LS1 Mazda RX-7

675datsun · 10-03-2007, 01:40 AM

What do you do when you blow up your twin-turbo'd 350z? Build and LS1 FD!This will be my first non-Nissan/Datsun build in a long time! I am building this RX-7 for my friend, Ben. It is a '93 with a full LS1/T-56 drivetrain swap from a Camaro. It is a total sleeper down to it's rotary-specific RacingBeat muffler, but it sounds like, well only a muscle car can sound this good!
A couple of video clips I took of this beast!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOOdv1TClxA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSn2bJK8V1c

RacingBeat muffler

Stoptech's

I will try to replicate the Stoptech brakes, engine bay, and chassis. The BBS RK wheels will have to go, but Ben is undecided on wheels. Hopefully they will be CE28Ns or TE37s

I am using the Tamiya RX-7 R1 kit and the Revell SS Camaro/Corvette kits for the drivetrain bits. I hope the 1/25 drivetrain will fit easily in the 1/24 chassis.

Making room for the LS1 tranny, removed rotary and radiator:

It fits?!

Test fitting 350z 18" and 19" TE37s which look freakin' huge on this car, right?

zak78 · 10-03-2007, 10:18 AM

I thought the engine would look way too small, but it looks promising so far. Can't wait to see progress!

924_CarreraGTS · 10-03-2007, 12:03 PM

So...despite the C5 Corvette engine shields, this is an LT1? Not an LS1? The LS line replaced the LT line in 1997. Just checking...

Alex

MidMazar · 10-03-2007, 12:22 PM

That is an awesome idea, a buddy of mine has a fd with a rebuilt rotary single turbo and before he did that he told me of the ls1 swap. Which i was surprised that it would fit. Anyway that fd looks like a beast. Nice start, i also agree as the motor is not to small for it. I don't remember ever seeing those bbs wheels in 1/24 scale though. Keep us updated.

deltableh · 10-03-2007, 12:59 PM

I'm gonna watch this closely. The new Sport Compact Car has an article on a guy that did this with a 300ZX and I might try to replicate that in 1/24

675datsun · 10-03-2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 924_CarreraGTS

So...despite the C5 Corvette engine shields, this is an LT1? Not an LS1? The LS line replaced the LT line in 1997. Just checking...

Alex

The 1:1 has an LS1 from a Camaro with 'Vette covers.
For the model I'm using the drivetrain from the Revell 2002 SS Camaro, and covers from the C5 Z06!

NOMADGAMER · 10-03-2007, 05:45 PM

Fujimi does make the BBS RK wheels in 1:25

675datsun · 10-03-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOMADGAMER

Fujimi does make the BBS RK wheels in 1:25

I know, but we're trying to get him to put some Volks on

The RK's were put on by a PO.

Fabbri_Guy · 10-03-2007, 06:49 PM

Hey i thought i was the only one who did this conversion! To my suprise it fits really good! The engine fits like a glove, i love this conversion!

MidMazar · 10-03-2007, 10:32 PM

MMMM volks, yes some wide ones with a huge lip in the rear.

675datsun · 10-04-2007, 12:58 AM

test fitting with beauty covers on, just enough height to show off the firewall so I can run the brake lines:

gt2nv · 10-04-2007, 02:53 PM

wow man, this looks REALLY GOOD!

fastdupree · 10-05-2007, 12:12 AM

How is your RX-7 build coming along lately. What kind of wheels are those in the first few pics? Are they by Aoshima because I like to get a pair.

675datsun · 11-07-2007, 01:49 AM

Slow progress I know but it keeps me motivated!
I tried creating a wrinkle coat for the intake manifold and I think it turned out okay, painting the lettering on the beauty covers was tough for me.

speedphreak · 11-07-2007, 06:14 AM

Looks really nice! Great job on the motor!

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