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

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Old May 5, 2006 | 04:25 PM
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next mods

ok, so im a newb to the rx7 world compared to u guys. i was wondering what should my next mod be. i have illuminas and eibach pro kit that was installed last week. im tryin to find sway bars n strut tower braces. (cant find) now im debating on wether to rebuild my engine or swap a 2nd gen 13b in, now the problem i have is finding one for a reasonable price and when i put it in will it fit and do i have to get beefer motor mounts or what (any type of new reinforcement). i plan to port which ever engine i get and a new intake on it. so any ideas on what i should do?
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Old May 5, 2006 | 04:34 PM
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Sway bars can be found several places, Rb, Summit, ISC, etc.

13B swap is a tie with 'Can I turbo my 1st gen' as most frequently asked newbie question. The standard answer to that is yes, to both, and there is plenty of information on how to do both if you take the time to search and read. Once you have an understanding of the process and feel that you are up to the swap, then you can ask the harder questions.

Before you enter the higher hp money pit, make sure all of the suspension components are as good as new or better, including steering, brakes, bushings, etc.
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Old May 5, 2006 | 04:38 PM
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I say just rebuild your engine and port it while it is opened up. I don't know what engine you have in your car now, but the 12a is a pretty potent engine, and when done up can be a really great engine as well. If you already have a 13b in your car then why bother swapping in another 13b? Just rebuild. That way you know you are getting new parts, plus you can port.

It also entirely depends upon what you are going for. High horsepower, or just more reliablity. You could swap in a TII engine. If you want to stay NA then you could go with a 13b as it has more potential, but if you are just looking for a little bit more then just use the 12a. Again this is all under the assumption you have a 12a.
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Old May 5, 2006 | 04:40 PM
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And like Trochoid said, search. The information is there. More than you'll ever need, but take it like pringles. Once you pop you can't stop.
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Old May 6, 2006 | 01:09 PM
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i do have a 12a, but its only rated at 100 HP n 105 tourqe. i would love it if i could put another 100 in there. i've heard that carbs arent good for drifting, which if i get another 100 hp i will get into, so is there any imput on that? and if i get my 12a rebuilt, then wont i just be putting back power and tourqe thats been lost over time?
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Old May 6, 2006 | 01:37 PM
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Which is why I said port it. When you rebuild the 12a port out the intake and exhaust, you'll make more power. After that then you get exhaust, upgrade the carb, standard stuff. 12a's are really potent little engines if you do them right, but at the same time I think you just need to really read everything you can. Search the section. Your options are limitless when it comes to making power.
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Old May 6, 2006 | 01:40 PM
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thanks for the imput, i'll definatly look around n try n figure some things out.
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Old May 6, 2006 | 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by MWMburton
i do have a 12a, but its only rated at 100 HP n 105 tourqe. i would love it if i could put another 100 in there. i've heard that carbs arent good for drifting, which if i get another 100 hp i will get into, so is there any imput on that? and if i get my 12a rebuilt, then wont i just be putting back power and tourqe thats been lost over time?
Drifting.

Anyway, rebuild it, port it, get an aftermarket carb, an S5 turbo and manifold, and tear ***.
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Old May 6, 2006 | 02:08 PM
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i just contacted a shop in oregon about the rebuild and porting, waiting on there reply. now, what kind of carb should i look for. i've read some of the threads about which is better, big carbs or stock and volumetric efficancy. those just were slightly confusing, so can i just throw a edlebrock or holley carb on there and tune it and will that increase any power? or should i just rebuild the stock carb or what? i've heard mixed reviews on buyin an aftermarket carb and i've heard just as many mixed reviews on rebuilding and improving on the stock carb.
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Old May 6, 2006 | 02:10 PM
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Sterling Carb!!!!
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Old May 6, 2006 | 02:12 PM
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thats what i've heard. what exactly is that. cause i interpreted it as being the stock carb but built. i dunno, i have no idea. so if im wrong correct me.
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Old May 7, 2006 | 03:59 AM
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www.sterlingmetalworks.com

They rock man. Unless you are going for a full bridge port, then this is probably the least expensive option for you (like 350.00 if you get the works I think). This carb is also a great performer, and if you put it together with exhaust and an ignition upgrade you'll have more than enough power for drifting or autocross.
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Old May 7, 2006 | 09:16 AM
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I suggest that its hard to beat a 13BT swap, Rotaryshack will supply a warrantied engine for $1300 and its going to beat 200 HP.

Robert has his owne thread under the vendor section, great advice available there.
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Old May 7, 2006 | 02:50 PM
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went to the site and the sterling nikki sounded very nice, it was just about the cfm's i wanted too. i plan to do a custom exhaust in the future but now, ignition? any thoughts?
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Old May 7, 2006 | 04:33 PM
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If you want 200 hp and drifting, your best choice is a 13BT swap, i.e. a TII enginge and tranny. That will give you the easiest and most reliable hp and drivabilty. A stock S4 engine, with 3" exhaust, ported wastgate and FCD will give you up to 220 hp, with no other mods or porting.
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Old May 7, 2006 | 10:48 PM
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how much would all that cost? i dont have a ton of money right now but the money i do have has and is going into my car.
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Old May 8, 2006 | 04:59 AM
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Sterling carb = $350.00
2nd gen coil pack = $20.00
Transistor Trick = $35.00
Carter fuel pump/Holley pressure regulator = $90.00

Total cost = $495.00

That will cover the carb, fuel delivery, and ignition for you. Sure there are much more expensive ways to do it (Dellorto carbs, turbo, engine swap, MSD, etc.), but as far as bang per buck I don't think you can go wrong.
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Old May 8, 2006 | 02:08 PM
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ok, im a newb if u didnt know. so i know im gonna sound like a complete dumbass n some stupid little **** but what is an S4? go easy on me, u use to be just like me. (completly green).
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Old May 8, 2006 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Kentetsu
Sterling carb = $350.00
2nd gen coil pack = $20.00
Transistor Trick = $35.00
Carter fuel pump/Holley pressure regulator = $90.00

Total cost = $495.00

That will cover the carb, fuel delivery, and ignition for you. Sure there are much more expensive ways to do it (Dellorto carbs, turbo, engine swap, MSD, etc.), but as far as bang per buck I don't think you can go wrong.

that sounds very reasonable. now i just gotta get the cash for the rebuild and porting (thats probably a little over 3000, lots of new parts on it though so i guess thats why its so expensive).
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Old May 8, 2006 | 02:23 PM
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You can save a few bucks on transistor trick if you are good with a soldering iron. There's a howto posted for making your own TT box.

As far as the rebuild, if you do the actual rebuild yourself, you can save a good hunk of change. Just take your irons to get ported when you have it apart and waiting on the rebuild kit. I'm looking into doing my own rebuild, I have the video and I can get a kit for GSL-SE for $285, plus $250 for 1-piece (2-piece are $230) apex seals. If all the hard parts are good, total rebuild is about $500. Add in $500 for porting, and you've got a pretty mean little 1st gen.
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Old May 8, 2006 | 02:32 PM
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Or get yourself some templates and do your own porting. It isn't that difficult.
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Old May 8, 2006 | 02:35 PM
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well, i have no idea how to rebuild the engine. and even with a rebuild kit i dont trust myself with my engine. im pretty sure i'll leave it up to the experts. besides the place im getting the rebuild is in my town and one of the best in the nation. and about 90% of the parts including the housings will be replaced with new parts. and it'll be made to my specs.
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Old May 8, 2006 | 02:38 PM
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May I ask, where are you getting it rebuilt at?
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Old May 8, 2006 | 02:45 PM
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pineapple racing, check em out at pineappleracing.com
they know there ****.
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Old May 8, 2006 | 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by MWMburton
ok, im a newb if u didnt know. so i know im gonna sound like a complete dumbass n some stupid little **** but what is an S4? go easy on me, u use to be just like me. (completly green).
An S4 is the first version of the second gen rx7 before the engine and turbo setup was upgraded a bit. Slight variations on the outside too (side moldings, rear tails, and I believe the side mirrors). The second gen lasted from 1986 to 1992. The S4's were 1986 to 1988. S5's were 1989-1992.
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