An ideal swap! On best-handling chassis ever - RX8 / Miata w 340 HP GM V6 Excuse vertical camera 🙄

My friend describes his prefect daily/track combo car, a GM V6 swapped Mazda RX8. Very cool and unique, and terrific-driving chassis. Sorry about vertical filming just me struggling as on-screen guy trying to be video guy. It’s a cool story just the same.

[@thelowcartheory]

I got a chance to drive this exact car (I met Jeff at the track as the fellow RX-8 owner), and it is an excellent package. It's something that I intend to build after I get sick of the rotary issues. While the shifter isn't as slick as the factory trans, that's the only real gripe with the whole car. Other than that, the power is excellent and the chassis feels very similar overall. I both want to let the world know that this exists because it is spectacular, and I also want to keep it a secret. Andrew is a very generous guy with his time, and I'm concerned that if his company expands to needing more people, he won't be able to support his customers in the way that he wants to. Overall, if you are going to spend 20k-ish on a dual-duty track/street car, I don't think there is a better car out there.

[@keislerautomation184]

Thanks for the kind words, Thomas! As demand has increased over the years, the wait times may be longer (and continue to increase), but I have full intention on keeping the in house builds and DIY kits as a personal as possible. Relations with clients, like the one I built with Jeff, have more value in my eyes than expanding a business to the point when I can no longer offer that form of experience.

[@jameswillard1]

RX8 had one of the most underrated chassis ever, front end was sharp and it was unflappable…… stayed neutral no matter what you threw at it.

[@ToneNYC718]

I just picked up a LFX swapped RX-8 from Keisler Automation last week. Randy is not exaggerating when he says this is one of the best chassis of all time. The LFX V6 is exactly what the RX-8 needed. The car remains balanced, has great low end torque and still keeps a decently high red line. They have a great website that shows the specs of the RX-8 chassis and other benefits of the LFX swap compared to 911, Corvette, 350z and other cars from the same era as the RX-8. Keisler also has bespoke suspension upgrades and other stuff for RX-8 and Miata on the site. Andrew was a pleasure to work with, was responsive to questions and went above and beyond to get the swap completed through the pandemic and supply chain slowdowns. I really can't say enough good things about Andrew Keisler and the work that Keisler Automation does. I hope this doesn't sound like an ad for the shop, I'm just a happy customer that likes to give credit where its due.

[@PedalMafiaM]

hey man thanks for your review!! the more I hear, the more I want one to park next to my NB2 Miata. :D

[@lpvgs-817]

it also has 30,000Nm/degree of torsional rigidity equal to a 911 porsche. rx8s are extremely underrated cars!

[@camer140]

The NC Miata was a shrunk RX-8 chassis. Ford didn’t want Mazda to have 2 bespoke sports car chassis, so Mazda made due because they made the RX first. @savagegeese did a great documentary with people from the Miata teams.

[@ChadGeidel]

Love the build. Very clean and appropriate HP, focused on weight and well-roundedness. Kudos sir!

[@etherboy3540]

I have a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata in my garage, my daily driver for 15 years. I initially thought about LS-swapping it, but it's a lot of motor and a tiny 10 gal gas tank. Honestly one of these GM V6 motors would be a way better fit.

[@TheDonCucaracho]

Or a KLZE to keep it in the family, or the tiny 1.8 k8 from thex3, or a honda j series v6

[@DigitalSubset]

@@TheDonCucaracho Dude those engines are underpowered and don’t have much support. The j series is fwd based. What’s so wrong about swapping in an American engine?

[@theanomalous1401]

I've got to say Randy, Jeff made out like a bandit! Thanks for sharing such an awesome story!

[@DessikaModus]

Thought the NC was based off the RX-8

[@illsuspect]

Hey Randy, I would love to see you drive one of these on track.

[@TalooshDaBoss]

looks like a great v6 especially for $800 lol

[@NorthernChev]

3.6 liters of exhaust through a 1.3 liter muffler. Although the stock muffler probably flows more because of the rotary’s high RPM. Who knows? Not a fan of the exhaust note, though.

[@BIG_WAVE_RACING]

I have actually had one of these kits on a silver RX8 and it was also done by Kiesler and we ended up getting some stuff sorted out and this looks just like the white RX8 that left my shop not too long ago. I actually love how these swaps run and it feels quick. They dont sound very good with those single exit manifolds, but they run like hell!

[@illegalTyrant]

Had to favorite this video since I love the Rx8 even more than the Rx7

[@jaimegrant784]

Of all the stupid swaps people do on RX-8s, this one actually makes the most sense. But I would still stick with the rotary myself. I would swap to the REW from the Renesis though. I've been hooked since my first RX3 back in 1985. If done up properly, it will blow the doors off that V6. But you do lose streetability. But for racing, not much can touch a wankel.

[@scottimusgarrett15]

Thanks for the paddock tour! That's a nice, clean install, good power - weight ratio without putting a ton of weight over the front end. Nice! ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@drc8i080i8]

Great build, gotta love the V6 swaps on the lightweights. I'd love this with a VQ and a JDM exhaust. Nice find Mr. Pobst!

[@estebansoria3037]

That’s fucking nasty 🤮

[@Baker_7498]

VQ is taller and would require more work to fit. LFX fits with the stock subframe only the steering rack needs to be moved

[@drc8i080i8]

@@Baker_7498 good info. $ave on that labor!

[@overclocked28]

I'm the original owner and glad to see this being used for what it was intended to be used for (a practical daily-driven race car). The original engine was a Renesis modified with rotors machined to fit RC-7 FD apex seals and had a Lysholm Twin-screw supercharger pulleyed at 14-15 psi of boost. It was making around 330 rwhp. I can't say it was a reliable setup, as I only had maybe 13K miles with it before it became a garage queen that I'd fire up periodically, but this certainly looks like it will be reliable long-term and probably easier on the wallet from a fuel consumption perspective. A very awesome ride. Check my channel for some old dyno videos and some autocross events with this same car.

[@arrivendrive6831]

Nice car. I am not a fan of removing the rotary engines from rotary cars but I really understand why he did. Randy please make a video of you driving on the track. Brap on Randy.

[@solocamo3654]

Thanks Randy, had no idea the RX-8 Chassis was just a stretched Miata platform.

[@Carlos.Rivera]

But more rigid

[@rx8matt]

Great video. But I love my rx8 just the way it came from the factory.

[@flynbenny]

Really hope to see this swap or another get some traction. Lot of wonderful RX-8 chassis sitting around waiting for an engine. I own an NC, people all the time ask if it has the rotary, I always answer "no, thank God!"

[@caszzxs4104]

Thanks Randy for giving Kudos!

[@draggonhedd]

RX8 is the perfect engine swap car, seriously.

[@ruthnoya8424]

Yes, not just because it's one of the best handling cars, but because you can buy clean rx8s with dead engines for under $1,000.

[@a.benaway_racing]

I drove an NA miata with a LFX swap on the Patriot course at VIR with 245 Falken 660s and there's hardly anything that can keep up.

[@Rippin-Rich]

Does Jeff have a channel? Would love to see more of this car. I want one now! Can't find an engine for $800 though lol.

[@MrMikeT89]

Let's hope its still affordable when I can build a car. Great build!

[@keithridlen7122]

Let the man speak, you're constantly cutting him off.

[@roguetorino]

Years ago I helped with a RB swap into one of these. Really wish I could have given that car a drive.

[@grosjean3]

Awesome.REally like this kit.

[@AJZulu]

I'd love to get this swap.

[@tomasjones3755]

V6 RX-8 has been on my list, for a few years. Other Mx-5 V6 swaps: Rocketeer does a Ford 3.0 Duratec (Jag AJ30 version) and CrapEngineering does a Honda V6

[@thegamingguy1]

The thing about these motors is theyll eat the timing chain at around 100k miles, but tbh builds like this probably dont rack up that much use, so I bet this is a sweet ride!

[@aaronjackson4497]

I mean... At 800 per engine delivered one could just swap t the engine rather than the timing chain...

[@robertjohnson4784]

A big thank you Randy for showing us this mazar RX8 I didn't know they made the swap kit and the GM V6 has a decent aftermark following 400 horsepower what's some upgrades?

[@HeavyMetalorRockfan9]

Realistically speaking you're not getting 400 whp out of this car. At the very top end you can push it to ~350, this type of build is my exact plan in the future

[@robertjohnson4784]

@@HeavyMetalorRockfan9 Engine masters and Richard Holden got more than 400 horsepower with nitrous and turbos you can get more horsepower

[@Awsomeisimo]

The superior chassis strikes again

[@nonsequitor]

Cool little video and car.🙏.. And thanks for the apology for vertical video too boss 👌🥳😉🙏

[@joestriker2100]

I want one.......always loved the look of that car.

[@randypobstofficial]

I’m about to race an electric one! LeMons at Road Atlanta in two weeks. A well-engineered build by a real engineering company CarbonRivers.com

[@joestriker2100]

@@randypobstofficial I want just a daily driver for one....do you know if you lose the cruise control and AC with this swap?

[@vincentlau8876]

15k all in parts and labor? Thats one hell of a deal if that is truely the all in price.

[@stoneshrink]

Darn you Randy Probst, first I put a 5th gen Camaro suspension in a C3 Corvette all based upon your correct statement that it's better then the C5. I have a 2006 CTS with a 6 speed. It needs more hp.... darn you. LS is cool and all, but I love the balance of the car with the older version of the 3.6 in it.....

[@jonathansparrow7336]

Umm…..PLEASE tell me where you got this LFX for $800 with shipping included?!? That’s a killer deal!!

[@stewkeene]

That’s a killer car for the money 👍🏻

[@AnthonyBauza]

Randy I have an RX-8 Endurance Race that you are more than welcome to come see. Stop by an AER race and we'll talk about how a PROPER RX-8 goes. I'm the only rotary owner within the series.

[@CARandDRONE]

Omg they’re so pretty

[@marcodelaghetto]

Keeping this for future reference 👀

[@josephcote7702]

Randy. Cool car and interview! However, please don't film another vid in portrait mode. Thanks for the content, though!

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Yup!👍

[@saucyp123]

I bet the fuel economy went way up, too :)

[@deebee68]

I wanna see it on the track

[@jstein77]

Nice swap!

[@rolandobetancourt4166]

Where is that shop located

[@Bandit5317]

He never looked at the ATS 3.6? That's the car I went with, and it's great. Much bigger back seats than the 6th-gen Camaro, 3400 lbs, and a bit of luxury. And they're really cheap. Cheaper than 6th gen Camaros. Their only weaknesses are the differential failure rate and a transmission that's sometimes clunky changing gears (the 8-speed autos have reliability issues, though).

[@aaronjackson4497]

400lbs over his weight goal...

[@Bandit5317]

@@aaronjackson4497 True, but that's a lot of work to get 10% lighter. I guess he probably wanted the manual for track use, too. That was only offered on the ATS 2.0T.

[@aaronjackson4497]

@@Bandit5317 lfx rx8 curb weight 2800lbs, ats 3.6 curb weight 3530, that's 25% heavier. That makes a big difference in performance in all respects.

[@Bandit5317]

@@aaronjackson4497 The 2013 RWD 3.6 is 3358 lbs, but yeah still a pretty big difference.

[@ezacher4634]

Keep that oil changed constantly! Love to fail because of oiling/sludge problems.

[@JETZcorp]

For an $800 engine, it might just be cheaper to never change the oil and just change the engine instead. Lol

[@JT-bz8es]

Jeff!

[@twinturbo3470]

I always thought the RX8 R3 with an LS would have been killer

[@Mondaymotoring]

I have an LS RX8 and it’s amazing. It’s well balanced, fantastic on track and an absolute joy to drive.

[@Mekanik.b]

A Ford ecoboost v6 might be a fun swap too

[@robertgraham3559]

I can imagine how anyone could stuff a V engine with turbos in that engine bay. Otherwise they would!

[@BG.108]

I’m actually thinking of the Cyclone 37 and MT-82 trans from the 2011+ v6 Mustang! 305hp and Ford power

[@xgs4l761]

Is that cat street legal and would pass state inspection and emissions in VA? What kind of ecu does it use?

[@mickpdxc.3864]

Did Randy get to run some timed laps at Ridge in this?

[@vectorscience3603]

SHHHHHHH DONT TELL THEM!!!!!

[@bombardierrecreationalprod1023]

The Rotary engine is a big reason why it is one of the best handling cars ever, it is a mid engined car with the placement of the 13b ! Doesn’t swapping it ruin the balance ? I mean it must be nose heavy with the v6 in it !

[@_Mike_D_]

I have one of these also, it doesn’t change the balance much at all. 1-2%

[@bombardierrecreationalprod1023]

@@_Mike_D_ The swapped engine sits forward beyond the suspension pillars and is chest height to the driver ! The rotary is at least 6 to 8 inches behind the pillars and at the level of the drivers hips! 1 to 2 percent my butt! More like 15 to 20 percent 🙄The car does not rotate around the driver with the swap ! You’d be better off swapping in a 13b from an Rx7 to preserve the mid engined feel !

[@_Mike_D_]

@@bombardierrecreationalprod1023 I have one for track use only. It weighs 2830lbs with fuel. 54% of the weight is on the front wheels. Most of the engine is behind the centerline of the front axle. The car is pretty amazing, everyone who has ridden or driven mine likes it quite a lot.

[@bombardierrecreationalprod1023]

@@_Mike_D_ nice !! I guess the small difference is worth the extra torq !

[@xgs4l761]

Is it street legal and will pass state inspection and emissions!

[@RandoManFPV]

Family tryna give me a free rx8 that's blown. So how much more than 1200$ do I need for this type of swap if I do my own labor? Can the rest of the car handle what that engine can do?

[@kekethetoad]

*drool*

[@jhow_nicolas7964]

I liked this Rx-8 a lot, but he said he wanted more power and the solution for him was to change the engine, and these rotary engines just with a reprogramming in the engine ECU would increase the power to at least 290 HP easy, and the car It would be much lighter still.

[@tylerduncan8687]

There's no way you can get 290 out of a 13B-MSP, maybe an REW with some decent money spent on it being N/A.

[@jhow_nicolas7964]

@@tylerduncan8687 no way in your small mind, this engine make big power easily

[@vpghahat6328]

​@@jhow_nicolas7964 it's not even reliable making the stock hp...

[@jhow_nicolas7964]

@@vpghahat6328 it s not reliable in american hands.. every other country could deal better with Rotary cars.

[@nobodynoone2500]

Shhh, don't tell people

[@toinfinitiandbeyond9209]

Let the man talk...🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@onedayiwillmakesomecontent]

Unless there are bikini's involved, there is no excuse for vertical filming! 😄

[@TheSuburban15]

Are these the 3.6L V6s that Wizard put in his most unreliable engines list?

[@aarown1017]

They ain't bad I'd you change the oil often.

[@Bandit5317]

I don't say this lightly, but the wizard has incomplete information on these engines. He lumped the entire GM 3.6 high-feature line of engines together for timing chain issues. That issue was fixed with the LFX (2013+ 3.6). You still need to regularly check your oil level and replace more often than the GM recommended interval (every 5k miles is fine), but that's true of any performance engine.

[@AndysAutowerks]

Im putting a Ferrari v8 in my rx8. Check it out

[@blair3821]

Guys don’t buy this until I get mine!!!!!