Building a 13B rotary BMW i8 - EP1

[@counterstrifekid]

This is basically what I want mazda to do with their new hybrid Rotary. No range extender bullshit, Just a turbo rotary with an added hybrid motor.

[@CRUMB.]

Or just build a modern rotary and ditch the battery crap that will be out of date in 5 years

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

I love KZbin. every time I think I have an original idea someone on KZbin is already a year into the process of getting it done.

[@caserolooo7917]

this exactly what depreciated cars should be used for, rotary swap the world

[@youremostwelcome]

I don’t want to rain on the parade of what is an incredibly interesting build, but I’ve got to say: that exhaust on the 3cyl BMW did sound mighty tasty…

[@CouchBuilt]

@borla PROXS can make anything sound good.

[@bhuvstechworld9743]

​@@CouchBuiltplus 3 cylinder engines can sound interesting

[@bhuvstechworld9743]

​@@CouchBuiltplus 3 cylinder engines can sound interesting

[@quadrapodacone]

Braaaaaaaap Braaaaaaaaap Braaaaaaaap

[@No13b]

Incredible build, really enjoying the fusion design and attention to detail. One thing to remember is that the 13b does about a third of its cooling through the oil, so a very large oil cooler is pretty much mandatory. Would love a factory i8, one with a rotary would be even more awesome!

[@edwardclark8808]

This is a cool project. There are many to rotary engine fans are going to like this project. The BMW I8 is not a bad looking car especially one with aftermarket rims on it.

[@user-oz5yk9bm5c]

This vid was recommended to me while i was perusing the youtubes. great project and i cant wait for the resutls.

[@kalebkloppe6193]

Amazing to see someone thinking ahead about bleeding the cooling system or just changing the air filter. I’m sure it will be a car you’d want to actually own, not just post on the internet.

[@Maurice_Of_Wisdom]

I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT A ENGINE SWAPPED I8. SO INCREDIBLE THAT FINALLY SOMEONE IS DOING IT. I NEED TO SEE HOW THIS BUILD IS GONNA TURN OUT! That's a like and a sub right there! ❤

[@sLim88CPC]

The professional approach, attention to detail and using the best available tech today - everything top notch. You just earned another subscriber and I will be waiting for updates, even though it might take a while, as I've never seen anyone trying anything like this. :)

[@robotrobohobo]

hybrid build is so cool

[@moagnor]

A BiG thanks to the KZbin algorithm gods who sent me to your channel, sir. This project is awesome and I’m looking forward to follow it!

[@kovacspis]

I absolutely love how well engineered this plan is! Cannot wait for more episodes. The nerdier and more technically detailed, the better!

[@cskinner89]

So excited to see this build come together! Massive props for taking the extra time to document this for all of us at home!

[@iankirwan8156]

Thoroughly engineered solution, hugely impressive so far. It must have taken a substantial amount of time and effort to get to this stage. Subscribed and eager to follow the project. Thank you for sharing

[@TradieTrev]

This is a mad as build! Love your draftsman workmanship, that inlet pipe would of been a fun one.

[@kenecchi]

Most interesting and well thought-out project I've seen in a long time.

[@DMSparky]

Wow, that’s absolutely incredible! Wicked engineering to get the packaging right. Clearly a lot of thoughtful design went into the project. It’s so satisfying when you can plan a project so everything just lines up so elegantly.

[@DaCaveman84]

I don’t often take the time to comment on posts but this is my dream life one day! Thank you for letting us live through you!

[@bjsmithart]

You have my attention. Looking forward to this series. I just saw one of these today … satin black. Cool looking car.

[@johanneslindemmann1660]

I am here through Stanceworks Thanks love the analysis and explanations

[@lipguanteh2616]

Hello from Malaysia. Thank you for sharing and I hope this post encourages you to do updates more frequently!

[@swecreations]

I really don't understand where their "unreliable" reputation comes from. Looking at the forums and talking to owners they always seemed to be very reliable for being a BMW, even if the few times they break often ending up being very expensive. Maintenance is at least incredibly cheap (especially for a "super car") and getting 5l/100km from one is too. Will definitely be looking forward to this build though!

[@CouchBuilt]

I think actual experience is pretty varied. Mine had 14k on the clock when I bought it and already had the motor and radiator replaced. I’ve had to replace a coolant tube under the car and it spit out a belt while on the launch control limiter. It also randomly gets phantom errors that generally don’t come back after clearing the codes. I did notice there were quite a few Lemon title cars when I was searching.

[@K03sport]

it technically isn't a supercar...it was just a flagship "i" car (think 850i) to help them sell more i3s. for $180k, there were better sport touring seaters that would gain just as much attention.....

[@swecreations]

@@K03sport That's why supercar is in quotations. But it's still *far* from slow, and a 1500kg curb weight is very light for a plug-in hybrid. "The i8’s three sources of power-a mid-mounted 228-hp turbo inline-three and AC motor and a stronger 129-hp AC motor up front-are the same as in the European car, but this federalized i8 weighed 3484 pounds, about 100 more than either of the other previously tested cars. Thus, it wasn’t quite as quick, with launch control enabling a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.0 seconds (compared with 3.6 and 3.8 for the European examples) and the car dusting off a quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds (down from 12.1 and 12.4). Regardless, the thing accelerates like a solid-fuel rocket when eBoost mode is engaged by pressing the accelerator pedal through the kickdown switch. It delivers the kind of sustained acceleration we’ve experienced in Porsche 911 Turbos." I personally really liked it, for someone who wants the supercar looks but want something more dailyable it seems great.

[@siinnatraa]

It literally requires an engine replacement at 50k miles💀

[@swecreations]

@@siinnatraa It literally doesn't.

[@user-ci4cj5eq4x]

Following 🍿

[@ForceFed]

Everything looks very well engineered. The only concern I see right away is the sharp radius bend of the charge pipe coming right off the compressor. Between the sharp bend and the protruding clearance you had to do for the subframe, I could see that causing compressor side backpressure as it could be a flow restriction. Increasing the volume in that bend can only do so much up until a certain boost pressure.

[@CouchBuilt]

Fair observation. Building the car without modifying the chassis is going end with some compromises. This is one, along with intake runner length, have been examples of that. It will be easy enough to swap out the inlet pipe in the future if it impacts performance too much.

[@rosegold-beats]

this is a big channel in the making, i can feel it

[@notfst]

This was a back of my mind project but with an S1000RR engine + turbo. Glad to see someone is going at it - I have about 8 more years of saving and career advancement before I could afford such an endeavor.

[@LordHolley]

Well, I think you're planning better than my technique.....ruler, couple beers, guestamates, go for it, and figure it out as I go.... but then again that's probably why I've got a few unfinished projects laying around, LOL. I really love the way you're using modern technology to plan the entire build.

[@hairconditioner976]

okay, I like this

[@Ebb1337]

Wow what an ambitious idea, im so impressed with the attention to detail in CAD. This looks really amazing. The 13b is such a perfect small package for a swap like this. It'd also add a whole lot of unique drive train character to the i8. I'm so excited to see the next step in the build!

[@theofficialstig]

I've been thinking about how the i8 had no tuning options, it's a shame. I'll be following this.

[@PRETTYGROSSSTREETFOOD]

This video has already been shared in the i8 groups on FB.

[@federicolessi31]

Finally I see somebody doing this shit. Since I've seen the i8 on the internet, I always taught about an engine swap, and a rotary was the most logical one because of dimentions. Everytime I searched about something like this, the only thing that popped out was a race ready i8, that didn't have anything to do with a factory one, not even proportions of the body. Looking forward to see this project evolving, gonna love this one

[@zerodrift1]

This is going to be a cool project! Great cad work! Very comprehensive!

[@SleazyL911]

I'm disgustingly biased. You swap OUT a rotary and it's sacrilege, but sure swap one in a BMW and i'm here for it lol cant wait to see how this turns out!

[@spencercoates9067]

Looking forward to seeing this completed. Good job.

[@aedanmincey9615]

Omg I’m watching this build to the end!!!

[@computiNATEor]

Yessss! I was just saying to my friends, why haven’t I seen an interesting i8 engine swap? And this shows up! Can’t wait to see how this goes 😎

[@toxsedyshev]

Wow! Very excited to follow the project! I have both i3 and i8 and love how i3 drives much more since it’s ev. Thinking of converting i8 to electric. But rotary i8 is at least the same interesting!

[@MassiveDrop]

got my interest!!!

[@douglasrobertson7765]

Absolutely brilliant. Love it, I have been wondering when someone would do this type of replacement considering the amount of engine trouble with these cars. Fantastic work my man keep posting. VERY interesting

[@alexseto7169]

Found this video while searching for kswapped i8s. Respect the planning of this crazy idea! Best of luck with it, I’ll watch closely🍿

[@CouchBuilt]

Stay tuned. I plan to mock up some alternative swaps and a K series is one.

[@alexseto7169]

You heard of the Alpina i8 4-cylinder prototype? Can’t find any pictures of it, but they kept the hybrid system and made a custom subframe.

[@harshithsadhana7475]

This will be a new trend.

[@WokeSteve]

i8 is a fantastic looking car I think.

[@Gadne92.5]

Yeah! And to think that it came out a decade ago. And the concept car was revealed 2009.

[@Vladidon]

This is fantastic. I thought of doing this exact same swap with my i8, I just didn't know which transmission would be a good fit. I am so happy to see someone finally doing a swap without having to change the frame. Once this project has been realized, I would be interested in having it done to my i8.

[@Kapil-Patel]

Very cool 👍🏽 thanks for sharing.

[@jdmcarcollection7263]

you had me at Rotary. looks like an epic build

[@gafrers]

So interested in this build and the i8 in general. Fantastic plans. Subbed. 👍👍👌👌

[@alexruiz1197]

You can install a swirlpot with the filling cap in the toppest part of the cooling system. Its usually intalled at the engine outlet. Its a good way to bleed the air out of the system

[@ibrahimelmi210]

subbed. been waiting on an I8 swap for 10 years. I love the car so much but the 200hp gas motor leaves so much to be desired. if it was a bmw s55 with the added hybrid motor it would have been so amazing

[@smartiesnestle6679]

So weird that I found your video. I literally had this thought like 12 hours before I saw your video.

[@ShibaSpeed256]

This is at the crossroads of being staggeringly brilliant, and unfathomably stupid to attempt something like this. Hell yeah dude

[@omarshehab585]

I love rotaries man.

[@Hchris101]

Very cool

[@bloody_pinata]

I've followed you in insta for years, through the E30 and now the i8. This is really going to be interesting

[@liam821]

Super cool project! I'll be watching this one.

[@leslienordman8718]

This is fabulous! Both your subject matter here and your approach to this engine swap is what I have long looked for. I have long wanted a rotary to replace the i8's wheezy 3-cylinder. As a devotee of several engine swap KZbin channels, I love it that you plan before you build, that you CAD before you cut. I have followed the travails of rotary engine champion Rob Dahm for quite a while now. All of his Wankel rotary engines need a lot of cooling, both of water and of oil. He would be a good one to contact on that. Much success to you, and I have subscribed to this channel for sure!

[@mclarksays]

Epic video. Cant wait to watch the progression. This will be much better than the IG updates!!

[@LifeInTheDM]

I’m stoked for this build. 🥂

[@mrmckie]

This is going to be interesting..I loved seeing the progress on your e30 at the local car shows 👍

[@can_with_beans]

HELL YEA

[@djordjeblaga7815]

Awesome and unique project! Can't wait for the next episode :)

[@12vs23]

what a fresh and exciting build!

[@chuckwhom]

Good lord Jon that's amazing. Super excited to follow along!

[@Paisles]

This is neat!

[@mnetjes9520]

Nice to follow this project!

[@yatajoris]

Damn this is a cool project, love the attention to detail in the CAD. Where did you get the 3D models for the turbo and such? I'm swapping a Volvo 5 cilinder into my Mazda MX5, currently looking for some 3D models of turbo's to fit my scanned engine and engine compartment. Love the video man, I subbed😁😁

[@tyr427]

Been following on IG for a long time, subbed to see the progress on here!!

[@NeeshraHermes]

Finally exciting build. ❤

[@MrNSXluvr]

Very interested in this build as I may be doing this in the future 👍

[@Sovereign86]

This is VERY cool! I do wonder why you didn’t just opt to swap with a more reliable 3 or 4 cylinder engine, say from Honda or Toyota? Just to avoid extra electronic troubles? Looking forward to the next update!

[@CouchBuilt]

There’s no avoiding electronic hurdles on this car.

[@Sovereign86]

@@CouchBuilt Thats the truth lol!

[@flippy9133]

whoa that is awesome project, subbed.

[@swaggerboynox8583]

got this recommended, definitively sticking around to see what you will cook up, subbed!

[@quavohuncho6156]

Interesting this project

[@tjmaxxstan1516]

im so glad to see u did the mtech 2 body kit on the e30. its so annoying to see a really nicely set up e30 only to see it have US spec bumpers and shit lol

[@CouchBuilt]

I didn’t do it, BMW installed it in 1992.

[@enocrosa1025]

I would suggest using a 1st generation front cover that allows you to make a motor mount of the front cover

[@michaeldragos]

I see rotary content, I subscribe :)

[@ThoitPremium-bh8kb]

Wow I would love to have the half of your skills. Would great if you could make a video how you scan it and got it in fusion. Really respect for your work!

[@CouchBuilt]

I’ve got a couple side quests coming up that will need scanning so that will probably happen.

[@quadrapodacone]

You've got to race Rich Rebuilds I8 !

[@Smokkedandslammed]

I always thought a turbo 3rotor would be a sweet swap for my 2010 335i.

[@rogersliu1200]

building it for the sake of building it, but I like the thinking LOL

[@metrickarma]

I loved the Tesla swapped bmw, interested to see how this goes

[@bearteta86]

Finally! Yeah i8

[@GoPotato69]

this looks amazing, def wondering how the electric part of the ecu would work with this but we shall see lol

[@CouchBuilt]

The car will incredibly drive in EV mode with the engine ecu completely unplugged. If it can still power down the road at the level of dysfunction, there’s hope with putting a little more effort in.

[@GoPotato69]

@@CouchBuilt whoa thats sick, unlike almost any hybrid system I've heard of considering it bolts to the motor. next up chevy volt hyper miler lol

[@skudak]

Stoked for this!

[@duanetack8218]

This is brilliant 👏

[@wilt778]

This is so interesting.

[@ther1kid]

It appears you are a masochist. Looking forward to seeing the integration with the I8 CAN to make it all work. Subscribed

[@CouchBuilt]

CAN is easy. Flexray is the problem.

[@JimCareyMulligan]

nice

[@adriangale]

Well, you have my sub. And my attention. I’ve always thought something worthwhile should be swapped into the i8. But would it fit? Seems to be the perfect answer.

[@michaelkim3432]

Sub'd! Fascinating project, but as flawed as the i8 was, it does make for any interesting swap platform. I was thinking either a 100% ICE swap or Tesla swap, but the rotary swap keeping the hybrid drivetrain makes a lot of sense. Have you mapped out how to deal with the BMW power management electronics? Looking forward to the next one!

[@intrusivethoughts2045]

This is awesome! Did you ever think about using one of the Volkswagen VR engines like a VR6? And are you going to make it so you can see the engine though the hatch?

[@user-ci4cj5eq4x]

I just described for this title

[@moStallion]

Would be dope if you just put a naturally aspirated v8 motor with modded internals

[@golfy808]

Awesome project!! Probably better to buy all new parts rather then blowing money on a mystery motor.. you may get lucky though

[@CouchBuilt]

You’ll be surprised on this one. It’s a gamble that paid off.

[@golfy808]

@@CouchBuilt good news.. phew 😎

[@Jamesashleycoyle]

New sub here! Great content ❤

[@bimerev]

Interesting project :)

[@elturner7241]

Heat is going to be a major obstacle on this build. Rotaries make up for their small size by working harder and hotter. The oil cooler, radiator, and exhaust all need to be able to dissipate a lot of heat.

[@CouchBuilt]

The cars cooling hardware seems to have reasonable capacity as a starting point. The hate of the system is around serviceability and early failure of some parts. Being a hybrid, I’ll have the convenience of shutting down the 13b in situations like traffic and continuing to let the coolant pump and fans run. I’ll probably run a large Laminova oil cooler over sending oil the length of the car.

[@zerodrift1]

What is the electric starter/generator unit that you are using? Would love to see some details on this setup as the build progresses.

[@skaterboi8922]

personally i would either swap covers to mount or try to mount from intermediate plate. I don't necessarily think that'll be good when movement happens. Maybe Im wrong

[@CouchBuilt]

I’m not too concerned. Motor has 1/2” tension studs and the pan has a .375” thick rail to help tie it together further.