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V8 conversion to 89 gtu

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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 03:32 PM
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V8 conversion to 89 gtu

i've tried the search function with no return. syntax error. Well regardless a quick backround from me. I am from the nissan camp. I own a 1993 240sx with an SR20DET swap here in california. Well the man has got me down with his laws . I was looking into the fc and read how much more realible the 2nd gen is to the 3rd. I dont want to turn this into a "knocking the rotary" debate. I want to swap a 302 from a 5.0 mustand and have the swap passed by the BAR here in california. It has been done and weight distribution is maintained with some lightening of parts. I wanted to here why, if anything this swap wouldnt be a smart idea. I am not a drag racer, nor am i a fully dedicated dori-dori maniac, but I dabble in both. Basically a fun daily driver to get me through college with some fun. What do you think?


Btw. Does the rx-7 have junk yard car benefits. For example. The 240 can get a great brake upgrade from a junked 300zx ( 4 piston, larger caliper), LSD swappable. etc.


Sorry for the long post. Thank you.
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 03:35 PM
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From: wichita, ks
hey dude you post on FA don't ya? i used to have a s14 and posted on there alot.
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 03:35 PM
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theres hella **** on v8 swaps...i dunno why nothign coming up for u. theres hella hate on it to. be carefule u are threading in dirty water:-D
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 03:52 PM
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thanks for the heads up. yes i post on FA. I hope people see this as a car question, and not a question of domestic vs. Import battle.
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 04:47 PM
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Hey man, you might want to go about looking on www.V8rx7.com and maybe www.thewrongmotor.com to see some V8 RX7 action. Good luck to you man, i think its a great idea and i would love to have one in replacement for my N/A. A daily driver V8 Rx7 and a bad *** TII is what i would consider primo, but eh, too much money for my broke ***.
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 07:41 PM
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yea, im going toying with going v8 2nd gen or turbo v6 out of a z31 300zx. Im going to see what the BAR has to say about that swap. It should work, only problem I see is that a new exhaust manifold has to be made so it probably wont be smog compliant . Im still going to keep a 240 for the mountain passes.

Thanks for the websites.
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 09:34 PM
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JoeHack98-

Here is the direct link to doing a V8 swap in any generation RX-7:

http://www.torquecentral.com/forumdi...php?forumid=11

As you are a college student the 5.0 Stang '87-93 EFI engine trans can be found for around $700-1200 in decent running condition. Be aware that the 2nd gen RX-7 for the most part has a 4:10 rear diff (3:90 in some cars)..... and the 5th gear of the T-5 for the Stang is a .67 ratio. This will limit you to about 145mph top speed if your engine makes enuf power to pull 5th gear and the rev's on the highway will be a little higher than desirable.

A better option IMO if you can afford it is an LT1 with T56 6speed (.75 5th and .50 6th). They come with aluminum heads already vs. cast irons for the 5.0 (which flow crappy)... and you get 50ci for free meaning more torque! These go for anywhere between $1500-2400 depending upon mileage. The strength and the benefits of the T56 vs. the T-5 are day and night. Guys with LT1/T56 RX-7 conversions are getting 28mpg+ on the highway with 4:10's!!!! Also the top end speed with one of these transmissions with enuf power could eclipse 200mph. Ported stock LT1 heads with cam and good exhaust on a stock LT1 shortblock will put an RX-7 in the low 12's or high 11's on street tires and still maintain 25+mpg. Same amount of work as doing a 5.0.... but a little more entry cost to buy the parts. Worth it big time!

Another option is a Buick GN turbo V6 setup. You are required to use an automatic as a manual would be costly and not CARB legal. Plus you would need to get an '87 model RX-7 to be legal also. My conversion would pass smog and uses a stock turbo and runs mid 11's and has mucho grunt. A larger turbo with only an upgraded intercooler and injectors would put the car easily in the 10's. complete running GN engine/transmissions sell for around $2500-3K.

As far as brake upgrades.... the 5 lug 4 piston aluminum caliper brakes on the GXL and Turbo2 are the best ones and no real bolt on junkyard upgrades are available. With good pads they work great.

See you on the V8RX7 messageboard (the link I provided). You won't regret this conversion... if you live near San Francisco I'll be happy to give you a ride in mine.

-GNX7
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 04:08 AM
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gnx7- Thank you for your time. It was a great read with enough info. I may be a college student, but i am a hard worker and I have enough to drop an LT1 in. I put an SR ($2600) into my 240. I would go Chevy over ford in a heartbeat. I am looking for a "heartless" 2nd gen rx7 roller. If i have enough cash I would love to do one to a 3rd generation. I have always loved the body lines of that car. Hopefully I can find one with a blown engine and an owner that wants it out. Black FD with factory front lip has always got me going
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