I recently purchased this car off eBay:

http://85rx7.home.mchsi.com/

I wanted to get into a rotary and tinker with it, but didn't want to do it to my '79 bacause I've had it since new (May 1978) and want to keep it as original as possible. So this '85 will be my project car. I plan on street porting it (I've never been inside a rotary, so that should be interesting), I'll put a header and free flow exhaust on it, and remove the rats nest. I'd like to put a turbo on it...how hard is it to add a turbo? Also, the 12A in this car started to smoke so the previous owner started dismantling it in preparation for installing a 13B, which was sold with the car. Would I be better off rebuilding the 12A and doing the porting on it, or can I do more with the 13B?

Any other ideas for things I can do to this car to make it fast? I don't want to go all out, but I do want a fast, nice looking, and nice driving car.

Thanks!
Rich

 

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Welcome - Nice project car you have there.

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Install the 13B with a carburator, and all the bolt ons- and you will be
pleasently suprised as to how fast they can run without porting.

Good Luck.

 

If you need any help I have pics of my rats nest removed. Also I can help with DLIDFIS if you need it. I also have some spare parts like I said before so if you need anything just let me know.

 

I am in the same position as you. I have an '80 that I've owned since new and don't want to tinker with it. As for the engine. I would go 13B, but use the 12A end plates as they are more portable (did I say that right, is it the end plates). I don't know someone will correct me who knows what I mean. Anyway from what I hear, a turbo isn't that hard to add. you might need to fab some custom things but what ever. Good luck with your project. I hope that I gave you some decent information!

 

It’s been posted elsewhere, but make sure that you have an early style 13b. The conventional wisdom is ’86 and later 13b’s don’t mix with the 12a irons.

I have never had all 3 engines apart side by side, but that’s the consensus.

I am doing a Frankenstein engine, with 12a irons and 13b housings. I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

yea the 13b's after 86 have slight differences to them nothing major these problems can be fixed my dad has done this plenty of times, but if you want to just drop your 1st motor in i got a 12a streetport turbo ready to go but if not the best thing would be to go with the 13b. I figure this would be good for you so you can get the feel of a 12a turbo build a 13b in the process and go from there. there are plenty of ways my dad went low 11's on a 13b all motor class in 1996 so remember whatever it is its been done just ask.

Holla Back im in California.

 

Thanks for the responses guys...I appreciate it. What's the purpose of using the 12A irons? Why shouldn't I rebuild both motors and leave the 12A irons on the 12A?

Ian - I think you told me before that you have several rear ends...any with disc brakes? That's something I think I'll want to do at some point (I'm assuming this one has drums...I don't have the car yet).

Thanks,
Rich