2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Homemade Turbo II

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Old May 15, 2002 | 02:41 PM
  #1  
Garage Kids's Avatar
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Homemade Turbo II

Hey...

Here is the deal...I got a 89 GXL for 200 dollars, doesnt run, decent body, primered, needs interior, motor, etc etc. What I really wanted was a Turbo II but cant find one near me, and dont wanna pay the insurance for one either really. Is it going to be the biggest pain in my @ss to make this one into a Turbo II, or is it just a matter of motor and some aero's. Is the Turbo II motor swap a really difficult one to perform into a non turbo car....are there any sites with a walkthrough or a write up on this swap...Im new to rotaries really so Im gonna need some help on this one.

Thanks to everyone who helps me out in advance
Shane
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Old May 15, 2002 | 03:07 PM
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this question is asked a lot, there is ample info in the archives and do a search for 'NA to turbo'

from what I have heard you need the engine (with turbo etc.) ecu and drivetrain.
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Old May 15, 2002 | 09:13 PM
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IMO it's not worth the trouble, and you would be better off parting-out that GXL and just buying a TII. However, if you don't mind spending a lot of time, and possibly a little more money than a TII normally sells for, then it may be a fun project, and you will definitely learn a lot along the way.

Search this 2Gen forum for NA to TII conversions. I would imagine that searching the thread titles for "conversion" would yield a lot of results. Here is a recent thread with fantastic pictures:
https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...threadid=60593

Believe it or not, the insurance is usually the same for a TII and 2Gen non-turbo coupe. It was the same rate on my policies from Progressive, State Farm, and USAA for the past 14 years. Let me guess, you didn't even bother to ask your insurance carrier, did you?
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Old May 15, 2002 | 10:00 PM
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Re: Homemade Turbo II

Originally posted by Garage Kids
What I really wanted was a Turbo II but cant find one near me, and dont wanna pay the insurance for one either really.
The insurance company doesn't care if your car is a Turbo model or not. They only care if the car is turbocharged. A turbo'd NA will cost the same to insure as a T2. Unless you lie to the insurance company about it, which is about the stupidest thing you can do...
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Old May 15, 2002 | 11:05 PM
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Re: Re: Homemade Turbo II

Originally posted by NZConvertible
The insurance company doesn't care if your car is a Turbo model or not. They only care if the car is turbocharged. A turbo'd NA will cost the same to insure as a T2. Unless you lie to the insurance company about it, which is about the stupidest thing you can do...
In the US, the rates are usually based on the VIN, not the modifications. The exception is if you get special collector car insurance to cover any mods which raise the car above blue book value, but this is probably not economical for most of the cars on this forum:
http://www.accuratevalue.com/classic_insurance.html
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Old May 16, 2002 | 12:05 AM
  #6  
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Re: Re: Re: Homemade Turbo II

Originally posted by Evil Aviator
In the US, the rates are usually based on the VIN, not the modifications.
So you could throw a 20B/T72 in an NA and the insurance company wouldn't care?! Holy cow...
Over here they get upset if you fit a Momo...
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Old May 16, 2002 | 10:01 AM
  #7  
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From: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Re: Re: Re: Re: Homemade Turbo II

Originally posted by NZConvertible
So you could throw a 20B/T72 in an NA and the insurance company wouldn't care?! Holy cow...
Over here they get upset if you fit a Momo...
LOL, they don't even look at the car most of the time. The only problem is that if it gets wrecked or stolen, the insurance will only pay for blue book value on collison and comprehensive policies.

Funny you should mention that, because I actually have a 20B/T66 in my NA, and the insurance (bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, uninsured motorist, and towing) is $215.38 USD for 6 months, which is my standard rate for any 79-91 RX-7 coupe. Unfortunately, once I start driving it on the street, I will want to add collision and comprehensive coverage to protect my $30,000+ investment, so I will need to purchase collector car insurance.

Last edited by Evil Aviator; May 16, 2002 at 10:03 AM.
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Old May 16, 2002 | 04:52 PM
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Homemade Turbo II

Originally posted by Evil Aviator
LOL, they don't even look at the car most of the time.
Yeah, they don’t here either. But you’re required to list all modifications to the car on your exhaust application, and inform them if you make any more later. That is if they don’t turn down your modified vehicle straight away! And “Is your vehicle turbocharged?” is actually a separate question on the form! If you later make a claim, and they decide that any undeclared mods might have contributed to you needing to claim (like a huge undeclared stereo being stolen) they’ll refuse your claim and may even cancel your policy for concealing the truth! Generally as long as the mods didn’t contribute to your need to claim, they’ll turn a blind eye, but you have to be careful...
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Old Oct 16, 2002 | 10:49 AM
  #9  
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From: ct
go ahead and make the conversion , idont no why people are scrared of doing the conversion , all you need is the motor na flywheel afm boostsensor nocksensor harness on the passenger side thats it should take you 9 hours for the swap it is very easy
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Old Oct 16, 2002 | 12:57 PM
  #10  
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From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
actually the insurance does know if its a t2 or not.
jm1fc331 vs jm1fc332. wheater they charge more or not is up to them. i know i get raped on the gsl-se vs a 12a car. because the gsl-se is a "performance" car

mike
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Old Oct 16, 2002 | 03:10 PM
  #11  
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Check your policies!!! Anytime you drive a car with major mods and there is an accident, the insurance company could technically get out of paying anything. They probably won't even look at the car for more than a quick damage estimate, but if they wanted to be ******** highly modded cars without special provisions in the insurance pretty much can void coverage.

There was a thread about this on here a while back.
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