its not as big as you guys think! when the heads are off it looks REALLY small.

sits too forward in the chassis

Too bad you can't leave them off. Lol!

It would be interesting. I'm not familiar with 2.5 nor the potential of 2.5.
I do however think if you are going for power and piston, LSx is a far better choice. I've talked to Hinson in the past and I know they were interested in doing the LSx in RX8.. They asked me if I was interested.. but I'm not really looking for 400+ NA power and my daily being out of commission for 3-6 months:) Also, I think if I want pistons, then i would go buy a piston car and save me some time and headache :)

I've seen people do LSx in an FD and some after the conversion, just goes out and buys the real thing.. To be honest, it might be cheaper these days.

I agree throw that thing in a Brat or a Old school Datsun or Toyota. That would be one hell of a sleeper especially if you had the 6 spd in there too.

You definately couldn't get the AWD system to work, unless you or someone you know is an INSANE fabricator. I've helped my buddy pull a couple suby engine while they are pretty tiny I think it may be to wide of an engine to fit in the 8's skinnky engine bay.

There is one guy who has been working on a swapping the SR20DET in his 8. It's been a long journey for him, still ongoing too.

If you have the money a three rotor and a big turbo can make insane power, but if your going to put a piston engine in you may as well to the LS swap.

A Suby DOHC motor is not as tiny as your speaking of, They are quite wide even for the stock body of a STi. I`ve done quite of few sti conversions too stock wrx`s,. For myself to open the hood of a RX-8 and see a 2.5 dohc suby motor there. I`d be thinking there`s a hell of mechanic. And some crazy amount of dollars spent on doing something just to get it back on the road again. Unless you have a boat load of spare cash. Just put another stock style motor back in with some improvments within the motor it self. Cheaper than a crazy piston conversion. Even a LS1 is a thought I might would consider, If I had 15,000 spare dollars.

Hell the heads is what makes the motor, without them it won`t breath. Your not going to put a short block in it.