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how heavy duty is the rx-8 drivetrain?

Is it good enough to handle a turbo as well as an FC3S can?

Just wondering how long people's RX-8s last that get turbos put in.

Welcome to the board. :)

This is something of an odd first post here .... :D

I will give my input on the first question, but I have no clue about the second. I think it really depends on how you plan to drive the car. The general consensus is that the 6 speed will not fare as well as the 5 speed behind something with bigger torque (Turbocharged 13B, 20B, etc.) That said, I've been seeing more and more people leaving the 6 speed in place with their engine swaps. I am leaning towards doing the same whenever I complete my Rx-8. The 5 speed in the old Type R tranny, so it should "handle" a turbo as well as any FC or FD can.

I've played with them a little, they seem to be stronger/last longer than a second gen NA trans however they're definitely weaker than a TII/FD trans. That said I've also worked with cars that had a turbo transplant in front of an NA trans that lasted quite a while, just don't clutch drop 1st.

Quote:

Originally Posted by diabolical1 (Post 12302937)

The 5 speed in the old Type R tranny, so it should "handle" a turbo as well as any FC or FD can.

In the event that it's not obvious, I made a typo. The "in" is supposed to be "is". :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by dguy (Post 12303128)

I've played with them a little, they seem to be stronger/last longer than a second gen NA trans however they're definitely weaker than a TII/FD trans.

This is not criticism or refutation on what you said so much as just something to put out there for perspective. Just remember that we're talking about transmissions that are at least 13 years senior to the oldest Rx-8. So when you consider that the average person probably didn't rebuild one unless they were doing something VERY specific, and that they probably got beat to all hell and back, what you report is not surprising - however, it's also a little skewed.

Just a few more thoughts since I realized that my focus went straight to the transmission and I forgot to mention other components. I have not heard/read anything about driveshaft failures, and the rear ends are pretty stout as well. So I guess the point is, the transmission would be the likely point of failure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by diabolical1 (Post 12303136)

In the event that it's not obvious, I made a typo. The "in" is supposed to be "is". :)

This is not criticism or refutation on what you said so much as just something to put out there for perspective. Just remember that we're talking about transmissions that are at least 13 years senior to the oldest Rx-8. So when you consider that the average person probably didn't rebuild one unless they were doing something VERY specific, and that they probably got beat to all hell and back, what you report is not surprising - however, it's also a little skewed.

Just a few more thoughts since I realized that my focus went straight to the transmission and I forgot to mention other components. I have not heard/read anything about driveshaft failures, and the rear ends are pretty stout as well. So I guess the point is, the transmission would be the likely point of failure.

Most of the transmissions I'm referring to were professionally rebuilt for E Production racing or for customers who liked the idea of having a showroom new feeling FC.

I'm removing my foot from my mouth as I type .... :)