Im aware I dont use the rx-7 trannys in the swap. I dont see what everyones problem is here really. I mean you say it loses it origionality or rarity because it uses a SBC instead of a rotary, but i suspect it would be more rare because i bet there are more rx-7s with rotaries than SBCs. I dont want to buy a mustang. I said ive driven both mustangs and camaros and dont like either because they feel too heavy. Its a shame people are so quick to judge and tell me what to do with my car, and slow to see the bonuses of swapping a 8cyl. I mean it really is a lot easier to maintain a 400hp v8 than a 400hp rotary not to mention I bet a rotary making that top end power cannot stand up on its hind wheels. MIZERU, do you have a AOL screen name where I could talk to you about your swap? THanks for the people who hve provided valuable information.

 

The V8 RX7 owners always crush you religious rotary experimental preachers with facts and numbers in these fights. I would like to see a V8 RX7 own some of you NA kid in a race, it would be hillarious. Do you realize how you all soun like ricers trying to follow the prevailing fashion by conforming?

I own and love my rotary powered RX7 but there is more to life than following the beaten path! I intend to keep my own RX7 a rotary powered one, but I think the V8 swappers see potential for decomissioned NA FCs and make something unique out of what would otherwise be old parts.

Enough of the RX police already!!

 

I fail to see how the rotary path is a beaten path and how a V8 path is uniqe. I understant how people will say that the V8 is better in cost and ease of maintenace if that is your boat that is great but I just do not like it at all because it is like buying a ferarri with a v12 and putting in a v8 for easier maintenace. I don't think it would be rare if you put in a v8 because a lot of people put v8s in cars that did not come with them that is also a beaten path.I am not a ricer and rezent that remark towards the people who defend the rotary engine. I agree it is his car his money and his deccision. But I am giving my honest oppinion and I take pride in knowing I am not following a beaten path at all if I were I would have gotten a mustang because I had the oppertunity to own one at the cost of trading in my 94 Grand AM but I was already in love with the rotary and will never go back to liking V8 powered cars. But he can do what he wants because he didn't even ask our oppinion about this he only asked for the price and things that are involved in the swap. I will still love my slower non v8 car even more.

 

Mizeru, Mizeru, Mizeru
This is my last response to you, because I don't want to draw this out into an 11 page arguement.

In all of the V8 debates that I have been a part of, no one has ever won. The weight distribution issue always comes up, along with the handling issue. I'll just lay it out for you right now, there are no "affordable" V-8 swaps that include engines that weigh less than an NA 13B, period. Adding weight to any car, especially a naturally aspirated second generaton RX-7, will affect the handling. Yes, it will probably be faster, I'm not arguing that. Doesn't matter though, because a V8 RX-7 is still a bastard child and a disgrace to the chassis, IMO.

"Easier to work on" is debatable, if you know the rotary working on one should be just as easy.

Isaac

 

Actually, no V8 RX-7 owner has yet provided the FACTS that they have an "affordable" engine swap that weighs less than my naturally aspirated 13B.
More weight=a negative effect on the handling
I don't much care for racing guys with engines that dwarf my own, and to put it bluntly, non-turbo second gens suck *** at drag racing anyway. I should hope that a V8 Rx-7 could smoke my Sport, if not the owner should lose all respect for himself.
Anyone who has an RX-7 WITH A ROTARY ENGINE does not follow the beaten path. I think you were refering to ricers with '88 Integras (Just kidding Jeff!)

See you on the 8th at the meet dude,
Isaac

 

Ok, that is a Awesome post!
Finally a non "rotary purist" thats close minded, he sounds like a very open minded cool guy.
Wait, so you can't realize how a V8 in a FC is unique, when theres barely Any of them compared to rotary powered FC's? hmm..
Why do we care about your opinion on these threads anyway? Especially when the thread starter just wants to know some prices and information, NOT all you guys's Opinions on Rotary vs piston, and how its just hoooorible to do the swap, and don't do it, and buy a mustang, and blah blah blah... I'm sure he doesn't care and you're definately not going to convince him your case with your arguements.
~matt

 

If and or probably when I pop this motor, I will think pretty damn hard about going v8. Rotary this unique this wha wha wha. I used to be against the swap but after realizing that there are many engines that can swap into the FC at equal to or marginally more weight...I fail to see why this is criticized. I believe that we're all peformance orientated here...so lets look at the numbers and not cry just because the car no longer has a 'super duPer cO0L RoT4RY y0!'

 

Im aware I dont use the rx-7 trannys in the swap. I dont see what everyones problem is here really. I mean you say it loses it origionality or rarity because it uses a SBC instead of a rotary, but i suspect it would be more rare because i bet there are more rx-7s with rotaries than SBCs. I dont want to buy a mustang. I said ive driven both mustangs and camaros and dont like either because they feel too heavy. Its a shame people are so quick to judge and tell me what to do with my car, and slow to see the bonuses of swapping a 8cyl. I mean it really is a lot easier to maintain a 400hp v8 than a 400hp rotary not to mention I bet a rotary making that top end power cannot stand up on its hind wheels. MIZERU, do you have a AOL screen name where I could talk to you about your swap? THanks for the people who hve provided valuable information.

 

Hmm I dont know how that posted twice, but oh well. This site makes me sad. I read a few of the other flame wars on this subject and its just ridiculous. Its stupid to say "go buy a mustang"because I dont want a mustang. I want a goddamn rx-7 with a torquey v8 in it. If switching a v8 into a rex is ruining the car and destroying its heiritage, is leaving it in a junkyard or someones back yard to rust and die not destroying it? I hate to cut through the crap, but If the rotary is that superior and that much greater than a piston engine, then why the hell does only one car in production have a rotary? Has chevy used the 350SB since 195x because its a crappy motor?Man the thing that makes me want to buy a mustang and not a rex is the fact that the local mustang guys are much cooler and supportive of other people doing different things, there not a bunch of jerks that bash anything but the norm. I think thats really sad and definately takes away from the automotive society in general. Sorry to everyone that is open minded about the v8 swap in a rex that u had to read this, but after reading 200+posts I couldnt take it any more. Thanks to all the guys that had helpful info and if there are any of you that have done the v8 swap and I didn PM, give me a pm if your willing to talk with me about your swap and experiences. Thanks in advance for the help and frowns apon all of the flamers.

 

I have a friend with a 400 small block in his RX. It does not handle at all like a regular RX.

Cant help you with price. He traded his 1980 monster truck for it, worth about $2500. It doesnt run alot. They used the alternator off the RX and it keeps eating belts. It would probally work okay if he would put a GM alternator on it.

 

Lets just put it this way, we here at the rx7club have a saying, it goes something like this, "The Rx-7 knows about YOU!" and if you dare take one of our beloved rotary engines and replace it with a peice of rustang **** WE WILL FIND YOU, and it WON'T be pretty.

Have a nice day!

 

Isaac!! Lol I knew I would hear from you after trolling like that

The RX-7 is a road car, not a drag car in my opinion. Putting a V8 in one changes the road characteristics but would probably make a better drag car. The fact that the RX7 chassis is so popular for V8 conversions says a lot about how bad good it is, quite a compliment actually and not a disrespect to the RX-7.

Again the fact that there are so many FC NA shells out there for change makes it all the sweeter to get a JY 302 and start welding. One of these days I am going to build a V8 RX7 with salvage parts for a couple thousand bucks and have one of each

Acura!! That thing is so not riced out. It looks old and plain and I spank every ricer on a hard curve with it anyways. They are afraid of scratching their ground effects and body kits.

 

Your going to FIND ME? It WONT BE PRETTY? Thats a really dissapointing mentality. Forward progress is attained by doing things differently than the way they come from the factory. I think you are probably jealous because you realize that your engines simply do not put out the numbers as easily or as reliably as the american v8s. Mine current motor does not either. I have a 91 Talon Tsi AWD and I love it, but I am considering gettin rid of it because I know it will never realize the low end that I want it to. If I could swap a v8 in my talon I definately would, but it would be much much harder to do. Either way your threats and flames are a testament to your insecurity and blind loyalty. Your predjudice against newer ideas is really sad and bottom line, if people like you call yourselves an automotive enthusiasts I am ashamed to call myself one too.

 

The reason the only car that has a rotary is the rx-7 is because the piston engine has been used by every one and the rotary has not . I think if you would have seen all the car manufacturers use both engine types the rotary would have the big power you want. Also I got something else to say RXmuthafuckin8 I hope this car destroys the piston engines legacy. But seriously I would like to see your numbers after the swap just to see How much you spent for the performance so we can finaly see some proof ok so bring us some dyno sheets, time slips, and lap times to see the performance advantages of the V8. I would love to see those then Maybe every one will shut up.

 

Arcknight02: The SBC isn't the only V8 in town, you know... Thought about a 4.9 northstar? 300HP stock, easy to get much much more, LOADS of torque, and a great top end too (32v!) They're light, relatively cheap (allthough not as cheap as an SBC, they can be found in nearly new condition for $1000 or less), reliable, etc....

Lots of the v8 fiero guys are using them nowadays (I seriously considered going this route for a while when my 2.8 v6 blew!)

If you want a car with instant low end torque, a v8 is really the only way to go... So, if you don't like mustangs or F-bodies, there's really not much else around unless you go back into the early 80s or late 70s... Have you ever looked into a late 70s malibu? They're cheap and abundant, but rare enough on the streets... Look FANTASTIC (IMHO), can be made to handle reasonably well, launch amazingly, etc.... They're NOT big, but they are a little porky... not bad though, I think around 3000lb?

I just worry about doing a v8 conversion right... You need to do more than just chuck an engine in. New springs/shocks/mounts... transmission, driveshaft, rad... diff (depending on power, of course)... do you want a dedicated drag car? there goes MORE suspension, maybe even a live axle swap...

 

Rex-Experience, this is your first warning for flaming and making a personal attack. Also, here is another saying we have that you might not be aware of, 'The forum strives to maintain a welcoming and family type atmosphere for it’s members. Thereby any attempts, overt of covert, to undermine this goal will not be tolerated!'
Please read the forum rules on conduct:
https://www.rx7club.com/forum/misc.p...page=4#conduct

As for the rest of you take it easy or the thread will be closed. You can state your opinion as everyone is entitled to, but please do so in a respectful manner.

 

I would never put a V8 in MY car, the reason I bought an RX-7 was because I wanted somthing RWD, quick, with good handling, that wasn't a Mustang or F-BODY, but that's just me. I have a hard time with the V8 swap because, it turns your car into more of a dragster, and FC rear suspension is crap for drag racing. So, if you are going to do a engine/rear end swap, why not just buy a car with a v8, and live axle from the factory?

I do, have a lot of respect for a well turned out example, the white vert on v8RX7.com is very cool. And lets face it, there is nothing like the low end of a v8, I don't think I even need to mention the sound of a healthy v8 at WOT...

Enough BS, do a search for Granny's Speed Shop.

I just don't want to see an other "Jus throw a 3 fidy in thar" RX-7.

 

The FCs rear suspension is actually ok for drag racing. Its not the best.... but its is by no means crap.

 

I actually hadnt considered a northstar, I was more leaning toward a ford 302 or 351 based platform. The 302 blocks are much cheaper and lighter than lt-1s, and the for WC T-5s are pretty chaep (though not very strong), but its someplace to get started for less. Not to mention that 302 performance parts are much cheaper than chevys too. Do you have any facts or know any places I could find facts about the northstar, like what types of trannys they bolt up to/ wiring/ etc? The 4.9 NS sounds very origional, at least I havent heard anyone doing it in an ReX. Any info greatly appreciated.

 

You were talking about the TSI. I know people that beat GT Mustangs all the time with GSX's and TSI's. Do some upgrades and it would be a monster. I have dreams about AWD.

Look, if you want to do a V8 swap, go for it. It is your car. I didn't like the handling of my friends, but it was fun. Would still be fun if it ran.

One bit of advice. If you are gonna do it, Put in an LS1.

 

Why I started V8RX7.com:

Lets face it .... Grannys Speed Shop is why the RX-7 V8 conversions are becoming popular. However, I have concerns with Grannys and some of their business practices.

After being abandoned by Grannys Speed Shop while building my own V8 conversion, I turned to the RX-7 forums for advice, but I grew tired of getting flamed when I was only looking for help.

After being frustrated by both the Rotary diehards and Grannys I started V8RX7.com to give the V8 RX-7 swappers a home and a forum without the sales hype associated with Grannys and without the flame wars of the RX-7 forums.

A V8 RX-7 swap is not for everyone and we are never going to agree on this subject. However, there was 500,000 86-91 RX-7s import to the US alone (half a million). The few that are made into “hotrods” are not going to make the Rotary powered FC extinct.

You guys that get all upset and tell the moderators to kill these V8 threads make me laugh because of the hypocrisy shown by some of you, because I often see the same people claim a V8 ruins a RX-7 because of the extra weight but then ask in other threads about converting their N/A into a turbo II’s or ask about installing a 20B (which also adds weight). If you don’t like the idea and don’t want to see these threads anymore ……send them to V8RX7.com We will answer their questions on the V8RX7.com forum without insulting them in the process and these V8 threads “go away” on your RX-7 forum ... simple huh?

 

When I said the rear suspension on a FC is crap for drag racing, I meant it was crap for a real drag RACER, however its OK for a street/strip car.

 

here we go again

 

fuckit

 

Arcknight,

Couple of things.

First off, dont listen or argue with the kiddies. They are underinformed and generally argumentive just for the sake of being argumentive.

Second, the V8 swap, although not something I would do personally, is one kick *** modification. Weight distribution will STILL be somewhere in the 50/50 range.

Bottom line, like it or not. The rotary is a wonderful motor, and I love them to death. But lets be realistic. Which one is more reliable? A rotary making 400 HPs or a V8 making 400 HPs? I think that you and everyone else knows the answer to that question.

Only thing I would ask is that if you do the V8 coversion, PLEASE dont hack the crap outta the FC that you do it in. Keep it tasteful and good looking! The FC is one of the most beutiful cars on the road, in my opinion.

GOod luck with your project!!

Jarrett

*edit* V8RX7's car? That thing is friggin bad-***.