has the same `double' inlet ports as the duratec , I'm not sure I can.......


Well, I've made the decision, I bought a KLDE V6 so I can take my time to rebuild it. My currant car MOT runs out at the end of June so I need to do the V6 conversion by then. If not then I just spend money to get it through but I don't want to. The mechanical side is easy but the electrical..... It will be a learning experience for sure. The 5 speed box for the 8 will be better, engine speeds with LSD. I need to find out if the 5 speed and 6 speed box are interchangeable because I might want to change it at a later date, ie, the bellhousing and driveshaft spines.
It's such a compact little engine, dimensionally the V6 are near identical to the rotary complete! The V6 is 1 inch longer, same width. And 2 inches shorter, I can't believe that Mazda never put their own V6 into the RX8???

Guten i Norge - 24/2/14 at 08:00 PM

It's a jolly good idea to swap an other engine or a V6 Mazda into the RX8, as I can see it.
The rotor engine is quite pricy too my at least, and are popular to be used to drifting and other car-sport stuff.

What about a 2,3 Duratec with a turbo ...... or an old Mazda V6 that I think was in 626 (626 USA?) and that engine did have a blower inside the engine. How many Hp it was I don’t know ..... maybe not to much!

Mazda do have a good engine thru the line, but the gear box in RX8 and MX5 are also strong but not the same if we compare 5 and 6 speed. It's a difference in length and output shaft, somewhere. I did read somewhere about it that the 5 speed box was a better one choice. But but all the box talking here from my side is not the holy truth.... so if anybody can confirm and/or put me straight then I would be thankful for that, no harm!

KFC - 25/2/14 at 10:29 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Guten i Norge
It's a jolly good idea to swap an other engine or a V6 Mazda into the RX8, as I can see it.
The rotor engine is quite pricy too my at least, and are popular to be used to drifting and other car-sport stuff.

What about a 2,3 Duratec with a turbo ...... or an old Mazda V6 that I think was in 626 (626 USA?) and that engine did have a blower inside the engine. How many Hp it was I don’t know ..... maybe not to much!

Mazda do have a good engine thru the line, but the gear box in RX8 and MX5 are also strong but not the same if we compare 5 and 6 speed. It's a difference in length and output shaft, somewhere. I did read somewhere about it that the 5 speed box was a better one choice. But but all the box talking here from my side is not the holy truth.... so if anybody can confirm and/or put me straight then I would be thankful for that, no harm!


Hey,
I'm not running turbos, I like naturally aspirated engines. I'm going to rebuild the engine and spend a lot of time on the heads, try and source KLZE cams or heads as well but either way, it will breath well and I'll balance all the internals.
The car will be my commuter so I'll transfer over my 2 month old LPG system so I'll have very cheap running costs.

I'm keeping the running gear of the RX8, the splines on the drive shaft to the gearbox have a master spline so it makes it tricky to change to any other gearbox, however... I will get a 231bhp model which has the torsen diff but the ratios in the 6 speed box are too short so I'll be putting in the 5 speed box in out of the 192bhp model.
I use this website to do the calculations http://www.cargister.com/calculator-gear-ratio

The KLDE V6 is a near perfect choice in terms of phisical size, the dimensions are spot on. No need to cut any bulkheads or chassis rails..

Guten i Norge - 26/2/14 at 05:16 PM

It's all sorted out how to do it as you say. Well almost making the road when walking away.

I was looking around to have some more info on this swap and I found some links of interest:

http://absurdflow.com/klde.html Quite tech and a lot of info on the V6.... and a swap into MX5/Miata

http://davidandjemma.com/mazda/KL.htm similar here with a tech engine info

http://www.stratifiedauto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=209 Some engine management system

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller_cycle Just a favourite system in respirator help to an engine

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_K_engine Just a common knowledge about Mazda V6

I just have to lay back and see how your are doing the swap... I will follow it. Quite interesting stuff

I did see that your KLDE V6 is able to do 7000 - 7500rpm but the KLZE is not doing more then 6000 rpm, new info to me and therefore you are closer to the rotary thing in the 9000 rpm range.

But at last the 5 speed box do have a failure inside, there are some plastic knobs that is best to swap to aluminium. the plastic junk will break but not the alu, and then you are loosing gears.

All the best

clairetoo - 26/2/14 at 06:57 PM

Both the KLDE and KLZE are safe to 8000 - the limiting things are the stock inlet manifold , and the ECU . Swapping to ITB's and a standalone ECU will get you over 200 BHP , and lose a lot of weight .

I've wondered a bit about the KL into an RX8 - I would be interested to look at an adapter to fit the KL to the RX gearbox if they was going to be enough interest . Also , as I understand it , the RX8 has a subframe similar to the Mx5 - maybe a tubular one could be done to make more engine room - if needed ?

KFC - 26/2/14 at 10:04 PM

quote:
Originally posted by clairetoo
Both the KLDE and KLZE are safe to 8000 - the limiting things are the stock inlet manifold , and the ECU . Swapping to ITB's and a standalone ECU will get you over 200 BHP , and lose a lot of weight .

I've wondered a bit about the KL into an RX8 - I would be interested to look at an adapter to fit the KL to the RX gearbox if they was going to be enough interest . Also , as I understand it , the RX8 has a subframe similar to the Mx5 - maybe a tubular one could be done to make more engine room - if needed ?


Hey,
Good to hear from you!
I had some more measuring and it's going to be close, the mods would be moving the clutch master cylinder which I'm not interested in doing and the crank pulley. I have ideas how to over come these but don't really want to.
I have another RX8 that I'm putting a new engine in to sell, it's a bit of work I have on the side to make a bit of money.

I drive them after I fit the new engine and clutch ect, I really like the driver feedback, it is a nice car to drive.
I know I'll have issues with the dash but Im not to bothered, I'll drive it with fuses pulled till I can sort it.

When I have the engine out for a rebuild I'll just lower the V6 in without the crap manifold and pipework around the back of the engine but leave the auxillaries on just to see what fits. the subframe is forward of the crank pulley so there's issues with sump clearance but I think I'll mod it anyway if it will gain me some room for a deeper airbox.
I was going to tackle to adapter plate myself but I don't have a mill.
Would you be interested in making one? Would you need my gearbox?

clairetoo - 26/2/14 at 10:20 PM

The pipework on the back of the engine is the thermostat housing and heater take-off - I leave it all in place since its not easy to modify !
I would like to have a look at doing an adapter - I could do it from either a gearbox or engine block .

KFC - 26/2/14 at 10:53 PM

quote:
Originally posted by clairetoo
The pipework on the back of the engine is the thermostat housing and heater take-off - I leave it all in place since its not easy to modify !
I would like to have a look at doing an adapter - I could do it from either a gearbox or engine block .


Sorry, I meant vacuum and fuel lines. Just clean at the back of the engine as it will be close to the bulkhead, the split line is considerably further back than most cars.

Kev

[Edited on 26/2/14 by KFC]

[Edited on 26/2/14 by KFC]

DIY Si - 4/3/14 at 09:21 AM

Once you go to ITBs, all the vacuum and fuel lines disappear anyway, so that should save you a good bit of bother. Although whilst the stock inlet isn't great for power, it is low.

This gives an indication of how high my ITBs are next to the stock plug leads as viewed from the back of the engine. I do intend to machine them a bit shorter but also fit trumpets to them so I'm expecting to need some form of bonnet bulge on my car, a '69 Sprite.



And should you be having issues with the crank pulley, the later 626 pulley has both a smaller diameter outer section, and a 32-1 trigger wheel on it. You may have to ship one in from the States though, as I've not yet found new ones in the UK.

eBay Item

clairetoo - 4/3/14 at 04:39 PM

One thing to note is that the fuel rails will be quite a bit higher than the top of the throttle bodies - although I have got a couple of sets of Pico-type short injectors which lower them substantially .
I have also done some much shorter trumpets - we dyno'd these on a similar setup to mine (in another V6 Mx5) and it made more power than mine (but mine is suffering a bit of a miss-fire....)


DIY Si - 5/3/14 at 01:51 PM

Claire,

When you say more power, can you remember what it made? Or better yet, post the graph up?

KFC - 19/3/14 at 10:51 PM

I had a go at seeing how close the KLDE would go in the RX8, not very far, the sump hit the subframe, it was just a quick one to see what the major issues were.
I buy the RX8 cheap to sell on with a rebuilt engine, while I had the last one I used it for a mock up.


[img]
[/img]

quote:
Originally posted by me!
Watching with interest... I was thinking about exactly the same thing today!


[Edited on 19/3/14 by KFC]

clairetoo - 19/3/14 at 11:28 PM

I rework the sump to fit in the Mx5 - with the engine north/south the stock sump is a front bowl , so I just cut it all off and build one that works !

This is how it sits in my Mx5


KFC - 6/5/14 at 08:41 AM

Hi all.
So I've bought a doner car that will be my commuter. It has a sunroof and satnav which I wanted so work will commence soon!

KFC - 2/8/14 at 01:55 PM

Ok, now the work has started, I have a spare car, engine and gearbox to do the mock up work on. I've made a temporary adapter plate while Claire makes mine out 20mm ally.
The block goes in but I still have to cut a bit out of the bulkhead, the most important thing is that the crank pulley and lower part of the engine clears my subframe and chunky steering rack.
This will be a quick mod, I'm going for simplicity and keeping many parts standard so if someone else wants to copy it, its not going to break the bank and not a huge project. I need this finished this year so I'm aiming to be done in 3 months.

clairetoo - 16/9/14 at 07:50 PM

The gearbox to engine adapter is now finished - so a couple of photos !







The lightened Rx8 flywheel is sitting on a custom spacer , so it will use a stock Rx8 clutch and starter - cant wait to see some more progress !

PS - I have the distributer blanking plug sat here ready.............

KFC - 16/9/14 at 08:12 PM

quote:
Originally posted by clairetoo
The gearbox to engine adapter is now finished - so a couple of photos !







The lightened Rx8 flywheel is sitting on a custom spacer , so it will use a stock Rx8 clutch and starter - cant wait to see some more progress !

PS - I have the distributer blanking plug sat here ready.............


Hey, how are you able to put large photos on? Are you using an app on your phone? I have a few photos to put on..

clairetoo - 16/9/14 at 08:17 PM

quote:
Originally posted by KFC

Hey, how are you able to put large photos on? Are you using an app on your phone? I have a few photos to put on..

Easy peasy - I've just mailed you how to do it...............

KFC - 16/9/14 at 09:21 PM

Ok,
Have a look..










This car was scrap so I could use it to learn from and not be too bothered about damaging or cutting too much, templates were made after..

KFC - 28/2/15 at 06:58 PM

[Edited on 28/2/15 by KFC]

KFC - 10/11/15 at 11:53 PM

Here's the first look at my inlet set up, I'm using the standard injectors as they sit very low, cut the old manifold, lots of machining and welding. I've got lots of good practice in! The linkage should be done in a couple of weeks so I'll upload another photo.

[img][/img]


[img][/img]

[Edited on 10/11/15 by KFC]

Whitti_uk - 10/11/15 at 11:58 PM

I had an RX8 for a couple of months and then sold having seen all the horror stories with the engines. Car was slow yet never achieved above 19mpg on motorway and guzzled just as much oil. Next owner ended up paying for an engine rebuild a few months down the line.

Lovely looking cars though and a strong engine would be brilliant in one!

marc_cowley - 30/12/15 at 08:48 AM

I know its over a year but any updates or did this get scrapped? Thanks

KFC - 30/12/15 at 09:31 AM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
I know its over a year but any updates or did this get scrapped? Thanks


Hi,
I've been so busy with the project I forget about updating this thread. I'd say I'm about 80% done. In a few days I hope to be doing the last job, the wiring loom!!!! That's straight forward. That's if I get about 15 to 20 hours in garage to finish off the single wiper mount and airbox tray.

marc_cowley - 30/12/15 at 10:07 AM

awesome, look forward to some more pics, have you said what your doing ecu wise? if i get around to doing this i think i'll go emerald.

KFC - 30/12/15 at 02:09 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
awesome, look forward to some more pics, have you said what your doing ecu wise? if i get around to doing this i think i'll go emerald.


It's emu with another ecu to make the dash work from Craig at Driftworks in Birmingham.

stevec33 - 2/1/16 at 06:48 PM

Sounds a cool project, not very many v6's about yet most seem to have 2.0 turbo 4 pots

marc_cowley - 6/1/16 at 12:28 PM

Fair enough, does your elec steering still work as it should? Thanks

KFC - 26/3/16 at 12:45 PM

Hi,
Yet more work done and no updates, sorry.
Everything will work as it should apart from the ABS and traction control. I would like the abs to work but I'm old school so my foot does it instead, maybe Craig has an update for it now? I don't know.

Yesterday was a good day! I made the heatshield for the starter motor and bolted it on, all planned for cranking it over. I had completely stripped 3 starters and chose the best parts to make one good one and it is in very good condition, it's the uprated version, more grunt than the standard one.

Flywheel and clutch in, works as it should. I turned the key and spins over fast! I have a video but it's too large for this site. I did this about 7 times for about 10 seconds each, I then went under the car to feel the starter and wiring, cold, virtually no warmth in it at all.
I'm very pleased with this as I read speculation that this starter motor and flywheel set up was not "man enough". Not true. Someone also said leaving the standard klde flywheel on and move the starter motor in by 5mm??? They have never seen the 2 flywheels together or how the starter is bolted in the gearbox. There must be at least 30mm in diameter difference. The important register for the starter is the hole the motor fits in to, not some bolts holding it on, it needed to be done properly, you would need to create a new hole 15mm in on radius.

Anyway, not long now, I'm having the airbox being made now, single wiper arm mount is made, all the plumbing is done, just the trigger wheel to bolt on and small tidy up jobs. I do hope I'm driving it by June, it would have been done already by life gets in the way.

marc_cowley - 26/3/16 at 11:20 PM

Tease! Still looking forward to actually seeing a v6 one on the road!

KFC - 27/3/16 at 01:44 PM

Ok, I'll try and upload pics tonight.
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[Edited on 27/3/16 by KFC]
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[Edited on 27/3/16 by KFC]
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[Edited on 27/3/16 by KFC]

marc_cowley - 28/3/16 at 09:45 AM

That looks brilliant, thanks for the pictures, the throttle bodies look very cool, are you going to build an air box for them? And Is that an electric water pump? Thanks, well done on the conversion.

KFC - 28/3/16 at 11:12 AM

I'm having the airbox made and will fit like a glove in the bulkhead, well with room to move around. It's going to have a panel air filter that will sit above all the trumpets. Are you referring to the motor next to the battery? It's a vac pump to run the brakes, well, just an idea because I don't think there will be enough vacuume from the throttle bodies. I have 6mm "T" pieces for each and I need to run vaccume to the fuel pressure reg, map sensor for the ECU and LPG and crankcase.

disco_monkey79 - 18/5/16 at 01:45 PM

Hi

Firstly, great looking site.

Secondly - the gearbox being used here, is it a M15M-D? It looks like it, but I'm no Mazda expert.

Also, what was the donor vehicle to provide the v6? Apologies if I've overlooked the answer to both questions in the thread!

KFC - 19/5/16 at 10:28 AM

Hi,
The gearbox is the standard 5 speed RX8, I chose it because the 5 speed 5th gear is taller so the rpm will be sensible at motorway speeds, the 6th gear is about 450 rpm higher.
The V6 is coming out of a MX6, this swap is happening in 2 weeks!!!! It's booked in for mapping and dyno runs on June 3rd!!
Watch this space!

disco_monkey79 - 19/5/16 at 10:47 AM

Excellent, keep the updates coming!

How much of a nightmare is/was the wiring side?

Any Mazda gearbox gurus on here? I have a R15MX-D gearbox. Any idea if I could use an RX8 bellhousing and adaptor plate to fit the KL to my gearbox?

Mazda seem to like changing things ever so slightly to make swapping a nightmare...

Thanks

Ugg10 - 19/5/16 at 11:37 AM

RX8 does not have a bell housing, the "bell housing" also forms the front half of the main case so if you remove it you expose the gears. Easiest way is what ClaireToo has done and also Freddy 686868 (on Turbosport and ebay) is doing for a range of engine and that is to have a flat adaptor plate cur to joint the RX8 box to the Engine.

WallerZero - 19/5/16 at 12:14 PM

Looking good! Wondering what you're planning for the injectors/fuel rail for the throttle bodies? I'm about to look at this for my Zero but unsure if I'm going to run a central rail like it looks like you are or flip them to the outside (spacing issues on my current adapter plates)

nick205 - 19/5/16 at 12:52 PM

A work colleague had an RX8 as a company car for a while. I drove it a few times and have to say I found it somewhat lacking in whoomph. I'd like to see what it's like with a 225bhp VAG motor instead - driven a few cars with those motors and found the motors very pokey indeed.

KFC - 16/6/16 at 10:13 PM

Try this, photo's from facebook

RX8 V6 Engine Swap

marc_cowley - 11/7/16 at 07:48 AM

How did mapping go mate?

KFC - 12/7/16 at 07:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
How did mapping go mate?


Yeah not too well, it got really good power and torque but far too rich, you can smell the in burnt fuel on idle. The injectors were working so hard that 3 of them poo themselves after 70 miles or so but only 5 blasts at gunning it. It's going back this week.

KFC - 29/8/16 at 10:18 AM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
How did mapping go mate?


The mapping went well! Selling it now.


This project has been a real joy, countless hours and many tears and sweat getting this beauty right!

-The V6 has come from a MX6, 2.5L.
-Dyno at Jam Sport with huge torque and power.
-It has 6 throttle bodies with carbon trumpets.
-Stainless exhaust from the heads to bumper.
-BMW M3 drive-by-wire for the throttle.
-Powder coated cam covers and sump.
-Carbon affect on the front cam belt covers, and other plastics under the bonnet
-All pipework and exposed aluminium has been nickel plated.
-PZ powder coated wheels and springs
-PZ dampers, dyno checked at Bilstien.
-Calipers were sand blasted and completely rebuilt, painted, new discs and pads.
-Single are wiper blade.

It does pain me to want to sell it but I could use the money I've spent on it.


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[Edited on 29/8/16 by KFC]

marc_cowley - 30/8/16 at 02:24 PM

well done for getting it on the road! How long did it take to do the conversion? I'm 6 months in and dont feel very far at all! i cant afford to buy yours but how much are you going to ask? Thanks

KFC - 30/8/16 at 02:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
well done for getting it on the road! How long did it take to do the conversion? I'm 6 months in and dont feel very far at all! i cant afford to buy yours but how much are you going to ask? Thanks


It took me 2 years and I want 6k for it. Jamsport killed my budget, spent 2.5k with them!!! Ouch..

KFC - 31/8/16 at 10:50 AM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
well done for getting it on the road! How long did it take to do the conversion? I'm 6 months in and dont feel very far at all! i cant afford to buy yours but how much are you going to ask? Thanks


Hey,
I'm half thinking of breaking the car if it's going to be too difficult to sell complete. What engine are you using? I could sell you mine complete? All the adapters, sump, inlet, the lot!

marc_cowley - 31/8/16 at 11:16 AM

Thanks but I'm too far along with mine to start something different, I'm using the 3.0 out of an s type. Should be closer to about 270bhp so I'm gonna keep going this direction, thanks anyway

KFC - 31/8/16 at 11:25 AM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
Thanks but I'm too far along with mine to start something different, I'm using the 3.0 out of an s type. Should be closer to about 270bhp so I'm gonna keep going this direction, thanks anyway


I looked at that engine but I found to 50mm too wide. Do you actually have it in the car? Do you have it forward of the clutch master and water pipes? How about the subframe and steering rack? I found all of these are in the way so it would be interesting to hear how you have over come this? If I were to do it again I'd put a V8 in and have a new subframe built and use the standard ECU.

KFC - 25/9/16 at 06:10 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
Thanks but I'm too far along with mine to start something different, I'm using the 3.0 out of an s type. Should be closer to about 270bhp so I'm gonna keep going this direction, thanks anyway


Do you have any pictures of the engine in?

marc_cowley - 25/9/16 at 06:27 PM

Sorry I don't at the minute, will try to take some tomorrow as I'll hopefully get 'to spend some time on it then, have you sold yours yet?

KFC - 25/9/16 at 06:45 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
Sorry I don't at the minute, will try to take some tomorrow as I'll hopefully get 'to spend some time on it then, have you sold yours yet?


Ok, no I haven't sold it yet, the only interest I get is people asking what I did to get it to fit so they have info to do their project.
I get about 2500 views in 2 days and about 60 watchers. I probably should advertise somewhere else as well.

marc_cowley - 25/9/16 at 06:48 PM

Ah that's a shame, I can't help with the advertising as I never sell cars, in the past have either scrapped or traded them in against something else.

marc_cowley - 26/9/16 at 03:33 PM

Nearly there, not sure what im going to do about inlet yet. jenveys are a little out of my price range



[Edited on 26/9/16 by marc_cowley]

KFC - 26/9/16 at 04:12 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
Nearly there, not sure what im going to do about inlet yet. jenveys are a little out of my price range



[Edited on 26/9/16 by marc_cowley]


Wow, looks like you've just started? You don't know what you're doing about the inlet? You that the inlet runner shape and length is very important? Making your own will take so much time and effort to get right. Manurfactures spend a fortune to get it right. Can you not use the original and what about the ignition system? How many systems do you have to make? Cooling, fuel, exhaust?
All of mine are custom because of the complexities of moving a transversed engine to longitudinal format, if I do another one, it will be an engine that is already a rear wheel drive layout. I'd love a push rod V8 like the LS1. So small compared to a Lexus 4.0 V8.

A bigger engine that over hangs the front axel line will change the handling but I'm sure the great sound of a V8 and happy rear end would make up for it.

marc_cowley - 26/9/16 at 05:57 PM

I understand about inlet manifold design, i may end up going throttle bodies al-a your setup but thats a way off, everything is boltable together, but yeah it is still in quite early stages, i dont get as much time on it as id like and im doing it all outside, i dont have a workshop, but it'll get there eventually.

KFC - 26/9/16 at 10:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marc_cowley
I understand about inlet manifold design, i may end up going throttle bodies al-a your setup but thats a way off, everything is boltable together, but yeah it is still in quite early stages, i dont get as much time on it as id like and im doing it all outside, i dont have a workshop, but it'll get there eventually.


Ah ok. I thought I had it rough, I have a small garage that measures 18' X 10'.
It is very tight but I've had many evenings in it when it's been pouring rain out and thought at the time "I'm glad I've got this little garage"
Any questions you've got just ask or send me a message.

jimmyhotrod - 14/11/16 at 05:34 PM

i might be interested in your sump and or throttle bodies / airbox... mostly the sump if it will fit my mx5!