I am new to this forum so please don't flame me for asking a common question. I am in the throws of bad RX-7 withdrawls. I sold my 83 years ago and though I own a pretty quick SVO, I still drool over 1st gen RX-7s. I am currently searching for a rust free 84-85 to build. The dilema is that rotary parts are hideously expensive for the meager power gains. Do I build a rotary or swap a 2.3 turbo and T-5? RX-7s are Fords...sorta. I noticed that there are thousands of rebuildable T3 turbos sitting in dead Fords in the junkyards. If I fab manifolds to push an upgraded T3 through an aftermarket fuel injection, can I run enough boost thru a 12A to get 300-350 hp? What kind of boost levels are involved in getting a small displacement motor up there? I am currently running 19 lbs in T3/4 hybrid in a 2.5 liter-385 rwp. God I miss the RX-7 chassis, can I make this kind of power in a rotary without going broke?

 

No.

Trying to get 350hp out of a 12A requires a major budget and a tow vehicle.

 

People that want that kind of power swap a 13BT in.

 

And even then, I doubt you'd do it with a T-03.
You'd need a T-04 with a good sized turbine.
And many other little details.

Pleae note that 300+ hp on a first gen is a disgusting amount of power (to weight).

 

I cannot imagine a need for that kind of HP number on a 1st gen. I can't even believe it would be streetable.

If you're talking about putting your 2.5 liter into the RX-7(or 2.3 or whatever), I don't know. It would be unique, but if you truely love the RX-7, then I would imagine it would be best to stick with the rotary. Since you want more power, put in a 13BT and build it up a little. Even the stock 200 hp from a 13BT would be decent in the tiny 1st gen.

If you have a huge wallet and have taken a few to the skull, go 20B and become a legend.

BTW, I don't think asking whether a Ford engine drop-in is a good idea is a common question

Welcome back to the world of RX-7's.