I've been researching rx-7's trying to decide what to buy, i recently found a 1991 RX-7 Convertible in my area for what im willing to pay, im wondering if its possible to put a turbo on the stock engine, or to drop a TII engine in, and if anyones been able to do this...any help is appreciated..thanks in advance,
dc

 

I have done the 13BT swap on an 88 'vert (the best year for the swap IMO).

I can say unless you have a lot of money and time and a decent level of mechanical ability with Mazda products that you should not attempt it.

 

Why would you say that the 88 is so easy. Is i electronics? I have an 89 that if and when I blow the engine, I would like to drop in a turbo engine. the 20B would be alot more fun though.

 

Yep exactly. No need to replace the harness, just add and lengthen a couple of wires

The 338 88 'vert ECU will run the 13BT motor, so all you really need to add is the wires for the knock sensor and controller and move a couple of others in their plugs to make it work (like I used the EGR wires for the TS Turbo Valve- since I had a Jspec that came without EGR)

 

If you're going to do it properly, it's a big job.

But well worth it, IMHO... My '88 is sweet!

 

take a look here:

www.geocities.com/boatseason/

 

From what i heard, it is easier with the 89+ cars because you dont have to redo the driver side wiring harness. just replace the engine one and the ECU

 

But you do have to replace the engine harness and ECU on the series 5 cars, which means getting a harness that is either new, or in better than average condition.

 

I would say a 'vert is the ONLY car worth doing the swap on. I have an 97 TII sitting in my garage waiting to be "cannibalized." I've already done the transmission, differential, clutch, and related parts.

The 89+ is supposed to be easier as you only have to swap the ENGINE harness, don't even have to modify the dash harness as you SHOULD on an 88.

Of course the 88 'vert ECU is rumored to have turbo fuel/ignition maps, so you may not have to change that... on the 89+ you certainly do. I'm planning to keep my 'vert ECU.

There are a LOT of things to swap (parts mentioned above, fuel pump, boost sensor, etc.) so it isn't really EASY, but for a 'vert it is worth it.

Brad

 

p.s. see the "sticky" topics above for how one of our members is putting a turbo on his NA.

Brad

 

why do you have to modify the dash wiring harness in a 88????i just thought the swap included the engine wiring harness not unless you wanted the turboII guages then you would have to go into the dash wiring harness

 

You shouldn't have to modify the dash harness unless you are replacing the cluster with one from a TII.

I wanted my volt meter so I added a boost gauge to the drivers A pillar.