Rico's Rx-7
 

Hi, I'm Rico. I've got a 1990 RX-7 Convertible that is about to undergo an engine swap. I'm to the point now where my project is about to start going somewhere. Finally. I decided to keep a log here of my progress for future reference for me and possibly get some help. I may need a lot of help. I'm in a bit over my head it feels. But I'm determined to see this out.

I recently purchased my red '90 convertible off a craigslist ad. Here is the intro thread that I made. https://www.rx7club.com/introduce-yo...icial-1004283/

Guy I bought it from also said something about a V8. She's also kind of a rescue.

Current status Pt 1:
The engine is seized, according to the previous owner. Blown coolant seal. Interior needs a few pieces here and there. My top is toast. Fortunately I have an expensive car cover to keep her dry for now. I've thoroughly cleaned her from the seats forward. Gotta clean the trunk area, behind the seats, and then the exterior. Its just so damn hot out here. Weather channel says 104. Feels about right.

Carpet needs to be replaced, but not so bad overall. Right behind my seats the carpet is missing and whatever material it is that goes under that. At least I think there is something that is suppose to be there because If I look behind at the right angle, I can see concrete/daylight from some machined hole in the metal. This is not a rust hole. Anyway, I'm worried about exhaust entering the vehicle, I dunno. Would like some clarification on that from someone. Car is relatively rust free, minus some trim pieces around the windows.

I was intending to remove my engine and get it onto my stand today, but something came up.

Current status: Pt. 2
I found a donor engine. Actually, engine still has transmission on it as well. So the engine was in an '89 n/a parted out after a rollover. Supposedly still works. We'll see right? I still have the transmission in my convertible. I'm wondering which would be a better idea. Keep my current transmission and remove the one on the donor engine or keep the engine/trans together and remove my current one. I'm leaning on keeping the engine/trans combo currently together.

I had found another ad on craigslist where someone local was selling off their abandoned RX-7 project. They had this donor 13b/trans and an '89 GXL. They wouldn't break the project apart so I've purchased yet another s5 RX-7. I think I can pull off all those little misc pieces I need for my interior. Carpet is in better condition, seats both look good, and dash is good shape. The '89 has no engine or transmission in it. No exhaust, and no drive shaft. Here is the ad as it was on Craigslist.


"Here is a great project for Father and Son or to make into a Tuner Car.
It is a '89 Mazda RX 7 with the SE5 option.
This started out as a Father /Son project.

Its all there to re assemble less an exhaust system, drive shaft, radiator
and maybe a few other small things. Has aluminum wheels, spoiler etc.
donor motor w/transmission, passenger door, windshield, new battery, belts- go with sale.
motor has accessories and wiring harnesses.
Interior is in nice shape. needs a radio and dash piece.
We have the title but key is lost.

Great Project and would be a cool car. "

In any event, I'll be looking to dump this off real soon. After the next 2 weeks. Real cheap roller. Seats are there, hood has some minor damage, passenger side door has body damage, but also included in project was another black passenger side door. Plenty of good parts still on her.

So as it stands now.

next Saturday:
1. Need to obtain flat bed trailer to move the '89 and donor engine/trans to my place.

Soon:
2. Remove the current engine in my '90, and get it onto my engine stand.
3. Have friend from work, bring his hoist and get the donor engine/trans installed just enough to not have to use the hoist anymore. In other words, I got 1 day with the hoist, maybe 2. But I can sit there and get it all back together with time on my side. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Of course I'll be doing my own research as well.

4. Clean!

5. Rebuild the engine on my stand. Seems like a good idea to have a back up engine and transmission. Just in case.

Since youre in DFW you forgot the most important thing; does the a/c work? LOL

Good luck with your project. If youre going to the trouble of an engine swap the turbo is highly recommended. The torqueless rotary with a torque-eating automatic and a heavy convertible chassis isnt the Zoom-Zoomiest combination.

Btw, for $220 (and there are 20% off coupons) you can get an engine crane at Harbor Freight. With as many times as you plan on swapping engines it may make sense. Id get the two ton model as we have the one ton and the arm is a touch short given how far back the rotary sits.

The biggest suggestion I can give is to have someone who isnt getting greasy or bloody (all car repairs demand a blood sacrifice) take a bunch of pictures as you take things apart especially vacuum lines and electrical plugs.

im with you on keeping the donor motor/trans combo together. worse comes to worse, you know you have a spare tranny. But in the end, youd be saving yourself sometime, and thats always nice since its hot as a Las Vegas hooker in DFW

Also, like vrracing stated, take pictures bud. ALOT. It may seem kinda obscene doing so, but before i sold my 87 S4 N/A, when i did the S4 TII swap, I used almost every picture i took and it saved me a TON of time and effort. It just made things that much easier!

VrRacing if ac is no go in my project car my plan is to yank it from the parts car. If that fails I guess keep the top down and get a hat?

I'd love to is eventually put a turbo engine in there. Now my convertible is 5 speed, are you assuming it's an automatic because the pic of the donor engine has an automatic? I see a shift control case there on the end. Umm... Please tell me I didn't make a blundering error.

My other bud has a hoist, I may just borrow that to buy me more time. I'll keep the project well documented thx for the advice.

FcBoss, point taken. Thx for your input bro.

Tomorrow's the big day!
So the plan is to put the parts car in my dad's business warehouse. And the engine and transmission tarped and strapped to some tires on my patio.

Previous owner lost the key so I have to remove the ignition switch to release the steering wheel so we can get it out of the driveway and onto the trailer. Thx for the help styx.

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?p=11167732#post11167732

we'll see what happens.

Well today was move day. And luckily everything went off without a hitch. I got 1 bolt off of the ignition switch clamp which allowed me to loosen the switch enough to turn the steering wheel. Used the wench to pull the car onto the trailer no problem. Car is in the warehouse now and the engine and transmission are on my patio. Toughest part of the day was the damn heat. No question.

Moving Day
 

Some moving day engine pics.

Some transmission and parts car shots.

nice build

Keep up the good work