Hey everyone, i found a FC rx7 thats been sitting for years and has a 2L pinto engine swap. I was thinking about buying it from the guy and restoring it but cant think of a budget friendly swap. I live in a small country in Europe with almost no good engine options or availability. So i was wondering if you guys have any suggestions?

I was thinking either m50/m52 or a miata 1.6 but parts would be harder to find.

 

well you're looking for something that is rear wheel drive, the transmission is part of the equation.
the stock car had ~200hp, so preferably something in that area, or more. the engine compartment is big long and wide, but not very tall, so V6 and 4cylinders would be the best fit.
a straight 6 has been done, but its tight

Alfa Romeo V6?

 

Thanks a lot, our country has shitty engine swap laws but theres loopholes im tryna figure out

 

You might consider a BMW M60 or M62 from an E38, they are probably a bit more easily found than a LS1 on that side of the pond. Quite a torquey engine, roughly on par in power with a stock 20B-REW in power and torque. The dimensions and "packaging" are similar to a LS1, and can be found with a manual transmission too. The ZF S5-39 5-speed manual trans was available in any mode below the 740i, while the 740i got a S6-40 6-speed like the 8-series did. Fun fact, C4 Corvettes also got the S6-40 transmission too.

 

I4s into the FC chassis can be a bit tough, but Honda K-series seems to be the popular swap now (not on Rx7s I mean, but in general). The height is the main problem but if you use a custom oil pan and trim the hood support then it may fit.

And I'm fairly certain no matter where you are in Europe there will be K-series somewhere.