LS1 Mazda RX-7

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


http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/21040/2096113080101854788S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2096113080101854788fGjKvP)
http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/22153/2664784810101854788S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2664784810101854788KtZTgS)
http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/19392/2766698130100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2766698130100628195ckziyF)
RacingBeat muffler
http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/18855/2229096710100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2229096710100628195VyxEyt)
Stoptech's
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/19473/2252825900100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2252825900100628195bJoEFX)
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:grinyes: 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:
http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/19954/2604196320100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2604196320100628195YeKDya)
It fits?!
http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/18541/2811765300100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2811765300100628195eNWsDj)
http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/21426/2402928270100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2402928270100628195edafqg)
Test fitting 350z 18" and 19" TE37s which look freakin' huge on this car, right?
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/18071/2155680190100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2155680190100628195CeIDAD)
http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/21434/2453472310100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2453472310100628195IJJzJc)
http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/21635/2391302380100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2391302380100628195BXqrBI)

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

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

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.

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

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!

Fujimi does make the BBS RK wheels in 1:25

Fujimi does make the BBS RK wheels in 1:25
I know, but we're trying to get him to put some Volks on:grinyes: The RK's were put on by a PO.

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!

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

test fitting with beauty covers on, just enough height to show off the firewall so I can run the brake lines:
http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/21586/2386318890100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2386318890100628195OunqKt)
http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/20099/2533831890100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2533831890100628195OamiWv)
http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/21562/2643998830100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2643998830100628195sgLgaB)

wow man, this looks REALLY GOOD!

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.

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.
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/27022/2206801310100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2206801310100628195iGDLmm)
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/28401/2481618140100628195S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2481618140100628195minFFd)

Looks really nice! Great job on the motor!

I think im gonna try and build another LS1 powered RX-7. I like this converison.

Some progess...
Prepping the Stoptech calipers/rotors:
http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/32620/2479378570100628195S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2479378570100628195MgFzvz)
FItting the exhaust presents a challenge:
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/34729/2386035170100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2386035170100628195OaDkuE)
Fabbing a crossmember and including the Hinson bracing that connects the a-arms to the main crossmember, also creating a tranny mount:
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/33281/2171736270100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2171736270100628195mcIzhL)

You beated me to it! This is going to be so awesome. I love your building (you knew that!) and this is just gonna be awesome!

Love to see more of this keep up the progress!
this is a pretty hot swap, i was thinkin about doin it b4. Ill see how yours comes out! must be nice to have a 1:1 for reference :grinyes: good luck!

Just wondering. Is a rebuild like this legal in the States ? In Belgium it sure isn't.

Just wondering. Is a rebuild like this legal in the States ? In Belgium it sure isn't.

Def. not street legal w/o emissions equipment. Fine for off-road use.

Def. not street legal w/o emissions equipment. Fine for off-road use.

There are ways. You simply need a passing system. I saw a guy who threw a LT1 into a Datsun and he was legal after getting a new title for it.

You gonna take an RX-7 off road?!

There are ways. You simply need a passing system. I saw a guy who threw a LT1 into a Datsun and he was legal after getting a new title for it.

You gonna take an RX-7 off road?!

In CA any car 30 years or older is smog/emissions exempt, meaning any engine can be dropped in, ie. the LT-1 into the Datsun.

"off-road" meaning off public roadways and onto a closed track like Laguna Seca, Sears Point, Buttonwillow etc.

Anythings possible :icon16:
I know of someone that imported a Makinen Edition Evo VII, swapped all the vin's with a galant and had it registered in New Hampshire :naughty:

Just depends on where and how they do emissions, how they check/ how you cheat or not

"off-road" meaning off public roadways and onto a closed track like Laguna Seca, Sears Point, Buttonwillow etc.

I know, I know, I was just kidding, geeeeeez. :iceslolan

Sweet man

Its cool and all but it is soiling the Rotary name. It makes me wanna cry. but like i said though its still cool.

with my build i managed to fabricate a single exaust. I also put the transmission to the rear. Dont ask me how, i just somehow did it!!! I like your build its clean and looks promising. Keep up the good work!

That is looking pretty cool!!!!!!

Small updates:
Test fitted a radiator, mocked up some exhaust tubing from solder, ran simplified brake lines from the m/c to ABS. Next will be the Tein EDFC wiring.
Radiator
http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/37844/2311300870100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2311300870100628195COuEBm)
Exhaust
http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/35792/2509880500100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2509880500100628195xuONbs)
engine bay
http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/39695/2343156800100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2343156800100628195wrPeyJ)
brake lines
http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/37487/2130772430100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2130772430100628195RDtRDl)
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/36016/2618438540100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2618438540100628195GvXwDH)

i dont like to this,because i love both cars,but i like your work!=D

hey I found some more inspiration for ya!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wSQ0vYXX_4&feature=related

thanks for the link!
Not much progress...I mounted the engine/tranny, wired the TEIN EDFC, added some strut bolts:
http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/8869/2926697720100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2926697720100628195NXxkQP)

I always like your attention to the details, like the Tein EDFC for instance, I look forward to seeing more of this one, you've done a great job so far. I'm thinking of a scale LS swap myself, just not into an FD...I'm thinking another Japanese brands car that the LS swap is popular in now...

Keep up the great work man

Gray

I always like your attention to the details, like the Tein EDFC for instance, I look forward to seeing more of this one, you've done a great job so far. I'm thinking of a scale LS swap myself, just not into an FD...I'm thinking another Japanese brands car that the LS swap is popular in now...

Keep up the great work man

Gray

Let me guess the s-13 and s-14 240 sx?:grinyes:

Exhaust work!
The car uses a fabbed, mandrel exhaust from the headers to the RacingBeat Cat-back exhaust. I started with solder and used 1/2 of the C5's muffler as the mid-muffler:
http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/28294/2221939670100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2221939670100628195hMGmxb)
Here's the full system:
http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/41054/2952637370100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2952637370100628195qUrNCt)
I tried to replicate the mandrel sections/welding with dried silver paint and a little clear orange opposite the welds...I think it looks okay
http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/6015/2620994080100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2620994080100628195ylpYIM)
http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/34029/2536677600100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2536677600100628195FYpaOi)

Thats awesome! Exhaust looks fantastic!

Thanks!!

This is continuing great! The exhaust looks flawless. I can't wait to see this as it continues.

Got some paint on her! Just need to sort the interior and engine bay.
http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/41060/2665890090100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2665890090100628195kGZOWE)
http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/40569/2731815990100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2731815990100628195VlRDPT)

Any tips/hints on creating convincing tail-lights? SMoke?

Made a screen for the head unit, box stock otherwise.
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/41788/2003040330100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2003040330100628195dxatTj)

tried to make the Diamond Black finish on the TE37s, I used flat black as a base and graphite metallic to finish:
http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/42973/2655415860100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2655415860100628195rcVYIy)
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/39490/2575882000100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2575882000100628195AOuSfU)

Coming together very nicely! I think you've done a great job on those wheels. Excellent work.

Update before I finish!
I am detailing the engine bay with a goal duplicating most items that are in clear sight on the 1:1. I added the intake with hose clamps, relay box, and the Greddy oil catch can with a little clear overflow tube/lines...more to come!
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/28393/2285844630100628195S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2285844630100628195VtGcDR)

very nice details so far! IMO i like it better without the corvette covers

Made a screen for the head unit, box stock otherwise.
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/41788/2003040330100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2003040330100628195dxatTj)why is the hand-break all the way over to the right? ................looks great though

why is the hand-break all the way over to the right? ................looks great though
You scared me! This is the way the 1:1 car is:
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/42473/2707123530100628195S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2707123530100628195uedUeB)
Just have to mount the mirrors and I'm done!

It's because that's where it is on the home (rhd) market car and it wasn't changed for left hand drive cars.

It's because that's where it is on the home (rhd) market car and it wasn't changed for left hand drive cars. wow... i did not know that....cool:cool:

It's because that's where it is on the home (rhd) market car and it wasn't changed for left hand drive cars.


I guess you have to get used to it for drifting!

Can't wait to see the final product!!