S/5 N/A swap into GSL-SE do to list
S/5 N/A swap into GSL-SE do to list
Ok so I have a '85 GSL-SE with a blown motor, and a '89 GXL with a healthy motor and a TII engine waiting to be dropped in. I'm pretty sure I'll need the harness, ECU, etc. All of which are on the car and working anyways.
So my question is, what has to be pulled from the FC along with the engine in order for it to work in the GSL-SE, and what has to be upgraded. Everything in the FC is pretty much going to be replaced during the turbo swap anyways. (although a turbo FB is very very tempting. But I'm keeping it simple.) I just want to make sure I pull all the parts that I need.
So my question is, what has to be pulled from the FC along with the engine in order for it to work in the GSL-SE, and what has to be upgraded. Everything in the FC is pretty much going to be replaced during the turbo swap anyways. (although a turbo FB is very very tempting. But I'm keeping it simple.) I just want to make sure I pull all the parts that I need.
Basically everything on the engine, AFM, inlet duct, etc. Use the front cover and oil pan/pickup from the SE engine. For the OMP, connect the S5 OMP to the harness and tie off to the side (won't bolt to the SE cover)..use the SE OMP or premix.
Besides the ECU and engine harness, you need to make up a "left side" harness. This is the BIG harness in the FC that ties into almost everything (dash, relays, etc.). You can strip one down to what you need (only need a handful of connectors/wires) or create your own harness using wire and some type of connectors.
Mostly it is the same as the S5 TII swap, so those threads should help a bunch. Only difference is you don't have to make up a new exhaust for the turbos since it will still be NA. So, basically the same amount of work as a TII swap. Whether it is worth it or not, that is your call.
Good luck.
Besides the ECU and engine harness, you need to make up a "left side" harness. This is the BIG harness in the FC that ties into almost everything (dash, relays, etc.). You can strip one down to what you need (only need a handful of connectors/wires) or create your own harness using wire and some type of connectors.
Mostly it is the same as the S5 TII swap, so those threads should help a bunch. Only difference is you don't have to make up a new exhaust for the turbos since it will still be NA. So, basically the same amount of work as a TII swap. Whether it is worth it or not, that is your call.
Good luck.
so i assume your going to use the 12a tranny?
I have an S4 N/a, and motor mounts, even the header looks to line up with stock exhaust and mounts. although i dont know if the S5 is the same... i would assume soo.
but if you use the 12a tranny dont you have to use the 12a flywheel and clutch?
Ive decided to go NA-T on top of mine (buddy giving me all the parts i need
good luck. im still new to rotaries and rx7 swaps, but to me it seems pretty straight forward.
I have an S4 N/a, and motor mounts, even the header looks to line up with stock exhaust and mounts. although i dont know if the S5 is the same... i would assume soo.
but if you use the 12a tranny dont you have to use the 12a flywheel and clutch?
Ive decided to go NA-T on top of mine (buddy giving me all the parts i need

good luck. im still new to rotaries and rx7 swaps, but to me it seems pretty straight forward.
That sucks I was hoping it would drop right in. My FC is all set up for a TII swap anyways. Already have a TII trans and rear end installed. Anyways its not like I don't already have all the parts. Would a S/5 engine make enough difference to justify dumping the SE engine rather than rebuilding?
so i assume your going to use the 12a tranny?
I have an S4 N/a, and motor mounts, even the header looks to line up with stock exhaust and mounts. although i dont know if the S5 is the same... i would assume soo.
but if you use the 12a tranny dont you have to use the 12a flywheel and clutch?
Ive decided to go NA-T on top of mine (buddy giving me all the parts i need
good luck. im still new to rotaries and rx7 swaps, but to me it seems pretty straight forward.
I have an S4 N/a, and motor mounts, even the header looks to line up with stock exhaust and mounts. although i dont know if the S5 is the same... i would assume soo.
but if you use the 12a tranny dont you have to use the 12a flywheel and clutch?
Ive decided to go NA-T on top of mine (buddy giving me all the parts i need

good luck. im still new to rotaries and rx7 swaps, but to me it seems pretty straight forward.
Biggest job is the "left side" harness. Everything else is pretty straight forward. You also have to remember details like the S5 needing the air pump to run the aux ports and VDI (maybe you have ditched the air pump on your SE). The S5 ECU is also more picky that everything that it expects to be connected is in fact connected (like the OMP). You will also need to find a mounting spot for the FC coils as space is limited in the SE engine bay (especially if you have AC and PS installed).
So some aspects are just a little more work than installing the SE engine. A few other things (like the 'left side' harness) take a bit more work.Stock for stock, the S5 has about 25 more HP and a higher redline. You might also consider just rebuilding the SE engine (with maybe a port job) and use the S5 rotating assembly in it. You can later look into swapping the S5 intake to the SE engine and the like down the road.
Just some things to think about.
So some aspects are just a little more work than installing the SE engine. A few other things (like the 'left side' harness) take a bit more work.Stock for stock, the S5 has about 25 more HP and a higher redline. You might also consider just rebuilding the SE engine (with maybe a port job) and use the S5 rotating assembly in it. You can later look into swapping the S5 intake to the SE engine and the like down the road.
Just some things to think about.
Trending Topics
I think its going to be more hassle and more expensive to rebuild the SE engine is the problem. My S5 engine is strong and healthy and is getting yanked out anyways. Everything but the left side harness sounds do able however. I have a S4 TII engine that I'm rebuilding and I figure its going to be less of a hassle to drop it into the FC considering I already have the drivetrain setup for it.
I know the engine will bolt right in and line up with the transmission just fine. (i'll have to get a N/A flywheel considering I'm currently using a TII flywheel.) Its just the wiring I'm worried about. Its a pain in the *** enough just being in the car it came in to begin with. I'm also trying to be cost efficient so it doesn't bite into my turbo swap budget. I just need a RX7 running so I don't have withdrawals.
Also, will the fuel pump need to be replaced or will the SE one work?
I know the engine will bolt right in and line up with the transmission just fine. (i'll have to get a N/A flywheel considering I'm currently using a TII flywheel.) Its just the wiring I'm worried about. Its a pain in the *** enough just being in the car it came in to begin with. I'm also trying to be cost efficient so it doesn't bite into my turbo swap budget. I just need a RX7 running so I don't have withdrawals.
Also, will the fuel pump need to be replaced or will the SE one work?
SE fuel pump should be fine, and the left side harness as they said is the biggest hurdle. You will need to strip a FC's body harness down to run the coils, fuel pump resistor (if you choose to use that) circuit opening relay, main relay and underhood fusebox. The left side harness also has the provisions for checking codes and running the check engine light, in total you're dealing with less than 30 wires.
Guys, don't mean to be an *** but this has been covered over and over and over and over and over and over, and personally I am sick of seeing these threads as there are hundreds of them.
You are wasting members time with asking these questions.
I am shutting it down.
You are wasting members time with asking these questions.
I am shutting it down.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Azevedo
Other Engine Conversions - non V-8
26
Mar 1, 2019 09:19 PM
ncds_fc
New Member RX-7 Technical
1
Aug 15, 2015 10:06 AM





