'88 Turbo II Build Path
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Joined: Oct 2017
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From: New Jersey
'88 Turbo II Build Path
Hey people. I picked up my first '88 T2 earlier this year and had plans to rebuild the engine and eventually drift it. I just wanted to get other's thoughts on this..
At first I wanted to build it with all new parts (engine [13b is getting streetported regardless], turbo upgrade, suspension, roll cage, shifter, angle kit etc..) the works. I originally wanted to take time and get all new parts rather than use what the car still has that's worth using. My friend who has an FD almost done suggested I only get the essentials to get the car running, which in this case would be engine porting/refurbishment, seats and brackets, (the entire car is gutted and ready for a roll cage), coils, steering wheel and new battery.
What do you guys think would be better? I don't mind waiting on this build, but I'm also eager to get the ball rolling.
At first I wanted to build it with all new parts (engine [13b is getting streetported regardless], turbo upgrade, suspension, roll cage, shifter, angle kit etc..) the works. I originally wanted to take time and get all new parts rather than use what the car still has that's worth using. My friend who has an FD almost done suggested I only get the essentials to get the car running, which in this case would be engine porting/refurbishment, seats and brackets, (the entire car is gutted and ready for a roll cage), coils, steering wheel and new battery.
What do you guys think would be better? I don't mind waiting on this build, but I'm also eager to get the ball rolling.
RX-7 Old Timer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 10
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Porting is sort of worthless without the turbo upgrade. The engine will flow-choke on the stock turbo, and the turbo will want to boost creep when you open up the intake and exhaust. If you fix your boost creep (port wastegate), your turbo is still small and restrictive.
I think you should do the big turbo, big intake, big exhaust, and fuel system. It's more work, but you can't build very far on the stock systems. I have an OEM+ build running high boost. It drives very nicely, but it's still less than 300WHP and I still had to replace every major system, the same as a full build.
For reference, Shaniac recently put together a very cool big power build: https://www.rx7club.com/time-slips-d...bt-tii-1106156
Think about studding/dowels if you are planning for 400+ WHP.
And I'm sure your FD friend has talked about detonation/blowing motors. Make sure your ECU / Fuel system are a-okay before you have fun.
I think you should do the big turbo, big intake, big exhaust, and fuel system. It's more work, but you can't build very far on the stock systems. I have an OEM+ build running high boost. It drives very nicely, but it's still less than 300WHP and I still had to replace every major system, the same as a full build.
For reference, Shaniac recently put together a very cool big power build: https://www.rx7club.com/time-slips-d...bt-tii-1106156
Think about studding/dowels if you are planning for 400+ WHP.
And I'm sure your FD friend has talked about detonation/blowing motors. Make sure your ECU / Fuel system are a-okay before you have fun.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Seems like something you will ultimately have to decide on. I am a fan of the use the car as it is and slowly modify it to what is needed school of thought vs. taking a lot of time to do a build doing things you may not really need. Good luck!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 42
From: Cambridge, Minnesota
Getting it done and driving sooner will help you know you're on the right path for sure. Otherwise, not driving the car will drive you insane. I've spent 3 years building my FB without driving it...not recommended. I think it makes you spend more money in the long run as well.