a small block Chevy with headers, carburetor and none of the BS engine management crap is starting to sound pretty good to me

I miss the days of my 454 '69 camaro .....totally stripped out engine bay....if something went wrong I could diagnose it in 2 seconds

 

My brother's got a very healthy LT1 going into his 97 SS, and my Dad is putting an LS6 in his 1950 Chevy truck. Those are great engines. Is the motor stock V8 Lover? You'll probably get alot better gas mileage, too . I only get 16 to a gallon in my 1.3 liter rotary, while my brother gets 24-30 to a gallon in his old 400 horse LT1. Thats just not fair .

Nick

 

That thing is gonna be awesome. The rex is a great car and will be better with the V8 reliability!!

 

I totally agree. A SBC in and FD would make an awesome car. If I had the time and resources, I would probably do it myself. If there is one thing that GM can do right, its build engines!

 

weight of 13B w/o turbo and intercooler = 105kg

 

I thought the LS1 was taller than the LT1 - was that incorrect? Also, what are you doing for a subframe - does the one made for the LT1 work or did you have to custom build something?

 

BOOOOOOO HIIIIMM!!!! j/k

What ever floats your boat. Good luck!

 

Just to make you look like even a bigger dumbass then you are:


Not only did my LS1 block come via UPS (150lbs limit) but I can pick it up and move it where ever my heart desires. In fact, I went up a flight of stairs with it. You honiestly should shut your mouth when you know nothing about what is being decussed. And like Jimlab he said, his cast iron LT-1 weighs close to that of the 13B-REW so think about this smart ***... You honiestly think an engine with a very close overall size of the LT-1, but with aluminum heads, block, oil pan (for Christs' sake) couldn't possilby be lighter then the 13B-REW? I think everybody got the point, I'm done ranting and beating the dead horse.

V8Lover - Congrats on the project! I remember talking to you awhile ago when you were searching for a FD. Never did I think I would find a tread about you actually having the LS-1 in and ready to go. I also are looking for an FD once again to convert.

Nick

 

I've read 1.5 inches to 2.75 inches higher then the LT-1 so I'm not exactly sure how much taller but I know it is taller. The LS-1 isn't built like a normal Chevy Small or Big block. The mains are not the lowest part of the engine, "skirts" come down and well basicly the bottom of the LS-1 is flat (flat oil pan). What I like about this design is the fact that is has 6 bolt mains (for Chevy V8's it's kinda like this: 2 bolt = Crappy, 4 bolt = Good ****, 6 bolt = Unheard of) it helps the mains from "walking" and causing bearing damage.

 

What's wrong with some of you people? although I would never want an Rx-7 with a v-8, this guy paid for the car and if he wanted to **** all over the interior and blast it with a shotgun it is his right to do it!

Everytime this type topic comes up some of you guys act as if the guy has gang raped your mom and then set her on fire. Most of the ones making all the noise probably don't even own an FD

Let us know how it comes out!

 

Amen!

 

This is a great thread. What I find particularly fascinating is that the "pro V8" sentiment has gone up a lot in the past year. Many of the members of this forum used to want to burn people at the stake for even considering this type of conversion.

I'm guessing that a whole lot of credit for this change of sentiment is due to my buddy jimlab's project. He has dispelled so many of the fears and misconceptions about modern Chevrolet V8 motors and has always taken the time to explain just how the whole project of his is coming together. Anyway, kudos to V8 Lover, jimlab, and anyone else who undertakes an LT1/LS1 conversion with their FD.

 

V8 Lover had his made with the intentions of re-selling them. You can visit his site for info about the engine subframes. Also, if you have a 2nd gen, he can put you in touch with the guy that made my brackets because they're the same guy. He's got jigs for both the 2nd gen and 3rd gen setup. Any 2nd gen people can see over 300 pics and some video clips of my LS1 / T56 '87 Turbo II at www.thewrongmotor.com

Oh, and the weight thing, my '87 is about 70 lbs. lighter in the front

 

 

Considering that most of the FD's out there are over 10 years old now...over 80,000 miles now...on their second or third motor now...second set of turbos now...dropping an LS1 in there doesn't sound so bad anymore...

 

This didn't really use to bother me, but I can't believe everyone keeps jumping on this bandwagon.
Everyone keeps talking about how great jims car is, I'd be willing to bet the thing will never be completed and get off the ground. Well it is off the ground, its been on jack stands for what 3 or 4 years???
Now this wasn't a shot at jim, but he's the only I could see why he would want to do this, he's doing it right.
Unfortunately he such a perfectionists this car may never be done, not to mention the fact he changes his mind on so many parts.
So until this thing actually runs, please refrain from using this as an example.

Now out of the other RX-7's that have these engines (and to my knowledge there are a few FD's, lots of FC's) show me one that is faster and more reliable that its rotary counter part.
Sorry guesses don't cut it for me.
If you think these engines are the greastest thing and bought your car for the fact that it is "pretty" please do me and everyone else a favor and buy a C5 or Camaro, or a Mustang.
If you think they are the end all reliable of reliable cars, (and aren't all american cars?) then you are all set.
Now you can get all your parts at your local woodchuck NAPA store, and your shop teacher can work on your engine likes theres no tomorrow.

Congratulations, you have something that is easier for most people to work on is cheaper!!!
People and bitch about the 13B-REW all they want, fact is:
if it is properly maintained (just beacuse you bought a POS) and properly modified (not stock ecu or stock clutch trying to make 350 + rwhp) turbo rotary should have no trouble seeing 100,000 + miles.

So what, you had bad experiance with an engine rebuild or it was expensive??? If you want something done right do it yourself!!!
In the end you have a mutt of a car, that has the same horsepower as BPU FD, isn't really that much easier to work on, won't handle as well, no longer have something unique (hey see that Z28 and Cargo Van next to you??? Same engine) and won't be any more fun to drive,please spare me the torque crap .

The FD didn't kick *** @ SCCA for so long because it had a V8.
The FD's don't do 8, 9, and 10 second passes with a V8.
The FD's that always place in the top 10 or One Lap don't do it with a V8.

In the end its your f*cking car and you do with it what ever you please. I however will be staying off that wagon.

 

Has anyone tried anything else than a Chevy V8? Just curious since you can buy a crate Chrysler Hemi or perhaps a Ford 302. I would love to get a ride in a V8 RX-7 just because it is unique and of the great exhaust sound. Before anyone beats on me, I've owned every model of RX-7 starting with a '79 in 1986. I just recently saw on the Speed Channel a Ford Focus with a 5.0 Mustang motor. Gives the term 'tuner' a whole different meaning. Car sounded real mean...

If I were to pull my rotary, I think I'll try a Hemi or 4.7 Ford...

 

I don't think chevy V8's are the greatest things but I do like them better than a rotary so that's why I'm putting it into my FD. If you would like for me to put my engine in a C5, buy me one if you feel so strong about it, otherwise shut up, it's my car....

I feel sorry for anyone that can be so prood about there engine lasting up to 100K miles if maintained, tuned, and basiclly babied. 100K miles, that's a joke on an LT1 or LS1.

In the end I'll have a car that will have way more HP than a modified rotary, way easier to work on if I ever have to, as good handling if not better, have something more unique than a Lamorghini Diablo, and will be way more fun to drive than say a single turbo FD because all the torque, yes torque is fun I've driven in single turbo FDs and they are no fun with all that lag. Have you ever been in a modified V8? Just imagine by the time your turbo (s) spools up, I will have 3 cars ahead of you and then keep on walking while your back there wondering what kind of exhaust I have cause my engine sounds so damn good

Yeah, it's my V8 walking all over ya

Wow, I love trash talking

 

I'm interested in thise too... the only person I know that's doing an LS-1 conversion is going to have to cut their hood to get it in there.

Are you getting a different hood for yours, v8-lover?

 

They fixed the clearnce issue with the new subframe(not Granny's). Everything fits under the stock hood. That car is going to rock. Stock FD's have 255 HP an stock LS1 has at least 325 HP in a Z28 usually more.

later Gun

 

Yea, the 3rd gen is so damn rare as it is and someone is just going to ruin it by removing the engine.

The car is no longer an RX7, its a better looking C5.

I see you got very little response on the LS1 board.

David

 

i wouldn't do it personally, but hey, it's your car, i just hope you are not doing it JUST for reliability...