iRick.

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.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

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

MaczPayne

iTrader: (5)

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

iRick.

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?

rnz520

iTrader: (10)

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.

MaczPayne

iTrader: (5)

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?

iRick.

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?

tulok

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.

MaczPayne

iTrader: (5)

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.