hi guys, im currently decided between a GSL SE shell (no motor, body gross, stripped interior) and an rx8 for track and autocross, which one would be better?

im currently looking at an rx8 for $1000 with a blown rotor. hes 100% stubborn on his price. and to my understanding, rotaries with a blown rotor is also a trashed rotor housing+side housings.
and there is an rx7 fb gsl se shell with no motor for $700

if i get another FB, what would it costs to get it performance wise, on par with an RX8 for autocross and track use? it just seems like an FB is horrible right now, coil overs for it are massively expensive, tire selection isnty as good (no michelin pilot sports, bridgestone potenzas and toyo proxess are availible though) and to even THINK of getting the same power with an FB as an rx8 is a masive undertaking. heres my math so far.

FB route.
roller 700
coil overs 2000 (techno toy tuning is the only option? are cheaper options out there?)
aquiring a 13b preferably s5 1000? +800 rebuild done myself + porting.
a different FC transmission 400
other downsides.... snap back oversterr, not independant suspenion.

rx8 route.

roller 1000
new engine?? 800+800 rebuild
coil overs 400-700
much better suspension,

is there any reason to go the FB route? it seems like if things start to break on my FB like its going to be a massive bitch to find replacement parts, (for bigger things) the rear diff can only handle about 300HP vs the rx8 400ish if not way more. (enter super secret idea for more omph) the rx8 has more easily acquirable parts. cheaper parts etc.

 

Typically the answer to this question is Miata...but kudos for wanting to stay rotary. If you want to be competitive, it can be accomplished with an Rx8. I can't really say the same thing about the 1st gen unless you remove every major system and upgrade it.

The problem people will bring up is that even if you rebuild and Rx8 motor, it still suffers from reliability issues, but running the motor hard on a regular basis and premixing cures most of its flaws.

I know this is the 1st gen section, but my vote for budget competitive autocross build for someone not afraid of rebuilding a motor is Rx8. Big tires fit, it has big brakes that are firm, Rack and pinion power steering, independent suspension, affordable coilover solutions, off the shelf performance exhaust solutions, the list goes on.

 

yeah, i dont plan on purely doing autocross and track, it would just be nice to have the ability to, and be relevant. lol. it just seems like the rx8 is the better option. the biggest downside is if you want more power out of it. it a pain in the butt. i jut have to get my secret suace going :3 sadly it probably wont be lgal in ANYTHING lol.

 

The RX8 has a great chassis and are competitive. An FB really only works in road road racing.

 

The RX-8 is the better choice. It will run circles around the FB in the handling department right out of the box. A new engine is costly but once the car is up and running, you'll find that they are amazing cars on and off the track. I own four of them. Even bought one almost new. They are excellent cars!

 

RX8. Better car in every way (new compared to new) than the FB, and still new-ish so parts are available. And you won't have to rebuild all major systems like an FB. But a Miata will run circles around an RX8 on the track.

 

A lot depends on your goals but.......
If you do an fb expect to race the shell with parts from everything but an fb attached to it.

Pros
Cheap on tires and brakes
A good motor will last forever
Cheap gas
Lots of people will come talk to you
Driving a 2000lbs car is fun

Cons
Miata or e36 are probably the smart options.

 

so, how much does a "not so fucked from a blown rotor" renesis motor cost? ive seen around 600-700 for them fairly consistently. AND i was wanting to do the rebuild my self.

 

I have a friend that is selling an RX-8 with a bolt in cage and race seats. No power mods but it has an exhaust, coil overs, track pads, and an extra set of wheels plus a parts car for sale. What part of the country are you in? The car is in Akron Ohio.

 

Btw they are selling because they bought an NA Miata from another friend.