1985 RX7 GSL BMW V8 Conversion
10-23-13, 02:15 AM
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1985 RX7 GSL BMW V8 Conversion
Hello Everyone!
Not sure how many happy responses I will get from posting a V8 conversion in this forum but here goes
.
I have a 1985 RX7 GSL black with a red interior. My goal is to have this whole swap completed in under 3 weeks. Started this project October 19, 2013 so im about 4 days into it as of right now and here is my progress from the start. These are all pics from the day I bought it last week.
Not sure how many happy responses I will get from posting a V8 conversion in this forum but here goes
. I have a 1985 RX7 GSL black with a red interior. My goal is to have this whole swap completed in under 3 weeks. Started this project October 19, 2013 so im about 4 days into it as of right now and here is my progress from the start. These are all pics from the day I bought it last week.
Last edited by chambeers; 10-23-13 at 02:26 AM.
10-23-13, 03:23 AM
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These pics are a mix of day 2, 3, and 4 in the garage. This is as up to date as it gets right now
Sitting Pretty Beside my '79
Rotary coming out with the bmw engine and trans sitting in the background
Trading Places
Sitting Pretty Beside my '79
Rotary coming out with the bmw engine and trans sitting in the background
Trading Places
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10-23-13, 04:52 PM
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Day 5 of the project. More pics coming right up...A picture of the original subframe I modified to delete the steering box and mount in a steering rack. Also check out the big sway bar I modified from the BMW to fit this car
The first engine/subframe test fit. Came out almost perfect without having the modify the hood. I measured everything before welding to make the engine sit as low in the subframe as necessary and there is about 1/4" of space between the idle otor and the hood when its closed haha
Engine and transmission is in and hood is shut haha
My handy engine transmission and subframe cradle made out of an old engine stand and some wood
The first engine/subframe test fit. Came out almost perfect without having the modify the hood. I measured everything before welding to make the engine sit as low in the subframe as necessary and there is about 1/4" of space between the idle otor and the hood when its closed haha
Engine and transmission is in and hood is shut haha
My handy engine transmission and subframe cradle made out of an old engine stand and some wood
10-24-13, 01:34 AM
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We modify a Toyota power steering rack, then modify the original subframe for the mounts. In the last pic above you can see it in front of the transmission pan. You can also see the steering stabilizer we use. A problem with our last FB build was it followed road imperfections easily and the car felt unstable over 100MPH..Problem solved.
10-24-13, 10:55 AM
#12
We modify a Toyota power steering rack, then modify the original subframe for the mounts. In the last pic above you can see it in front of the transmission pan. You can also see the steering stabilizer we use. A problem with our last FB build was it followed road imperfections easily and the car felt unstable over 100MPH..Problem solved.
10-24-13, 06:22 PM
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The last swap we did was on a 79 RX7 with a similar engine and tranny, the front end was still about at stock ride height after the conversion. Leads me to believe an all aluminum/alusil V8 block is the same or very close in weight to the iron 12a. The other car handled nicely and was light on its feet, so it didn't push through turns like a freight train.
10-24-13, 06:36 PM
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Im curious , how much power do you think it makes ? We have one at work just sitting there . That would be a blast with power steering and auto . Nice work by the way .
10-24-13, 07:05 PM
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Who knows. after everything is in for the V8 I'll weigh the whole car and compare it to someone who has weighed the same car with the 12a rotary. This car has power windows and AC so I cant compare it to one that doesn't...Should have made a before and after weight comparison. 
10-25-13, 10:39 AM
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10-25-13, 12:25 PM
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common sense prevails....
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Makes about 320 to the wheels after its tuned. rx7 with BMW v8 - YouTube makes it move quite nicely in the last build
