1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

1983 Rx7 12a to 13B Conversion questions

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Old Jan 2, 2003 | 07:20 PM
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Thumbs up 1983 Rx7 12a to 13B Conversion questions

dear god please help me. I need all info from anyone who knows anything about the conversion process please msg me asap.
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Old Jan 2, 2003 | 07:26 PM
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Dude - Sorry I cant help you but I wish I could.. you sound like you're in pain!
Try the search feature in the mean time.
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Old Jan 2, 2003 | 07:40 PM
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I got all the wiring digrams for my car, and I found a page that has all the wiring harness and other wiring specs online for every year rx7, the files are like 30? some mg Adobe files. i have the 13b sitting outside on some wood wrapped in plastic the engine and tranny for 150. outta a 88 rx7. I got the ignition coils, the Az and Ez T1&T2 coils. Extra starter and all but I need some help in wiring this sucker up. <My 12a> quit working about a week ago, it seem to not want to start. The battery drains all the way every time I try to start. My choke assembly was fused. I dropped the clutch at high rpms and when I did the engine shut off and I blew a hole in the battery. I live in Va this happened in Conneticut*YAH*Had to make first car repairs 100's of miles from home.

I bought my 12a with 53000 original miles on it, it now is at 80000 in 7-9 months. I need someone who can work on rotaries give me some feedback. I have been dien` to show all these freaks around here just how bad *** the rotary really is. Help me prove them all just how much easier and better the engine runs. Thnx all rotary fans
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Old Jan 2, 2003 | 07:44 PM
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Here's something you might want to check out: TII Swap into a GSL-SE
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Old Jan 2, 2003 | 07:51 PM
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Re: 1983 Rx7 12a to 13B Conversion questions

Originally posted by TrtleMn
dear god please help me. I need all info from anyone who knows anything about the conversion process please msg me asap.
From John Booker's FAQ .
Engine
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transplant 13B to 1st Generation
The GSL-SE's came with a FI 13B. And the 2nd generation RX's have the same basic motor, BUT, I know they mount differently.
How many parts do you have to change to fit that motor to the early car?
My old '79 12A RX7 is beginning to get tired and I'd like to fit an '89 or later 13B into the car. The chassis is all seam welded and has a welded in cage, '84 struts, GSL rear, '80 front brakes, a 22 gallon fuel cell, fiberglass hood, Eibach/Tokico suspension and about 75 feet of braided stainless plumbing. Nevertheless, it deserves more than the 12A can give it (and so do I).
Impressing me with what must be one kick-*** '79! I checked the MazdaTrix catalog for info on your engine swap, but they only give details on installing the 2nd gen 13B's into a 12A 1st gen. Maybe you should call them for their ideas. They're remarkably willing to give out advice. They have any appropriate mounting adapters you might need. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a junkyard with an '80 (for the front calipers) and a GSL-SE (for the rear disks).
My advice is to simply, go out and buy a nice '89-on 13B, and then go to Mazda Motorsports, and buy an '85 GSL-SE oil pan (~$35.00) and gasket. That's about all you'll need. The 12A front cover can be swapped over to the 13B, which gets you the old style front motor mounts. The stock motor mounts can be slotted to mount the front of the engine. The 12A distributor can be used in the 13B, but if you can get the entire wiring harness, and ECU, then you can run the 89-on engine exactly as it came from the factory. You'll also need an electric, high flow, high pressure fuel pump, if you go this route. The stock fuel lines will probably suffice though, unless you build up the 13B.

13B into 1st Gen
I had an '88 13B installed in my '84 GSL-SE. You need to change the oil pan and the front cover only.
(Not surprising, since they both have a 13B - FAQMaster)

13B into 1st Gen
I'm considering doing this swap too and am compiling info on the topic. What I've found is you can use any 13B, whether it's from an Rx-4, Rx-7 (GSL-SE 84-85 more restrictive EFI), or Rx-7 86-91 as long as you use the front cover off your 12A so you can use the original motor mounts, alternator, water pump. Don't know if A/C will bolt up as it's bracket bolts to the block and the 13B is longer than the 12A. You'll also need to use the oil pan from a 84-85 GSL-SE. Your 12A distributor will swap over. I'd reccomend upgrading to a three row radiator from Mazdatrix or using a 13B radiator. The block will bolt up to the tranny no problems.
Intake is up to you. You can buy a Holley 600cfm or Mikuni 45mm from Mazdatrix, Use a Rx-3 carb, enlarge your stock carb, buy a Dellorto 48mm used (Racing Beat doesn't make them anymore) or upgrade to 13B EFI which is really your best bet. It's used (cheap) and easy to get repair parts for. Or you can buy a Haltech or Motec unit for $3000 and $1500 respectively.
I haven't heard of someone using a 92-96 twin-turbo 13B because there's a lotta smog/electronics/crap on those engines that you'd haave to sort out/take off. Also those engines cost a lot of money.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timing
Location of the Timing marks
The timing marks are stamped on the pully groove closest to the engine block itself. about 1/2" apart, may be red/yellow marked.
To find marks, look down between dist. and alternator pulley.
By advance, I meant that some t-lights have a dial that allows for adjusting the spark advance, however is not compatible with the Rx-7 ignition system. If the light has dial, keep at 0 degrees.
Correct plugs are NGK BR8EQ-14 models. Unless timing has been messed with, rotarys do not normally require timing adjustments. If timing off lots, hard to start, very rough idle, etc.
I suspect ignition problem such as plug type, distributor cap/rotor, ignition wire set, shutter valve, bad leading ignitor, bad anti-afterburn air pipe. I am assuming the firing order is correct.
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Old Jan 2, 2003 | 08:08 PM
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Originally posted by TrtleMn
I got all the wiring digrams for my car, and I found a page that has all the wiring harness and other wiring specs online for every year rx7, the files are like 30? some mg Adobe files. i have the 13b sitting outside on some wood wrapped in plastic the engine and tranny for 150. outta a 88 rx7. I got the ignition coils, the Az and Ez T1&T2 coils. Extra starter and all but I need some help in wiring this sucker up. <My 12a> quit working about a week ago, it seem to not want to start. The battery drains all the way every time I try to start. My choke assembly was fused. I dropped the clutch at high rpms and when I did the engine shut off and I blew a hole in the battery. I live in Va this happened in Conneticut*YAH*Had to make first car repairs 100's of miles from home.

I bought my 12a with 53000 original miles on it, it now is at 80000 in 7-9 months. I need someone who can work on rotaries give me some feedback. I have been dien` to show all these freaks around here just how bad *** the rotary really is. Help me prove them all just how much easier and better the engine runs. Thnx all rotary fans
I m sorry to hear your misfortune, but a standard 88 rx-7 NA motor isnt gonna 'impress people a lot' , what you need is nice 13bt motor with a nice single turbo, and a standalone ecu. But thats mega dollars ( i got somewhere around 10 or so k in mine) But speed costs money... Plain and simple...

The wiring I could definately figure out, but I doubt I could instruct you in like 5 minutes what I know about wiring...

As far as the bolt up its really pretty straight forward and easy. Only thing I know you will need to do is change the front cover from the 12A to the 13b, that way you can mount the motor in the front. You will have to either modify or buy a Racing beat motor mount for a 13b into a 12a chassis (around $100) the 13b is 3/4" longer than the 12a counterpart. And with a NA 13b, the 12A tranny will be fine, start pushing more horsees with a better motor or a turbo and you best get a s4/s5 T2 tranny
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Old Jan 5, 2003 | 03:41 PM
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I m sorry to hear your misfortune, but a standard 88 rx-7 NA motor isnt gonna 'impress people a lot' , what you need is nice 13bt motor with a nice single turbo, and a standalone ecu. But thats mega dollars ( i got somewhere around 10 or so k in mine) But speed costs money... Plain and simple...

Since I dont make tons of money and I cant afford to buy all this sport crap I bought a 1989 13B T with tranny, Wiring harness, Brains, Exhaust and just about everything the engine connects to for $150.00!!!! My friend is taking his 1988 Rx-7 It came out of and putting a Chevy V8 with Nitros in the front end of his. The 88 Engine and tranny in the old car were gone the one that come outta the car was new about 15000 miles on it and the tranny. I am getting this car put together here in about 3-8 weeks. I should have some pics of my turtle on here in due time, Thanx for the info.
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Old Jan 5, 2003 | 03:42 PM
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WHAT A GREAT FRIEND*S*!!!!
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 11:24 AM
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i've read that its has to be 12 AT, is it possible to use just 12a timing cover for this conversion?
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