NEW from V8Roadsters

[V8Roadsters]

We've been hard at work. Here's a glimpse of some new options on the way for both the MX5 and the RX8.

The next generation of conversions from V8Roadsters !

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/11076823715_90281c48ff_b.jpg

[Driftdevil]

Is that a 5.0 in the miata??!!!

[Unk577]

I don't think so...

[Phatmiata]

That is the New Camaro V6 if im not mistaken, 300+hp right outta the box

[SM16RMSM]

That is the New Camaro V6 if im not mistaken, 300+hp right outta the box

You're correct. It the LLT V-6 out of the Camaro. Here a picture of one without all the plastic covers on top of the motor.

http://image.gmhightechperformance.com/f/camaro_now/sucs_1048_v6_camaro_engine_bolt_ons/31191020/sucs-1048-03%2Bv6-camaro-engine-bolt-ons.jpg

Only think I dislike about the new motors is that they are making plastic intakes and I think it looks cheap.

[Phatmiata]

thanks for the larger photo, any idea what HP numbers the motor has stock?

[SM16RMSM]

I believe 310-ish HP and 280-ish TQ. I got to google it. I don't remember since I rather have a SS or ZL1.


Edit:

2010-2011 have a LLT 3.6L V6 that puts out 312 at flywheel and the 2012 model has a LFX 3.6L putting out 323 HP. 278 TQ on both engine models.

[Shandelle]

One of the key points is the engine and transmission weigh less than the BP ;) A salvaged car can be obtained for a little more than a high end turbo kit. Which supplies the engine, trans, and differential. The 2012(LFX) should be able to meet all CARB requirements. Turbo power with stock reliability and predicted better fuel economy. We'll know that last part soon.

[Dandy]

One of the key points is the engine and transmission weigh less than the BP ;) A salvaged car can be obtained for a little more than a high end turbo kit. Which supplies the engine, trans, and differential. The 2012(LFX) should be able to meet all CARB requirements. Turbo power with stock reliability and predicted better fuel economy. We'll know that last part soon.

Wow . . . just wow!

[SM16RMSM]

One of the key points is the engine and transmission weigh less than the BP ;) A salvaged car can be obtained for a little more than a high end turbo kit. Which supplies the engine, trans, and differential. The 2012(LFX) should be able to meet all CARB requirements. Turbo power with stock reliability and predicted better fuel economy. We'll know that last part soon.

I assume it has a aluminum block then? Sounds very interesting.

[ilvtofu]

Is there more room in the engine bay compared to an LS1? can't really tell from the pics
Either way the lightweight part is a big sell for a lot of people I bet, it's so cool that you guys are working on this

[scsi]

so awesome!

[Shandelle]

All aluminum. There is more room in front of the engine, two less cylinders. No mods required to the tunnel like the LSx only removal of the rear tabs.

[miata2fast]

Pretty cool, and totally makes sense as a swap.

[Thumper13]

Only think I dislike about the new motors is that they are making plastic intakes and I think it looks cheap.

You still have much to learn young skywalker..............Plastic=less weight,less weight = more Zoom Zoom

Too bad most road racing classes don't allow that switch. Put that puppy in a World ClassST Miata.............do not disturb my dream !

[Thumper13]

I believe 310-ish HP and 280-ish TQ. I got to google it. I don't remember since I rather have a SS or ZL1.


Edit:

2010-2011 have a LLT 3.6L V6 that puts out 312 at flywheel and the 2012 model has a LFX 3.6L putting out 323 HP. 278 TQ on both engine models.

Punch out the pistons to 11:1 juice up the cams and you'll soon forget the extra 2 cylinders.............or add twin turbos,still gently ( 16 pounds )and get the Hell out of the way.

[Unk577]

I like this... Light weight, DOHC, 2X+ the power of stock miata... Sounds like a lot of fun

[WolfTDI]

Punch out the pistons to 11:1 juice up the cams and you'll soon forget the extra 2 cylinders.............or add twin turbos,still gently ( 16 pounds )and get the Hell out of the way.

Compression is 11.5:1 from the factory on the LFX and it has a forged crank and variable valve timing. Peak HP is at 6800, and redline is 7200. Sounds like a sweet package for an NC.

[Rogue]

Sounds like a sweet package for an NC.

GM in a Ford? ;)
I'd rather have that in a badass NA!

[Unk577]

Wouldn't be the first time a Ford got fixed with a GM power.

The Silver car looks like a NB so a NA should work. I'm sure they will give us more info before long.

[modernbeat]

One of the key points is the engine and transmission weigh less than the BP ;) A salvaged car can be obtained for a little more than a high end turbo kit. Which supplies the engine, trans, and differential. The 2012(LFX) should be able to meet all CARB requirements. Turbo power with stock reliability and predicted better fuel economy. We'll know that last part soon.

Does the swap retain the stock exhaust manifolds?

[90 Rotus]

Does the swap retain the stock exhaust manifolds?

In the case of the lfx, the manifold is integrated.

[The Driver]

I like this... Light weight, DOHC, 2X+ the power of stock miata... Sounds like a lot of fun

Like affordable fun, my LIKE! :D

[SM16RMSM]

V8Roadster, is there any room for a turbo setup? I'm putting the LFX motor on the list of ideas. Any more pictures?

[Shandelle]

Turbo... We are working on that. The CTS variant is turbo from GM.

[Phatmiata]

Turbo... We are working on that. The CTS variant is turbo from GM.


Turbo V8 ......... mind blown.... :shocked:

[theothersawyer]

I feel like you would have "enough" power as it is, but throw in a turbo and my god!

[SM16RMSM]

I'll be happy with about 350 whp.

[twiztog43]

Have you posted this on RX8Club?

And is there anymore info on it? The website link to the rx8 is just a blank page

[mini_fd]

I'm in the process of doing a mild rebuild and turbo kit but if this is the same amount in costs but more hp I need to know more so I can do this swap.

[mini_fd]

Nm It still won't be cheap when their mounting kit, custom exhaust, intake, cooling system and electronics are

[charchri4]

Nm It still won't be cheap when their mounting kit, custom exhaust, intake, cooling system and electronics are

No swap is cheap but this one I would expect to have some significant advantages over more traditional V8 swaps.

There are far more V6 5th gen Camaros than there are V8s and I would expect the V6 to be cheaper due to the number of them and probable lower demand over the V8 for swaps.

The integrated exhaust manifolds not only eliminates $700 in headers but it will probably make the car much easier to pass emissions in those states plagued with that.

The package will be smaller and lighter than the V8 yet still be capable of producing 400 hp with a little work but even in its stock form of 325 it will be a kick in the pants in a 2300 lb car.

Even as a died in the wool V8 lover I am very exited about this swap!

[mini_fd]

im still curious to how much the kit will cost a fabrication work would be on the car vs a mild build and turbokit.

[charchri4]

im still curious to how much the kit will cost a fabrication work would be on the car vs a mild build and turbokit.

Probably about twice the cost of a build and turbokit.

[Phatmiata]

Probably about twice the cost of a build and turbokit.

and twice as head-turning when you pull up (breaks necks) and then open the hood (blows minds) at a local car meet. :toomuch:

[SM16RMSM]

I've done that with the MSM. Open the hood to show someone something and they come crawling to my MSM and asking questions.

[charchri4]

Oh yeah no question the cost of the swap is worth it. Their is nothing like turning the key and having all your senses light up and actually look foward to making the commute to work. That is TO work!

The thing about figuring cost of a swap is so much of it depends on your ability and resources. You read build threads and you see lots of guys are not able to weld and have the welding done. That adds cost both in buying parts that could have been made and in paying a welder. On the other hand you see lots of guys that have the fabrication skills and equipment to make parts rather than buy them and that reduces the cost considerably. With the V6 swap there should not be much welding but you get the point. You are paying 1200 bucks for a subframe you could make for 50 if you have the tools and know how.

The big stuff is easy to figure out. It's the little stuff what kills the budget that nobody figures in ahead of the build. The $15 harmonic balancer bolt you didn’t know you needed or the grade 8 diff bolts you didn’t put in the budget. Radiator hoses you budgeted $40 for that cost $65 and the million trips to the hardware and auto parts store for something under 30 bucks.

I think my experience was typical and a lot of guys will tell you the same thing I am about to say. I worked for many hours researching parts prices going over every thing that I would need to buy and do to the car and created a detailed estimate and plan to do the build. My estimate before I started was $7300 just the conversion cost not including the engine and trans. What I actually spent was just under $10,000 on direct conversion costs. Total into the car with engine and trans costs was closer to 16K.

If you read through the threads here you will see lots of guys say whatever you figure it will cost or how long it will take double them both. As I look at some of the threads from last winter when guys told me that and it is easy to see I didn't believe a word they said!

Now just to be clear here I am not trying to scare you or dissuade you from doing the build at all. You want to do it and you will not be content until you do. I just want you to be aware of what it takes now rather than be discouraged when you have it all apart. You might ask if I thought my build was worth it now that it is done and I would probably say no. For the same money I could have made my donor car amazing with far less effort. But in the same breath I would tell you that I would absolutely do it all over again with no hesitation at all! I enjoyed every minute of the process and even now visiting with guys like you has made it all worthwhile

[PAT CONLON]

Any updates?

[Shandelle]

We are finishing up the install on the RX8 and then the Mazdaspeed will be completed, shooting for late Feb to early March. All of the mounting related items for the drive train are finished and the fixtures are built. The exhaust, cooling, and intake are the next task to tackle.

Mounting kits should be less than our LSx and the drive line items will be the same.

[Captain]

This seems like a cheaper and possibly more balanced approach. Any more updates?

Also, would the LFX and auto trans fit this setup?

[SM16RMSM]

Auto, please, get manual and save yourself the headache. There would be too much to look into. There most likely no problem with fitment but the rigging of shifter cables and having the shifter computer wired in would drive someone nuts honestly. GM have a separate Transmission Control Module that would need to be wired in. Then you have the shifter itself. Custom linkage would need to be built to fit the factory shifter (gear selector) if it even still uses lineage and not computer button controlled. I wouldn't even bother with it.


Besides, any new updates Shandelle?

[Shandelle]

Not much to update at the moment. We had a few projects, with a limited time frame, like the Exocet that jump in line. The last of those was buttoned up today, and Steve said the the V6 car was heading to the lift next week.

We are planning on building a twin turbo NC with an auto(8 speed paddle shift)... Later in the year of course.

[Phatmiata]

TWIN Turbo??? :shock:

[JamieH]

Paddle shifted 8 speed auto? Now that's some fancy trans swapping.

[PAT CONLON]

Bump for updates. How will the left side exhaust be routed? Over or under the steering column? (We have a pool going)

Details please....picts would be cool.. Thanks Shandelle

[Shandelle]

Sorry guys... We've been super busy. Just finished up a long to-do list for the V8 conversions. We redesigned our rads to work with both the LS and LFX. Also have long tubes otw for those guys. The V6 is back on the lift just nothing to update at the moment.

[PAT CONLON]

Any news? Any pictures?

[Captain]

Any news? Any pictures?

Yes, any news? I've seen LFX engines for as little as $1700 so this is a great option.

[Shandelle]

RX8 LFx items are at powder coating. With the NB back on the rack Steve and I have decided to change a few times to better suit. Steve is finishing the changes and then we'll start the final build process.

[ButtonPuncher]

Hi Shandelle,
A few questions for you regarding the RX-8 kits...

1. How much lighter is the LFX vs the stock rotary?
2. Will you be able to retain the stock gauges and ABS?
3. Will these be manual only or will an automatic transmission also work? (I'm thinking about making this my daily driver and an 8-speed ATX would be awesome.)
4. As far as turbos go, are you talking about using a Caddy LF3 V6 twin turbo engine or are you talking about using one of the aftermarket turbo kits for the LFX?

Thanks for your time and for any information.

Ben

[Shandelle]

Ben-

I'll need to ask Steve about the weights. I think the LFX is a little heavier.
We have a CAN conversion that will work with the stock gauges. ABS will function.
Not knowing the current size of the 8- speed I can't comment. The 4L60 will clear with limited exhaust clearance.
LF3 is a turbo variant of the LFX. We will most likely design our own system to fit these cars.

Cheers

[ButtonPuncher]

Thanks for the great news Shandelle! Having the stock gauges and ABS work is AWESOME!!!

A paddle-shift 8-speed would have been pretty epic but manual is more fun to drive. A dual 2.5" twin turbo exhaust will be even more epic. :D

I'm also glad to hear about your own turbo kit. The packaging on OE turbo systems is so incredibly tight that you're limited in turbo selection and upgrades.

Thanks,
Ben

[PAT CONLON]

Hello Shandelle, welcome to May...any news? Any details? Hurdles? Love to hear them....Picts would be outstanding!

So we can close the pool...left exhaust over or under the steering shaft? TIA Pat

[Phatmiata]

I think he is still on vacation out of the country. I'm sure he will chime in once he gets back.

[PAT CONLON]

From the looks of it, the RX/LFx conversion went first....oh well.

[Shandelle]

Pat don't get your hopes up. Steve has a few boxes of fresh shiny parts otw to him for the NB.

[PAT CONLON]

"Don't get my hopes up"?

Sadly, that does not sound encouraging...

I'm outta here...