R.P.M.

iTrader: (3)

Is it possible to swap the front suspention, subframe and steering into an 85 GSL-SE.

That way my Turbo II motor will fit!

rx7gslse

yup, you can...

abemoid did it.

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=176299

jayroc

I've heard of people doing it, but from at least 2 people that have done it succuessfully say that it MAY make the car unsafe and that's why you haven't seen any kits or instructions. That's reason enough for me to stay away from it. There's talk about putting a RP unit from a VW rabbit, or golf, in relatively easily. The kit is almost ready for sale, if I'm not mistaken.
So far as your motor goes, I think RB and mazdatrix sell motor mounts for the 13b. I'm sure there's posts on conversions in the archives.

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

The TII motor fits anyway.

apeckz

Wow! I like the idea of more-or-less stock rack and pinion steering! ASSUMING the fdetails can be worked out, I can use the 2nd gen engine in its stock config and get updated steering on the cheap. ASAP I will be in the local junk yard measuring and calculating.

Can you be more descriptive regarding reported safety concerns?

Thanks

REDS TTYPE

I'm working on putting a 88 gxl front sub under my 85 gsl

everything looks to be pretty easy ...only thing I see now is hub to hub seems to be a lil wider so it may need more offset on the wheels to keep them under stock fenders

I did search on here and only one I found with one in a 1st gen has a wide body kit so hard to say on the wheels

I'll know more later ...just pulled it out the 88 last night and was measuring and measuring ...will probly fit it under the 85 tonight

if it needs fabbing or not I will get it under there ...I like the looks of them big rotors and 4 piston caliburs

R.P.M.

iTrader: (3)

I know the TurboII motor will fit in anyway but I want to leave the motor with the stock configuration and want rack and pinion steering.

If I used a GXL front end in my FB, it would have 5 lug on the front and 4 lug on the back, can the rear be changed to 5 lug?

What about putting an FC rear suspention into an FB
That would be cool!

jayroc

No, I can't comment on the safety issues involved. I've never done it, nor am I that familiar with the front suspension, but in my research this is what I've heard.
I read this on a post from way back:
http://www.shults.com/hypermail/rx7-digest/0162.html
(search for "foley")
This guy named Chris Foley did a swap from a CRX but when he sold the car he put the steering back to stock because he wasn't confident of someone else owning it. Then abeomid mentioned that he had safety concerns as well and was not comfortable in giving any details.
These two things is what scared me off about doing a front suspension swap. I do plan on doing a RP swap sometime soon. (Hopefully) Which is just as good as far as I'm concerned.

MIKE-P-28

iTrader: (1)

You want a IRS setup in the rear?

The motor fits fine, and a 12A motor mount can be modified to fit, maybe I should mod these the way RB does, I really dont beleive that the mount they sell is a new mount, I think its an old 12A mount that has been modified

hornbm

well I have a RB mount, and they look new. i seriously doubt they are old 12a mounts. If it is used, they did one hell of a good job at it.

apeckz

Abeomid was encouraging and said it is one of the best mods since it provides not only rack & pinion, but bigger brakes. He reported that some cutting, drilling, and a bit of welding are required. He cautioned that one should be very careful and accurate in locating the crossmember so both sides are properly balanced (I interpret this as alignment and centering). Also, he reported that the 2nd gen suspension is 1" higher than the first gen. To deal with the difference, he suggested experimenting to see if the 1st gen springs will work. Alternatively, he mentioned aftermarket lowering springs.

I am going after it, but have a few concerns-height, wheel spacing, locating the gear shift lever, and the unknown.

You other guys who pursue this be sure to give reports of your experiences!

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

I understand the advantages of the rack and pinion steering.

HOWEVER,

Do you guys [/b]really[/b] have a problem with the 1st gen steering?

I've had seven FB's in my life, and with exeption of one that had a little play - they have all been fine.

I just don't know if the juice is worth the squeeze. Are you really gonna drive the car and go:

"Wow, what a freaking difference, it's a hundred times better, etc, etc.."

Or are you more realistically gonna go:

"Yeah, it's alright.

Rotary7s

P/S on a first gen?lol

This is 1 car out of many I have owned that dont need P/S is stil steers so easy,unless your tring to back out of a spot,but other than that I dont knw why people make it a big issue

'85 GSL 302

You don't need PS because of the 18:1 ratio. The leverage alone makes up for it. I think it's worth it just to get a 15:1 rack and have the quicker steering.

apeckz

For me, it is a case of having fun and getting a performance improvement - but primarily for the fun and challenge - of a low-buck project (I hope!).
Who knows-I might get an unpleasant surprise on the cost side - then I would regret it.

I do agree, after owning many RX7s, starting with a '79, that while the recirculating ball steering was dissappointing from a technical standpoint, it works fine in practice.

Additionally, I like the clean styling of the first gens, but prefer the feel of the second gens. I suspect that this project is the first step toward putting all virtually all second gen mechanicals into my '85. Last week I bought the second gen 13B.

BTW- what is a prolix?
It is a long winded discussion!

J Oliver

I tried to come up with a kit or system that one could use to put the FC subframe with RnP steering and it turned out to not be an easy task. There was just way to many variables to contend with, one being that the subframe has to be located in a different spot than the fb requiring welding reinforcement plates onto the fb chassis. This is a task people dont want to do. Think about EVERYTHING is relying on that connection, hmmmm?
Then 5 lug front 4 lug rear, fc is heavier, you will likely add nearly 20lbs to the front of the once well balanced car, you will have to cut lower controlarms and shorten them to keep stock fb track width and on and on and on...
Just decided against it thats all. I figured I could build my own Rack n Pinion kit complete in a quarter of the time and have it be a safe addition.
As I right this I just recieved a call from the CNC Laser cutter company and was informed my first order of 10 units is ready. WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO
Oh ya I just finished designing a kit for putting the fc aluminum brakeing system on the fb and retaining the FOUR YES FOUR lug configuration.
More on that later.

apeckz

I think J Oliver has described, in an excellent and succinct manner, why the suspension/subframe swap will never become widespread. While many folks that use this board have the skills to complete the swap, it probably does not offer enough improvements, as mentioned earlier in this thread (and even offers some drawbacks), to warrant many hours of planning, cutting, welding, etc.

His bolt-on kit looks to me like it may offer the best balance of benefits versus cost and effort for most enthusiasts.

Of course, there will always be a smalll percentaqe of enthusiasts who have the time, facilities, money, etc. to carry out uneconomical swaps. I think such swaps provide valuable information to others about things that work, don't work, etc.

Kenku

Holy crap... you figured out a brake conversion too? Eeesh... thanks for beating me in all my ideas.

What if we *want* 5-lugs though? Also, is the brake conversion going to still use the FB rotors? Since I'm planning on going up to 15" wheels anyhoo...