I drive an 88 n/a and I've been considering turbocharging it for a little while now. I love the ideas of turbos and this car seems like it should have one. Last night, I was poking around on Corksport and saw the j-spec 89-91 turbo engines for cheaper than what I'd pay for a turbo kit. I got ideas. Here's the questions:

1. What parts will I need to drop that engine in my car? (i.e. ecu, airbox, etc.)
2. What type of cost would the project end up at, assuming I use an FMIC as opposed to the standard intercooler?
3. What would I be getting myself into?

Thanks guys.

 

This question is asked time and time again.

When I had a 89 gxl I considered this. To be honest it is way easier to just go buy a TII. I am not sure of your mechanical abilities...but if you aren't that mechanically inclined then I would stay away from it. If you are it is going to cost way more than just going out and getting a TII; and be a huge pain in the ***.

You would need the wiring harness from a TII and a ecu. The tranny and rear end in a N/A isnt as strong as a TII tranny and rear end. Plus there is probally some stuff I am leaving out. I mean it would be a great learning experience if you were to do it. If you do it get a second car to drive while yours is all apart. That is another cost unless you borrow someones

I am not trying to down you so dont take it that way. I use to be turbo less also...it is way better going out and getting one..i would go for a 89-91 that is the year I really wanted. I got a 88 AE instead..and am totally happy with it. Plus another thing to consider is after you take what you have in your rx7 and put all that money into turboing it you could have gotten a TII. Or the money you would spend on transplanting the motor..would be a hell of a downpayment on a TII, if not out right buy one; and you would have two rx7's.

well that is my opion and I hope it helps you.
good luck and later

 

well theres 2 thoughts to this

IF you really love the way your N/A looks
then do it

if not sell the na n buy a TII
average price under $4,000

I have a 87 SE
my engine broke a water seal
so I bought a 88 TII motor
that was at my mechs shop for $600
with wiring harness n ecu
and BOOST sensor
I had the engine ported and rebuilt $800
I had the flywheel n front counterweight
of the TII engine replaced with my na ones
so it bolts on to my SE's drivetrain
you would also need the accelerator cable for a TII
$35 new

14.6 1/4 @ stock boost level 5psi

I am now buying a 87 black TII body in real good shape for $700

I got my SE "running" for $300
from a friend who could not pay the title loan he took out
on the car