kevinsiangchin

I have a sweet candy-apple 79 RX7. I'm looking to do an engine/trans swap. I'll be performing the swap myself. I have considered three routes: 1. Rebuilt ported 12A , 2. 12A-T , 3. 13B. Option 1. is a last resort if I come to the conclusion that 2 and 3 are out of the question in terms of price and effort. I have the following questions:

(1)How do you get your engines and typically what condition are they in when you get them? Do you refurbish them? What condition are they in when you ship them to the customer? Are there warranties?

(2)I know in each case I have to introduce a fuel injection system. However in the case of the 12A-T, the FI system has to be custom and most likely installed and tuned by a skilled mechanic. The 13B has an OEM FI system. But the 13B will need modification to the car in order to accomodate the engine. And the engine (especially the turbo) is more expensive. Between option 2. (12A-T) and 3. which is more expensive? And which is more difficult? In either case, I'll need a skilled mechanic, but the tuning is requires a very skilled mechanic.

(3)I've been told that the 12A-T is in general a more reliable and durable engine. I'm not looking for a daily driver but I would like to take it to the Jersey Shore without it blowing up or overheating. Which is generally more reliable?

(4)Besides the FI issue, what are the major modifications I have to take into consideration in options 2. (installing 12AT) and option 3(installing 13B/13BT)?

(5)What do I have to consider when replacing the tranny in option 2. and option 3.?

(6)If decide to stick with the 12A (non-turbo) what are some options that are available it a real power boost (100HP is lame!) without substantially altering the engine (like adding a turbo or NOS for example). A new carburation system qualifies as "not substantially altering" the engine, for example. Whats the most I can expect from a rebuilt and ported 12A?

(7)Lastly, I've never done an engine swap, but have overhauled and changed the clutch on a few piston-based engines (stang,tercel,and taurus-SHO). Thats the extent of my mechanical background. For those, besides the tools I only need a shop manual. Does a swap require much more? BTW, I also have a lot of patience.

Thanks for any advice!
ks

damon

option 2 and 3 will require a lot of modification work from what I under stand. You will need to aquire the engine, transmission, ecu, turbo, time, and most important money. PM mike-p-28 , I believe he is doing the 13bre swap, he should be able to answer a lot of you questions.

good luck with whatever you chose (and be sure to post pics)

peace

RXcetera

This would be my pick. A nice big streetport and a decent aftermarket carb and exhaust would net you almost 200hp from a 12A. Plus you get to keep some of the originality of your 79 by sticking with the 12A. This is also by far the cheapest route (as long as you need a rebuild anyway). Even if you did decide to go 13B, I'd look into a nice port and carb for an easy (and very reliable) 200+ hp.