Alright, I'll start off with saying, if this is the wrong section, mods feel free to move. I spent about 5 min trying to decide where this would be best, figured here.

For starters, I'm brand new to this board as a member, but have lurked it for some time because a good friend of mine owns an fc. I currently have a subaru, but thats not the point.
I'm looking to start a new build, and I have 100% determined a 2nd gen rx-7 is what I want.

Now, here is where the real point of this thread begins. I've decided I want to just buy a chassis, and then swap whatever motor I decide on later. So with some searching, I have found this:

Mazda FC RX-7 1988 FC Rolling chassis, asking - $1300 (obo Pomona)

This was a track car built for races in Baja CA but was never completed. It is a bare chassis that was painted white inside and out, electrical and hydrolic lines reinstalled, new SS brake lines, New 7pt SCCA approved roll cage form autopower currently selling for $899 before shipping. Also has front and rear Racing Beat swaybars, Top mount intercooler, stock Oil cooler, 4 piston calipers, slotted rotors all around, the chassis is a GSL, has LSD in the back, power windows, sun roof, the power steering was changed to a manual for feedback and less engine strain. I have a Trust turbo exhaust ($300 paid $1200) for the car as well as a Turbo II transmission ($200) if those are parts you are looking for as well.

The car has been sitting for 5 years and its time to let it go. Selling to cut my losses, Roll cage + installation will run you $1300+ alone. Selling car for $1300 obo.
See pictures here
http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/a...ung/Rx-7%20FC/

This seems appropriate, as it includes a 7pt roll cage, and necessary mods for the track. But on the other hand, I am worried about the sun roof. So I ask you guys, is this a smart purchase? Are there pieces of this car that I should worry about?

Moving on to the next question: What swap would be best for what I am looking for?

I have been doing a little bit of research on rotaries, but I still cannot determine the best choice. I'm looking for this car to be a top end, high horsepower, time attack car.
So far, I can sense the urge inside of me that wants an N/A 20b. I have so much respect for N/A cars that can pull harder than ones that are turbocharged, but I have heard that the wiring and installation of the 20b will be pricey. So I will just ask you guys, if I'm aiming for a goal of around 500 whp on pump gas, what would be my best option?

thanks for any answers, I plan to stick around, and learn as much as I can before I make any purchases.

 

well the easy part... a 20b even peripheral ported only makes about 420-450hp, so unless you go 4 rotor, NA is out. it will be totally reliable though, which is something to think about...

sunroof isnt a big deal, its not heavy, and comes right out. besides finding a non sunroof car is not easy...

car seems like a good deal, most of the hard part is done, you could be racing pretty quickly

 

Looks like a deal to me, are you looking to build a track only car?

 

if I go 20b NA, can I turbo it farther down the road? My goal for the moment is just to get a running, reliable base motor in, and then I'll do the upgrades to it as time progresses. 400-450 sounds almost perfect, but I know I'll begin to thrive for more.
It seems, I won't have to worry about the brakes, we'll see how they feel. And with a solid set of coilovers the suspension should hold me over for awhile.

BTW, this isn't just a track car, I'm looking to make it a weekend car/track car, aka my fun car. So stripped interior is fine, but I know both my seats, yada yada, you get the idea.

Also, I live in southern california, where does one find a place to buy a 20b from? Is it like the subaru world where we have companies that sell turn keys?

 

You have to remember a 450 hp NA 20b is NOT a streetable engine, thast a massiva PP and terrible guel mileage, no way to pass emissions.
On boost you could make 500 with a responsive, streetable, and reliable package, with tons less strain on the engine and trans.

 

You can have a 20b imported to you, I suggest using Brian (Japan2LA) on these forums since he's a very reputable seller. With the engine in your hands, you can have it rebuilt by your favorite local rebuilder, my choice being Lucky 7 Racing. Are you looking to find someone to do all the work?

 

Okay, well I had a conversation with my friend Fernando and he suggested that that chassis is a grip of wasting money. He suggested that I go and find myself an s5 chassis for around $500, and then find a 13b turbo motor, tranny, and all the other goodies as I'm only looking to spend around 2 grand FOR NOW. At the moment I just want a reliable, running, fun motor. I can move on to bigger things in the future.

good idea?

 

I've seen that car on CL too,
get it for a grand, take him 1k cash money and I'm sure he'll bite.
Then swap in a turbo or NA motor for now until you can save up for a faster engine.
It's already almost track ready, you're gonna get all that stuff anyways.

 

There is almost no gain going to an s5 from an s4, especially when the s4 is already race-prepped.

If you really want an s5, just spend a few bucks, get the mouldings, bumpers, tailights, and mirrors, and you'll have an s5.