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

GSL-SE S5 Engine Swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-10-14, 03:18 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ZackTheKack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Co.
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
GSL-SE S5 Engine Swap

So, my SE engine lost oil pressure and I'm picking up an S5 engine and transmission to swap in. I know I need to change front covers over, but is there anything else I need to do? I'm hoping for a simple/easy swap that isn't going to kill me. I have ecu's, injectors, intakes, etc. so there's plenty to make it work, just need some advice on how to go about it.
Old 12-10-14, 08:33 AM
  #2  
I have a rotary addiction

iTrader: (18)
 
NCross's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Columbia, Tennessee
Posts: 4,815
Received 23 Likes on 22 Posts
I would just swap front covers and oil pans and bolt it right up to the SE transmission. Better ratios. Youll need the FC coil packs and appropriate harnesses, AFM, intake funnel, sensors, air pump, alternator. Radiator possibly.
Old 12-10-14, 08:42 AM
  #3  
Rotary Haven

iTrader: (8)
 
FCinWV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You will also need your oil pan and oil pick up tube from the SE.

I think the worst part will be the wiring harness.


Oh, dont quote me on this but I think using the 6 ports on an s5 in an fb is kind of a pain in the ***. Ive seen where people use a CO2 tank to actuate them with a rpm switch. Im not sure why they didnt use the air pump. But Im sure there is a good reason.

Good luck man.
Old 12-10-14, 10:27 AM
  #4  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
j9fd3s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,844
Received 2,605 Likes on 1,848 Posts
go the easy way, put all the GSL-SE stuff on the S5 block, and put it in. everything will bolt right up, and everything is compatible, even the emissions controls.

you gain about 15hp, the S5 engine has larger ports. there is another 2-5hp by using the FC exhaust manifold, and larger piping.

putting the S5 intakes on isn't too bad, but using the S5 electronics is a decently big project, there is a bunch of wiring to do
Old 12-10-14, 01:40 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ZackTheKack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Co.
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First, thank you guys for the quick replies. I was half hoping that I could make the SE stuff work, and half hoping that I'd have to use all S5 stuff.

Now, if I swap over all the SE stuff, will I need to swap in larger injectors beings there is only two on the SE intake instead of four as with the S5? My worry is that, because the ports are larger on the S5, more air will be flowing into the combustion chamber, and the engine may not be able to account for it with stock injectors. If I need larger injectors, how large should I go? I like the idea of 1000cc injectors from Injector Dynamics because of price and their track record, but don't know if that would be right. I already have 725cc ID injectors in it, so yeah.

Also, if the S5 manifold would add some gains, would an S5 header add more, or would it just add noise? Should I swap the SE/S4 split air pipe and remove the air pump? I don't have emissions where I live so that stuff isn't really a big deal. And what diameter exhaust pipe would be the best option for an S5 engine that is, for all intents and purposes, straight piped with a muffler? Or will a straight pipe drain power?

Again, thank you guys. I'm so stoked for this. It also means that I am one step closer to my actual build with this car (high compression, six port, turbo with meth injection, tuned on e85, to HOPEFULLY make close to 500hp).

Also, NCross, is all that if I keep all the S5 stuff or is it if I want to swap to SE stuff too? I have a bunch of FC coils, and I'm getting the engine from intake to pan so everything is there, including harness, ecu, sensors, etc. I was going to use the FC trans because it's already connected and I don't want to put a new clutch in yet, but if the SE is that much better then I guess it's time for a new clutch... Again... lol.

Last edited by ZackTheKack; 12-10-14 at 01:46 PM. Reason: Added last paragraph
Old 12-10-14, 01:42 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ZackTheKack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Co.
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
... double post...

Last edited by ZackTheKack; 12-10-14 at 01:43 PM. Reason: Double post
Old 12-11-14, 08:26 PM
  #7  
Full Member
 
BezRx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Trinidad & Tobago
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Using the s5 trans without modifying the shifter linkage will put the shifter where you window switches are.. Something to consider.

Another route is pull out everything electrical/emissions. Buy a used carb/manifold and s5 RB header all for cheap on the forums. Save some cash and buy all your turbo parts and put em in when you are ready.
Old 12-12-14, 02:13 PM
  #8  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ZackTheKack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Co.
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Okay, well, carbs kind of scare me, mainly because I'm not familiar with them at all. Although, I do plan on removing as much emissions stuff as possible when I do this swap and I'm going to remove the OMP and run premix just so I know that it's getting oil into the combustion chamber.

Also, how much power can the SE trans hold? Is there a kit or other way (Tii internals?) to increase the strength and durability of the SE transmission? If not, how much power can a Tii trans hold? Will they be relatively reliable at 500hp once I get going on the build? If they're going to blow up every 10k miles, are there other transmissions out there that I can use instead or somehow adapt to work on the FB?

Again, I really appreciate the help guys.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
07-01-23 04:40 PM
wallyrx7
Rotary Car Performance
2
08-20-15 05:55 PM



Quick Reply: GSL-SE S5 Engine Swap



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:30 PM.