Hey guys, New to the site and rx7s in general . So get this, i bought my girl a new maxima not too long ago and feel like I deserve to get a toy for myself. After looking up various cars (mr2,300zxTT,porsche 944) i found myself in the market for a rx7 3rd gen. I've seen some in my area going for cheap b/c of blown engines , trannies or cosmetic damage which was a big plus. Now after a few days research i've found alot of information on LS1 swaps and it seems fairly straight forward considering the huge aftermarket support and even kits designed so it bolts right up. The big thing i was looking for was reliability + power since i want a DD that... well having owned a turbo in the past (eclipse gsx) i know how much of a joy and nightmare these things can be. Now for the questions i have for you knowledgable folk:

Most typical swaps for the ls1 include using the t56 6 speed manual transmission, amirite?

If this is correct, Has anyone tried bolting up tci-auto's 6 speed automatic transmission to their rx7 instead? It is a direct fit to the ls1.

http://www.compperformancegroupstore...L85E6xSixSpeed

Now, before the "y w00d u n0t want a styk man? stick>auto" guys throw their 2 cents in. Realize i could care less how YOU feel about an automatic or that YOU prefer driving a stick. I commute everyday with 6million people to work in houston texas and because of it I HATE driving a stick especially while being stuck in gridlock. That said.. ferraris , formula cars lambos etc are all moving (or have already moved) toward "clutchless manual" transmissions with paddle shifting setups.

the tranny itself isnt expensive in my eyes (3k-ish) considering i can get the car for like 1500 or less and I just saw a 2001 LS1 corvette engine with 19k for 2600$ for sale. Excluding labor that brings total cost up to like 8grandish +3k if i buy the pre fabbed mounting kit for the ls1 provided by ehh someone i forget the name of the company. Labor wouldnt be bad because my uncles best friend since gradeschool is a mechanic currently building his '71 mach 1 mustang. So around 11k for a completely reliable v8 car with tons of aftermarket support as well as cheaper maintenance in a totally unique car that i would want to keep FOREVER as opposed to spending the same amount on some later modeled 350z, or equivalent, that i'd be looking to get rid of in like 2 years. I'm sure im missing something else thats needed for the swap but i can put aside 3k as sort of a general expense fund.

So back to the original question: Has anyone attempted this or have any experience with this? Thanks in advance guys

 

Yes, most people doing an LSx swap use the T56. Some use the stock rear end. Others use the Ford rear end out of a Cobra or some other kind of Mustang.

I personally don't know anyone with that particular trans but anything can be done with enough time, money, metal and a welder.

Spend some time reading the sub-forum on here for Other Engine Conversions: https://www.rx7club.com/other-engine-conversions-non-v-8-118/

 

thanks for the reply gracer. Is there a particular thread on why people choose the rear end out of a cobra? Is it because of a weakness im unaware of with the rx7 rear end? Or is it becuase the t56 isnt compatible? I've gone through the top 5 threads on the other swaps sub-forum , reading the "most detailed ls1 swap on earth" thread two or 3 times. I saw he used the cobra rear end, but he never really specified why. Although i know anything is possible with enough time and money, I'm hoping using this transmission would be just as "easy" as using the t56 since its designed as a direct replacement. I guess i'll need to find a thread on what the stock rear can handle, I dont want to go over stock very much on the ls1 considering its already beast nature and this project will be for reliabilty first, additional power 2nd.

 

OP will be coming back with new screen name, that one ain't gonna fly.

Mario III, SuperModerator