Hey guys,

I'm looking to start a new toy project and not really mechanically inclined.. =)

I've always liked FC rx7's since I was young and now I have some extra funds to start a new hobby.

Now a days its hard to find a nice condition FC RX7's. Because my choices are limited, Is it worth it for me to buy a nice condition NA and swap to a turbo?

If so, how much approximate budget do I need to spend to get this done properly by a good mechanic.

Thanks for all the info!

PS - I am looking to buy a FC. I am based out of Vancouver BC Canada.

Cheers!

 

There is NO swap that is "easy." Some are "easier" than others; the 2nd gen RX-7's did come with the turbo motor, but it's still swapping in a motor that that particular chassis did not come with. There are always $5-10 dollar "gotchas" that add up. People will argue, but always plan on $10k for any swap. My best advise would be to take your time and find a car that is close to what you're looking for and is 100% sorted.

 

This is my personal opinion and based on my experiences of myself and friends.

When someone says "Set aside 5k - 10k - 15k for so and so swap", I've come to the realization most people pay other shops or individuals to assist or to completely do the work required.
Now with that being said, Turbo swapping an FC is not hard at all and can be affordable. I myself would set aside $3500-$5000 to have it done all at once. But if you piece it together as you go will be easier on your pocket.

If you have friends that can turn a wrench and lend a hand it can be fun.
If this is your first time, I wouldn't recommend it. HOWEVER.
For what its worth if you are like me and are very open to making mistakes, learning and not easily discouraged, by all means go for it. My first car was a non running FC I picked up in the boonies off craigslist. without any hands on experience, I read as much as i could on here, manuals and videos and got that thing rebuilt and running thanks to friends and the internet lol.

ASSUMING YOU HAVE GOOD JUDGEMENT AND INSPECT YOUR PARTS THOUROUGHLY
BOLD = NEED
ITALIC = OPTIONAL

Short version:

• Purchase NA RX-7 running preferably ($1800 - $2500 may vary depending on your market area).
• Pull motor, tear down and Inspect.
• Use your NA Rotor Housings and NA Center Iron.
• Source Turbo Front & Rear Irons, Rotors and Intake/Exhaust Manifolds/Fuel Rails.
• Purchase rebuild kit.
• Assemble & drop back in your car.
• Re use the NA Engine Harness and extend the 3 TPS wires and BAC if you are keeping it.
• Source Turbo AFM & Pressure Sensor along with Turbo ECU.
• New clutch/flywheel
• Turbo Fuel Pump

At this point You have a turbo motor in your Car.
Either slap the stock turbo on and call it done or walk the other fork in the road with a different turbo and ecu.


Now from here you have the option to put more money towards it if you want the stronger turbo drivetrain. AaronCake from what I rememeber had run NA drivetrain on his turbo. Just dont go beating the **** out of it.
And i can give you the long version and PM you a novel.

 

PM the long version and CC me bro thanks.

 

It is not for the Budget hearted..buy a TII and thank me later.

 

Thanks for all the response guys.

100% I will not be picking up a wrench and doing major upgrades like this. The most I will do are minor upgrades and additions. Threat me as a 12 year old with tools =)

With that said I will be getting a shop to do all the work and making sure the car is in top notch condition. I guess I should budget for $10-15k then. This will have a completely rebuilt engine and upgraded aftermarket parts (turbo, exhaust, bov, intercooler, and etc)

Good to know, I will try to be patient and find a turbo FC that is done properly and may have to fix a few little things.

Thanks again guys.

 

wow this even helped me out thnx.

 

I have an NA FC also and I did the same math. The NA parts just won't take the same beating as the TII parts which we can assume just by common sense.

BUT does this mean MazdaUSA made non-turbo parts specifically for this market? It would seem like a waste since we're the only market it was offered in. Are the JDM base models using the TII parts as well?

 

i would just buy a t2 and save your self the time and money. i have a buddy i worked with who turbo ii swapped his 91 na and he spend a good about of time and money on it and he got it started a couple times and it has never started back up, think he said the motor he swapped in needed a rebuild. any ways i got a very low mile 88 turbo ii for only 2000 dollars and it has zero problems on how it runs. everyone i know says i got my turbo ii for a steal!

 

if you are thinking there are "JDM" NA cars there is none. all fc's in japan are turbo