cpubugs

I just purchased an 1987 RX7 Turbo II,
The body is in pretty good shape no excessive rust the few spots it has are easily curable. This is going to be a top to bottom front to back project. I have a good friend who runs a rotary shop in town, so the engine work will be out sourced to him. But everything else I intend to do my self, with a little help from some friends. To my dismay some one has relieved the car of it's turbo and intercooler. Therein lies my dilemma. Since I have to get a new turbo and IC anyway I had a few questions. How many lbs of boost can I expect with the stock turbo? because I have found these relatively inexpensive in working condition. Or is it well worth it to upgrade. because from what I understand the stock turbo system operates with very minimal lag, and it fairly decent. My goal here is to do this all right the first time even if it costs more so I don't kick myself in the butt down the road. And since I am starting on the drive train first I figured I should get these sort of details in order. Also any other tips from those who have resurrected these cars are much appreciated. like what is ok to stick with OEM and what needs after market upgrades. Ect..







As you can see in the following two pictures the person i got it from was quite the tool.... In one sense I am happy I have it in another I think "What have I gotten my self into".... I HATE REDNECKS... Sorry...

chexmix78

turbo?

cpubugs

See above

cprx7

if the parts in the passenger seat belong to the engine installed, then your car is not a turbo model. I think that's what chexmix78 is questioning.

cpubugs

It is a turbo model.. The person that had it converted it to an NA for some ungodly reason. The only thing I can think of is that they killed the turbo or sold it for crack I don't know... But now it has the non-turbo intake, and exahaust manifolds. i will say it again... I hate rednecks...

cpubugs

Oh and passenger seat.... LOL don't have one of those either... But hey for 300 bucks what do you expect...

He pulled the engine, I have a coffee can full of nuts and bolts. I do know that it has not run since they did their little turbo to non turbo conversion.

I am debateing on just buying a complete swap and working with that insted of messing with this puzzle.

And yes that is a Lasso Rodeo rope holding the tranny up...

jd to rescue

iTrader: (3)

Looks like my recent cluster f--k. The dynamic chamber and upper intake are for an N/A 13B S4 engine. The only turbo looking thing is the hood. I did not see the engine core pictured so cannot tell for sure what block you have. If there are actuators (2) on the side of the lower intake manifold, you have a six port N/A core, which would be compatible with the dynamic chamber pictured. Though the six port "can be" turbo charged, you will need a load of aftermarket parts, remapped ECU and a custom exhaust manifold to bolt up to the turbo charger.

jd to rescue

iTrader: (3)

^^Yup! Just looked at the pictures again. It appears you have a six port S4 motor.

KeloidJonesJr.

iTrader: (8)

Rolling chassis? Maybe the scoop threw him off. GL with it.

breckboarder55

im sorry but this is the second time some one has told me this "it was a turbo that was converted to NA" ... no its not... check your vin dude im not trying to start something but that would def be a n/a intake manifold....

cpubugs

I'll get some pics of the motor up when I get home. It is very possible that there was an entire engine swap.. But Seeing the type of work he does... I doubt it... I really won't be dissapointed if I have to get a whole new engine. As for the ECU, I have yet to find it.. There is no interior carpet or anything unless it is somewhere other than under the seats. So I may need one of those also,.... I am sure the plot will thicken the deeper I dig...

rotorforce

I can check the VIN for you to determine if it's a turbo..I noticed the non-turbo mirrors too.

edit: Non-turbo seat too...

cpubugs

I wouldn't think any one would be starting anything. This is pretty much why I posted this. To get a feel as to what I was in for. So don't be afraid to speak up. But don't get rude, I am very receptive to the fact that I have been screwed... trust me..

Besides, if it wasn't turbo before, it will be when I am done. So my heart won't be broken

jd to rescue

iTrader: (3)

There is a metal kick plate mounted in the passenger seat foot well under which you will find the ECU, if it is still installed.

cpubugs

Cool, well hen I get home I will get the VIN, pictures of the engine, and check the ECU. Anything else?

jd to rescue

iTrader: (3)

Maybe a couple qualudes?? HAHA!!

cpubugs

lol...

Goofy

Enjoy. What're your final plans for this thing?

cpubugs

As much as I would like it as an every day driver and a strip car, I fear I would get in to too much trouble with it on the street. So who knows. If I grow up a little (Im 27) and can handle having the power and not using on the street I may use it occassionally for driving around town. But I think My main goal is going to be track. Haven't decided if I want to drag or circuit, locally there isn't much going for circuit, but every friday night we have a huge imports night at our track. We like to call it the Puerto Rican races.

riverzendz

When your "I'm a FC owner" excitement fades and you end up parting her out, let us know, I'm sure you could get your $300 back in parts. j/k...maybe.

cpubugs

It won't fade. but Any parts I replace with aftermarket parts. I will let everyone here know first. Like this NA intake I have after it is cleaned up and inspected to insure it is ok, it's out the door.

cpubugs

Ok so here is the VIN JM1FC3311H0539861.

Engine Pictures Will be on in a few minutes. Just a few noob/stupid questions. What signifies a turbo from a turbo II? What is the difference between the S4 and S5 engine. A web link explaining these would work i don't mind reading.

cpubugs

Another question. Normally on a motor it has a manufacturing metal tag rivited on it. I do not see one on this at all. For instance on my wife's accord there is one with her VIN on it and the type of engine it is. And Same thing on my Nissan Pickup.. Do these motors normally have them and some asshat just removed mine? Or is it normal for them to not have one?

Sideways7

iTrader: (7)

I don't recall ever seeing a tag on the engine with the VIN but I could be wrong.
Also, it is definately a 6-port non-turbo engine. The turbo is the same as turbo II. Turbo II is hte official name of the car, but most people just call them turbos. s4's are 86-88 model years and s5's are 89-91's. S5s had higher compression rotors, different intake, and many other more minor differences. There should be something in the faqs about that.
Edit: I don't know for sure on the seats, but they look awefully similar to my base model's. It doesnt appear to have the turbo wheels either. He also replace the antenna with a different one and grafted on some type of aftermarket spoiler. At least it appears to be a decent looking one and done reasonably well. Either way, it looks like you have a NA model, maybe a sport model since it's a 5-lug. A quick way to see if it was originally a turbo is to look a the gauges. If theres a boost gauge it was prob a turbo to start with.

cpubugs

Well according to the VIN it started out life as a turbo. What this jack hole did to it after that was made it in to a monster.... And Now I have to try and undo all his wrong doings. The one seat that is there I am not even 100% sure it is the orginal seat or an RX7 seat at all. The spoiler was tack welded on and no one bothered to smooth out the welds. As for the wheels... Yeah those are trailer tires... I had to use them to get the car home on my buddies car dolly. So while I am relieaved that it is actually a turbo model, I am becoming more and more upset with who ever made these rediculous changes.

Tomorrow in the AM I will go out and pull the ECU and see if I have to get one of those also....

So for a car in this condition with all the mistakes I am going to have to reverse is 300 bucks a deal or not?