FD3S LHD RHD Parts Interchange or Interchangeable
 

The purpose of this thread is to accumulate information on the which parts are, or are not, interchangeable between JDM RHD and USDM LHD FD3S generation three RX-7; or to make enquiries in that regard.

Parts not interchangable:

- dash, center console, cluster face and hood, AC panel, door trims...etc you get the idea
- underdash items such as heater, blower, evaporator
- steering rack
- engine harness
- the brake booster is slightly different, the vacuum nipple points in a different direction, but can be modified to fit with some extra tubing
- the ABS pump depending on the model
- ABS pump bracket/mount
- ABS lines from pump to MC
- Not sure but the brake MC might have connections on the opposite side?
- Front hard brake lines I guess...and I would assume the hard brake line coming from the rear to the front would be different as well?
- 16bit ECU
- Throttle cable
- Hood release cable? (Or is it symetrical?)
- Clutch line
- Fuel door release
- Not sure but I assume the side mirrors? Do the motors move symetrically so they can be exchanged with LHD mirrors or do they have some bias?

Carpet WILL work, although there is some comprise such as fitment towards the front of the cabin as it creeps up behind the dash, as well as the cutout for the gas tank / hatch release.

RHD models used an 8-bit ECU up until the 1996 revision, which should work on a LHD car. However, the JDM RHD cars had less emissions than the NA ones so that might pose a problem.

I believe that the mirror motors and are the same on RHD cars. The actual glass mirrors, however, are a little different. RHD mirrors on a LHD car would greatly restrict visibility.

Viva La Difference
 

Thanks for the quick list. Should be very helpful.


We have experience that the windshields may be slightly different, although some have reported switching without problem.


It seems the cowl over the instrument panel is also not interchangeable, as mentioned above.


Cars usually are imported without their original radios/cd/cassette players. I understand that is possibly because the Japan FM banding is different. LHD Miatas of the same vintage yield "period correct" looking Radio/CD players.

See the Lights
 

The RHD headlight lenses point light to the left. This can be an inspection fail item. They can be replaced with LHD lenses or aftermarket lights.

UIM and LIM
 

Due to less emission control features UIM, LIM and ACV may be different.


Series 8 ACV valve lacks one of the bypass valves.
Series 8 OMP is an upgrade (to Mikuni)
Series 7 and up has a rat box rather than rat's nest

When you say center consol do u mean the shifter e break plastic part or the trans tunnel cover bc I just ordered a short Jdm trans cover to finish my rear seat swap really hope that it fits

Nope
 

I suspect that will not work for you. The giveaway is the location of the ashtray in the upper part










The picture shows the LHD upper on an RHD lower. RHD upper sits beside.








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Attachment 592053






If you try the RHD upper, it will not mesh well with the radio panel.


I wonder what others have done for the rear seat conversion.

Most just take the long one n trim it a lil or just rest the seat bottom on top of it but kinda makes it a lil less usable I think
Looks like I am going to have to splice the 2 into one

Repair and Replace.
 

If yours is in good shape, maybe better to find a beat up one and modify it and re-cover it with leatherette. Rather than otherwise destroy value. Atkins still has new ones for sale, I think.

LHD RHD Seat Swap
 

RHD often have passenger seats that are in very good shape and therefore good candidate to swap for any highly worn LHD driver's seat. Has anyone attempted this? What issues arise?

Sprit-R and RZ recaros are often used in LHD vehicles. No issues as far as i have read.

Questions: Are floor mats interchangeable between RHD and LHD?

No. Since they are side specific you would have to flip them over on their back side to fit. Imagine swaping your left hand glove onto your right hand, it only works if you flip the glove on its back side...damn those opposable thumbs!

However I'm pretty sure you can use the rear floor mats as they seem symetrical, not 100% sure about that though...

The reason why i ask is because from what i have seen, the floor area on the left side is identical on both LHD and RHD, and the same goes for the right side.
And thus my idea is that i dont need to swap them, i can just use them on the side they are meant to be on, and they would fit.

Floor mats "fit" but not well. I've driven a LHD car with RHD floor mats, they're n there, but, well... leave something to be desired.

so pretty much everything in the LHD you would like to replace with better condition or new ones from a RHD ..you can't. lol. the interior trims .. plastic pieces etcetc

ECU pinout is different so no,it won't work.

Dead pedals
 

RHD and LHD dead pedals are different shape.

No Check Engine Test Lamp
 

In one case, in Canada, the vehicle inspector insisted that he had to see the check engine light "test flash" when the ignition was switched on, even though it was explained that JDM FD did not come with such feature. The fix was to rig the seat belt test light to read "check engine". It passed, but who knows what would have happened if the inspector insisted that there be an actual check engine circuit.

are the earlier year RHD front brakes caliper interchangeable with our usdm ?

Yep.

Lol rigging a fake engine light to pass ...what an idiot that inspector.

jdm down pipe and main cat fit lhd?

Jdm down pipe is the most common mod on a usdm car..

Yes.