Hey guys.

New to the RX7 thing, and I will admit, I still have some piston roots in me that are sliding more towards a V8 swap for an FC (that and the power potential). So, I have a few questions regarding the best engines. What have people had luck with in the past, based on:

• Initial price
• Custom fab to fit
• Weight increase
• Availability of engine
• Availability of engine/parts
• Raw potential

I've heard a lot about the LT's and LS's, but not a lot about using some of the Toyota, Nissan, or Lexus V8's. While carbs are simpler, I'm leaning towards fuel injection, so a later model engine is a better bet.

-Joel

 

You will find quite alot of reading in the "Other Engine" section on this forum.

The LS series (keep in mind I am not a V8 person) look like the best bang for the buck. Aluminum, designed in this century and very reliable. Whatever you do, don't go swapping some POS iron block with a carb and a slushbox.

 

I came across this website awhile ago, seems to be US based.
http://www.grannysspeedshop.com/

 

v8rx7forum.com

and I'm gonna go ahead and tell you NICELY that the rotary has about as much potential for a lot of power as a piston motor. FYI, a lot of newer v8s are 90 degree blocks, same as the ford 4.6, which has been proven to not fit. The 60 degree LS series motors fit quite nicely. Another swap that I see more and more (two completed and a third in progress here locally) is the toyota inline 6 swap (JZ series)

 

id go with an ls2 out of gto 6.0, 400hp stock

 

an intake/exhaust on an LS1 with a solid tune will get you the same power at the wheels as an LS2 has, and it's cheaper.

edit: just checked my buddy's build thread, SLP lid with a magnaflow catback and a hypertech programmer and a good tune, 342 rwhp, 355 rwtq

 

+1 v8rx7forum.com i use to want to do this swap! but i recently fell too in love with the rotary engine! it just wont sound the same with an ls1.. or feel the same! anyways gl with the swap