It’s been a while since a Mazda Rx8 has graced these pages. And no we’re not including the Toyota Soluna project from August which may or may not have Rx8 parts in it depending on the day and how creative the car salesman who currently has it is feeling.
The last time I wrote about one was January last year when a couple rolled around with the Bendigo Sports and Classic Car Club. The last time I saw one on the road?
Er…January last year, in the club procession etc. Maybe they’re just not a big thing here in Albury?
Anywhoos, welcome to this particular 2004 Mazda Rx8, no wait, Mazda Rx Chevy. Where the more I look at it, the more I can appreciate the project, even if once upon a time I found anything but a rotor in an Rx as a form of automotive sacrilege..
It’s an Rx8 Jim, but not as we know it..
More than a ‘plonk this shell on top of this bottom and running gear and weld it all up for drift day’, I’m quite impressed by the work that’s gone into this from the Chevy underside weaving into the Mazda Rx8 top, right down to the matt black hood and front to match the bottom half and the Rx-Chevy symbol under the doors.
Outside it’s all Mazda Rx8 dirt climbing hybrid..
Inside, it’s that classic look I remember so well from the early 2000’s and those suicide doors that made things slightly easier for back passengers (possible taking from poor survey results of anyone who has ridden for longer than a cup of coffee in the back of any of the 3 generations of the Mazda Rx7..) The rotor logo seats are still there and the material looks as fresh as it did back in 2004.
The only thing missing is the iconic Mazda Rx8 wheels which looked great on earlier models once you went out and bought yourself a set of spacers.
Up front though the original Renesis engine is long gone and a big block 427 proudly takes it’s place. Given the terrain this rig is built for not to mention the fact that the Renesis was one of those blocks that didn’t do well without regular maintenance, the 427 has more grunt to boot this rig about and a lot less mechanics scratching their heads when it comes to giving it a tune up which is a win.
(When it comes to mechanics I’ll never forget the two possible looks I got when I drove or on one occasion towed my old rotary in – pure confusion or glee at the thought of a huge payday..)
Rx8 Chevy – let the owner do the talking
If it is up it is still listed This is a custom built car that I built has a big block 427 axles out and under a 3500 HD the frame is open under at 84 K5 Blazer the body is RX8 but I call it a RX Chevy if interested let me know 25k or best offer possible trade no Dodge or Fords in Clifton OBO
-Russell, current owner of the Rx Chevy
And if you’re not from the land of bald eagles, allow me to further paint this Mazda Rx8 picture. This is an 84 K5 Blazer:
Googling 3500 HD on the other hand gives me plenty of options of what the donor car originally looked like from a variety of years so you’d have to ask Russ if you want to know the specifics there.
It’s currently for sale in Tennessee for 25k, found on Facebook so have at it.
However if you like your Mazda Rx8’s with the Renesis intact and closer to the ground like the Mazda factory intended, there is also this one in Tennessee in a place called Mursfreeboro. Behold a little dusty Shinka Special Edition!
Just one possible issue with this one (aside from it needing a wash..) – see if you can spot the issue
RX-8 Shinka Edition
The Shinka edition was a decently high production special edition, with 2150 built, almost three quarters of which were sold in North America. The Shinka edition was marketed as a more luxurious option than the standard RX-8, with the same engine and 6 speed manual, but also an exclusive “Cherry Mica” exterior and “Parchment” leather interior. The car also had slightly chromed wheels and modified shocks and front cross member for more comfortable ride quality.
-Taken from this post on CarThrottle.
Boy that Cherry mica must fade pretty quickly in the hot Tennessee sun..