Hey everyone. I have been a part of the group for a while, but I own a 06 Shinka RX8 so havent really introduced myself here yet. I've been n the rotary game for a while now and been building motors for some local rx7 and rx8 people In the Pensacola, FL area including doing my own streetports and even a halfbridge on my Shinka. I am getting ready to move over to an REW platform in the it, so figured it was about time for me to introduce myself here. I am building an 04 rx8 that the halfbridge will go in. So figured id say hi and I hope to have some updates as I move forward. Here is my Shinka...

 

I thought Shinka's were the dark red color.

RX-8's are great to drive and the REW swap makes them even better.

 

Yep, it is the Copper Red Mica, but you might be thinking of the Black Cherry from the 05 model. This color was only offered in the 06 model Shinka and there were only 243 of them produced. Definitely a unicorn, just a little under powered imo. I love the rx8 platform and the luxuries of having obd2 and the nav unit (although outdated and it has been modified with a tablet). It is also nice to have Sat stereo and the Shinka interior is by far my favorite. Add in the poly filled suspension upgrades and bilstien shocks, it handles like a dream. I am shooting for 450hp with a Bridgeported REW and single turbo. I already have the Adaptronic ECU for the FD, so just gotta figure out the wiring to keep the stock features of the RX8 with the engine management of the REW. Once I get these other engine builds finished, I should have plenty to pick up the motor and do the port work. only thing left after that is the turbo and piping. I may spring for the 5 speed FD trans as well after I get the engine finished sine the 6 speed RX8 trans wont handle the HP.

 

Welcome to forum

 

Thanks!

 

welcome to the board.

i hope to see you succeed in your endeavor. if you choose to make a build thread, you will definitely have at least one follower in me. i am hoping to do something similar with mine whenever i get my FC running. Rx-8 + REW is a great combination!

i did not realize that there was an '06 Shinka as well. thanks for sharing this tidbit. i definitely learned something today.

arguments can be made for and against the 6 speed. i'll leave it there for the purpose of this thread. however, if you go 5 speed, why use the FD tranny when the Rx-8 tranny should bolt right up?

 

Glad to share something you weren't aware of! As far as the rx8 trans goes, it is for lack of a better term "glass" with anything over 300hp. People have been known to blow them with turbo kits and a stock Renesis and maybe a couple bolt-ons. I do have a handle on a JDM 5 speed RX8 trans though which is much more capable of handling over 400hp, but you are correct that is is a direct fit to the REW as it is for all generations of the 13b going back to 1974 if I am not mistaken. The FD trans is just stronger and that would be the only reason. I will be testing that info though for sure!

 

as far as the 5 speed goes, my understanding is that the Rx-8 tranny is the R-Type, so yes, the same one that has been in service since 1974 on "some" cars, trucks, vans and turbo rotaries. i'm just unsure why you say it's "stronger".

as far as the 6 speed goes, it is a fact that they are not as strong as the R-Type. my hangup was never based on trying to make that argument. it's just that i've seen a few people run them just fine behind turbo 13Bs and a handful of N/A 20Bs. there was one that i knew of in a turbo 20B car, but i think he eventually did blow it up, i mention it only because he had planned to put another right back - albeit, modified. i would imagine the main issue at hand is probably the lives they are asked to live - racing/launching all the time vs. driving with occasional abuses. and by the way, this is just me talking ... not trying to talk you into or out of anything.

 

I hear what you are saying and I intend on keeping the 6 speed in there as of right now. I won't be doing a ton of track time, but there will be a little. I do appreciate your point of view and of course personal experience is always welcome. The more options I can keep in the stock platform the better for what I will be using it for. It is my daily and I intend on keeping it that way. I will definitely do a build thread once I get started and may even need to get a few odds and ends from this forum to complete it. Most of the custom parts I will need will be made rather than bought, but the REE motor I have found it only a keg. I have another local guy with a bunch of leftover parts he is willing to sell me, so wish me luck!

 

Love the setup, cant wait to see the REW in it

 

I have a RX8 too, was thinking of putting 13B in it but just don't have the time and space to start because I'm pretty sure it will be monthssss if not yearsssss long project by doing it myself. Love the screaming sound of modified rotary though.

 

Couldn't agree more. Can someone please tell my wife to let me tear down our kitchen and put in a car life. Would sure be more useful IMO lol

 

I am planning to have everything ready before I pull the motor. The mounts will be custom made locally. I already have the ecu and the shop I moonlight at does wonders with wiring. The motor and turbo set-up is next on the list and then it is just a matter of doing rhe port work and putting it all in!

I wish I had more room since my garage is used for storage, but I will clear it out before I get started.

 

I am in prosess of fitting a ser 5 13bt motor in a RX8 , It is not an easy conversion but is nearly there .I will do a build thread when it is all complete

 

I considered a T2 motor, but a friend of mine has an REW in his shop and he offered to give it to me for $2k. With that price, I just couldn't turn it down. I am going to get him to dowel it for me and I am also considering doing a semi p-port, but not 100% on that yet. I am hoping for around 450hp.