Possible future 12A or 13B owner
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: 07677, NJ
Possible future 12A or 13B owner
Hey all. I'm 18, turning 19 in 7 days, live in northern NJ, and don't actually own an RX-7.
I'm very strongly considering building a Locost and not-as-strongly considering using an RX-7 as a donor. I'd rather use a Ford SHO V6 mated to a Ranger 5spd transmission but a wankel is definitely choice #2. I like the compact dimensions and light weight of wankels. Indeed, an RX-7 would be much peppier if you shaved half a ton off of it.
My other cars are a 2003 Mazda Protege5 daily driver+workhorse and a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air that I'm almost certainly going to have to sell because I can't get insurance for it. Unfortunately, no classic company wants to touch me because of my age.
I am mildly experienced with cars. I've done a couple of engine swaps, rebuilt those same engines, completely redid electrical systems, and even changed my oil twice!
I'm very strongly considering building a Locost and not-as-strongly considering using an RX-7 as a donor. I'd rather use a Ford SHO V6 mated to a Ranger 5spd transmission but a wankel is definitely choice #2. I like the compact dimensions and light weight of wankels. Indeed, an RX-7 would be much peppier if you shaved half a ton off of it.
My other cars are a 2003 Mazda Protege5 daily driver+workhorse and a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air that I'm almost certainly going to have to sell because I can't get insurance for it. Unfortunately, no classic company wants to touch me because of my age.
I am mildly experienced with cars. I've done a couple of engine swaps, rebuilt those same engines, completely redid electrical systems, and even changed my oil twice!
....and the name is....?
lol...welcome aboard, but never mention an SA or FB with anything but rotary power, please....the 2ndgen and 3rdgen cars are much better hosts for such travesties...
Mario III
lol...welcome aboard, but never mention an SA or FB with anything but rotary power, please....the 2ndgen and 3rdgen cars are much better hosts for such travesties...
Mario III
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
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From: 07677, NJ
Oh, right, the name. It's Mike Grinshpon (mgrinshpon, get it?).
And I meant that I'd be using the engine, transmission, front wishbones, rear subframe, steering rack, steering spindles, wheels, tires, guages, steering columns, a shortened driveshaft, and wiring harness from an RX-7 in my own (significantly lighter) frame. Info available here: http://locostusa.com/
The SHO option would be a bit more confusing. I'd have to use the front suspension and spindles from a Mustang II, steering rack and column from a Chevette, rear axle and transmission from a Ford Ranger, and engine from a Ford Taurus SHO.
And I meant that I'd be using the engine, transmission, front wishbones, rear subframe, steering rack, steering spindles, wheels, tires, guages, steering columns, a shortened driveshaft, and wiring harness from an RX-7 in my own (significantly lighter) frame. Info available here: http://locostusa.com/
The SHO option would be a bit more confusing. I'd have to use the front suspension and spindles from a Mustang II, steering rack and column from a Chevette, rear axle and transmission from a Ford Ranger, and engine from a Ford Taurus SHO.
Last edited by mgrinshpon; Aug 6, 2009 at 09:21 PM.
"Significantly lighter" frame sounds like this will be one scary ride...right on!
Hope you find what you need to make all that happen and make sure the build thread has plenty of pics!
Hope you find what you need to make all that happen and make sure the build thread has plenty of pics!
nerd
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland Florida
Hey, i recognize your name from the locostUSA forums 
, i go by Turbometal there, though i dont post much in it, i enjoy reading that site, lots of good ideas.
a first gen rx7 is a great substitute for a locost, and its much more 'low cost", and has the advantages of a roof....windows, wipers, and sometimes even AC, yet isnt all that heavy or hard to make go fast, sometimes parts are a pita to find..but past that, they scoot with even simple mods.
my 85 is a monster now, but even when it was an NA motor ported, with holley and 3 inch exhaust and header it was quick enough to give alot of cars a hard time yet still behaved itself driving normal, so if you went ahead with the locost chassis, even a very budget build 12a would be formidable, though 13bs are easier to find parts(good used parts) for, and a good NA set up is very reliable, you can beat the poop out of it as long as you keep the temp in order and run good oil.
wankels are a labor of love...but the more ya drive them, the more you love them
, i go by Turbometal there, though i dont post much in it, i enjoy reading that site, lots of good ideas.a first gen rx7 is a great substitute for a locost, and its much more 'low cost", and has the advantages of a roof....windows, wipers, and sometimes even AC, yet isnt all that heavy or hard to make go fast, sometimes parts are a pita to find..but past that, they scoot with even simple mods.
my 85 is a monster now, but even when it was an NA motor ported, with holley and 3 inch exhaust and header it was quick enough to give alot of cars a hard time yet still behaved itself driving normal, so if you went ahead with the locost chassis, even a very budget build 12a would be formidable, though 13bs are easier to find parts(good used parts) for, and a good NA set up is very reliable, you can beat the poop out of it as long as you keep the temp in order and run good oil.
wankels are a labor of love...but the more ya drive them, the more you love them
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