RBRotary

Well i've been hoping on buying a FD in the near future. But i'm not exactly looking forward to getting into the 13BTT. i've heard a lot of bad things about it like being unreliable and i can't have that because it would be my daily. I've come to a conclusion that i want a 20B swap. Can anyone shed some light on how much it would cost? The entire swaps with all the works.

Thanks

khoveraki

In short, if you're afraid of a number like $35,000, a 3 rotor swap is not for you.

But also, it's really clear that you're very uninformed about the 13b-rew and maybe even rx7s in general. Before you buy anything, read A LOT. Read all the FAQs here. Do a lot of searches.

charlesc76

iTrader: (3)

Well......start by reading this thread: https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=789775

I'm currently in the middle of a 20B build and I am in it for 30K which I had the shop price out prior to the start of any work being done and they have agreed that it will NOT exceed that and I can tell you that I am sure they have exceed that cost already.

Charles

Evil Aviator

Er, then buy a non-turbo FC. It worked great for me, and I just bought another one a few months ago for only $1K.

The 13B-REW is unreliable so you want to replace it with a 20B-REW that is even more complicated and requires a huge amount of custom fabrication and professional tuning? How did you come up with that conclusion?

I have over $35K in my 20B FC and it still needs fuel lines and intercooler plumbing. Due to the required subframe, an FD costs about $1-3K more with everything else being equal. "All the works" would cost in the $50K to $120K range, depending on your definition of "all the works".

dial8

iTrader: (4)

Dammit Evil, you ruined all our fun!

RBRotary

ok to much for me thats pushing it haha
thanks for all the help guys but thats to much!

anyone have any other good engines to swap in FD's? (not LS engines please)

khoveraki

The stock motor is plenty reliable, just do some minor reliability mods. If you're that worried about money however, maybe get a celica or something.

cabaynes

iTrader: (4)

Reliability is the fault of the owner, not the engine. Learn a thing or two before posting and you'll be able to daily drive an FD (though I would not recommend it if you have a tiny budget)

FD3S2005

iTrader: (11)

don't put any other motor inside a 7, its bad luck..... but seriously i have daily my car for almost 4 in a half years now, with minor problems. which were all reliability mods that needed to be done. and if money is a problem, might want to look elsewhere, parts aren't cheap and and mechanics aren't cheap

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

If you do mild modifications, the stock motor setup is just fine. If you want to spend your time driving and not rebuilding, here's what I would suggest doing to a stock engine:

Aluminum radiator
Aluminum AST
Vacuum lines replaced with Baker Precision vacuum lines
Stock catalytic converter replaced with a Bonez Hi-Flo
Add whatever catback you like

do the normal maintenance and leave everything else alone (performance-wise that is). Provided you have a decent car to start with, that will provide you years of trouble-free fun.

RBRotary

But i wanna throw some power out. i know its not a very seen swap but what if its RB26 swapped? cause i have a buddy that'll do it for pretty cheap. i don't want a 240 or anything i'm in love with the rx7. FD and FC

zachg88vert

iTrader: (7)

the fd has plenty of power stock let alone with a few bolt-ons so power shouldnt be an issue. but +1 for the n/a fc its very reliable.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

You'd be surprised how quick a mildly modded FD really is. However, if you are curious about non-rotary engine swaps check out the Other Engine Swaps section:

https://www.rx7club.com/other-engine-conversions-non-v-8-118/

Ottoman

with just bolt ons on a healthy motor u can get 400hp (flywheel) out of the stock motor and stock turbos


i've done it.. on my own as well with no professional assistance.. just these forums and the FSM and myself

Evil Aviator

If I understated the cost and difficulty involved (ala Monster Garage) then it would REALLY ruin all your fun when you realized the real deal 6 months and $8,000 into the swap. At least this way you know what you are getting into. I wish I knew it when I started, lol. Oh well, it's almost finished now.

I don't understand how you can be "in love" with an RX-7 and not want a rotary engine which is the entire basis of the car. It is like saying you love banana splits but you hate bananas.

scotty305

iTrader: (2)

I completely underestimated the FD until I drove one, it is a great car in bone stock form. Even with the stock 255 flywheel HP, it's probably faster than 90% of the other cars you can buy for under $15-20k right now. Don't take my word for it; your standards may be different, go drive one and then decide for yourself.

Unfortunately the cost of maintenance is higher than most other cars, budget $500-1000 per year, with the ever-present possibility of an engine rebuild (maybe $3k-6k on average, depending on how much you want to upgrade while you're at it) especially if the engine has high mileage or the car is making a lot more power than stock.