Possible $2017 Challenge build.

Since the car isn't here yet, but the plan is shored up and money will soon be changing hands I can let you in on the project:

2004 Mazda RX8 - Remove Renesis engine, transmission, harnesses and front crossmember. Sell for mad profit yo

2008 Mazda MX5 Miata - Remove MZR engine, transmission, harnesses and front crossmember.

2008 Mazda 6 - Remove 2.5L MZR short block assembly

The fun bits:

Install engine crossmember, clean and paint mounts and accessories.

Install 2.0L components on 2.5L block, prepare for installation.

Combine MZR engine harness with RX8 chassis.

Install 2.5L MZR engine into RX8 chassis and confirm operation.

Prepare for PHASE 2

Install Mazdaspeed 3 exhaust manifold (or similar) and add turbocharger, piping and charge cooler (what? You thought I was replacing it just for the same horsepower and more torque?)

Proceed at winning in life!

Thoughts?

I have never been a Mazda fan but I would like to drive it with an open mind...

Sounds like a cool build; I like it but it sounds like a lot of work/time to do it cleanly.

In reply to John Brown:

If you don't build it, I may have to!

Does all that buying and selling of bits / cars jive with the current rules on cost recoop? Also, what's the RX-8 doing that an MX-5 won't do?

After a 14 year absence, JB returns with what seems like the Rube Goldberg of Challenge cars.

Good luck. This year you have 13 months between events. You may need that extra month!

PS: In no way should you take my joking as not thinking this is super cool and above my ability.

This from the guy who twice just bought a Q45 and finished 11th and then 10th overall.

pres589 wrote: Does all that buying and selling of bits / cars jive with the current rules on cost recoop? Also, what's the RX-8 doing that an MX-5 won't do?

Currently it is but barely. It's getting built regardless if it goes over budget.

JohnRW1621 wrote: After a 14 year absence, JB returns with what seems like the Rube Goldberg of Challenge cars. Good luck. This year you have 13 months between events. You may need that extra month! PS: In no way should you take my joking as not thinking this is super cool and above my ability. This from the guy who twice just bought a Q45 and finished 11th and then 10th overall.

You've actually seen the RX8! In general they are great touring cars but the lack of torque is their Achilles heel. They share platforms with the NC MX5 so it makes sense to do some parts bin engineering. While I am in the parts bin the 2.0L MZR needs a little more grunt and while a 2.3L DISI Turbo would help with its 263hp they are expensive. The forged crank and volume increase of the 2.5L and the aggressive cams from the Miata will be a good start but the additional power from the stock style MS3 turbo setup should be enough for daily use.

I spent a good chunk of time last year investigating a similar combo in a Miata and then rx8. It could be the salvation of all those dead/cheap rx8's I keep seeing.

MrJoshua wrote: I spent a good chunk of time last year investigating a similar combo in a Miata and then rx8. It could be the salvation of all those dead/cheap rx8's I keep seeing.

Was there a particular weak point besides the transmission? Both cars are fragile at best.

In reply to John Brown:

My searching mostly centered on getting the parts together not the predicted longevity. I think you are already probably beyond what information was readily available even a year ago. Sorry I wasn't able to help more.

Well, after Robbie and Ian pick up their Challenged car I will be heading first to mid-Michigan to procure most of a 2008 MX-5. 2.0L, manual transmission, all of the important bits included.

Two weeks after that I'm hoping to fill a garage void with the RX-8.

Moving along slowly and deliberately.

I'll buy it for $2017 when you're done!

It sounds like the combo that Mazda really should have built. The RX8 has awesome packaging and it could have been the "practical Miata" with a setup like that.

Also, who's this John Brown guy? Anyone heard of him? HA

I like this idea! The 2.5L MZR in my Mazda 3 is watching eagerly as well.

tuna55 wrote: I'll buy it for $2017 when you're done! It sounds like the combo that Mazda really should have built. The RX8 has awesome packaging and it could have been the "practical Miata" with a setup like that. Also, who's this John Brown guy? Anyone heard of him? HA

I'll likely be over budget and just enjoy driving it down and hanging out with the group, but I will do as much as I can to keep it under the cap!

SilverFleet wrote: I like this idea! The 2.5L MZR in my Mazda 3 is watching eagerly as well.

I drive the ND Miata and the 2.5 3 at the Challenge and I really wish the Miata had the tire roasting capability that the 3 had!

I like the idea!

Wasn't the 08 Mazda6 still 2.3 powered?

This is relevant to my interests! I would love if there was a somewhat straightforward piston engine swap for this chassis. They are only going to become more common as more Renesis(renesi?) fail and people give up on them. Now, can a Duratec(MZR) survive 8K rpm? You have to use all of the stock tacho...

How is the build coming?  I have a 2005 RX8 in my garage with a bad motor that can't be rebuilt and I want to do exactly this.  Does the MX5 cross member fit into the RX8? How did the suspension line up?  Did the shifter line up in the same location as the RX8 transmission? Please send us an update.  Cheers.