Our current build is 3rd gen and we are looking for rolling chassis. Upon researching and going threw the blue print process we are considering several Engine options. Was curious if there where any opinions out there as far as engine swaps. We are partial to the rotary, after all its part of the blood line for the car. We are kicking around the idea of hiring a consultant for this build. Any input would be appreciated. Also we would pay the bird dog on the chassis as well. Awesome forum btw...

 

What are you building the car for (fun, racing in a particular sanction, etc)?

How much are you looking to spend on the project? If you have the money, a well built NA 20B would be my choice. Outside of the 20B and sticking with the rotary, there isn't a reason to do anything else but a 13B-REW.

 

Some of the attributes will be: Flat cornering with taught ride but not Ricey. Maintaining or improving the power to weight ratio of the original design. Durable performance (including the body). Tasteful interior without the race look. Basically the quality of car you would expect from not just a build but a purposely designed car that is blueprinted.

We may do lite autocross for tuning purposes but are trying to stay away from race ride and drive ability. We have given it a lot of thought, it has been in the planning stages for 3 years. We finally have the resources to put it together, without a deadline so tight it would limit the quality.

We are acquiring parts and rolling chassis at the moment. We don't want to start with a salvage titled car, put are not a afraid of some bent sheet metal, most of the stuff we will be messaging anyway. Were are keeping this build conservative as a test bed.

 

Ive driven about every car under the sun shy of $150k+ exotics, there are few cars that are as much of a "drivers car" as a sequential turbo fd. I just dont see the point of swapping in another engine. The little engine is plenty capable, its often the owners that are not. Give the rotary a chance, build it correctly and replace the stuff that needs replaced at this age and you will understand why there are so many die hard enthusiasts out there.

 

Agreed. One of the main reasons the RX7 is so popular, is the rotary, not sure why someone would want to remove the heart of the car. Making it tamper proof will be the challenge. It seems a car with a turbo always finds a boost controller,lol. You guys rebuild engines right? We may need a supplier for rebuilt, used/new. let us know, maybe we can work out a long term deal.

 

For simplicity/reliability there will be a temptation to go single turbo. But I'd recommend staying with sequential twins if it's primary use is on the street. Depending on your budget, maybe consider something like BNRs to run raised boost levels efficiently and with longevity. And if your state allows, emissions delete. Large Street Port.
Based on your description, some other suggestions that might fit:
*Racing Beat Dual Tip cat-back...Improved stock (non-ricey) look and performance.
*Something like a Bonez hi-flow cat vs. mid-pipe. Good performance but law enforcement friendly sound w/o eye watering smell.
*Apex'i PFC engine management. Widely used. Big data and support base.
*Staying w/a stock mount IC...M2 if you can find one, or Pettit CG III.
*A true cold air intake...brand of your choice.

 

I agree with Sgtblue most definately. The sequential twin turbo sounds exactly like the setup you are looking for. I would also reccommend the BNR turbos as they house more potential than the stockers. Other than that, the car is such a joy to drive in its stock form, it really is a true driver's car.

If you all do not mind I would love to watch the progress of this project on here if that is all possible. Quality builds are always a treat.

 

We will update the build here, our website and the blog. Twin turbo sounds like a smart choice, we like the progressive nature of the power output as well. The car has to be user friendly and maintain durability for everyday use. Also fiberglass panels can be a maintenance issue, we intend on addressing that one as well. My personal opinion (even as a professional installer) has always been, "why spend all that money and then fill up the front of your panels with rock chips".

I see you guys have been threw the learning curve with the RX7 and will consider it a valuable resource. The input will be helpful in building a great car.

 

Where are you located at RCBS?

I'm also a huge fan of the BNR's, I've had them on my own car for awhile now and must say that they are great! Just make sure the solenoids can handle any extra boost you'll want to throw at them (I believe they are good until 20-21psi, I'm only running 18 due to fueling) and insure that you have very good cooling (preferably with a Water/Methanol Injection system) and you will LOVE them.

It's hard to speak poorly of turbos that can reliably run 400whp in sequential form with this car.

 

Search for gmonsen's build thread. Imo its perfection for a RX designed for road use