13b renesis conversions available soon

[bruce]

I agree. The car industry is littered with failed small manufacturers and no success stories. Look at Bullet, Giocattolo, Bufori (sold off), even Elfin got brought out by HSV (?)

[Caffeine]

Until I see some pics I call bullshit on all of this dribble.

This.

Also, the 6 speed NB box cant handle much more over 200kw, without babying it, same with diffs. So seeing that your going N/A ... you should be fine.

Hrmmm, having dríven BJ's car many times, with ~250rwkw, on a standard NB 6 speed box, and (at one stage) a standard NB open diff, shouldn't the whole drivetrain then have self destructed?

Of course, a lot depends on how you drive it (BJ doesn't 'baby' his car, but he certainly drives it smoothly and with much mechanical sympathy, I'd like to think I do the same but he's far better at driving that sort of power around) and I've seen people who have destroyed clutches, gearboxes and diffs with the standard 75 to 80rwkw...

[RG.net]

*sigh*

I'm sure we are not on the same page when it comes to "babying".

Anyway, wheres these pictures?

[Okibi]

Here's another old article about 13BT MX-5s, something for everyone to read while they chill out.

http://www.fastlane.com.au/Custom_Shed/MX5_rotary.htm

[rxmx]

Any pics yet?

[Caffeine]

*sigh*

I'm sure we are not on the same page when it comes to "babying".

Anyway, wheres these pictures?

Agreed, I see a world of difference between 'babying' a car, and 'not driving like a hottie, while still using the car to its full potential'

Edit : Interesting word filter there, I don't think 'hottie' and what I originally typed would be equivalent...

[Okibi]

[Mr Rotary Qld]

Hi, to every one on here as I have just recently joined!
My name is Tony and I am the owner and operator of "Mr Rotary", I have been building rotary engines since 1988 and I am a Mazda rotary and MX5 enthusiast!
Just to let you all know that YES i have carried out 12A turbo rotary and Renesis ( 13B ) Rx8 engine conversions in mx5 NA and NB model vehicles!
I have also found it interresting reading all of your opinions on this topic.
To date I have not taken any pictures of this conversion, but a few enthusiasts from the MX5 and Rotary scene have seen it!
As I am usually very busy with other matters going on in my life,I will not very often get on here but I will put some pitures up of my RENESIS conversion at some stage in the future.
If you would like to contact me you can find my details on my website at http://WWW.mrrotary.com
Thanks.

[orx626]

What took you so long Tony?! Sorry I had to shoot through on Thursday would have liked to chatted further.

I didn't think it was too loud (externally).....nice job on the conversion.....let me know if you want a hand with adjusting the exhaust noise.

Cheers,
Danny

[Old Dude]

A question was asked of me by some friends when I mentioned this topic the other day, It made a lot of sense so I shall ask it here.

Is there a big weight difference between the MX5 and the RX8, if there is no real weight difference what are the benefits of fitting a Rotary to an MX5, apart from the obvious benefit of having a more powerful convertible.
If the weight is similar why not just buy an RX8.
Not trying to be funny here, just requesting from those that no more than I

Cheers
Dale

[Jeo]

Softop NC weighs about 1150, RX8 is more like 1350-1400.

I'm sure there is are some significant performance gains to be had, but I'd also say cool vaules weigh in quite a bit too.

[orx626]

Is there a big weight difference between the MX5 and the RX8?

Hi Dale, yes there is a substantial difference between the MX5 and RX8.

RX8's are around the 1350kg mark +/-50kg depending on series and specification (ie manual or auto etc...) whereas the NA's were as light as 940kg, NB's around 1050kg and of course the NC's at the 1100kg mark. So at worst (vs NC), an RX-8 is around 250kg heavier than an MX-5....and at best (vs NA) an RX-8 is 400kg around heavier. It does wonders for the power to weight ratio. So if you ignore fuel consumption and perceived short lifespan of the rotary engine....it offers a superior package for those who like to dabble in engine swaps. Another benefit is its low centre of gravity when compared to a piston engine....and when properly mounted, the engine's centre of gravity can be further rearward as well.

Cheers,
Danny

[mx52nv]

So MX5s are approx 200-300kgs lighter (which is huge) + Renesis 170kw with 9000rpm rev limit = WIN!

Am I right orx626???

Les

[orx626]

So MX5s are approx 200-300kgs lighter (which is huge) + Renesis 170kw with 9000rpm rev limit = WIN!

Am I right orx626???

Les

Works for me Les!

[Oni]

a little OT

At the drags in TAS yesterday there was a turbo 13B swapped NB the turbo was just massive. it was running 11.5's IIRC it was a rx-7 FD3 running gear