Chickenwafer's Never Over Turbo 8 Build

[chickenwafer]

Hey guys! I'm from 8club and figured I could post up some stuff here.

I've been slowly building my 8 for the past 2 years or so to get her to this point. She is still far from done as I have many other ideas and projects on a to-do list.

When I first brought her home, January 2007:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/IMG_0762.jpg

Moving slowly:

After some parts went on- suspension and most notably a GT Factory Diablo vertical door kit:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/pavs2.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/pavs4.jpg

Some more parts rolling in a few months later:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/newcamera029.jpg

new short shifter:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/newgoodies005.jpg

A month or so later, new rims!

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/newwheels001.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/newwheels006.jpg

After that, I got into more hands on stuff:

Custom Battery relocation:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/batteryandAEM004.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/batteryandAEM007.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/batteryandAEM002.jpg

Then a custom CarPC and screen mount:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/carputerinstall003.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/carputerinstall004.jpg

RB gauge pod with ProSport water and oil temp and AEM UEGO wideband:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/carputerinstall002.jpg

Cables ran under the passenger seat for the CarPC:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/carputerinstall008.jpg

And a USB hub in the glovebox:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/carputerinstall009.jpg

[chickenwafer]

Turbo Time!

Used GReddy kit shows up:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/GReddyTurbo006.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/GReddyTurbo008.jpg

Custom FMIC
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/GReddyTurbo010.jpg

ACT Clutch and pressure plate:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/fuelclutchfly004.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/fuelclutchfly007.jpg

Fidanza billet 9-lbs flywheel:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/fuelclutchfly008.jpg

Some 650cc injectors:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/fuelclutchfly003.jpg


Cutting my front bumper for a carbon fiber duct:

http://boxcarsolutions.com/rx7/rebuild/intake1.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/ductinstall001.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/ductinstall003.jpg

Originally had a MazSport Int-X (Microtech) EMS, that didn't last long LOL:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/carIntX007.jpg


Then I painted my GReddy cast manifold and dp with high temp enamel:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/ManifoldandDownpipe006.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/ManifoldandDownpipe009.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/ManifoldandDownpipe010.jpg

I ordered a TurboXS catless midpipe, didn't fit so I sent it back:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/TurboXSandTurbo001.jpg

Took apart my GReddy snail and found something interesting:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/TurboXSandTurbo005.jpg

Teh Turbine wheel:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/TurboXSandTurbo008.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/TurboXSandTurbo010.jpg

Sold that turbo!


Pulled the factory electric air pump and added a GReddy GREX strut tower brace:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/E-01mountwiresFS027.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/E-01mountwiresFS031.jpg

Mounted the pressure sensor for my GReddy E-01 boost controller:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/E-01mountwiresFS026.jpg

Screen mounted for my E-01 with a custom bracket:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/E-01mountwiresFS011.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/E-01mountwiresFS014.jpg

Take It Easy!

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/E-01mountwiresFS015.jpg

[chickenwafer]

More CarPC Stuff:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/E-01mountwiresFS018.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/E-01mountwiresFS019.jpg

Custom RoadRunner Skin (a deck that I can use to play MP3's, Video, GPS, etc)

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/E-01mountwiresFS020.jpg

Got bored so I starting polishing some of the GReddy aluminum charge pipes:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/PolshedGReddypipes012.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/PolshedGReddypipes013.jpg

I got my Black Halo Racing (BHR) Aluminum oversized radiator (made by Griffin so you know it's good)

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/BHRRadiator002.jpg

Rad install, so much fun!

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/radinstall002.jpg

[chickenwafer]

Now it's time for Teh Turbo!

Tearing out stock parts:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall001.jpg

stock exhaust manifold out of the way. Renesis, weird exhaust ports:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall004.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall005.jpg

New Garrett GT3071R twin ball bearing Turba!

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall021.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall026.jpg

The turbo in!

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall038.jpg

Not a whole lot of space:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall037.jpg

You can barely see the compressor housing peaking through the manifold and motor mount:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall039.jpg

FMIC all mounted up:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall054.jpg

Custom aluminum cold air intake:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall070.jpg

Had to extend the MAF harness:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall069.jpg

Had to radius the downpipe holes for the dp nuts to clear:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall081.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall080.jpg

Sort of finished, using a temp air filter until I could find one that fit behind the bumper

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/turboinstall091.jpg

Installing a Snow Stage 2 Water/Meth kit:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/Harley001.jpg

Painted the solenoid and made a bracket to hold it:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/Harley003.jpg

Made some custom brackets to hold the tank and painted them as well:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/Harley004.jpg

And mounted the controller to the back of the tank and covered it with a piece of aluminum sheet to protect it.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/Harley005.jpg

Pump mounted on a custom bracket that mounts where the factory electric air pump goes:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/Harley006.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/Harley008.jpg

Custom LS2 Yukon GM ignition coil setup:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/ignitionupgradeproject006.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/ignitionupgradeproject007.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/ignitionupgradeproject009.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/ignitionupgradeproject015.jpg

[chickenwafer]

Most recent photos, 12.06.08

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3088035173_a4a0b683ff_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/3087990397_e893542691_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/3087989441_f0f0d3259d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/3088828560_a3e51744e1_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/3090364819_51eb7ca934_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/3087989759_aa0c6738bf_o.jpg

Current Modifications:

Engine/Performance
MazdaManiac/Garrett GT3071R custom modified oil/water cooled dual ball bearing turbocharger (http://mazdamaniac.com/upgrade/MazdaManiac%20GReddy%20Upgrade.html)
Modified GReddy cast iron turbo manifold
Modified GReddy cast iron turbo downpipe
Modified aluminum GReddy cold side pipping
K&N polished aluminum MAF housing
Custom 3.5" polished aluminum cold air intake (http://vibrantperformance.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=1022_1036_1072&osCsid=8762cab5842da90545e37552657391b2)
K&N cone air filter
Custom aluminum bar-and-plate air-to-air front mounted 28" core intercooler
ATP Turbo 5-ply blue silicone couplers (http://www.atpturbo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=tp&Category_Code=SIL)
ATP Turbo custom internal wastegate actuator, 7 psi, with custom mounting bracket
GReddy Type-RS Blow-off valve (http://www.evasivemotorsports.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EM&Product_Code=GREDDY-11501662)
Snow Performance Boost Cooler Stage 2 MAP water/meth injection kit (http://www.snowperformance.net/product.php?pk=8)
Denso 730cc P2 fuel injectors
Custom LS2 Ignition System Upgrade, custom aluminum mounting bracket
MSD 8.5mm silicone spark plug wires
NGK leading and trailing spark plug set (http://mazdatrix.com/8ignition.htm)
Agency Power polished underdriven crank pulley (http://www.agency-power.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/64_67/products_id/169)
HKS Hi-Power single-outlet cat-back exhaust with adjustable titanium tip (http://hopupracing.com/hkshiexmarx8.html)
Custom 3" catless straight midpipe with 2 O2 sensor bungs, heat wrapped
Optima Red Top battery (http://optimabatteries.com/optima_products/redtop.php)
Custom trunk-mounted battery kit
GReddy 1.3bar radiator cap (http://greddy.com/products/display/?Category=accessories&SubCategory=64)
Black Halo Racing custom oversized aluminum radiator (http://ppo2performance.com/nepemtraform.html)
GReddy polished aluminum air diversion panel (http://www.ptuning.com/html/Item-Desc.cfm?PartNo=PTGRE12044201&MakeCode=mazda&ModelCode=rx8&ModelYear=2004%2D2005%20All&ModelDesc=RX%2D8)
Racing Beat water temp adaptor (http://racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm)
Racing Beat oil temp/press sandwich adaptor (http://racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm)
Racing Beat oil cooler and A/C Condensor screens (http://racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm)
Throttle Body Coolant bypass (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=36389.html)
MazdaManiac radiator fan switch
Axial Flow Engineering (AFE) Short throw shifter (http://axialflow.com/products.htm)
Spectre blue breather filter
Custom rotor-shaped oil filler cap
Richard Sohn OMP adapter (http://www.rotaryaviation.com/oil_injector_pump_adaptors.htm)
US Plastics 2-quart tank for Sohn OMP adapter with custom brackets
ACT Heavy-duty street clutch disc and Pressure plate (http://hopupracing.com/mamarx8lisl2.html)
Fidanza lightweight aluminum flywheel with replaceable friction surface (http://www.fidanza.com/aluminum-flywheels.aspx)
Mazda OEM flywheel counterweight (http://mazdatrix.com/8flywheel.htm)
Rotary Performance braided stainless steel clutch hose (http://rx7.com/store/rx8/FDClutchHose.html)
COBB Tuning AccessPORT with custom turbo maps (http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/accessport.htm)

Suspension
Koni Sport Yellow dual tube shocks (http://www.good-win-racing.com/mazda/miata/60-1050.html)
Sprint Performance lowering springs front and rear (185 lb-ft front, 100 lb-ft rear) (http://hopupracing.com/sppespmarxfc.html)
GReddy GREX Triple Tube polished front strut tower brace (http://www.ptuning.com/html/Item-Desc.cfm?PartNo=PTGRE14043009&MakeCode=mazda&ModelCode=rx8&ModelYear=2004%2D2005%20All&ModelDesc=RX%2D8)

Wheels/Tires/Brakes
Gram Lights 57 Maximum light grey painted 18x8.5" +45mm wheels (http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=WGMV45EGBLG&wheelMake=Gram+Lights&wheelModel=57Maximum&wheelFinish=Light+Grey+Painted&showRear=no&autoMake=Mazda&autoModel=RX-8+6-speed&autoYear=2005&autoModClar=&filterSize=All&filterFinish=All&filterSpecial=false&filterBrand=All&filterNew=All&sort=Brand)
Riken Raptor tires by BFGoodrich 245/45ZR-18 tires all around (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=BFG%2D85647&N=700+401060+315708+115&autoview=sku)
G2 hi-temp brake caliper paint kit (gold) (http://g2usa.com/brake_caliper_paint.shtml)
Polak Graphics red RX-8 brake caliper stencils (http://www.polakgraphics.com/index2.php?page=cart/caliperstencils.html)
Hawk HPS Ferro brake pads front/rear (http://racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm)
Mazdatrix braided stainless steel brake line set (http://mazdatrix.com/8brakes2.htm)
StopTech slotted front and rear brake rotors (http://cklmotorsport.com/)

Exterior
Genuine Mazdaspeed painted front bumper (http://mazdatrix.com/8exterior3.htm)
Genuine Mazdaspeed painted full side skirts (http://mazdatrix.com/8exterior3.htm)
GT Factory Vertical Diablo door kit (http://www.aerokits.net/DiabloHinge/diablo.htm)
Seibon KS Evo-style genuine Carbon Fiber hood (http://www.seiboncarbon.com/pdut_detail_pic.asp?ItemID=306)
Custom RockBlocker clear bra on Seibon CF hood (http://rockblocker.com/)
NRG Carbon Fiber hood dampers (http://www.evasivemotorsports.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EM&Product_Code=HD-150CF)
JDM Clear Corners (http://racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm)
Mazdaspeed carbon fiber license plate frame


Interior
Monster ball-type shift knob
Eonon 7" LCD TFT Color touch screen VGA monitor
MazdaParts flip-up 7" screen mount (http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=5250000-1159943707)
PIE Aux Audio-In adaptor (http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=5050000-1154409213)
Custom Boxcar Solutions CarPC (AMAZING!!!) (http://boxcarsolutions.com/)
Hymee Enhanced sCANalyser PCM OBD-II scan tool (http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=A0000-1151625265)
ProSport 52mm Premium full-sweep electric peak/warning gauges (http://www.prosportgauges.com/premium.php)
-Oil Pressure
-Oil Temperature
-Water Temperature
Racing Beat 3-gauge 52mm ashtray fiberglass gauge pod (http://racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm)
AEM UEGO Air/Fuel ratio gauge (http://hopupracing.com/aemsichuegaw.html)
AEM Universal 52mm electronic LED boost gauge (http://hopupracing.com/aemunbogafco.html)
Custom Mounted GReddy E-01 Electronic Boost Controller (http://www.evasivemotorsports.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EM&Product_Code=GREDDY-15500207)
Escort Solo 2 wireless radar detector (http://www.escortradar.com/solo.htm)
Viper 5900 2-way paging alarm with starter kill (http://www.viper.com/Products/Product.aspx?ProductID=103)
Viper Field Distrubance (radar) Sensor module (Proxy sensor)

[FC3S Murray]

very very nice. Got any vids of it boosting?

[joff]

Looking good!

I've seen this car in real life and must say its one of the nicest done up turbo RX8 builds in Arizona.

[chickenwafer]

Thanks!

And Joff, that means a lot! We have a lot of nice cars out here as you know

And no vids yet. I want to get some nice photos as I am constantly moving stuff around in the engine bay.

I also just bought an engine stand and Pineapple Racing adapter so I can pull the engine soon, but it's still running good so I will prob wait.

[prrex4ever]

Nice "8", nice build. Congrats.

[JShiz]

Nice 8. Probably one of my favs

[05rex8]

oh crap, nice thread dave

now i'm gonna have to make one

[chickenwafer]

No, you suck!

I'm working on collecting more metal fab equipment so I can start on a secret squrrel custom kit soon. I just need a TIG welded (ya, just) and I have my eye on this cool portable electric bandsaw that snaps into a base to use as a normal bandsaw as well...

It's amazing how bored you get with stuff LOL

[need RX7]

Holy crap, good stuff man! :icon_tup:

[joff]

Thanks! And Joff, that means a lot! We have a lot of nice cars out here as you know.

No problem dude! I love a well done engine bay most. Not much for the stock looking engine bay and totally digging that blue. Its too bad you can't really see that turbo.

Hows the high temp enamel holding up on the turbo manifold though?

[theorie]

nice work man!!!

my only gripe is the lambo doors...lose those rice-hinges and you're good to go.

[chickenwafer]

No problem dude! I love a well done engine bay most. Not much for the stock looking engine bay and totally digging that blue. Its too bad you can't really see that turbo.

Hows the high temp enamel holding up on the turbo manifold though?

Not terrible but not great, LOL. I had the car in the air yesterday and checked it out actually, some of it is starting to flake off. But still no rust! If I could do it over again I would have gotten them ceramic coated


And about the doors, it's a weld on kit and required A LOT of work, bottom line is they're not coming off, LOL. I agree they got played out and Civic's look ghey with them, but I honestly think the 8 lends itself well to the exotic look. They just look so sinister. I like em, so they stay, LOL. There are a select few cars that can pull off the look and I think the 8 is one of them

[theorie]

alright alright, well anyway, the car looks great and the turbo setup looks pretty sweet as well.

have you run it at the track yet? or on the dyno?

[Herblenny]

WOW! great build!

[chickenwafer]

alright alright, well anyway, the car looks great and the turbo setup looks pretty sweet as well.

have you run it at the track yet? or on the dyno?

Haven't gotten it to the track yet. It always seems whenever the HPDE events come up I got something going on, or am broke LOL.

Dyno, I did 302-rwhp, 232 tq @ 9psi with a very safe tune, 10.9 AFRs and retarded timing. I've done tuning since then and would love to get her back on the dyno soon!

WOW! great build!

thanks man!

[Kane]

Meh... it is ok I guess....

;)

[mazdamaniac]

Meh... it is ok I guess....

;)

Seriously!

Better have a word with his fabricator...:reddevil:

[Kane]

Seriously!

Better have a word with his fabricator...:reddevil:

No soup for you!!!

[RCCAZ 1]

Dave,

Wow... awesome build. I know that we've only met a few times, but I'm impressed with what you've done to your ride. The fabrication work is top notch and I love the attention to detail. Very, very nice!!

[chickenwafer]

Seriously!

Better have a word with his fabricator...:reddevil:

I know, I need to have words with that guy.....

Dave,

Wow... awesome build. I know that we've only met a few times, but I'm impressed with what you've done to your ride. The fabrication work is top notch and I love the attention to detail. Very, very nice!!

Thanks Tim! It means a lot! I try to build things clean....my OCD comes out in my car LOL

When is your FD going to be done? Love that yellow beast

[RCCAZ 1]

I know, I need to have words with that guy.....



Thanks Tim! It means a lot! I try to build things clean....my OCD comes out in my car LOL

When is your FD going to be done? Love that yellow beast

Thanks Dave! I'm rolling, albiet with a partial tune for now. While tuning last week at UMS we ran into a "small issue" with my WG lines starting to melt (*yikes*), so I need to re-route the lines and fix the problem. Probably going to fab up some hardlines to remove the "worry" factor. We're having an RCCAZ club gathering this coming Saturday night on the NW side (83rd Av & Beardsley). I know it's a little short notice on the invite, but come up if you can. Would love to see your final product!

[chickenwafer]

I will try and make it. I'm leaving Phoenix next friday so this is really my last weekend to do anything

[RCCAZ 1]

I will try and make it. I'm leaving Phoenix next friday so this is really my last weekend to do anything

Not a problem. I just want you and others to know that even though our club has yearly dues, everyone's always welcome. I love to see people's projects and ways to approach problems. It's how we all make our rides better!

[RCCAZ 1]

Seriously!

Better have a word with his fabricator...:reddevil:

Look at the teeth on that Fabricator :) It actually looks quite a bit like you M2 ;)

Hey, please bring back the "girl-on-girl" avatars. Somehow the clean-cut Japan-amation just doesn't fit your style (IMO) ;) Are you going to church or something??

[REVIT93RX7]

The build looks terrific. I know you had a link to the car PC web site. What was the model number of the PC you used.

Thanks

[chickenwafer]

^No model number, it was a custom build built by a friend.

check him out www.boxcarsolutions.com

[chickenwafer]

So I haven't been here in a while

Figured I could bump this with some updates:

First is I dyno'ed last weekend. After some issues with my boost controller my boost was seriously limited and I couldn't get boost to peak over 13.5psi

First run was on lower boost at 10.5psi or so:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/dynorun0829lowboost317rwhp.jpg

Ended up with 317-rwhp and 287 ft-lbs of torque. After reviewing the logs of the run it turned out my knock sensor was picking up noise from the dyno rollers and pulling up to 10 degrees of timing at torque peak!!

I basically turned the knock sensor off, LOL, and did another run at 13.5psi, which was the max my GReddy E-01 was letting me do (I found up later I had it setup wrong, doh!)

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/chickenwafer/Dynorun0829330rwhp326tq.jpg

330-rwhp and 326 ft-lbs of torque! Holy balls that's a lot of torque, haha.

That pull was at 13.5psi peak and trailing down to 9psi by 8,000 rpm. I also found out I was running a pretty high timing split so I was able to clean it up but I ran out of time on the dyno so I couldn't make a pull with the new map



So then the other day I was getting my boost controller settings figured out and tuning it on a back street. Was hitting 14psi by 3900rpm and it was feeling rather brutal! The spool was intensely quick. So I did a run, and boost was falling off slightly, so I pulled over and made adjustments, then went for another run....

I hit 14psi before 4k and started to spin tire a little, but like an idiot I stayed in the throttle and the tires hooked back up. BANG! My shifter popped out of 3rd gear and the transmission started making death noises...

I quickly clutched in and tried to shift into 4th, but it wouldn't. I coasted into a parking lot and after a minuet or so of frustration I was able to get it into a drive gear and limp the car home. Motor is fine, but transmission is pretty bad. I'm almost positive the shift fork for 3-4 is bent and all my syncro's are gone, LOL.

My trans has been an issue really for the last 10,000 miles, tho. It's grinded 2nd, 3rd and occasionally 4th. And about 1500 miles ago went I swapped fluid for Redline MT90 there was a shift detent ball stuck on the magnet of the drain plug. So I knew the tranny was a time bomb.

Plus these 6-speed Aisin gearboxes are just trash. Which is why I am considering doing an FD RX-7 5-speed gearbox swap.

The biggest hurdles of the FD gearbox are:
-Transmission is longer and shifter doesn't line up, but it's not off by much (about 4"). Apparently you can cut down the linkage and move the shifter forward by the amount required
-Obviously mounting locations are different. The stock 8 trans is mounted on the passenger side to the PPF and the FD trans is mounted on the driver side and bottom from what I have gathered. So custom mounts are required. I am going to keep the stock RX8 PPF.
-The RX8 is a push type clutch, FD is a pull type clutch? Or so I have gathered, maybe some people here can shed light on this...
-Custom driveshaft is required since the RX8 carbon fibre unit is too long and the FD unit is too short. I need a driveshaft roughly 13 inches longer than the FD d-shaft.

The Good news:
-Bellhousing bolts right up
-Uses the same 240mm flywheel and clutch combo like the RX8 so I don't need to swap any of that stuff (luckily too since I have a lightweight billet Fidanza fly and ACT Stage 2 clutch already)
-FD transmission is much stronger, cheaper, easier to find, easier to get rebuild kits, etc than the RX8 6-speed gearbox. I can pick up an FD trans all day long for about 1/3 to 1/4 of the cost of a used RX8 gearbox. So even if the initial cost of the swap is more expensive than just throwing another RX8 gearbox in, it will pay for itself once I don't blow anything LOL

So that is where I am at right now. I was also wondering if I could use the Re-Amemyia D1GP short shifter (don't see why not) and if it's a good shifter? FD guys? Here's a link: http://www.corksport.com/re-amemiya-d1-shifter-for-rx7.html

So I am still weighting options. I have a line a stock RX8 trans for $500 + Ship or I can pick up an FD trans for under $300 bucks. If anyone here is selling an FD trans and wan't to hook a brother up let me know! Haha. Even if someone has a completely BLOWN FD trans I will pay for shipping if you can send it to me so I can use it for mock-up and see if it's even worth it.

Thanks guys

[Rotary Inspired]

What about the Turbo 2 tranny? They are solid and are also a push type clutch. It will bolt up to the renny as well. I believe the Turbo 2 is slightly shorter. Cant remember I used to have 2 FD trannies and a t2 tranny side by side in the garage. My 8 tranny sucks as well. They are poorly built IMO. Good luck I bet the half shafts and diff are next.

[Whizbang]

chickenwafer... +1 for odd ball usernames.

great project btw!

[Max777]

nice work man!!!

my only gripe is the lambo doors...lose those rice-hinges and you're good to go.

that is your opinion. The owner of the car might highly enjoy them, and as shocking as it may be, not everyone thinks the same as you do. As a matter of fact, lambo doors can be very tastefully done, such as on this car.

[WE3RX7]

I second the T2 trans. Just as strong, and if you get a USDM actually has a decent overdrive for fuel economy (if you care, if not.. go JDM as the gearing on 4th and 5th are much closer).

It would be the same if not an easier swap than the FD trans and parts are just THAT much cheaper for T2 stuff.


The RX8 6spd actually isnt a bad trans, it has a weak point (the ball you referred to) which can actually be modified and never cause a problem again. I'm not sure but I'm wondering mazda fixed the issue on the newer trans... I'll have to do some research. It should hold 400lb ft of torque though once modified.

[chickenwafer]

Yeah the 2009 transmission is much beefier (how much we're still not sure no one is really pushing them yet) but it isn't a bolt-in swap, and since it's so new you can't find any used. Brand new from Mazda it's over $3500 if I recall correctly.

Do you know the modifications to beef up the RX-8 6-speed? Or at the very least a company doing this? I haven't heard of it yet. I also know the shift forks are VERY fragile in this transmission as well.

I am actually leaning to the S4 T2 over the FD transmission. If my research serves me right the S5 Turbo and FD transmissions are basically the same thing but with a slightly different 5th gear? But the same case, and gears up to 5th.

So after more research this is what I have found:

Updates:
-The clutch release isn't an issue. The 8 gearbox is a push type clutch and the RX-7 5-speed turbo gearboxes are pull type clutches, but since I'm swapping transmissions none of this matters. I just need the clutch slave cylinder and it's a bolt in.
-The S4 transmission can have its linkage cut down and shortened by 4 1/2" so the shifter will line up with the factory RX-8 shifter opening in the console. Very good news and the main reason I am leaning to the S4 Turbo trans
-The driveshaft needs to be approx 12.5" longer than the RX-7 driveshaft.
-I will need the clutch slave cylinder and the RX-7 Turbo/Automatic transmission starter motor
-Custom mounting brackets are required or a custom PPF ($$)

But right now I am still thinking I may just throw in another 8 gearbox and play my cards, shift like a grandma and hope all goes well. IF that one goes then I'm definitely going RX-7 transmission. Right now it's more of a timing issues- I would get my 8 back on the road MUCH quicker just throwing in the 8 tranny otherwise with doing the RX-7 5-speed swap it's probably going to take me all winter to do it LOL

[speedjunkie]

Actually he sold this car a few months ago and got an FD.

[BMW.Nick]

I have never liked RX8's but this was an impressive build!

[MrsJoff]

Chickenwafer bought an FD? There is no way he could fit into an FD. I won't believe it until I see a picture of him in the car.

How you doing Chickenwafer? It is going to be 112 degrees Monday, be glad you left the desert! :seeya:

Lynn

[speedjunkie]

Actually I'm about the same height as him and I have an FD too lol. He still fits a little tighter in it than I do though haha.

He said he doesn't really get on here much anymore, but I did tell him about this thread so maybe he'll stop by at some point. Last time I saw him he was doing well.

I guess the name of this thread should probably change again huh? LOL

[chickenwafer]

Chickenwafer bought an FD? There is no way he could fit into an FD. I won't believe it until I see a picture of him in the car.

How you doing Chickenwafer? It is going to be 112 degrees Monday, be glad you left the desert! :seeya:

Lynn

Hey Joff and Lynn!

Yeah, I have an FD now! I hate to say it, but I should have done it YEARS ago! Really in love with the car.

It's a tight fit, being 6'6" isn't always a good thing. I have an aftermarket small steering wheel and an NRG quick release on the hub. Makes fitting MUCH easier. My FD is a touring model, so it has the sunroof, wish I would have got an R1 so I wouldn't have the roof but oh wells. FD's in Colorado are slim pickins!

Not missing the heat at all! But the snow kind of sucks. At least it gives me downtime to have the FD tucked away in the garage so I can complete some winter projects.

The RX-8 was a great ride, but we all have to move on.