I have a 1985 GSL SE that is completely stock and I'm coming to realize that the engine in it may not be the best option for me as I want to get more power out of it and would like to have a turbo but the compression ratio is too high and it would be easier to just swap in a turbo motor. But what motor should I swap in? I've looked at the turbo II from the FC and it seems like it would be a good fit in my car but what about the engines from the FD? I read somewhere that for those engines I would have to replace the ECU and finding an ECU that would work correctly is difficult. Also, I'm completely new to this sort of thing and I really would like to do this swap myself because it would be alot of fun. So what are your thoughts on this?

 

Look in the build threads. Lindahlish specifically is a good one.

 

But I'm asking about what are the pros and cons of what engine. Do I do the Turbo II and get less power but have an easier time installing or do I go for the FD engine and get 70 more hp but have to buy a JDM because theyre so expensive in the US. Thanks, I am looking in the build threads too.

 

I'm just a cook, but I say T2 cuz the odds of you being able to utilize more power than it can deliver anywhere but on a drag strip are very slim. That, and the fact that it is a simpler, and therefore, to me, better motor. But it's your party, play what suits you.

 

I'm leaning towards the Turbo II at the moment because its cheaper, simpler and will fit better in my car.

 

I would say t2. They seem to have less issues than the fd motors (which arent bad mind you), and they are easier to find. In an fb the stock t2 seems to make just enough power to be useful and fun to drive.

 

So if I was to buy a S4 turbo engine off of ebay would it have all the things I need? I have the GSL SE so I wouldn't need the front cover or the oil pan. I would also use the 2nd gen transmission. So would this be a good thing to do? Is there a better option? I'm not opposed to the S5 engine if its a better fit.

 

Buying a rotary engine off eBay scares me. At the very least put in the budget that it will need to be rebuilt before installing it. And who knows about the condition of the turbo. Kind of hard to inspect stuff unless it's a local seller.

It's kind of hard for anyone to answer if an eBay engine will have all the things you need. You'll need a GSL-SE pan and front cover in addition to the S4.

 

Ya, I'm just kinda stumped as to where I should buy my engine. Ebay has a lot with a warranty but obviously I don't get to see how it looks. Then there are those JDM websites and of course you don't know what person owned the engine before me and how they took care of it. Do those engines fit the same as the ones from the US? I could always search for one locally but since I'm in SC I don't think theres much of a market for them. I just wonder how difficult it will be because I have never done anything like this and am completely new to engines let alone rotaries.

 

Simple solution: Buy mine.

See Home of the ResurreXion-7

'84 GSL-SE chassis with an '87 T-II motor. 390 rwhp daily driver.

If your car is a daily driver (or could be), we can discuss a trade-in. PM me, if interested.

 

From what I see with yours is that you took a RX7 that was in a bad way and restored it. Mine is in almost perfect condition, I just want to have more power. And I would like to do it myself rather than just buy one thats already pre done.

 

Thanks man, I appreciate the comment!


That's the video I made comparing a 12a to a 13bt. Also if you click on the link in my signature you can get my notes on the engine ECU and wiring harness swap.

 

One option that may give you more power is to keep the GSL-SE engine and add a header with pre-silencer and upgrade the intake to an S4 or S5. You would have to do some wiring though. There are a few threads on how to do this, a lot of folks have done this.