PTP is selling a bunch of turbo chargers for the RX8.
    I would like to see you do one. They get big bucks and about 360 HP.
    The trick is to use a stand alone anti detonation fluid
    injector controlled by a piggy back or add on micro processor
    that monitors intake manifold temperature and injects
    anti detonation fluid when the temp rises above 140 F or so.
    I think HKS is making it.
    This neatly by passes the need for RX8 low compression rotors.
    It also should get about the same low speed MPG due to
    the 10:1 rotors. This is right out of the Reno air racers SOP book.     http://ptp.tuningmotorsports.com/home.php
    http://www.rotaryeng.net/Turbo-RX8a.jpg

    Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.

    ----------------------------------------------------

    Hi Paul,


    You may be aware of serious overheating problems on the RX8.
    Putting a turbo on exacerbates this. We did one for Mazda and, although     it can work if you are VERY careful, there are systemic weaknesses that
    a larger radiator does not address. I have no problem with turboing     the engine, but until someone figures out a way to cool it (I have tried
    several aero devices without enough success), It is a poor idea in
    my mind.

    Jim

    ----------------------------------------------------------

    I was unaware of any cooling problems on the RX8. My 2003 stick has
    30,000 miles on it and I have never ever experienced the slightest     over heating. Under what conditions does it occur? Idle? City
    driving? Or high speed? In my previous five rotary powered
    cars that I have owned, starting with my new RX2 in 1973, I
    occasionally experienced cooling problems. So far no cooling problems     at all with the RX8. No other problems either since they fixed
    the flooding on start problem up with a flash to the PCM.

    I see some mistakes in the RX8 cooling system design but no
    more so than some other new cars. I also see some improvements
    over the RX7. The frontal area of the rad core is larger
    and the core thinner. That is an improvement. The rad is laid
    over about 30 degrees I would guess. This allowed the larger
    core frontal area. I see some improvements in the RX8 water pump
    compared to the 3rd gen water pumps as well. Less restriction
    in the water flow coming out of the block.

    IMHO cooling mistakes are as follows: The duct feeding air to the
    rad is not sealed. The duct shape is not of the Kuchemann and
    Weber streamlined diffuser design. Namely trumpet shaped.
    The back of the rad air path is restricted by the battery box and
    the air filter. It could use an air vent in the hood placed
    directly over the battery box and air filter if those objects
    were not placed there. Getting free flowing air out of the
    back of a rad is as important as getting air in the front.

    Scott and Harley, have you guys had any cooling problems with
    your RX8s?

No cooling problems in my 2005 Shinka 6-port so far, with up to 100
degree days.  This includes continuous 85 mph or sitting still in the
city. It warms up very fast, and the electric fan comes on quite a bit
when the isn't much airflow.

I think the Shinka model uses standard radiators -- it has about 400sq
inches x 1" main radiator, and two small oil coolers that add up to
about 200 cubic inches:  600 cu inches total.  Paul is right, the
ducting is clearly suboptimal.

Scott Gettings


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