Hi all, so to start off, this is my first rotary (and MAN have I learned a lot), but not my first heavy build. I previously supercharged, cammed and tuned a '00 Subaru Impreza RS.

Now, I know what you're thinking, you've seen the "GM" in the title, "Oh no, not another LS swap." Well... It's got LS coils, but still no pistons, so relax!

I bought this as a project, it "ran" but had basically no interior beyond the dash and seats. The previous-PO had done a Racing Beat Holley carb swap with a complete exhaust of same brand. I struggled for a week to get it to even start, then for about a month discovered all the flaws (worn out steering, flooding on right turns, no idle, about 5 carb rebuilds, etc) until I got fed up with it and ended up with a "Holley Swap Box" of parts:


Obviously something would have to replace it... So I got ambitious.


Now obviously, a MS3X RX7 is nothing new. But this is:


So I currently have a custom ITB set up using GSX-R 1000 throttles, with a fully home-built manifold. To wit, the parts are:

12A/13B hybrid the PO left me with (12A irons with either SE or S4 housings),
LQ9 coils,
GSXR TB,
Siemens 630cc/min injectors
Bosch 044 pump
MS3X
Innovate LC-2 (which isn't installed yet)

The problem right now is I've only gotten it to sorta start. I got a successful start once (it died like 10 seconds later), and not much else. I'm fairly sure it's flooded right now, but the battery's also dead from all the cranking, lol. The 40F weather isn't helping either.

The goal is to make effectively a time-attack style track monster. My main goals are reliable, moderate power, simple suspension upgrades (though I may end up going 3-link on the back) and a dollop of aero. I won't be building it to any specific class as of yet. Of course all of that is next year's project- this year's goal is to just get it stored in a friend's garage before snow!

 

It's been a LONG time now for an update. So first, let me start over.

This is the day I picked up the car:



Now, it technically ran, but it used the Racing Beat Holley carb setup, and I hated it. Flooding on turns, bad starting, terrible mileage, etc.
So I went MS3X.


But it still wouldn't run right. So I towed it to get it running until it was hot, then did a compression check. 120-ish in the front rotor. 20 in the rear. 20.




Yep. Chrome all around the plugs was gone. Bearing shredded. E-shaft overheated. Ugh.

So....


S5 engine. Anyone familiar with an FB will notice just a few little changes. Like the motor mount has been replaced with a steering rack. Basically the front end is an FC now. Once I had to rip the engine out, it was the perfect time to deal with the totally worn out power steering box. Initially I just tried to find another... But obviously THAT didn't pan out. So I just went "I'm gonna send it!" and dove into the FC subframe swap.

Now, it's a "tweaked" S5 engine (PO said it "had some work done" but didn't elaborate), TII front brakes, FB sway bar, and what I believe is a GXL steering rack that I de-powered.


And as soon as a custom-designed CNC aluminum part shows up, I should be able to do this without a hammer holding the intake up...


Lots of little stuff still to do, like finish my DIY fiberglass fan shroud (massive electric fan that doesn't fit anything like where it would be convenient), figure out alignment (looks like I may struggle to get much negative camber), tune the damn thing... Oh, and start adding the aero.

 

Looking great so far! Take some pics when you do the fan shroud, I want to do the same...although I gotta say that with a 16" Spal fan, my REPU stays plenty cool. Don't need the fan unless I get stuck in traffic and it has a short cycle to keep the motor below 195F. I bought the rubber gasket that goes with the fan and simply mounted it with those plastic rods.

 

Looks like a fun project for sure! Is the engine a 4 port or 6 port S5 engine?