Sorry guys... I've converted to imports

flatlander757 · #1 05-13-2006, 03:35 PM

I've talked it over with my parents and it seems that dropping an LS1 style motor with a T56 into an FC body style RX7 wouldn't cost a whole lot of money... ~300hp + 2600lbs = pissed off rotary community, crazy fast car, handling like a mofo, and a BIG smile on my face

I'll be doing it for auto-x, occasional drag racing and general freeway merging

I'm thinking I'll go for a 5.3L truck engine because you can get those complete from intake to oilpan for about $800-1000. I can get my hands on a T56 for about $1000. I'll have to get an F-body intake, oilpan, and some accessories to make it fit right. To lose some more weight I'll be swapping in a manual steering rack and deleting the A/C to make it how a race car should be

Once everything is initially running and set up, I'll go back in the motor and mill the heads to raise compression, get some bigger rocker arms, switch out the springs and put a Z06 cam in there for another 40hp up top with stock-like drivability. A few trucks are in the 12s with similar setups so I'll be hoping for high 11s

What do you guys think?

stepho · #2 05-13-2006, 08:28 PM

when I first saw the title I thought "BS! this has to be a joke"

but it seems like your going to have something pretty cool when its all said and done. Plus your putting an ls1 so at least you have some taste left!

flatlander757 · #3 05-13-2006, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepho

when I first saw the title I thought "BS! this has to be a joke"

but it seems like your going to have something pretty cool when its all said and done. Plus your putting an ls1 so at least you have some taste left!

Yeah, honestly I have no problems with imports... it's just the dinky powerplants that sound similar to a bumblebee with sand in it's vagina

I think once I'm done I'll rebadge it as "RX327" for the hell of it.(I know the 5.3 technically isn't a 327... but screw you I'll do what I want!!)

Plus you can fit true duals under there without sacrificing too much clearance! Score!

With some giggle gas it should put me close to/on par with Mr. Luos

I just need to learn to drive a stick first

Don't worry guys, I will ALWAYS drive something with the soul of an F-body! (Well, except for now... I'm in an 86 Ford Ranger. I promise it's only a beater. Hopefully it won't break hauling an engine/tranny combo!)

92zcamaroperson · #4 05-13-2006, 08:53 PM

5.3 will be too heavy and will throw off the handling unless you get one out of the ssr then its aluminum. Go ls1 and it will make for one hec of a track car. Id do the same thing if those rx7's werent so friggin ugly...and I just really like my car. that and I think im just gonna ditch my swap. These motors are just too pricey for me to be realistic with my money spending. Maybe sometime in the future when the l98 takes a dump.

flatlander757 · #5 05-13-2006, 09:22 PM

It won't throw handling off too bad, it weighs about the same as an LT1... which many have swapped as well. Take a look at this guy's Cardomain:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/641869

His LT1/T56 swap is what really inspired me. If you look on p12, you'll see that these weights are given:
1987 RX7 base: 2625lbs
1987 Turbo II model: 2840

His car ended up weighing in at 2820. Now given that all the weight is taken and removed from the same place, it won't noticably affect handling. Plus, with no A/C, no P/S, and more than likely a battery relocation to the back it should be close to stock.

Though in all honesty if I like the car enough, I will save my pennies for a nice heads/cam LS1.

It all depends on how much money I save over the summer and how expensive everything else is.

On top of that, coming from a formal Camaro-owner... I'm used to being nose-heavy and I'll just learn to control oversteer

Mr. Luos · #6 05-13-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatlander757

With some giggle gas it should put me close to/on par with Mr. Luos

I could always drop a 200 shot on mine.
Even bigger if I go progressive shot.

Of course....not one to toss a bottle on my car.

Nate355RS · #7 05-13-2006, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

Of course....not one to toss a bottle on my car.

I guess that answers my question in the other thread....

Rally Sport · #8 05-13-2006, 11:16 PM

bah.. throwing a chevy engine into an import.. nothing new.. you might as well and go for a Miata instead..

I wouldnt do that though.. not in a 7 or Miata.. but I wouldnt mind doing it in a 280Z..

Savage Messiah · #9 05-14-2006, 01:55 AM

LS1 RX7's are sick... and agreed, don't go for the truck motor, get a F-body or Y-body LS1 (or ls6 or ls2 or ls7 depending on how deep your pockets are

)

flatlander757 · #10 05-14-2006, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savage Messiah

LS1 RX7's are sick... and agreed, don't go for the truck motor, get a F-body or Y-body LS1 (or ls6 or ls2 or ls7 depending on how deep your pockets are

)

I've been looking around more and I've found some complete LS1 pullouts from junkyards in the $2200 area. It probably would be worth saving for, but on the same note those iron blocks are good for about 12psi. I'm thinking a 5.3L turbo'd RX7 would be a great daily driver and still get awesome gas mileage

And no way on the Miata... those are kinda queer.

92zcamaroperson · #11 05-14-2006, 11:03 AM

aluminum blocks will hold much more than 12 psi. Only when your getting into the 20+ area will the block start to come into question. Im still adding stuff up but ive got a bunch of good performance parts for the ls1 that I will be selling. Ive got a complete motor minus the lifters, fuel rail, and throttle body, and some sensors. It will also need a gasket set. Im gonna part it all out. If your interested let me know.

92zcamaroperson · #12 05-14-2006, 11:05 AM

or were you just talking about the rotating assembly... either way aluminum stock motor or 5.3 iron motors will hold 12 psi but that is a little high for a stock motor.

Mr. Luos · #13 05-14-2006, 12:03 PM

Jesus...how much power are you looking for???

Get the aluminum block. Get heads that have bigger chambers for lower compression, and throw 10-12 PSI at it. You won't need ANYTHING else in a car that light. And it will be as reliable as the blower is. Won't be worrying about the block.
Telling you will be be disappointed if you throw off the weight of the RX7 with an iron block.

Earlsfat · #14 05-14-2006, 02:00 PM

WHo said they could pick up a T56 for $1K.. and WHERE???

flatlander757 · #15 05-14-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earlsfat

WHo said they could pick up a T56 for $1K.. and WHERE???

I work for Dodge... one of my coworkers has a T56 from a 98 Viper GTS for sale for $1000... I'd just need a new bellhousing and a different driveshaft.

As far as aluminum vs iron blocks: I know it's not the block, but more the whole package I was talking about... the LS1 has much more compression than the 5.3 and wouldn't tolerate boost as much. And since the LS1 costs more it would be even more expensive since heads would be a MUST.

I've found a few good deals, it will ultimately depend on what is available when I'm ready. I want to get the chassis set up first.

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