Project RX-8 - Building A Bulletproof Renesis - Tech
Project RX-8 has suffered a serious setback. Actually, other than the low-compression engine we’re going to replace with a seriously modified version capable of spinning to 10,500 rpm and handling plenty of boost, our RX-8 is doing just fine. It’s the owner/builder who has suffered the setback, having completely torn the Achilles tendon on my right leg while playing basketball.
As a result, I get to wear a super-sexy Aircast, which just may start a new fashion trend (hey, it’s way better-looking than UGG boots or Crocs) but is utterly useless for heel-and-toe downshifting. In fact, I can’t put any weight on my right leg for the next six to eight weeks, which means no walking and, worst still, no driving. Who knew my Achilles’ tendon would actually turn out to be my Achilles’ heel.
I’m not sure if this is the definition of a Greek tragedy or just an ironic twist of fate, but either way it sucks to be me. All is not lost, however, since this “downtime” will allow me to focus my efforts on the Renesis engine build. And by “me,” I mean rotary engine-builder Joe Ferguson, with technical support and high-performance parts supplied by Goopy Performance and Racing Beat.
Since this quick update (and sob story) is really just meant to be a teaser for the full engine-build stories to come, take a gander at this list of parts and services we plan to treat our Renesis to as a way of getting a feel for what the build is going to be like.
→Goopy Performance rotor housing refurbishing service
→Goopy Performance iron-lapping service
→Goopy Performance 13B-REW apex seals, solid corner seals and springs
→Goopy Performance coatings on seals and bearings
→Racing Beat Renesis lightened rotor assemblies
→Porting by Joe Ferguson, using Racing Beat’s S-Port Porting Templates
→EDM wire-cut rotor apex slots (allowing the use of REW seals)
→Mazmart RE-medy high-flow water pump and thermostat
→Blueprinting, balancing and engine assembly by Joe Ferguson
Stayed tuned for the first engine build story, where we’ll explain in detail how all these parts and services will come together to create a Renesis that’s ready to produce some big-time power and spin to an astronomical 10,500 rpm. Zoom zoom? Damn right!