Hello,

I am beginning my journey to build my new (new to me that is) 87' RX-7 FC. I got the compression test bak a few days ago and the engine is toast. I am planning to do a swap, but I don't know what to put into it. I am planning on putting upwards of 40k into this build so money and fab work is not an issue. I just want recommendations or ideas on what you guys think I should swap in. Not doing a rotary, LS, or anything with more than 6 cylinders. Would prefer to at least keep the engine JDM but that doesn't bother me too much. I want something I can turbo reliably. Not looking to race it, but I do want to be able to hold my own against snack packs and EcoBoost on the highway. This will be my daily. Please don't hate on me for not going rotary for this build. My FD build will be an AWD 4 rotor so hopefully, that will make up for this Thanks!

 

Keep in mind that rotary / LS engines are the best fit due to their shape. You can check back in my post history for a more detailed explanation (I think it was a post where someone was asking about VQ35 swapping), but to put it simply most DOHC engines are too tall to fit easily in our engine bay. This often means custom low profile oil pan, custom intake, hood frame cutting, etc. LS or rotary engines fit super well in the available space.

With the warnings out of the way; K-series. Do some mods and you can rev it to 8000 and make nearly 300 NA hp. Or so I'm told, I merely read a lot about K-series swaps, have never owned one. Or if you definitely want a turbo, built K-series are making good power easily that way as well.

 

Or just a turbo rotary. So you can have 400+ hp without adding weight and affecting the car's already-good handling.

 

Gears and Gasoline had a good series on YouTube about K-Swapping an FD RX7.

If budget and driving dynamics aren't a consideration .. then you could try something completely different like a Subi boxer or maybe even an EV conversion.

The Subaru engine height shouldn't be an issue .. however the width (and reliability) of the engine would be a challenge.

throtl had a good series on YouTube about a Tesla Powered Nissan 350Z.

From what I've read online, GM plans to sell EV Retrofit Kits .. so that might be an alternative to a Tesla Powered FC RX7.

Some Provinces in Canada (and I presume some States in the US.) have dedicated highway lanes for vehicles that qualify for a Green License Plate. Green referring to PHEV, BEV, HFCVs etc.

Can you imagine the irony of an RX7 that qualifies as a low-carbon vehicle??

 

I talked to a mechanic a few days ago and he recommended the 2.5 Duratec. Thoughts?

 

JZ engine. Done.

 

Chaparral Laser Propulsion.

 

I'd love to see someone use a Nissan 3.5 V6. bullet proof engine.

i.e. drivetrain from 350z or 1/2 dozen plus other cars. hell pull the 4wd version from an infinity. that would be sick, but IDK if it would fit.