I'm currently working on a 1958 VW bug and I've ditched the factory floor pan in favor of a tubular frame. I have a narrowed RX-7 IRS in it, and I'm looking for some advice on what engine to use. I would love to use an RX-7 motor, however I'm concerned about overheating. I will have the engine mounted in the front of the car, with the radiator in the back (where VW's get all the factory cooling from) along with some electric fans. I would love to find an engine that would be a good foundation for a turbo setup. Can anyone reccomend the coolest running RX-7 motor that adapts well to turbo applications? I understand that this may not be too cheap, but I would like to keep the prices as reasonable as possible. Thank you very much for your help.

-Aaron

 

Might as well go with a TII engine, all of them run pretty much the same engine temp. That way you save the hassle of having to retrofit a turbo to a high compression engine.

 

Yep, a factory Turbo motor would be the best way to go. I think you’ll have trouble cooling any motor with a rear-mounted radiator, let alone a 200hp turbo one. All the water-cooled engine conversions I’ve seen on VW’s (including rotaries) used a custom front mounted radiator. You would also need to front-mount the oil cooler. It’s also highly advisable you convert to a water/air intercooler, as you won’t get enough air through the stock IC to keep intake temps down.
This sounds like a cool project, keep us posted.

 

i definetly have to see this when its done

 

Keep the engine in the back man Imagine a rotary with just a few feet of exhaust pipe *Drool*.

Good luck!!!

James

 

Holy ****! I completely missed the bit about front-mounting the engine!
I've seen a couple of rotary-powered Bugs, plus quite a few with Subaru flat fours, but they took the easy route and left the engine in the back! Still, what I said still applies.

 

Chris,
That looks sweet man. Where did you get it?
Charles

 

yeah i want to know as well PM ME! please!

 

I actually have a friend who is doing this same type of setup in his baha bug. He is putting the engine in the front as well. He said you REALLY want to put the radiator in front along with the oil cooler. He said its actually eaisier than he thought. If you want specs on it pm me. We had a racer in Corpus Cristi do the rotary with the back radiator and it messed him up bad in his first baha race.
Charles