Sorry guys, I've held off weeks doing this, as I've been really trying to fish through the archives and figure this out on my own. What I'm looking to do is install a single 13b Turbo or a 13bTT from JDM engines. I've been saving up, and I'm ready to decide which one.

Heres the problem: I've read a large number of forums on the project, however the majority seem to be from a 1985 GSL.

I'm looking at purchasing a 83 GS to do this project on. I really do appologize, but I'm needing to know just a few simple things:

Is this doable, bearing in mind that I want to do this for under 5 grand. The engines will take a good chunk of it. My project has changed several times now, because of my other RX7 biting the bullet hard. So, I have alot of confused and messed up plans, etc I had for the 82 that I'm unsure of now. I was told that the 13b would drop into the 82, However I've planned out now to get a turbo I beleive. I just need to get all the information I've read about out of my head and condensed nicely for me.I just need some kind words to sort them out.

Simply: 83 GS, 12A.

I want to put in a 13B T or 13BTII

How hard, what do I need and, budget friendly?

 

I think the rest of the gang is holding off on chiming in because this is one of the most asked newbie questions. As always use the search, but the 13BT, or 13BTT will not just drop in. If you are really wanting to do this swap, go with the 13BT, and forget about a 13BTT. I could spend all day explaining what you will need to make the swap (wheather you keep the fuel injection on the 13BT, or go blowthrough carb), but YES, it is doable, and yes, you will spend your 5 grand, and then some.

 

Use REW in your search, that's the correct designation for the 3rd gen engine.

 

its doable to run the 13b t you will need to get the complet jdm set up icluding wiring harness and ecu you will have to upgrade the fuel system . either you can sump existing tank with weld on fuel sump. or you can do a search on doing internal sumps. i personally have this one. you will need a new fuel pump that can provide the fuel needed for your set up. if you are going with this sump tank you can you use external pump like msd or aeromotive. you will need to upgrade fuel lines. new drive shaft to allow the turbo tranny to mt to your gs rear end but i would consider putting gsl or se rear end on that car. also you will need to upgrade exaust system. if you going with 13b t you can get down pipe from racing beat direct bolt on. and make the rest of the exaust yourself. and im sure there is more to do that i forgot to mention but this should help a bit.

 

Jspec engines can be a pain because the main harness for the engine is routed for the left side.Its best to figure on finding a US spec wiring harness for whatever engine you decide on.That way,you can route the big harness through the factory firewall hole and put the ECU in the stock postion on the floor.

It doesnt matter what 1st gen you put the engine into,its the same amount/type of work......except for into a GSL-SE, which makes the EFI fuel system swap a bit easier if you stay external with the fuel pump.All the mounting/wiring/tranny stuff is the same for any FB and for the most part,SA's too.
I did my entire stock TII swap for about $1500 bucks.That included all new gaskets,seals,hoses and tuneup.That was with me doing nearly 100% of the work and using rock bottom priced,local PickNPull components.I only paid out for the driveline,fuel tank welding and new exhaust system.I also spent another $1500 on mods,but none of that was absolutely neccesary for the engine to run and make 182HP.With the mods I made about 250HP and ran mid 13's at the track for 6 months until the water seals went on my junkyard/junk engine....then phase 2 began.....$$$