Lil 808

Recently acquired an early 70's Mazda 808 (not sure of exact year) that is basically just a body and chassis. All parts under the hood are either incomplete or have been unchanged since it was left sitting over 10 years ago.



I understand that I'll have to do things like rewiring the car, etc. My only problem is that I do not know what it might take to install a rotary. I was thinking either 12A or 13B.



What it comes right down to is this, I understand rotaries better than displacement, and I like the numbers for them a lot more. So I don't want to just put a little 4cyl back in this car. I mean, they weren't bad engines, but they were garbage compared to the roatries of the same time frame.



I was wondering if anyone could help me out with where to find pieces. Also, how much might it cost? What all would I have to do? Anything that you think might help. I'm not terrible experienced with actual conversions like this, so all the help I can get is appreciated.

j9fd3s

well the 808 is an rx3? rx2? so the easiest way is to get the rotary subframe and then it will just drop in. i think that the piston engine subframe is easy to modify to use the rotary too. the best idea is to find a wrecked/rusted 1st gen and then you can swap the engine, tranny, front struts/brakes, limited slip (if it had it) wheels etc etc



mike

dac

The 808 is an RX-3 with a piston engine. The Swap to either a 12A or 13B should be a piece of cake.

Lil 808

Aight.... thanks to j9fd3s for the ideas. Those could be very useful. Finding a first gen would be a piece of cake, though I need to see how compatible they actually are.



Also though, I know that the 808 is basically just the bastard twin of the RX3. That much was easy, but I wasn't sure on how to actually transplant the engine. What all it might require.



I'd really appreciate anyone who could point me towards parts, or places to find a first gen or and RX3. That would be truly appreciated. I'm looking for both local and otherwise. If it helps any, I'm in upper middle Tennesse, in Montgomery County.



Thanks for any assistance.

rxrotary2_7

rx3 subframe required. (i got one ... not letting it go, never know when i will come across one or even a sweet GLC for that matter. ) swap is cake. also need a 12a front cover. all the suspention *can* be used form a first gen, but it will not be a *direct* bolt on. using a 13b will push the motor a little further back, so shifter placement is going to be different.

rx7machine

That's the first time I've heard of the mazda 808, piston version of the RX-3, but you might as well go with the 13B..

Racer X

Yeah, thats the first I heard of a 808 too.I heard of the 929 but not the 808.Damn mazda and thier numbers.

papasmurf

umm not to sound ricey or anything, but two months ago i swear i saw an article in either sport compact car or import tuner about a guy who did it, 808 with a 13b i believe. i know there was also a 510 or something with a rotary in it (nissan), for some odd reason they always seem to do stories on projects like the one you plan on taking on.... as for the parts, wouldn't it just be possible to find a junk-yard in a different country and have your non us parts shipped ( figure 100+ for shipping large parts, but worth it )...

Lil 808

Well.... once again, thanks to everyone for the ideas and knowledge. I'm still looking around for parts that I might need and whatnot, as well as saving money so that I can get all of it.



If you can be of any help as far as that goes, I'll appreciate it.

DJ Rotor

hey 808, check out the site I just posted a link to in the "other rotary powered" section - the RX-3 site - he has quite a lot of info on that exact swap.



J