RX8 Motor Swap, Anyone Done It, or Thought about it? Options

[cdmcse]

Is anyone familiar with the RX-8 Motor? I was considering it for a swap.

Anyone know if the bolt pattern is the same as older rotary motors?

It seems like it would be fun engine in the 914.

[Rand]

Hmmm... .Looking forward to some replies.

Rotary swaps have been done. Although it's tough to find much in the way of documented progress. Here is one resource.

I almost went that route because my buddies have made crazy power cheaply with them. They ruled the Corvallis OR AX scene for a couple years in a "beater" RX3.

I love the rotaries. But I want more torque. I am thinking about building a super-light "Locost" (Lotus 7) project with a tear ported 13b. I think that fits well. Say 200ish HP in a super-light car with a super-short motor that can be positioned well for weight distribution.

As far as the RX8 itself... I was personally disappointed... Mazda drops the RX7, and finally comes out with the RX8, all the expected hype... all the hopes of crazy new rotary power... and it turned out to be a bit of a let down. While it has potential, I think it should have had more power out of the box.

Every time this comes up, I like to ping the rotary guys. There is rotary 914 talk here and there, but I wish there were more results. Soloracer is working on a killer tri-rotor project... It has sick potential, but the progress pings aren't returning. Hopefully we'll hear about the progress someday.

After all my thoughts on this, I have temporarily concluded that there are only three logical choices for big power in a 914 with a reasonable swap project.

1. RAT big four
2. Subaru
3. V8

Your driving style and budget determine your choice pretty easily.