The Mazda RX-8 has always had a cult following, but the rotary engine can scare off buyers who want something simpler to live with. That’s exactly why swaps like this exist. A V6-swapped RX-8 currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer shows what a thoughtful engine conversion can look like, one that stays true to the car’s original purpose rather than turning it into something completely different. Two days of the auction remain, with the top bid sitting at just $14,500.
Why This RX-8 Swap Actually Makes Sense
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Lightweight Mazda sports cars like the MX-5 Miata, RX-7, and RX-8 often end up with different engines over time. While Wankel motors sound fantastic and offer strong tuning potential, they can also be expensive and demanding to maintain. That’s why some owners replace them with larger, more powerful, and reliable naturally aspirated V8s. This car takes a slightly different route. Instead of the original 13B-MSP Renesis rotary, this build uses the 3.6-liter LFX V6 sourced from a fifth-gen Chevrolet Camaro. It may not match the headline numbers of something like an LS3, but it’s cheaper to run, keeps the balance of the chassis largely intact, and still delivers 330 hp at the flywheel.
A Mostly Stock Look With Serious Hardware
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At first glance, this RX-8 looks almost stock, aside from a set of 18-inch Enkei RPF1 wheels. The spec is also quite appealing, finished in Galaxy Gray Mica with a rare Sand leather interior. Underneath, however, the car has received a long list of performance upgrades. The build features a Ford 8.8-inch rear end with an Eaton Truetrac differential, upgraded suspension components, coilovers, and a Wilwood front big-brake kit. The swap also includes an Aisin six-speed manual transmission and a stainless steel exhaust system. According to the listing, the drivetrain had about 20,000 miles on it before installation, with roughly 1,000 miles added after the build was completed. Together, these changes make sure the chassis can handle its newfound power.
Builds Like This Keep The RX-8 Relevant
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The RX-8 is now more than two decades old. Despite not being the fan-favorite rotary-powered Mazda sports car, many enthusiasts still praise its handling characteristics. That reputation is a big reason why builds like this continue exist. With 174,000 miles on the chassis but a far newer drivetrain and major components, this particular car presents an interesting mix of old and new. Projects like this offer another path to get behind the wheel of a small Mazda sports car, especially as enthusiasts continue to wait for Mazda’s next rotary-powered sports car to arrive.
from Autoblog News https://ift.tt/RtsvJWg
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