Congratulations to Steve Crandall's / estevan62274
2005 WWP GT 13B REW Swapped RX-8
Location: Melbourne, Fl
Q: Congratulations for being our December Ride of the Month! Tell us about how you acquired this car?
A: Thanks Kevin, I got lucky...there are lots of kind people here on the forum
When I sold my FD, I started to research doing a REW swap in a RX-8.(wanted something rotary powered that had backseats for my kids).
My plan was to find an 8 with a blown Renesis then piece together everything to swap a REW in it.
Then this car popped up for sale already completed at an awesome price so I pulled the trigger.
There is NO WAY you could have built this car for the price I purchased it.
Thanks again. --Jim
Q: How did you first become interested in rotary cars? Have you had any previously?
A: My uncle lit the fuse and ignited my interest; he has been building & racing rotaries since the 80s.
Back when I was in middle school I would help him out after school and on the weekends.
My first car was an 83 RX-7 GSL, I’ve had a total of 4 first gens and a third gen.
I currently have an 84 GSL-SE (under construction) & this RX-8.
Q: What’s the biggest reason you chose a rotary-powered car to modify?
A: The biggest influence again was my uncle and helping him with his first gen when I was in 6th grade.
I’ve always liked the rotary because it was so different and unique.
Q: Is this car your daily driver? Do you participate in any form of racing? (Drag, Auto-X, etc.)
A: No but it could be. I have an Explorer that’s my daily.
I do drive the RX-8 at least 2-3 times a week to work and to pick up the kids from school (they love riding in it).
I’ve made a couple of trips to the ¼ mile strip for fun/ grudge matches against co-workers.
Also have ran a couple of Auto-X’s and it tons of fun.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your car?
A: Love the fact that it has a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality.
I can use it to go out to eat with the family and it runs and drives like a civil stock car
or take it to the track and have some fun
Q: Do you have any future plans for the car, or any car?
A: Clean up the engine bay (wire tuck, simplify hoses & vacuum lines)
Battery relocation and polish and paint some other engine parts too.
Also have my 84 GSL-SE under construction; I’m doing a REW swap w/BW S366 and other goodies.
Q: Any other hobbies besides cars?
A: Yes, avid basketball player and beer drinker
.
Also love watching my kids play sports (basketball & soccer).
Q: Anyone you'd like to thank?
A: My wife, Anna. She’s the BEST! Thanks for putting up with my rotary craze. TE AMO
She even rides with me on the Dragon at DGRR and she hates all the turns
318 to be exact
BIG Thanks to Jim and SPEED1 for a kick A$$ build, since bought not one problem with the car.