FMOC to Beehive Conversion on 82 12A
 

I am putting a beehive on (from an 84 or so donor) because I just rebuilt my 82 12A engine, the old FMOC is toast, the oil lines look like they are toast and well, the beehive was factory used for several years so it cant be so bad for an occasional driver (not racing).

I have almost everything I need except my engine needs this part (picture) installed (I have it) - has anyone dealt with this modification? My question specifically has to do with this coolant water fitting in the picture - is it removable (I am afraid not), Do i cut off and just clamp it in? Do i need to expand the ends like the factory so that it doesn't work its way off the hose at ~12psi? My stock 82 does not have that tee fitting. I know it seems minor, but if someone has gone down this path before - please speak up! I don't have tools for welding or brazing...
Thanks,
Scott

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...dd7496a3f7.jpg

Maybe this is the simplest approach :)

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7a29a876f4.jpg

I think someone will come along with a part for you. Just hold tight.

I have cut it a little cause you need some more place but it works with the part you postet. You also need the bigger rad and the pipe mounted on the firewall out of the S3
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c59ec375c0.jpg

Thanks - I have a relatively new unused radiator but hadn't thought about its capacity!
Scott

I thought it. You will get more engine reliability with the front mount oil cooler. The beehive will let warm up the engine quicker cause of smoke test and fuel economy.

Well given it is 38 years old - I doubt it will even see a 1 hour trip for the rest of its life! So I am not too worried about longevity at this point if that makes sense? I figured if it was good enough for 84 and 85 12A's it will certainly be good for mine.

i've seen people use a T like you show before, that would work.

the beehive works totally fine, it warms the oil up faster, and keeps it at a constant temp better, which is good. the bad part is that the radiator is doing 100% of the cooling, and as such it needs to be good, lots of 83-85 12A's die due to mild overheating

I really like my beehive cooler, once I took it apart and learned how it works. My car never runs more than 1/4 on the dash. I'm sure they both work well.

Cheers for the BeeHIve, best oil cooler for a 12A.

It sounds like a straight forward plumbing problem but space is really tight down there under the beehive.

You may have trouble fitting your relatively bulky T in there. Along with the clamps and hoses it might not fit.

Does your current 82 plate have a simple straight pipe in place of the T?

If so removing the straight pipe and replacing with the T would be ideal, it's probably just a pressed fitting.

But as you said before, it may not be possible to pull the pipes from the iron.

Cutting and splicing the T fitting to your current straight pipe might be the next best bet.

But I don't know how you would splice the two metal tube ends together, maybe some kind of soldered slip fitting?

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Elkhart-...opper-Coupling
https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.supplyho...om/30904-3.jpg

Or maybe a ShakeBite?

https://www.sharkbite.com/products/s...ip-tee-adapter

https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.supplyho.../u3016lf-3.jpg

I'd almost be tempted to use Pro PEX F1960 and it's tubing.

Not as good for german highspeed highway use.

Yeah! finally some respect for the Beehive. On other forums the so called (racers) will tell you the cars going to explode if you're running one. They work well for a regular street driven car. I thought the T on mine was threaded into the iron. I could not find a replacement for this part and just reused it. If you don't have all the hose's, pipes, radiator, shroud, etc. It may just be cheaper/easier to fix the FMOC.

For me it solves the leaky FMOC problem and well I had the beehive so why not. It is not like my car will be driven like it was in 1982! It is freaking 38 yrs old now - she deserves to be treated like a queen!
Scott
Thanks all for inputs on this!
Hopefully I get time to get the engine in soon. I spent an hour grinding off one of the motor mounts (it was on a stripped stud). All set for the nice new ones - thanks RAuto!

don't say that! because my 37 year old rx-7 is my daily driver

A little late, where in NY are you? I have a spare 12a sitting around with the beehive still on there. I'd be interested in a trade for your fmoc (condition isn't an issue), I can yank the parts off mine so you can see how they are connected. Pretty sure it's just a press fit into the rear iron.

Another option is to swap in an FC oil cooler. They're more available here in MI:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6014ab6274.jpg

Sorry, I am packing it away, some day I may clean it but I need to get this running. (Which it now is except for some vacuum issues).
Thanks,
Scott