Project 1g RX7

Hey guys, I had a few minutes and I thought I would do a write up on my friends 1g RX7. I think I've mentioned it in a few threads, but heres the low down.

Mike has two 1g RX7s, one is silver and one is red. The siver car is a 1983 base model with the 12a rotary and a 5 speed manual, horse shit red interior that was half painted blue and black. The red car is a 1985 GSL SE with the 13b motor, 5 speed tranny, LSD and really really clean interior. At first, he was going to part out and sell the silver car, then make the red car his fast DD. After more thought though, we decided to make the silver car more of a weekend cruiser/track car and keep the red car stock.

So heres the plans for the silver car:
-stripped and gutted
-cage
-Chevy 350, lumpy cam, Vortec heads, aftermarket intake mani, dual carbs?
-GM auto tranny, either a turbo 400 or a 700R4 and a high-ish stall torque convertor
-Ford 8.8 rear end
-wide rims for the rear
-headers and a true duals
-fuel cell

So far hes got the old motor and tranny out and hes got the 350 block with some shitty heads. Next up is the new heads and intake system, whether its the dual setup or just an aftermarket IM with like a 750 cfm carb. After that hes going to get the driveshaft, motor mount kit, headers, and rear end brackets from Granny's Speed Shop. Over spring break he and I will be rebuilding a turbo 400 or a 700R4 for the bitch and plopping in the motor, tranny if we finish it, and pull out the old rear and interior. As soon as I get done with school and the snow is gone we'll pull a rear end (I think the 8.8's came from fox bodies and rangers), get that in with the driveshaft, get the brakes working, fuel cell in, fab up the exhaust, and turn the M.F. KEY! Eventually it will get line locks, the cage, and nitrous, but thats all secondary to getting it running. I'll post some pics when I get motivated to do so.

Seriously, go with the 700r4. You'll be able to pick one up dirt cheap and build it up a lot cheaper than the turbo 400 will cost you...

So I'll safely assume this 350 is getting rebuilt during all of this? If so, why not consider building a 383 stroker and put a big ass turbo on it? :biggrin:

Ha ha ha. Well, the 350 has been rebuild recently. The previous owner claimed the motor had about 500 miles on it and judging by the shape of the piston heads and cylinder walls, I guess I'd believe it. Its got flat tops anyway, those with the Vortec heads ought to make a pretty decent street setup I think. He actually bought it because the previous owner said it was a "383 fully built with Edelbrock stuff." Too bad that dumb fucking redneck doesnt know a damn thing about motors, its a pretty stockish rebuilt 350 with some old 400 smog friendly heads. Oh well though, its still going in and its still going to kick all sorts of ass. ;) Anyone know what 450-500 horsepower after spray does to a 2100 lb car? :D

I do think the 700R4 is going to be the way we go. Actually, they are gear damn near the same as DSM's are, except the 700R4 has one less gear (first, second, and top gear are essentially the same ratio). I really like the deep ass first gear and extra gear up top. It wont necessarily be the cheapest way though, one of Mike's hill billy friends said we can have his turbo 400 for I think like $200 and a couple cases of beer, but I think the 700R4 would be best anyway. I am a little worried about rebuiding it, but I am going to see if I can snag a slightly worn out turbo 350 and take it apart here in my dorm room to get a feel for how shit goes down.

I can tell you what 532 RWHP does in a 1992 F-body =)

And yes the 700R4 is one of the best transmissions to use for power packed motors and drag applications..Lots of beefy options for it =)

Me personally, would leave the automatic tranny building to the professionals but thats just me....Thats one thing I don't fuck with...they're so touchy.
I don't know anything about 700r4, but I know a little about the turbo 350 and turbo 400 trannys. I like turbo 350s. If I was building a car it would be a built turbo 350, because its lighter than a 400 but can be built to take some serious abuse. But stock for stock the turbo 400 is more hardcore than the 350...again just heavier. A well known mechanic and race car builder in our hood built my home boys turbo 350 thats in his z28 and its nasty. It can hold about 600 horses. Theres no telling whats on the inside of it though, as I know he has all kinds of mismatched parts in there but it works. Also has a B&M shiftkit in it. This guy has a couple 5 second cars and they all run the turbo 350.

And Thor, I know what 450-500 horsepower after spray does to a 2100 lb car.......... makes for some serious traction problems. You better think about what your going to do to the suspension in that thing. Because its no easy task to plant that much power.