Keep in mind this is a Challenge related question, so cost is critical. What does it take in terms of electronic controls to run an RX-8 Renesis engine in a car built before there were computer chips? I can get the engine, transmission, engine harness and ECU. I've read that the RX-8 has several other modules that may, or may not be necessary to make the engine run. Anyone know for sure, or can point me at some decent info that isn't just internet conjecture?
I've seen a first gen RX-7 that had been renesis swapped and talked a little with the builder. He was using the stock ecu (with racing beat re-flash) and wiring harness. I don't know what modules he had plugged in to get that working.
I also have a friend that was building a race RX-8 and he had it running with only the anti-theft module, abs module, and wheel sensors connected.
Sell stock ECU + Megasquirt?
I can't help you with this one, as the answer varies from engine to engine. Someone (knurled?) mentioned recently that you need to retain the instrument cluster for the RX-8. The loss of the body control modules probably won't be a problem.
I'll bet some quality time with a wiring diagram will let you get it going with the stock ECU.
I've been swapping a 13b into my RX8 and have settled on keeping the stock ecu to retain the ABS, speedometer, and steering. I'll be using MS3 to control all engine functions.
it would be wise to keep the stock ECU with the Renesis and save the headache of things like the electronic throttle, 2-speed fuel pump, fans, intake valving (all 3 of them). You really want to keep those functional.
You also need to keep a working OMP connected to keep the stock ECU from going into limp mode. Unfortunately this can be an issue, the position sensor fails and you're stuck with a very slow low revving car... or you can use a standalone to control fuel and spark and enjoy your CEL tan. An FYI - the temp and oil pressure "gauges" are analog idiot lights with a giant deadband, don't trust the values! Eventually I want to get MS3 broadcasting the CAN messages that would let me ditch the stock ECU but I don't see me getting into that very soon.
I've looked into this before and its quite challenging because every module and system in the car is heavily integrated. it would be ideal for me too in G2 rally to run an rx8 stock system 232hp with lots of torque (for a rotary). The key is the multi way multi variable intake system, if you can figure a way to run these ports with electric servos or vacuum control with an RPM pill switch then running an EFI standalone it would work but just to retain the entire stock system may require the car to think the engine is still in an rx8.
Geez, this all sounds rather intimidating . It would be going into an early 70s Corolla. Something with a carburetor is starting to look a lot more appealing, considering my limited electronic skills.
DeadSkunk wrote: Geez, this all sounds rather intimidating . It would be going into an early 70s Corolla. Something with a carburetor is starting to look a lot more appealing, considering my limited electronic skills.
for a few hundred dollars you can slap a carb on a renesis, expect roughly 170-200hp? distributor from the early EFI 13bs bolt in so no biggie.
fidelity101 wrote:DeadSkunk wrote: Geez, this all sounds rather intimidating . It would be going into an early 70s Corolla. Something with a carburetor is starting to look a lot more appealing, considering my limited electronic skills.for a few hundred dollars you can slap a carb on a renesis, expect roughly 170-200hp? distributor from the early EFI 13bs bolt in so no biggie.
I think you could adapt the RX8 lower intake to accommodate a 4 barrel pretty easily and at least retain the aux ports to preserve some low end torque.
You would need an RX7 front cover and modified oil pan to get an FB distributor in there. Belt alignment and alternator mounting is another issue 
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