we also can't forget the amount of money it would cost XL8R to swap over to a V8 at this point.

i guess there are plenty of LS series engines options, but something like a nice LS3 is going to cost 8-10k for just the engine/trans/harness pullout, plus the cost of the swap kit. of course the OP may have that much in his rotary, but it would be a lot of additional money to change over "to the dark side," as they say, at this point, even after parting out his rotary setup (and dealing with that whole annoying part out process). a rebuild and tuning may cost a couple grand (i dont know if he'd be rebuilding himself).

also, to the angry people above, please know that i don't dislike the GM LS series engines. in fact, i like them a lot. if you want to make 500+ whp in an rx7 reliably, there's really no other complete and simple option. i'm not trying to argue that. i just (personally) think OP's setup is very cool, clean, unique, and nicely done.

 

It will be around $15k actually. With a new crate GMPP LS3 525hp engine and all the parts to put it in. That's with a GM PnP harness and ECU pre-tuned to the engine. All Samberg swap parts, and even a little extra for shiney stuff.

Correct. GMPP actually sells the LS3 E-ROD crate engines which are 50 state emissions legal. A great example, and a really good overall article here...

Mazda V8 RX7

You got it Rich...

Thank you.

 

i say do a simple rebuild for $1000, then blow the remaining $14,000 on coke and sex toys.

 

yessss

 

Josh, I'd be very curious to hear whether or not you choose to continue along the Rotary path or defect to an LS3, and the reasons that lead you to the decision. In particular, I think the driving and power delivery characteristics of a Single Turbo vs V8 RX7 would be an interesting point of scrutiny.

From a logical and practical standpoint, the benefits of swapping in a V8 are glaring and undeniable. However, we all know how much rationale needs to be excused by simply owning these cars in general... so I guess it can go both ways.

$15,000 for a swapped, Samberg mounted, NEW LS3 setup is awfully competitive. A fully built and ported Single Turbo setup with all the bells and whistles seems to be right up there in price.

 

......having said that, installing any kind of v8 into this FD ruins it in my opinion. Sorry Josh, had to lay it all out there

With the IRP 'Military Discount' for rebuild customers, we'll have ya back on the road in no time for a mere pittance. Come on buddy, even though you're Air Force we'll still let the discount apply just this once

 

rich, i knew i liked you.

 

^ You learned something I have known for a long time

 

Wait a minute..... what about mine!? Lol. Or does army national giard not count? :-P

 

I actually told him that if he decided to stay with the rotary then to have a Rich build the motor.

But for the power he is running and wanting to run its just a matter of time. They all break like spring ice at those power levels.

The guy just wants to be out enjoying the car instead of being in a constant state of build and rebuild. Who can blame him?

Personally it doesn't matter either way.

I get that the enthusiasts here all like the rotary regardless of its faults. It is a cool concept. Everyone wants to be different and all that. But some of the arguments are irrational.

Only way I would own a rotary engine again would be to run it with stock twins, 10lbs of boost.
Then you have a much more reliable car.

This 500+HP with meth or E-85 and or water injection and every other bandaid and voodoo to try to keep it in 1 piece is a lot of hand wringing when you can simplify it and have a monster of a car without any worries that the meth tank ran out or no E-85 around or that you get 12 mpg.

I get 28mpg. Lots of upsides. It's just how I look at it.
But I don't give rotary guys hell over it.
It just doesn't work for me at the power levels I want.

 

Mike, I appreciate the vouch, but you're not really correct with what you're saying..... again, this is 2013

I proved with my red FD year after year that 500 rwhp is reliably achievable on a two rotor FD long term.

Do I recommend trying to make 550ish rwhp with stock apex seals and a stock uneven-flowing LIM? No I do not. I do agree with you that at these power levels and specific output there isn't much margin for error..... to which i say, overbuild it and don't make mistakes, and enjoy yourself with the engine that's meant to be in the car

 

Sadly. I think it's time to sell and get a Vette. I've seen too many swaps take too long and have unexpected results.

 

Yep, sell and get a C6. Let the rare car keep the thing that makes it unique. I can't help but wonder why, if the LS swap makes the FD so perfect, are there so many for sale.

Jack

 

stock twins at 10psi is a lot less reliable than a single turbo at 10psi. a lot less heat and back pressure, and a whole lot less complication.

 

damn nice

 

After a heart transplant you send the patient home.

 

Probably because half the swaps are hack jobs. Not necessarily a knock on the ideal LSx FD.
Also, LSx's and drum machine's got no soul.

 

Or a down payment on a new Stingray

 

It comes down to the enthusiast. Do i think Josh will make the ls swap as or more capable and still look wicked inder the hood ? Absolutely. If he can create the setup he had, he sure as **** can cleanly and efficiently swap for an ls.
The man just rode in a ls3 fd. He said the driveability is ridiculous....and ao is the torque. Why not, it will still be wicked in my book.

Plus....... im buying some of his part out for my turbo fb hahaha

 

What spark plugs were you running when the engine failed?
And what do the leading plugs look like now?

 

great logic. too bad the OP has clearly proven a capable builder, there is nothing that would lead anyone to believe he wouldn't complete it quickly with the desired results.

more great logic. does that mean you are going to sell your car and buy a rotary pickup, how about a cosmos? obviously by your logic, engine choice should dictate what vehicle you have to buy.

To be consistent, I am sure anyone that wants to do a 20b swap you post in their thread "yup, sell it and buy a eunos cosmos"



probably true, or maybe people just do the swap to try and make money. you can sell them for more than it costs to build, if you know what you are doing.

my favorite topic. the "soul". Can some one educate me? when does the "soul" of the car decide to leave? only when a piston engine is installed? so it doesn't care if it is stripped and gutted for racing, or if it is swapped for a 20b, or if it is so modified it is almost unrecognizable with widebody kits and 12" wide wheels? That's cool, right? permanent body modification, that isn't "ruining a rare car", am i getting this right? or the old "mazda designed it for a rotary", but 3 rotors are cool, even though mazda designed it for 2?

Back OT, glad you made it to the "dark side" forums. Ls swap is the best move you could make for such a nice car.

 

^^
By your logic Harley Davidson will soon be putting R1 Yamaha engines in their 2014 "Fatboy" ???

I'll stop there and let you think about what makes up the soul of a vehicle...

 

no, by my logic smart enthusiasts would be.

I never said mazda should be putting lsx engines in rx7s.

by your logic, no one should ever perform an engine swap in any vehicle

 

but are you not implying it? ok so now those of us who choose to stick by the rotary in an FD are not 'smart' ... got it.. thx


I'm done.. obviously folks can do as they please.. I'll keep my soul intact

 

no, im not implying it, either. I am merely disputing the argument that because i would rather an LSx engine in my FD that i should instead by a corvette.

and no, i dont think people that keep a rotary are "not smart". that's a total straw man argument. I never said all rx7's should have an lsx, in fact, i totally respect when people want to have a rotary engine.

In my opinion, the rotary isn't practical for what i want to do with my car, it's as simple as that. You can keep your "soul", and ill keep my fantastic FD.