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Hey, I recently picked up a 1993 RX7 base with a LS1/T56 swapped using mostly Hinsen parts. Been upgrading, modifying and maintaining DSM's, Honda's, VW/Audi's, BMW's and motorcycles since I was 14 (i'm 31 now). Definitely know my way around DOHC engines and said brands rather well. But I'm completely brand spankin new to everything FD and/or LS related. First impressions driving the car 90miles home in summer traffic with no air conditioning .. LOVED IT!!!! Handled extremely well although it needs a complete suspension refresh, has 12yr old tires and brakes with completely stock rear suspension and Koni/lowering springs up front. Ripping exit ramps and going rowing through gears out of ever toll felt AMAZING. Did not realize FD's are 50/50 and @ 2700 lbs. NUTS!
Anyway, I will do my best to document this build. I work a full time job, recently got married and became a new home owner just a year ago so I'm busy just like everyone else. I hope you guys like my new money pit!!
How/why I moved on this FD?
-Been searching for the right LS powered manual transmission coupe or hatch for the better half of a year. Stumbled upon this car on Craigslist at 10pm Friday night. Listing had a ton of attention but seller said I emailed first therefore I had first opportunity to see the car. Then he threw in that if I didn't come see it the following morning he would invite next potential buyer and they would 100% buy it. I quickly did a little research and decided it was worth a look. Seller was super cool and had good documentation on the swap. He liked me a lot for some reason and genuinely appreciated my interest and willingness to dive into a completely new platform. He initially though I was an RX7 guy but quickly realized that wasn't the case at all. The seller basically ensured me I was getting an incredible deal. So it was a complete impulse buy.
Drivetrain and general condition:
-LS1 was mounted using Hinsen sub-frame and motor mount set-up. Hinsen long tube headers that Y into an HKS 3" cat-back LOL. Hinsen cold air intake. A tune. Otherwise completely stock so maybe 350-360whp.
-T56 is stock with a GTO shifter and ****.
-Walbro 255lph fuel pump re-wired
-Clutch/flywheel are LS7 with a sweet remote bleeder.
-OEM tachometer and Speedometer do not work. Otherwise all gauges appear to work with LS1.
-Body has a ton of dents, dings, chips and scratches. Paint is actually in great shape with little fading on roof. Looks great from 10ft away. ZERO RUST!
-Wheels are staggered 18" with 12yr old summer tires. Surprising good tread and grip lol
-Old Koni yellow's with lowering springs up front. Ball joints have seen better days. Stock sway bar.
-Rear suspension appears to be completely stock. PO said it was R1 suspension. Looks lifted.
-Interior is all there just a few loose panels and some missing clips. Steering wheel has a rip on top but otherwise in good condition, horn works.
-Has working heat and power steering.
-LS1 has leaky rear main seal (super common).
-Rear differential appears to be leaking form passenger side axel seal but is topped off with gear oil (I checked).
-Reverse lights do not work
Wasn't sure if gas gauge was reading correctly. Better safe than sorry. Home safe! Thinking about naming her Betty, IDK ..
Fart can!!
:
My Plan:
-After a week of researching LS1 H/C/I set-ups I amassed a huge parts list. Currently knocking it out. Planning to make 450whp on pump gas with good drivability and mid range power.
-11sec quarter mile capability with good street manors and air conditioning.
-Possible trips to race track (with turns).
-Street racing (drag and rolls)
LS1 stuff I ordered:
-Texas Speed Performance cam kit with dual valve springs, titanium retainers, Mellin hi-flow oil pump, roll master timing chain.
-Bronze trunnion kit
-Ported 853 heads
-LS7 lifters and trays
-AC Delco knock sensors x2 and harness
-AC Delco O2 sensors x2
-LS6 valley pan
-LS1 water pump
-GM Performance MLS head gaskets and head bolts
-Dorman LS2 intake manifold (going to port)
-NGK TR55 plugs x8
-MSD 8.5mm plug wires
-Valve cover gaskets, front/rear main seals, oil pan gasket
-Warr 92mm throttle body
-Billet fuel rail kit
-billet barbell
-GM performance crankshaft bolt
-FIC 36lb injectors (blue)
-Lots of little stuff I cannot remember right now
FD stuff I ordered:
-New front upper/lower control arms
-SuperPro full poly bushing kit
-Tie rod ends
-Banzai rear diff brace
-Front brembo rotors. Front/rear Hawk brake pads. DOT4 brake fluid. Stainless brake lines.
-MX5 Nardi Torino steering wheel (airbag came with car)
Stuff I need .. Open to suggestions?? Leave feedback ..
-Coilovers .. thinking BC's. Do not plan on going very low with car. I live in NJ and roads are crap. Plus I love to drive fast lol
-Front and rear sway bars .. are they really needed since LS1 didn't add too much weight? -Enkei RPF1s 17x9.0 + 45 front, and 17x9.5 +38 rear with like Falken Azenis RT-615s (255/40/17, 275/40/17) Will these fit? -Ati harmonic balancer underdriven 10%
welcome anthony. nice fd u got there and quite a to do list u have. there's a min post count of 10+ to access the classifieds so u can post a want to buy for parts u need. yes, get a build thread started in the 3rd gen section. we all love seeing those. read thru the faq's to familiarize urself with the rules of the forum. there's also a tech section for any questions of that type that u might have. good luck with the build.
Thanks rxtasy3! Yeah list got out of hand but I need car to perform much better. Looking to bang out H/C/I, suspension and brakes within two or three weeks. Mostly replacing parts so it shouldn't be that difficult. Going to have my welder friend revisit my exhaust. Thinking a true dual with X-pipe and mufflers.
Really want to fix factory FD tach and speedo. Saw a few posts about it but nothing in depth. Can you point me in the right direction on this?
Got TSP goodies in the mail today. Parts pile in my garage is growing. Still unsure which coilovers to get. Any input form community would be greatly appreciated.
Also, where can I find axel seals or pumpkin gasket for stock FD rear differential? Cant seem to find them on my own
The swaybars on these cars are pretty good right outta the box. If I were you, I'd put that on the bottom of the list.
Also, if you go +48, you can square up a set of 17 or even 18x10s. I run 17x10's and have 255/40 tires all around. It's pretty nice to be able to rotate the tires. I do have coilovers though. Speaking of which, BC's will be fine, but they are a little harsh...there might be better choices if you're not looking for a big drop. BCs are more aimed at the Hella Flush crew, tucking their wheels and bottoming out on cigarette butts and ****.
I do have coilovers though. Speaking of which, BC's will be fine, but they are a little harsh...there might be better choices if you're not looking for a big drop. BCs are more aimed at the Hella Flush crew, tucking their wheels and bottoming out on cigarette butts and ****.
Thanks for the input on OEM sway bars. I believe by special request BC would sell coilovers with any spring rate needed. Suppose I could soften or lessen the harshness with springs closer to 630lbs front/rear like Ohlin's uses? If so, I will contact BC or a distributor directly to find out. Really not into using any used suspension parts. Always been like that.
Also, I got this this Banzai rear diff brace. Thing is WAY smaller than I envisioned it being. Hope this brace with poly bushings will improve wheel hop and clanking im getting from the rear. Any input on Banzai brace .. do you have a diff brace?
Fair enough. Here's a link to custom valved new ohlins for the FD just in case. I do not have a diff brace, but I I never really floor it from a standstill. . I just like to play around at at racetrack near my house and never really spin the tires. At least not in a straight line, heh.
EDIT: That diff brace is a good call though. a lot of people use that exact Banzai brace. Also, I'll bet BC would help you out with some 11k springs, but the dampers might be a little bouncy, especially on the roads around your house. I don't work for ohlins or anything, I just wish I could afford a set because they're among the best you can buy until you're spending 7 grand on Penskes.
really nice seeing new parts arrive but please let's not turn this intro into a build thread. start that here. and while ur there, check out some of the other builds.
Fair enough. Here's a link to custom valved new ohlins for the FD just in case. I do not have a diff brace, but I I never really floor it from a standstill. . I just like to play around at at racetrack near my house and never really spin the tires. At least not in a straight line, heh.
EDIT: That diff brace is a good call though. a lot of people use that exact Banzai brace. Also, I'll bet BC would help you out with some 11k springs, but the dampers might be a little bouncy, especially on the roads around your house. I don't work for ohlins or anything, I just wish I could afford a set because they're among the best you can buy until you're spending 7 grand on Penskes.
Good call on that suspension, and lucky I didn't have a few bucks laying around or we woulda had a bidding war on our hands!
hah jk, Those guys at Sakebomb are pretty cool though. If you have any questions or issues when installing the Ohlins, I'll bet they'd be happy to help you out.
Finally got an open spot at my buddies shop. Transporting car and parts there tonight. Super excited! Likely going to start a new build thread to share progress.
Well crap, I've been in NYC for the days without anything to do. I could've been wrenching
I was in the city this morning from like 10am could have picked ya up! Definitely could have used an extra hand last night. Pulled engine, trans and front suspension. Going back to disassemble rear now. Hopefully power washing underbody tonight. Plan to spray underbody with lizard skin ceramic tomorrow. So much more to do.
Seconds before we dug in roughly 7:30pm on 9/29/29
Pile of parts. Had to order a few things I missed this morning.
Hydraulic cart made dropping eng/trans with subframe easy and relatively safe
Long tubes are beautiful
Ended the night @ 11pm getting engine mounted onto stand
08-13-19, 10:27 PM
FD Newbie
Definitely could have used an extra hand last night. Pulled engine, trans and front suspension. Going back to disassemble rear now. Hopefully power washing underbody tonight. Plan to spray underbody with lizard skin ceramic tomorrow. So much more to do.
