So rotary fans, I would like to do a 13B turbo conversion on my RX8 which has recently popped its motor (expected, really). Anyone who could help with what parts are needed and approximately how much the total conversion would cost? I'll be doing labour myself and hope to have the car running by January. Please guys! In desperate need of help here!

Okay pretty much you need the single turbo version of the 13B engine due to space, secondly you need a ECU but that is based on your preference, next I would say try to get a RX7 gearbox instead of your RX8 box because yes yours is a 6 speed but it's only geared for 270 km/h+ and under alot of strain from the powerful 13B engine could end up breaking seriously, so go for the 5 speed RX7 gearbox which is geared for around the 300km/h mark. I hear Toyama and Mr Jdmmonkey may possibly have an ECU to offer you. I myself am using Spitronics(R5500) and a number of other guys prefer Microtec(R12000) and some prefer the Apexi FC Commander ECU(?Not sure of price). My tuner has dropped many engines into the RX8 to upgrade them to similar power to mine but chat to jdmmonkey more because he also has quite a bit of insight into many Japanese cars which could be useful to getting an informed decision on where you want to go with your mods. Another thing to take into account is the RX8 is 200 or so kgs heavier due to the rear door tube running through the cars floor hence Mazda been able to create a RX8 with no door pillars to support the rear doors. If you need any other help don't hesitate to ask me or jdmmonkey

Which 13B? 13B-REW or the 13B-MSP that already comes in the RX-8?

If 13B-REW (the one from RX-7) - although I don't have a friend who has one personally - I can tell you that the aftermarket support and performance you can expect is going to be worth the effort.

It's all a question of time and cash. The Renesis was designed with efficiency and emissions in mind - unfortunately this curbed much of its true potential. Now before I get flamed for not caring about trees (I actually do) - there are ways to retain a decent emissions standard even on a 13B-REW with the right exhaust system (low restriction cat etc.) and good tune.

In closing, don't do the swap for the instantaneous difference between the two motors. Do it because you're opening a whole new upgrade path.

Hi Jdmmonkey,

Thanks for the reply.

I was looking at the 13B-REW. I'm actually wanting a "toy" again, not to go to drag strips etc.
I'm just trying to get a feel if the change would be worthwhile, I would hate to spend +50K
and only add say 0.5 sec's off.

I love the sound, look & feel of the Rx8 & its rotary motor, in fact I used to drive with the radio
off and the window down just to hear her.(I did have an imported Greddy Sp2 exhaust with a RP race pipe - Sounded Awesome!)

The hi-power Rx8 was really fun to drive, but I would like to install the Rx7 motor to give
the Rx8 that extra bite that it soo badly wanted.

In short would I be looking at gaining a slight lead on another Rx8 or would I be eating say M3's for breakfast.
Cheers
Jason.

It's actually a tough choice - each route of modification has its good merits. For example:

I'd say if you want a REW look from 99+ versions that out powered the official Japan limit of 206kw. Many push out much more. This is however with 2 HT-12's - but more power is possible going single turbo route. You'd be looking to go this route to make use of the uprated seal / rotary packages available in market (to allow for more boost, power and longevity) which are pretty mature from many years of racing than the MSP in terms of aftermarket support. The other reason to consider is - just to be different (an expensive reason).

The 13B-MSP in contrast 6 speed manual pushes 184kw at the fly NA! It has the potential to outpower the REW in boosted application. The question is - how far has industry pushed the limits compared to that of the 13B-REW & 20B

I specifically mention 20B Triple Rotor because if it will fit - you may want to consider this instead. 224kw / 407nm at a low .7 bar boost ;-)