Converting an S1 to R3

[*thomas*]

Hi all

I'd like to give my S1 RX8 a make-over and make it look like an R3 (yes, that's cheating, but don't care ) . But, I have no idea how much this will set me back and if it's worth it to buy all these parts from multiple vendors.

When searching on ebay, it seems that buying a whole R3 seems like a cheaper option, but is it?

You could wonder why I didn't just buy an R3 to start with? Simple: LHD R3 are very rare and cost over 20 000€...

Thanks

T.

[Ollie]

Alot. Carl from Ryan Rotary Performance is currently doing a conversion and itd set you back almost half the cost of a UK R3 if not more.

[warpc0il]

and that's using secondhand parts. where available

[*thomas*]

Alot. Carl from Ryan Rotary Performance is currently doing a conversion and itd set you back almost half the cost of a UK R3 if not more.

There was a silver one on ebay for 3600GBP a few weeks ago... Should've bought that one it seems

[Calcifur83]

just to hijack this thread, does this mean that R3 parts will fit an S1 RX8? I am talking about body panels like bumpers, rather than mechanical parts

[Dr. FrankenRex]

It is possible to fit all the components from an S1 to and R3 and back again. The only main modification required is around the tail lights as the holes in the bodywork are different. Everything else would be a bolt on change if done in one go.

Worth noting, though, that certain parts are dependent on others, for example you can't fit the front bumper without fitting the headlights and front wings. Same goes for mechanic parts, the R3 gearbox is possible to swap out, but the reverse switch loom is slightly different.

The engine from the R3 would also fit too, but it would require the ECU as well as a lot of the loom I expect, as well as a load of other tertiary sensors.

[Calcifur83]

hmm, OK That's interesting. I was mainly thinking about the rear bumper.

[WildMan10]

Welcome. Your profile says you’re in Brussels (boo, hiss) and I therefore assume that there are no EU rules limiting your options as there may be in Germany.

This subject comes up from time to time here, more frequently on RX8club.com so have a look there. Yes, you can change the bodywork ( bumpers, front wings, side skirts) and associated components (lights etc). But it’s hard to find them all and you still have an S1 underneath.

Personally, I’d advise just getting an S1 body kit.

[kopite72]

Just buy an R3...

[New Duke]

Just buy an R3...

Now now Ian. Don't go overboard. You know that bashing R3s is all that's allowed in this club. Their basically a 2006 231 in an ugly bodykit dontcha know.

Don't forget that the PZ was the finest RX8 ever made... nothing from that design was fixed in the R3.

Waste of money the R3 is. May as well buy a non runner S1, get it rebuilt and mod it to your own taste. It'll cost you less in the long run!


(Am poking fun at the often repeat tripe posted here Calcifur, not you. Good luck with your bodywork plan)

[GreySilver Beast]

Don't forget that the PZ was the finest RX8 ever made... nothing from that design was fixed in the R3.

DSCN1148.JPG

[Calcifur83]

Just buy an R3...

Now now Ian. Don't go overboard. You know that bashing R3s is all that's allowed in this club. Their basically a 2006 231 in an ugly bodykit dontcha know.

Don't forget that the PZ was the finest RX8 ever made... nothing from that design was fixed in the R3.

Waste of money the R3 is. May as well buy a non runner S1, get it rebuilt and mod it to your own taste. It'll cost you less in the long run!


(Am poking fun at the often repeat tripe posted here Calcifur, not you. Good luck with your bodywork plan)

No worries, I am just digging around the forum and ideas are popping into my head. Just looking into all my options.

[Dr. FrankenRex]

hmm, OK That's interesting. I was mainly thinking about the rear bumper.

To swap the rear bumper you'd also want to do the rear lights too. The S1 rear lights are shorter in height, as such if you swap the bumper over then you'd have a small gap along the bottom of each tail light. Likewise the exhaust sits lower on the R3 bumper compared to the S1, so you'd be looking at lowering your existing exhaust through longer hangers or purchasing an R3 catback (which fits with all the S1 gubbins perfectly).

The S1 key lock for the boot is actually a shorter barrel as well if I recall, so if you did swap your S1 tails for R3 tails then you would lose the ability to unlock your boot with the physical key - not necessarily a deal breaker, but something to consider.

I know as I had an S1 with an R3 rear end at one point

[Ninja_Freak]

I do love the seats from the R3. That's about it however..

I saw an interior for sale a year or so ago. Should have bought it then and there tbh.

[Calcifur83]

Yeah the seats are nice. but they are always beyond my budget, sadly.

[30405]

Yeah the seats are nice. but they are always beyond my budget, sadly.

same buddy, same.

[kopite72]

This is going to descend in to a S1vs R3 thread We had one a few years ago and it was hilarious

[GreySilver Beast]

Yeah the seats are nice.

Yes they are sooooooooooooo nice , they give you tremendous backache

[Dr. FrankenRex]

Yeah the seats are nice.

Yes they are sooooooooooooo nice , they give you tremendous backache

I have no back ache from my Recaros...

[Jester*]

Is this a good time to mention I've got 2 cars with R3 Recaro's in?

Great seats.

[Nutty_Chappie]

I’ve got an r3 here with the engine missing, was taken out for a guy to do a home rebuild and one thing and another has happened and it’s now not happening! So, would be a great parts car if any interest, it’s an 09 in champagne colour, seventy something on the clock...

[MadTaz]

I’ve got an r3 here with the engine missing, was taken out for a guy to do a home rebuild and one thing and another has happened and it’s now not happening! So, would be a great parts car if any interest, it’s an 09 in champagne colour, seventy something on the clock...

Can we save it? What is the condition of the whole car?

[HarSc]

Is this a good time to mention I've got 2 cars with R3 Recaro's in?

Great seats.

Damn man... You must be bezza mates with a breaker if you get them quick enough to have two hah! normally the decently priced ones go in a heartbeat although 100% agree on the great seats part - only shame is the damn bolster wear... Mine's not looking great, but is there even a way to stop it happening/repair it? I'm damn careful getting in mine but the previous damage has been done before I got it

[HarSc]

I’ve got an r3 here with the engine missing, was taken out for a guy to do a home rebuild and one thing and another has happened and it’s now not happening! So, would be a great parts car if any interest, it’s an 09 in champagne colour, seventy something on the clock...

Can we save it? What is the condition of the whole car?

What (if any) would be the price differential between a normal scenario rebuild where you take an engine out of the car and have some useable parts or having no engine to start with and popping a rebuilt engine in it? It's almost as if it's a car in for a rebuild but no useable parts... maybe someone would want a car to start with that's in decent nick and get a fresh engine done or Carl can take it and make it all nice again hah!

[Nutty_Chappie]

It’s a clean car, went to look over it Earlier. Looks tidy but it’s a previous accident repair tho. I do have dead engines here that could go with it, but think with how expensive the parts have become it’s worth more in parts than as a car