I have searched many times and I keep finding diffrent answers. I Have a 89 13b 6 port. I want to know if I could fit a 12a front cover onto it for an engine swap. Please answer only if you have first hand knowledge on this.(no, hear say/charlatans)

Thanks, in advance.

 

A 12A cover will fit. You will also need a GSL-SE oil pan and 12A/GSL-SE oil pickup tube. The GSL-SE front cover would work better as you could use a S4 or GSL-SE OMP..but you would have to rig up something for the connecting rod as the S5s don't have a spot on the throttle body for the rod. Neither front cover (12A or GSL-SE) will work with the stock S5 OMP without a fair amount of modification.

The details depend on what exactly you want to do (what ECU you will run (if keeping EFI), and such).

If going aftermarket ECU, I would do the following:
- GSL-SE front cover, oil pan, pickup tube
- S4 or GSL-SE OMP
- S4 throttle body (has spot for OMP rod)
- GSL-SE crossmember (or RB mount, or modify the stock setup). This assumes you have a 12A car

If using the S5 ECU, basically do as above, but the OMP gets a bit tricky. The S4 TB has the spot for the OMP rod, but isn't setup directly for the S5 TPS. You'll have to rig something or premix. Plug in the S5 OMP and tie it out of the way (so ECU doesn't go into 'limp' mode). The other possibility is to modify the front cover and use the S5 OMP.

Lots of options. Just depends on what you are trying to do.

 

Yeah, a few more details would help, if you plan to run the stock ECU, as gsl-se addict says you will have to deal with the electronic omp. A few people on here successfully modded the FB front cover to work with the omp (myself included, although I later went with a different setup) so it can be done. Really depends which direction you want to go with the project. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the detailed answers. I am swaping the motor into a corolla (I posted here because 1st gen guys know whats up, when it comes to retrofitting FC motors). I am planing to use carbs, as well as premix. I am also not going to bother with a/c p/s. Is the oil pan for differing bolt pattern or is it the shape? I am assuming the oil pickup is to clear the pan? Trans will be a w58, and ignition will be dizzy fired by 2nd gen stuff. This seems to be the only thing left. So, other than the omp, there is no difference between the front covers of the gsl-se and the 12a? Let me know if I have over looked anything, or if there is any more info that would help.

 

Oil pan is different between 1st/2nd gens due to the steering rack placement. You are correct on the differences between the 12A/SE front covers.

 

Sounds like you've got it all worked out, with carbs and premix you will have a very easy time, no omp to deal with and very simple wiring. What year corolla are you putting it in?

 

its an ol '83 Corolla. So ignoring the steering rack position the '89 oil pan should bolt up with the 12a cover?

 

No, the FC oil pan will be too short for the FB front cover, sorry should have clarified that.

 

i didnt know that the SE front cover was the same as a 12A front cover...learn something new every day, lol.

 

They are the same with the exception of the OMP spot. If you are going to premix, then you can use the 12A cover for a late 13B model install without a problem.

 

<----- noob

when u talk about premix what does that mean? i plan on putting an FC motor into my SE next year.

 

Premixing is just like what you would do with a weedwacker, chainsaw, or other small 2-cycle engine..you mix some oil in your gas tank.

Typically, people will run about 1 oz of oil (normally a 2 cycle oil) per 1 gallon of gas. The oil (from the OMP or the premix) is there to lube the apex seals. Premixing is actually better as it gives a more even lubrication of the seals. However, it is a bit of a pain to keep the bottles of 2 stoke oil around and measure it out each time you get gas (not to mention wondering if you remembered to add the oil after you got gas). Also, people will give you weird looks when they see you putting oil in your gas tank.

 

good info to know there. i've been in the RX-7 business for 10 years and just learned that the 12A front cover will work on a 13B..i would be premixing anyways so i guess it works out well.

 

Dont really have to measure it out.... It just smokes alot more if you get too much. Just make sure youre on the stong side with the oil and not the weak side. I got a 2bbl side draft OER and intake From Rob at the Shack and i just wired my OMP all the way open. Need to keep an eye on the oil level cuz it uses alot but that way if i forget to premix it im still covered.

 

Yea no need to spend the extra money on a SE front cover if the omp is out of the equation.