I know this has been discussed a bit in the past. I was considering the possible issues with the shortage of 20b parts and how it could drastically affect the market for 20b cars. Being that 20b cars are not very common usually means that an inflation in price is likely based on the laws of supply and demand. But if replacement parts are unobtainable then it could also kill the market for anyone considering buying a 20b car or those wanting to build one as investing large sums of money into a motor you can't fix because of a lack of parts is not a wise idea. Intermediate plates and e-shafts are pretty much gone unless you buy a complete motor ,which is becoming more rare every day. I realize that some people are making aftermarket intermediate plate and eshafts but honestly the ones available make me uncomfortable as I cant seem to find anyone who is using them other than race teams. its a lot of money for something that either hasn't been tested by many people for street use over long periods of time or the testers are also producing it and therefore have a reason to be biased. Not that they would be biased, but honestly, who would spend all the time and money to develop and make a product and then bring up its bad points to the customer if they want to sell it?
With that in mind I understand why so many people are using the v8 motors these days. More aftermarket support. More people doing research and development. also there are more people making aftermarket parts which is creating competition among companies to constantly make better parts at lower prices. (blah blah blah) I'm not trying to advocate the v8 swaps(although I do get it a lot more now). but if things don't start to change parts surplus will dry up or be so cost prohibitive and more or less a pipe dream. Not to mention broken parts will mean your at the mercy of some company on the other side of the world for prices on replacement and thats if they even feel like making one. If it breaks tough... This sounds like a great deal for business until most people decide they dont want to spend huge sums on a short block they cant get parts for, or without anyone willing to vouch for their experience with said product other than the people selling it.

I hope everyone realizes this is simply meant as constructive criticism. This is just how I and probably others feel as a consumers.

 

Ive been thinking about this alot myself lately. My 20B swap has been insanely costly, all things considered. I went N/A for a number of reasons, but one of the big ones was that hopefully longevity will be very great, and I wont have to worry about blowing it up and then not being able to afford/find parts to fix it. Recently I saw a post where someone had asked for a quote for a 20B from a supplier, and got one for $10k for a C code and $14k for a D code. If it comes to it where they are actually selling for that, it will be damn hard not to rip mine out and replace it with an LS7.

 

If/when mine goes I will be going the way of the v8 because of this very reason.

 

sad isn't it. not to rag on the v8's as I do like them too. but I wish we had other options.

 

Rotarys are so much fun to drive it's too bad they never caught on with the general public. That replacement price is crazy.

 

My information may be out of date. I spoke with a Mazda representative at the Mitty five years ago. At that time, he said that Mazda was renewing support for the 20B, because the motor was already homologated. As we spoke, there were a couple of RX8s on the track with 20B motors. He said parts would be available through Mazdaspeed. I've been fortunate in not needing the parts, so I can't attest to current levels of support. Have you talked with Mazdaspeed?

 

so what exactly is keeping people from just using 13b 3 rotor kits?

 

Or I know they're expensive but why aren't people making them affordable is what I'm asking lol

 

I would like to hear some opinions... I dont mind it, but did not really want a turbo 2 rotor... I fear pistons in my future...

 

Man when I'm done with my rx3 years from now my plan is to get a 3 rotor not turbo just 3 nice trumpets, but man parts for it seem very expensive even a short block is crazy . I would never go v8 ever . Will see down the road that's my plan

 

Not any more. 20B RX8s are being replaced with turbo diesel Mazda6s.

GRAND-AM: Diesel-Powered Mazda6 GX Rolex Series Concept Revealed

 

oh that's pretty cool
Is Mazda going to sell the SkyDrive-D engine?

 

and this could be really good for 3 rotor kits

If the 20b dissapears the demand will go up for them, and then people could find a way to manufacture and sell kits for cheaper.

So this could be a great thing or it could just get more expensive

what do you guys think

 

Not a chance. The fat center iron is selling for $5500+ from Mazda Comp and that is just one iron. Speedsource was glad to get rid of the 20B platform due to the high cost. If a race team did not spike demand, I do not know what would.

I also talked to Jim Tanner at Racing Beat about creating a 20B thick A356 housing and he would need to make at least 100 side housings to break even at $3500 a housing with the money up front and wait a few years for it to come to fruitation. Even then, aluminum has a lower melting point than iron.