Hello. I'm new to this list. I do not own an RX-7 but am seriously considering buying a 1st generation model for the purpose of a V8 swap. I have looked at other vehicles like the Datsun Z's but I like the look of the RX-7 better and there are more bodies in good shape. Not to mention the full independent suspension. I would like feed back from anyone that has done the swap --- how do you like the car? Does the extra weight effect handeling? The only thing that really concerns me is if the short wheel base of the vehicle will make the car unstable at very high speeds like (140+ mph )? What was the total cost?

I know the V8 swap is a little sacreligious to rotary people but it just seems like the cheapest way to make power. I can just imagine what the sheer torque of the Chevy V8 would do in a car that light. Well, any feed back is appreciated.

--- Tim

 

It doesn't have IRS.

 

Try this place for you answers: http://www.v8rx7.com/

Good luck with it!

 

HOLY CRAP.. you brave.. oh so brave soul...



get your flame suit on and ready

seriously though, my dad has one in his fc. go to www.grannysspeedshop.com. a guy by the name of 'grant' was VERY helpfull. they have kits for all gens, with kits for chevy v6/v8's and fords. there are also some people on this board with probably very helpfull info.. just watch out for some people.. your likely to get banned for questions like that

 

Grant actually helped someone? What a shock.

 

Er... the Datsun ("Look, it's already rusting!" "Dat soon?") has the fully independant suspension. 1st generation RX-7s have a live axle, similar to 'modern' Mustangs.

Nah - the pointy nose does that. An air dam fixes the problem though.

The cheapest way to make power and speed is to run. But with an RX-7 you can cheaply make power by bolting on a performance exhaust system and freeing up 20% more horsepower, without having to swap out the rear end, tranny, throttle linkages, gauge sending mechanisms, etc. etc. A few more mods and your little 1.1 or 1.3 litre rotary rapidly approaches 200HP.

If torque is your game, consider a 13B rotary from a GSL-SE or a Turbo II 13B swap from a 2nd gen. The torque band is broader and comes on sooner than the 12A.

However, if you are adamant on tossing a V-8 in there, look @ Ford power packs. They tend to be lighter than the Chevy, and the tranny/Ford rear end swap has been done several times.

If you're adamant on

 

I used Grannys kit and other misc. pieces I couldn't make. I've heard good and bad things about Grant, the owner, but I have nothing at all bad to say. He helped me, and took a lose for the sake of customer satisfaction, if I need anything now I would still go to him if I couldn't figure it out.

I owned a 13B powered '84 Rx-7 (GSL-SE), while better than the 12A, you'll be happier with the V8 swap if you want cheaper and more reliable horse power and of course torque. Everyone has their opinions, but few have driven a Rx-7 with a V8 in it. I've driven alot of different rotory combos from stock 12A's to high boost 13B's, and none make me as content as my Rx-7 V8. If you want to ask me detailed questions PM me or email me.

 

The one guy in my local Rotorhead club with a V-8 only made it to one meeting. He's been invited since, but his Frankensteined car doesn't run very reliably

 

"but his Frankensteined car doesn't run very reliably"

Credit that to the builder.

 

only one post and he's headed to the dark side....

tisk, tisk, tisk!

 

Tim,
The 1st gen cars (79-85) have a solid axle, 2nd & 3rd gen's had IRS. I have a 5.0/T5 in my '82. I can notice the extra weight, but I doubt my passenger can. I added ~200lbs, weight distribution stayed the same. Rear end gears are a bit steep (3.93 to 4.10). All in all, it's a good package.

Kerry

 

 

removing the rotor motor= removing the very soul of the rx-7 and what makes the rotary so unique..., RX stands for Rotary export... whats it gonna be after a big v8's slapped in... but someday i think i plan on buyin a blown rx-7 and throwin a v8 in for kicks
proly end up sellin it...

 

cars don't have souls, they have character, move on :p

 

There inlies a problem, resale...... v8 RX-7's don't seem to go for anything significant, you'd almost get more by keeping the thing stock. At least a turbo first gen pulls a grand or so more.

 

yea i guess youre right about resellin a v8 rx-7 but then again no one ever gets what they put into a car when sellin it

 

Doh!

Any piston powered rear-drive car! Please, not the RX-7!

 

All you "nooooo keep it rotary" guys are ghey. Just don't comment. It's his car he can do whatever he wants with it.

I personally have a mildly ported 13b in my gsl-se and like it, altho I could make far more power with a v8 and get the same fuel economy. Let him do what he wants.

 

As a forum for discussion, both people wanting to do a V8 swap and people wanting to talk them out of it are equally entitled to voice opinions. Statements like "All you (insert qualifier here) people are (insert insult here)" are, however, personal attacks and are forbidden under the rules of this forum.

 

does the RX-7 rear end stand up to the torque? any carnage with that set up? or are you running a ford read end, also?

 

I'm running the stock rear with no problem, as are alot of v8 conversions. My engine is rated at 325Hp not sure of the torque, I would asume at least 350FT Lbs.

 

... ok, I'll keep that in mind for the future.

*Edited by Acuspeed*

 

I would imagine it all depends howmuch abuse you plan on throwing at it. You could destroy the rear with stock power if you were a retard about it. Quite a few people have succesfully used the stock rear, but it seems to be a generally accepted good idea to adapt something more capable of handling the power, such as a ford rear.

 

Dude, even though thats a joke, that just sounds rude...I dont think that was very appropriate. Just my 2 cents though...

~T.J.

 

I think it's an insult to put a V8 in a Rex. And man am I happy there are not many V8's in Europe, so at least they stay where they belong... Pretty awfull to ask this for a first post anyway. But guys, you scared the poor boy away!!!