Paul, I got a new e-mail address since my yahoo mail stopped recieving the
newsletter. This is my first attempt at using it so if I don't get it right
I will send the new address by yahoo.  The new address is

   I posted a note
concerning factory accurate dimensions for the core engine parts to the
newwsletter just before being disconnected and was wondering if there was a
responce. I have adopted your suggestion concerning use of the center
housing for water connections which works well for the four and six rotor
configurations. I have a shaft coupeling figureed out using dual ring
fetters with a solid piece of rod pressed into the e-shaft just inboard of
the front bolt. it extends to the thrust bearing with the injection pump
drive gear bored out to fit over the coupling,pressed up against a shoulder
to locate it fore and aft, and a snap ring behind. My serpentine drive belt
running off a toothed belt sheave also on the outside of the coupling
leaves
me unhappy with reliability so now the connector housings have no openings.
looking at the rx8 rotor housings and the small round coolant passages in
the die castings, it seems like the largest water passage back to the front
housing that is unobstructed seems to run through the P-port area. I was
wondering if any of the round passages get drilled out larger for water
flow. This being the coldest part of the housing due to charge cooling I
don't think cooling could be a problem, however water flow total area seems
less?
    also, using the side exhaust ports for reduced noise and possible lower
fuel use I can take the investment cast stainless heat shields out of the
iron side housings (bunch of dremmel cut off wheels but doable) and use
them
in the new housings. At this point what about using magnesium zr aluminum
to
cut down some more weight. The working temp for 356-T6 sand cast and AJ62
magnesium of the z series as used by bmw are very close with the magnesium
being slightly stronger. Bolt retention in the magnesium required helicoils
but there are unfortunately the intake, exhaust and water manifolds held on
with bolt flanges.
    as usual I have wandered off topic which is sign me up for the
newsletter                                george grimes

You need to send us some pictures or dwgs.

Paul Lamar


I am currently at the stage of developing the cross sections and have about
80% done and verified with a second set of dial caliper measurements of the
stock RX8 parts. the first set I measured a rotor housing because it was a
part I would be reusing-bad idea! the die casting hase 7 different bolt hole
diameters. I measured inside to inside from the two dowell holes and the
hole down on the flange, then added 1/2 of each hole diameter to get the
center distances. The measurements didn't trangulate well enough for me
showing up to .007 variances. using  the center housing showed less than .03
and using a second set of coordinate base points seemed to verify the
locations. using the polar coordinates of tracy crook's rd-ic drive mounts
verified  my bellhousing bolt and dowell locations. I am finishing the cross
sections for the core engine housings which I will extrude with a 2-1/2
degree draft and then stack the parts using the mazda dowell pin locations
for reference, oin the solids, fillet the inside corners, then change from
autocad to solidworks to do the intake ports and render the parts.My autocad
14 doesn't allow the render to save.At this point I should have something
usefull to others and will send it to you. My cnc router should arrive from
China near the end of july so that I can make some  mdf foundary paterns and
send some pictures. If anyone wants the location of the tiebolts or rotation
of the rear stationary gear bolt pattern I have that anytime. I assume I can
attach a drawing as a file with this gmail. I am actively working on this
project since completing the airframe drawings three months ago. The
shop/hanger is nearly complete and tool buying is  finally sorted out so
progress should acceleate to the 90% done 90% to go point shortly.
george grimes

You should be able to attach files with gmail.

Paul Lamar