chevy powered rx-7 -- true fact.
For the poor fools who have to get their engine swaps smogged in CA (me) the easiest way is to get all your parts together for the swap, buy a used RX-7 that runs (for cheap), get it smogged, and then you don't have to deal with smog for 2 more years.
If I had to smog my car I could pass smog. Car is an '87 model and the GN drivetrain is from an '87 model car. I just need to put a cat on that isn't hollowed....., a smog computer chip, and the car would pass.
350,000 miles from a 13B is very impressive...... but a modded one making 350+rwhp won't last 1/4 as long.
-GNX7
If I had to smog my car I could pass smog. Car is an '87 model and the GN drivetrain is from an '87 model car. I just need to put a cat on that isn't hollowed....., a smog computer chip, and the car would pass.
350,000 miles from a 13B is very impressive...... but a modded one making 350+rwhp won't last 1/4 as long.
-GNX7
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth, Texas, USA, Earth, Solar System...
Originally posted by peejay
I figure, if CARB referee stations say it's OK, then how much more legal do you need to be? (And I don't LIVE in CA, I just pity the schmucks who have to deal with their fascist emissions laws) It does seem pretty stupid about the chassis, I remember in the late 80s when the 350 was first offered in the 3rd-gen F-body, it was only offered in the convertible. Why? The engine was certified for the Corvette's weight category, and the Camaro convertible was the only Camaro that was in that category - putting it in the lighter coupe would have required additional certificiation!
I figure, if CARB referee stations say it's OK, then how much more legal do you need to be? (And I don't LIVE in CA, I just pity the schmucks who have to deal with their fascist emissions laws) It does seem pretty stupid about the chassis, I remember in the late 80s when the 350 was first offered in the 3rd-gen F-body, it was only offered in the convertible. Why? The engine was certified for the Corvette's weight category, and the Camaro convertible was the only Camaro that was in that category - putting it in the lighter coupe would have required additional certificiation!
I disagree. I have lightweight headers on my 12A, put them on in late March. 12kmi and 5 months later, they are cracking, and my whole exhaust system all the way to the first half of my center pipe is hardened and blue from extreme heat. Rotary's "dragon breath" needs heavy duty exhaust if longevity is required, unless the car's just used to putt around. Next time around I'll give in and get the RB parts, which cost a little more but are made from 1/8" thick (that's .125") tube (pipe?) and has a reputation for actually lasting. Downside is that it weighs a LOT.
[/b][/quote]
What kind of headers? (I'm betting "Pacesetter!) RB headers are STILL a lot lighter than the factory manifold. I bet they are lighter than a pair of quality headers for a V8 too, by a considerable margin. So is a 3" downpipe for a TII.
Thanks for the ideas on the solid axle... I'm actually partial to my AA/FA idea over anything else. Or maybe make an F/Xer clone, talk about your weight distribution! They had way-tall front ends and solid axles mounted as far forward as possible - the idea was to get 100% weight transfer to the rear wheels for traction! Then they discovered aerodynamics (well, they were forced to discover it...) and they evolved into the modern Funny Cars.
) Brad
just to remind you your stupid to put the piston eng in the rx7!!!!!!!!
root
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
gnx7: you seem like a smart guy i have no problem with you..
I do have to point out that in racing a rotary is more reliable then any piston engine.. that is why alot of people switch to rotaries.. Alot of them were rebuilding there engine half way through a season.. when they switched to a rotary the actually went 2 seasons without a rebuild...
As for forced induction RX-7s being less reliable, it is because there are very few people who know how to tune them.. And alot of idiots who think they can.. My friend & i just cracked his rear housing on his RX-7 because we were running to hot of a plug..
Alright play nice all,
-Zach
I do have to point out that in racing a rotary is more reliable then any piston engine.. that is why alot of people switch to rotaries.. Alot of them were rebuilding there engine half way through a season.. when they switched to a rotary the actually went 2 seasons without a rebuild...
As for forced induction RX-7s being less reliable, it is because there are very few people who know how to tune them.. And alot of idiots who think they can.. My friend & i just cracked his rear housing on his RX-7 because we were running to hot of a plug..
Alright play nice all,
-Zach
cool story bro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Berkeley
In California, JDM engines are illegal. I know someone running a JDM Honda Prelude H22 engine in his Honda Prelude. It has CA liscence plates, registration, etc.
My guess is that as long as the car passes, they won't really notice or care. If they get all crazy and visually inspect the engine, and check the numbers against the chassis numbers, then you start worrying.
GNX7, Get alcohol injection!
My guess is that as long as the car passes, they won't really notice or care. If they get all crazy and visually inspect the engine, and check the numbers against the chassis numbers, then you start worrying.
GNX7, Get alcohol injection!
Thats not an FC...
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: spring hill, Fla
i got half way thru this thread and just got fed up w/ the ignorance i see here.
GNX7, i love the GNs/GNX/Ttypes...dont forget about the 25th Anniv TA...that car has the heart of a GNX, and the wind cheating aerodynamics of the sweet *** TA.
i got my start with piston engines, and ill never abandon them, but, that doesnt mean im about to say they are more reliable than the rotary. i like them both, and wont choose one over the other. thats WHY i have all the cars i do. im not biased...except when it comes to fords..hehe
:
heres some true facts:
rotaries have less moving parts than pisont engines
rotaries have less parts that can fail than piston engines.
Piston engines are more driver friendly
piston engines have greater torque potential
Rotaries have greater road track potential
RX7s have greater road track potential
RWD v8 cars have greater straight line potential
*V6/V8 engine swaps in 7's ruin the handling
RX7s died cuz people didnt understand them
RX7s are 'unreliable' cuz people dont know how to maintain them
Piston engines are more forgiving to neglect
Piston engined cars make better 'point-A to point-B' cars
Vtype engine swap NEED power accessories more than rotary engine cars do.
Rotary engine cars have near perfect weight distribution
Vtype engine RX7s have that extra 125 lbs ahead/over the front wheels.
lets face it people, each engine type has its strong points, yet, both have weak points.
the RX7 is a true drivers car. the engine design/configuratoin allows it to have phenomenal handling in a light weight package. install a V6/V8 in it, there goes the handling. then you really WILL have a straight line peice o junk. HOWEVER, if you do some SERIOUS weight shaving, you could gain back most of that handling.
for road courses, you need the rotary. having the rotary gives you:
- quicker steering response (advantage of toe out also)
-less understeer
-better braking
-more predictable handling
the V type engines place a large amount of mass Above the center of balance that the rotary has. we all should know that raising the center of balance on your car is NOT good, no matter how much torque you have, or how much aluminum your engine has.
anyways, ive vented enough steam. i just wantd to share my thoughts.
BTW, there were MANY rotary experiments aside from mazda. i think nissan had 3, gm had 3 or 4, Ford cosworth? if piston engines were so great, why did these manufacturers even bother w/ the idea and waste so much money on these experiments???
chris
GNX7, i love the GNs/GNX/Ttypes...dont forget about the 25th Anniv TA...that car has the heart of a GNX, and the wind cheating aerodynamics of the sweet *** TA.
i got my start with piston engines, and ill never abandon them, but, that doesnt mean im about to say they are more reliable than the rotary. i like them both, and wont choose one over the other. thats WHY i have all the cars i do. im not biased...except when it comes to fords..hehe
:heres some true facts:
rotaries have less moving parts than pisont engines
rotaries have less parts that can fail than piston engines.
Piston engines are more driver friendly
piston engines have greater torque potential
Rotaries have greater road track potential
RX7s have greater road track potential
RWD v8 cars have greater straight line potential
*V6/V8 engine swaps in 7's ruin the handling
RX7s died cuz people didnt understand them
RX7s are 'unreliable' cuz people dont know how to maintain them
Piston engines are more forgiving to neglect
Piston engined cars make better 'point-A to point-B' cars
Vtype engine swap NEED power accessories more than rotary engine cars do.
Rotary engine cars have near perfect weight distribution
Vtype engine RX7s have that extra 125 lbs ahead/over the front wheels.
lets face it people, each engine type has its strong points, yet, both have weak points.
the RX7 is a true drivers car. the engine design/configuratoin allows it to have phenomenal handling in a light weight package. install a V6/V8 in it, there goes the handling. then you really WILL have a straight line peice o junk. HOWEVER, if you do some SERIOUS weight shaving, you could gain back most of that handling.
for road courses, you need the rotary. having the rotary gives you:
- quicker steering response (advantage of toe out also)
-less understeer
-better braking
-more predictable handling
the V type engines place a large amount of mass Above the center of balance that the rotary has. we all should know that raising the center of balance on your car is NOT good, no matter how much torque you have, or how much aluminum your engine has.
anyways, ive vented enough steam. i just wantd to share my thoughts.
BTW, there were MANY rotary experiments aside from mazda. i think nissan had 3, gm had 3 or 4, Ford cosworth? if piston engines were so great, why did these manufacturers even bother w/ the idea and waste so much money on these experiments???
chris
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
I don't have an RX7 right now but I am thinking of getting rid of my 96' 240sx and getting a '90 or so RX7 (so I don't have a car payment) and I have already contemplated dropping an LT1 with a matching 6 speed Tremec from a '95 or so Z28. If I did the swap myself, I figure the whole project would run $5k to $8k. Add some headers, full exhaust, cams and a few other goodies, and you're looking at almost 400 hp in a 2800 lb car. Sure the rotary can make that much power, but it would need a big turbo and all the usual turbo related maintenance. An RX7 with a v8 would have daily driver status with AC and power steering, and be able to run some very low numbers at the track. I just don't understand you guys saying that it would be a bad idea. I guess you are "rotary enthusiasts" whereas I am simply a "car enthusiast" who doesn't care what's under the hood, as long as its fast. Oh well, to each his own I say...
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
With Certain items like aluminum heads, headers to replace the cast iron manifolds, you can actually end up with about the same weight as before. You may have an exta 50 lbs or so up there, which can be partially offset by relocating the battery to the rear.
Thats not an FC...
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: spring hill, Fla
V8s simply dont have a place in an RX7. if it was meant to be a piston-powered car, it would be the MX7.
V8s also have a hard time fitting under the low hoodline of the rx7. usually they need a hood scoop or cowl hood to clear the intake/carb. and, cowl induction belongs on a 70 chevelle SS, not an FC. there are simply unwritten rules about these kind of ethics. its the same idea of puttin a 5.0 Mustang GT motor in a camaro. no way in hell would that fly. youd be an outcast in the chevy crowd, an outcast in the ford crowd, and the ridiculed by the mopar crowd.
well the same principal applies here. please take your anti-rotary sentiments elsewhere.
V8s also have a hard time fitting under the low hoodline of the rx7. usually they need a hood scoop or cowl hood to clear the intake/carb. and, cowl induction belongs on a 70 chevelle SS, not an FC. there are simply unwritten rules about these kind of ethics. its the same idea of puttin a 5.0 Mustang GT motor in a camaro. no way in hell would that fly. youd be an outcast in the chevy crowd, an outcast in the ford crowd, and the ridiculed by the mopar crowd.
well the same principal applies here. please take your anti-rotary sentiments elsewhere.
I haven't chimed in on this topic in a while, so I'll throw in my $0.02 and then hope the thread dies.
I appal the idea of a piston engine in an RX-7. It's horrible, I think it borders on blasphemy. I would never do it to my car. Yeah, notice that word, my. If you want to do it, fine, I wish you all the best. I hope you enjoy your project and it works.
But, you shouldn't expect others to like it. You shouldn't expect others to not criticize you for it. Because a lot of us RX-7 enthusiasts happen to really be rotary enthusiasts.
I appal the idea of a piston engine in an RX-7. It's horrible, I think it borders on blasphemy. I would never do it to my car. Yeah, notice that word, my. If you want to do it, fine, I wish you all the best. I hope you enjoy your project and it works.
But, you shouldn't expect others to like it. You shouldn't expect others to not criticize you for it. Because a lot of us RX-7 enthusiasts happen to really be rotary enthusiasts.
