(Serious question, not wasting anyone's time.) Where to start with a 20b swap?
 

Let me start off with this question has probably been asked a thousand times but everyone is different with each build and I want specific questions answered, so don't give me no BS saying "Use the search function" This is my first post and I already know someone's going to say some sh*t like that so take it easy.

Background of my story/situation,

First, I've always wanted a 20b FD rx7 but couldn't afford it until now after being recruited in the most reliable job in the United States. I'm almost halfway saving for the actual car, 6-8 more months and I'm at my goal. Second, my knowledge on cars are between moderate and advance, the most I ever done was rebuild an engine, 1ZZFE. It was the cheapest way to find out if I was even capable of building an engine, which totaled to 3,000 dollars. :hah: Anyways, I honestly couldn't do it without finding the service manual in bits and pieces for free on the internet and watching countless videos on that engine, so this leads me to believe that the 20b is going to be a tough mother fu*ker to rebuild.

I can't do a simple google search and find the service manual for the 20b or even a video of someone doing it. I heard there is a service manual in Japanese so it's a good thing that the military has it's perks. Thankfully I have someone in my shop that speaks and reads Japanese fluently. :nod:


Under those circumstances, here are my list of questions.

I read in the frequently asked questions that it cost 10k to build/swap yourself, I'd love to do that but I was only successful in my first project (1zzFe) because I had the service manual and videos, the 20b is hard to find information on unfortunately. My question is how did you guys get your information about the 20b?
Ex: Torque Specs, clearances, etc.


2. Where can I get the Japanese service manual for the 20b?

PS: Correct me if I'm wrong but I think 10k for a build/rebuild is to cheap.

given that the fd 20b swap has been done several times over with bolt in kits available, I would have to recommend the search function - not being a smart ass but there will be plenty of info on the swap.

20b shop manual that floats around doesn't have the engine section so don't both hunting to hard for it, just use a fd manual for most of the clearances etc if keeping the engine fairly stock.

From memory most people who have gone down the 20b fd route say its around the 30k mark and I don't think that was including the car. what ever you budget for add 25% to get a true idea of the end cost to your build.

It's okay, I understand, I guess this was my "ice breaker" because I never posted before and always read and was tired of it but yes, I just found someone mentioning the 20b manual is useless because there is no engine section in it. :scratch: And that price seems accurate, I'll do more research, I read that cmonakar and david hayes have good threads.

Considering that the cost of a 20B core engine has increased to around $6k-$7k, before rebuild...$10k barely gets you an engine. The rest of your budget for the project depends on the power you want.

Keep in mind that installation of a 20B is not a "swap" it is a conversion where every part of the car needs to be changed. Banzai Racing Project Efini 20B Conversion

it all depends how far you want to go.. it can easily be done for around 30-40k but the more power the more stuff that you have to replace due to shit breaking and not supporting the horsepower.

No offense, but being a dorm-rich A1C doesn't mean you're in a comfortable enough financial situation to build and maintain a 20B FD. Go ask your Shirt for advice before diving headlong into something like this. Your BEST bet will be to first buy a cheap and reliable DD, then get yourself an FD. Learn to maintain the FD with a stock 13B-REW in it, rebuild that engine a few times, THEN move up to a 20B.


Get out of the dorms before you decide that you're financially stable enough to jump in the deep end. I saw way too many kids make the same mistake you're about to...

Look in the FS section. There's a clean, near perfect 20B FD there. Once you're done with the time, effort, money and headaches from trying to source parts, rebuild the engine, and deal with EVERYthing else from wiring to transmission to brakes to getting it road legal, that 65K hes asking won't seem like so much money.

EDIT: 45K and it looks like it just sold. GLWSwap!




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Haven't been on in awhile, and yes you're right, I feel like a noob asking about the 20b swap last year. I just purchased my first FD last week, I enjoy the car with the 13B-REW and don't mind it at all.


Btw, I've been married for almost 2 years and I wasn't planning to buy the 20b over night. I'm embarrassed a little for asking that question in the first place. I didn't even have the car yet. I need to get past the learning curve before I even think about a 20b. Thank you for the replies.