Suds

I am in the process of purchasing a '91 n/a for 5k with another 4-5k to be made this summer. I'm looking to add a turbo (probably a KKK for about $1600), HKS super mega intake, Apexi N1 Dual w/silencers, possibly an intercooler, Haltech upgrade, and I want to paint it a high gloss white. Anyone suggest anything different, or more?

Icemark

If you want a Turbo, you should be buying a T2, not converting a NA over. Your just wasting money

XLR8

iTrader: (52)

Turbocharging a Na rx7 is tricky, a 91 at that.

Explanation
86-88 engine compression is 9.5/1
89-92 engine compression is 10/1
TII engine compression is 8.5/1

Na motors have a higher compression from the fractory because they make more power. However, when you turbocharge a car, the compression needs to be lower then that of a NA car because of detonation risk.

NA rx7's also have 6ports in the exhaust manifold, TII Rx7's are 4port blocks. So, you will have trouble finding a turbo manifold unless one is made.

NA drivetrains were not ment to handle the power of a turbo. The tranny and clutch especially will start having problems.

There are many factors that involve turbocharging an NA rx7. You will save yourself a lot of time, money, and agervasion if you just buy a TII from the beginning.

You could buy a TII that already has mods for 5k.

darkwaveboi

he's right, i have a 91 n/a, only becuase 1. mom bought it so NO turbo
2. already have it so i cant sell it.

if you DONT already have an rx7, BUY THE TURBO MODEL. enless your a good mechanic and you wanna grease up your hands and watch your money disappear.

Suds

No, can't get another one, this is it. The guy we are buying it from just put in a new engine and transmission in it, so we are paying for what he put into it; which we shouldn't be paying for. I realized also that the drivetrain needed to be replaced but forgot to include that in my list.

I believe the compression on the '91 N/a is 9, it was in a post in rotary performence and I believe is on mazdaspeed.com or another. Maybe the compression is low enough for a turbo and I will only need turbo manifold made?

Sykes

Is it really that much of a hassle to do the NA to TII conversion? I may be able to get an '88 GXL for $900CDN. The only thing is the motor is blown and there are NO TII's (I mean none are for sale... I've been looking for almost a year). Any info would be greatly apprciated.

I've noticed this question being asked quite often. Maybe somebody could write an article on this topic?

RETed

damn double thread...


-Ted

Silkworm

Sykes,

Yeah, that'd be a good idea huh.. That's why.. they made.. THE SEARCH feature. Of course, it's broken right now, so I can't be too hard on you. But when it's fixed, go search for T2 conversions, there's a bunch of stuff out there already.

And yes, it's a major hassle.

Suds,

X8LR is dead on. Higher compression will lead to easier detonation, which leads to dead rear rotors. If you do go this route, you'll be stuck around 4-5 psi of boost until you swap in a T2 motor with the lower compression rotors.

Scrap the intake, you'll have to fab up a totally new system for the turbo. And forget your budget. I can't see putting a turbo on and staying with a stock NA computer, you're going to need a programmable, and those are pricey. And a fuel pump, new injectors, Intercooler, and custom pipes for that. You'll need to get a downpipe and exhaust manifold made up for the turbo (pretty sure the stock T2 manifold will not bolt up the turbo with the stock NA intake manifold in the way. And when you solve all of those problems, you'll still be stuck with 5psi of boost.

Hell of a lot of trouble for 5psi, IMHO.. . I know I know, you're locked into this car, why I don't know, but you are. And since that's the case, get it, spend the 5K in suspension and paint, and go autocross. Or spend it on a cage and go racing with us

PaulC