I'm 16 and currently driving my dad's '88 RX7 non-turbo. I'm currently prodding him to buy a new car (my vote is with is the RX8, but he's leaning towards the new Nissan Z).

Since the search function decided to take a nap before I posted this, I'll just ask and hope I don't get destroyed for not searching the forum.

After I get full ownership of the car, I'm looking to beef it up a tad. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, love the engine, love everything about it. But, let's face it, the stock non-turbo model is, to say the least, not fast.

I'm interested in having a little work done, namely in the way of a turbo, and then afterwards maybe a little suspension work, better tires, and anything else I can get to squeeze out a little more horsepower. My question is, is it actually possible to add a turbo to my model, and if so, is it cost-worthy? If the turbo alone runs me more than a couple grand, I'm more inclined to save my money and buy my current dream car, a 1987 Porsche 944. Does anyone have any experience with adding a turbo to their RX7 and if yes, was it worth it?

 

FAQ thread at the top.

 

I did it, but i replaced the the entire drivetrain and the motor with a TII motor and drivetrain. I didnt go for a stock setup but i think the last time i checked i'm into it close to $3,500. Was it worth it for me? Yes i learned more that i imagined and its like driving a totally different car.

 

dude, I suggest just doing the TII swap... you can get the engine and tranny for under a grand and have a good base to begin modding, I'm getting a TII swapped in to my vert rx7.

I don't know much about modding the n/a motor, so I can't say much about that.

 

While those links were helpful, maybe I should rephrase. I am decidedly not a mechanic. I could not perform an engine conversion to save my life.

I guess I should've asked, what sort of places would a)be willing to do such a job and b)would have the technical know-how not to pants up the job, seeing as how I doubt a large majority of shops have seen a rotary engine? Would Mazda itself be willing to add a turbo? If they did, I'm guessing they'd charge a little more than a regular shop, but I'd feel a lot better about Mazda's own mechanics handling the rotary.

 

hmm your in cali dude, can't help you there, but I'm sure there are some forum members that might live near you and be able to help you bro...and I'm sure there are some respectable mechanics, you just have to find them...

 

You'd probably be better off selling the Non turbo and find a nice TurboII. For modes.. intake and exhuast will give you the most bang for your buck.

 

As far as selling the car, I don't know if I could ever do that. I'm a bit attached to it, as I'm sure my dad is after 16 years. If I'd be better off buying another car, I'll just buy a 944. I see them all the time for $7,000-$12,000. Much better choice, in my opinion.

 

get out of here!

 

Next to impossible to make a non turbo with an aftermarket Turbo pass CA emissions.

You are wasting your time even considering it if you are not mechanically inclined.

 

Have you even driven a 944 to compare???

The FC RX-7 when compared to a 86+ 944 soundly beat the 944 in almost every catagory according to both Car & Driver and Road & Track.

And in fact Porsche was so taken with the abilites of the FC RX-7 that at one point, the 944 replacement was going to be built by Mazda based on the RX-7 with a piston motor. If not for the recession in the early 90's, Mazda would have indeed built the next 944 for porsche.

You need to do some research before posting.