Update: This project has been completed and here is a video of it doing a 12.831@110.57 1/4 mile.
Update2: The owner was kind enough to expand more on this build in the comments below. I have updated the article to reflect his comments.
Update3: Hinson Super Cars is currently developing a RX-8 LS engine swap kit.
Here is a RX-8 out of Iceland with a 2004 GTO LS1 swap. The project took 3 weeks complete in the owner’s spare time. The project began after the RX-8 had a blown engine. The engine mounts are custom and they could only use the header from the right side of a Camaro. The left side had to be custom built. Also used is a stock 4.44 differential and a Camaro steering rack and oil pan. Overall the car weights 3240 pounds, with 53.2% bias upfront. The owner is still trying to figure out how to get the gauge cluster to function.
I know there is some interest in a kit for this type of swap. Lets hope someone makes one.
Source: LS1Tech
I want to do the same in my car. please email me with any details that would be helpful, motor mounts and ect……… thanks
Can we get an update on this? Exhaust setup?
I wish there was an update we would enjoy hearing about it as well. The author has not update the thread with anymore details.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8nbqUKUTC4
I did 1/4 mile in 12,83@110,57mph
Check it out guys
Thanks Boggi.
Could you email details on cost/where this swap was done?
Hi guys, I did all this swap at my workshop in Iceland. It took us 3 weeks to complete the installation in spare time. We made all the engine mounts and used header from camaro on right side but had to build the left one. The weight of the car with gastank allmost half is 3240 pounds, 53,2% in front and 46,8 in rear, whitch is allmost the same as the Corvette C5. We used steering rack from camaro 1995 and the oilpan and the pickup from Camaro LS1 allso. Regarding the cluster, I still have to figure things out. I will probably put the PCM from the mazda in again and the sensors for oil pressure, water temp and engine rpm on the LS1 engine, then I will have full function cluster again. Thanks for your interest in this project, it has bin a real fun driving the car since we completed the swap. Before I had never driven a Mazda RX8 . Regards to you all, BOGGI
We are currently waiting on an LS-1 and trans for the same swap. ANY of the swap documentation wouls be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Micah Baudoin
Owner of Redline Motorsports
Bryan Tx, 77808
1-877-744-5450
*Would.
helloo there ,
I’ve got a car rx8
But no engine because some of the cylinders did not and I better change my engine
Is it possible to Help..
Thanks for posting.
Can you list some specific questions you might have? Other readers might be able to help easier if you did.
Hi, I came across this video on youtube ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw0AjCjvpBg
Enjoy
I´m building a new engine this winter for the RX8 and I will post some pic´s as soon as I can
Hello,
Would it be possible that you would make and sell me the header that is needed and the motor mounts? Please email me the prices for each. On another note, did you get the gauge cluster to work after? If so, how?
Thanks
If you go to hinsonsupercars.com, they are in the process of making a Ls swap kit for the RX-8, which I am waiting for. They also will do the swap for you if you ship the car to them.
Thanks. The last I had heard was they were preparing to work on the kit but hadn’t started. It is great news to know they are working on the kit now. Can’t wait to see it completed.
I am concidering selling my daughters 05 rx8 automatic. I bought it from a salvage yard. It has never been wrecked or smoked in. It supposedly was struck by lightning. I paid 7900.00 for the car, spent 2200.00 replacing the modules. she has driven the car approx. 10-15000 miles and the engine is giving trouble. it has about 60000 miles on it. what should I ask for it?
Hi guy´s, I built a new engine LS1 this winter with Lingenfelter cylender heads and a camshft from Hitec motorsports. I allso put another ring and pinion in the rear, got 3,90:1 from RX7 automatic. Allso I put new shocks front and rear from Koni. I did the 1/4 mile this weekend in 11,992@118,47mph. ;) Put a big smile on my face this weekend. (still smiling) Now I´m going for NOS!!!! fun fun fun!
Boggi
Thanks for the update. Keep up the great work.
Hey Boggi,
Any updates about the swap? I’m interested in putting an lsx in my rx8 but don’t have time for fabrication etc.. I would luv to know if there is any kit available to make the job easier.. Thanks
my 04 rx8
im in the works on how to do ls1 swap out. i need someone to talk to on this that has done it. how did it go. what all do i need to do to the car. ie new mounts ex what parts. and can i do it myself i have a good crew. but will we get in over our heads.