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What made you keep the rotary when your after high power?

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Old 08-15-16, 04:03 AM
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What made you keep the rotary when your after high power?

first ever rotary car

I picked up a project for its chassis(non rx7) but it has the 3rd gen rotary engine.
Original plan is just pull that engine out and swap an LS and turbo it. But im a bit curious for why people decide to keep the rotarys when they are going for 450-600whp?

The LS is a fast and cheaper way to make the power.
I mean turbo an LS 5.3 and were talking 600whp for cheap. were talking 500 for engine 700 for cams/spring and $1000 for all turbo related stuff.
and thats a reliable set up too.

with the 13brew?
I havent done a full search on what it takes to make the engine take that power. but turbo and supporting mods will be about the same parts list.
But how true is it that they dont do well with 450whp as a DD?

the only plus side i see is that:
1. They are rev happy(if you want that)
2. you dont have to bother with a swap.
3. I guess if your die hard it is Unique.

... thats all I can think off

so please add in your reasoning. Im trying to see if its something i want to mess with and give it a try or just take it out now and sell it before it blows.
Old 08-15-16, 08:01 AM
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I think I wanted to keep one of mine powered by Doritos as Donald Trump will soon be building a wall between Mexico and the US and that will soon make Tacos Extinct..LOL!
If we can keep some Spice in the World,then I am gonna help do it!!!
I'm gonna stack up on the guacamole premix too!

Seriously though some guys that own a Rotary are dedicated and die hard owners.They bought the car for it's unique features and qualities.
Swapping an engine may take the "heart" out of the car but at the same time the Body is half of the over all "lovability" of the vehicle.
It boils down to choice in my opinion,and If it wasn't for me paying to do it,then I'd tell others to do Pee up a Rope!..My car/My Money/My Decision.
I don't hear people screaming bloody murder about guys making a VW into a Dune buggy so they can kindly be quiet if I decide to go V8! (which I am!,I like to tinker!)
Old 08-15-16, 08:14 AM
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*Not against engine swaps if done properly. The LS is available, light, reliable and powerful. And there are kits out there to make it easier these days. Depends on what you want.
*If all you're concerned with is dyno bragging rights in parking lots and traveling in a straight line, you're right... the rotary isn't for you.
*That kind of hp requires a complete drivetrain, not just the engine. Something you didn't mention and not sure you thought of.
*Just because you're making those numbers on a dyno doesn't mean the power is usable or that the car is faster than a properly modified rotary on a road track. Quite a statement for a chassis and powertrain that was designed 30 years ago to do just that. Which is probably the reason most adults stay with the rotary.
*Statistically and the fact that you use your first post to ask instead of searching and doing your own research suggests the car and power you describe will probably never happen anyway.
*That's all I can think of in response to a post that seems close to trolling.

Last edited by Sgtblue; 08-15-16 at 08:26 AM.
Old 08-15-16, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Sgtblue
*Not against engine swaps if done properly. The LS is available, light, reliable and powerful. And there are kits out there to make it easier these days. Depends on what you want.
*If all you're concerned with is dyno bragging rights in parking lots and traveling in a straight line, you're right... the rotary isn't for you.
*That kind of hp requires a complete drivetrain, not just the engine. Something you didn't mention and not sure you thought of.
*Just because you're making those numbers on a dyno doesn't mean the power is usable or that the car is faster than a properly modified rotary on a road track. Quite a statement for a chassis and powertrain that was designed 30 years ago to do just that. Which is probably the reason most adults stay with the rotary.
*Statistically and the fact that you use your first post to ask instead of searching and doing your own research suggests the car and power you describe will probably never happen anyway.
*That's all I can think of in response to a post that seems close to trolling.
I dont really believe LS is just dyno bragging rights though. to me they offer great drivability as a dd and gobs of power for cheap.
BUT ive never driven a 500-600whp rotary so i dont really know how they compare. Ive own 500whp 4 cylinder and inline 6 and for me v8 takes the cake everytime.
I did notice how smooth it pulls, it almost reminds me of my old bike.


I didnt include the drive terrain because its straight forward. 8.8 rear, stock trans, clutch upgrade. 315/35r17 either nt05r or considering going drag radials again like Mt

with equal power rotary vs LS then I agree it could easily be a toss up. but if your limited to 400whp to keep it relieable vs a 600whp LS ill put my money on the swap as being faster.

I currently own a 600whp 1998 ws6. the power is very much usable. BUT its 1000lbs heavier so I cant speak for sure what would happen then on a lighter chassis.

I do understand the statistics. and I assure you no trolling here.
I didnt do full on research meaning down to exact parts. But i mean come one to make that power is same mods for cars. Specially when comparing turbo cars. practically same supporting mods which different little details.

I made this post because I didnt find the advantages of rotary(other than what i found which i listed above). So for the guys that are high powered i was curious was there a reason for staying with the rotary other than what ive listed.

and this swap will happen just a matter of me deciding. Engine swap isnt complicated or hard-time consuming yes. Ive swap a turbo v8 in a datsun before and they didnt have any kits that was affordable then so it was garage made.

anyways just looking for reasons, maybe theres one that im not seeing that only a rotary head would know kinda thing.
Old 08-16-16, 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by ls325ci
first ever rotary car

I picked up a project for its chassis(non rx7) but it has the 3rd gen rotary engine.
Original plan is just pull that engine out and swap an LS and turbo it. But im a bit curious for why people decide to keep the rotarys when they are going for 450-600whp?

The LS is a fast and cheaper way to make the power.
I mean turbo an LS 5.3 and were talking 600whp for cheap. were talking 500 for engine 700 for cams/spring and $1000 for all turbo related stuff.
and thats a reliable set up too.

with the 13brew?
I havent done a full search on what it takes to make the engine take that power. but turbo and supporting mods will be about the same parts list.
But how true is it that they dont do well with 450whp as a DD?

the only plus side i see is that:
1. They are rev happy(if you want that)
2. you dont have to bother with a swap.
3. I guess if your die hard it is Unique.

... thats all I can think off

so please add in your reasoning. Im trying to see if its something i want to mess with and give it a try or just take it out now and sell it before it blows.
This is all imo so take it with a pinch of salt. LS swaps infuriate me. The rx7 is an iconic Japanese sports car, unique and held its own in the market up against legends of today like the gtr, supra, zx, mr2 etc.

It's beautifully balanced and handles like a dream, light in weight and as nimble as they come....then along comes someone and drops a big dirty LS lump in it.

Why would people do that to such a beautiful car? It's beyond me....I think it's an America thing 'big power' 'bigger is better' it's all bs.

Take a 600hp corvette and 500hp FD rotary and race them on a track and see who wins.

If you want to go fast in a straight line don't by a Rex, don't destroy one by removing the very thing that makes these cars special.

You don't need fancy huge dyno figures on a rotary to produce a very fast car. And all the bs about unreliability is exactly that.....bs.

Nothing wrong with the engines so long as you understand and maintain them, and find a tuner who is experienced and shares the same passion we all do.

Do the rotary community a favour a stick with the 13b, hell even a 20b but if you want to drop in an LS....you may aswell just by a Chevy or whatever they usually come in.

Rant over
Old 08-16-16, 07:06 PM
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RX-7 with rotary= Bruce
RX-7 with pistons= Caitlyn
Old 08-17-16, 02:13 AM
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Originally Posted by OG BBF
This is all imo so take it with a pinch of salt. LS swaps infuriate me. The rx7 is an iconic Japanese sports car, unique and held its own in the market up against legends of today like the gtr, supra, zx, mr2 etc.

It's beautifully balanced and handles like a dream, light in weight and as nimble as they come....then along comes someone and drops a big dirty LS lump in it.

Why would people do that to such a beautiful car? It's beyond me....I think it's an America thing 'big power' 'bigger is better' it's all bs.

Take a 600hp corvette and 500hp FD rotary and race them on a track and see who wins.

If you want to go fast in a straight line don't by a Rex, don't destroy one by removing the very thing that makes these cars special.

You don't need fancy huge dyno figures on a rotary to produce a very fast car. And all the bs about unreliability is exactly that.....bs.

Nothing wrong with the engines so long as you understand and maintain them, and find a tuner who is experienced and shares the same passion we all do.

Do the rotary community a favour a stick with the 13b, hell even a 20b but if you want to drop in an LS....you may aswell just by a Chevy or whatever they usually come in.

Rant over
Basically brand loyalty is what I read there...

Not to sure if your talking about reliable at mild power or high power?
what are we talking 500whp or 600whp on stock engine?

The Irony... The previous owner swapped in a rotary into a chevy so im actually deciding whether i should pull that out of a chevy car or give rotary a try
Old 08-17-16, 06:16 AM
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Originally Posted by marclong
RX-7 with rotary= Bruce
RX-7 with pistons= Caitlyn
That is SO wrong..
basically that statement is saying in any way that are cars are P***y whipped ugly assed ex olympians that can't figure out what to Pee out of.

Let me know where you live so I can Hop into "Chuck Norris" and have a talk with you..(hahhahahahahahahahha!)
Old 08-17-16, 06:49 AM
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Originally Posted by ls325ci
Basically brand loyalty is what I read there...

Not to sure if your talking about reliable at mild power or high power?
what are we talking 500whp or 600whp on stock engine?

The Irony... The previous owner swapped in a rotary into a chevy so im actually deciding whether i should pull that out of a chevy car or give rotary a try
Hehe maybe a loyalty to the brand but when you talk about reliable power it's a very moot subject. Your engine is only as reliable as it's built and tuned. My rotary is running 512bhp at the wheels and in 5 years it's still going strong because I'm ocd about its upkeep and I used one of the most renown tuners in the uk. A friend of mine has a supra and blew the engine after a year of its build....reliability is all relative. What I will say I to you is do what you feel is best because you will always have the for and against crowds for this subject.

Whatever you decide just make sure you cut no corners, do your research and use the best tuner and parts. You will have a reliable engine regardless if it's an LS or rotary.
Old 08-17-16, 06:52 AM
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I think it's a different situation when a regular car has a rotary vs. an RX7 being bastardized with an LS.

Why someone would put a rotary in a clunky American car is beyond me. The only reason I could argue against in THIS situation is the LS in boring...nobody cares about an LS making 600whp, especially with a snail. It's done every day, doesn't take any skill or thought, and is not special in any way. You can rip a motor out of a truck for God's sake! You may not care about any of that, and that's okay. I'm a hardcore fan of the rotary, but I understand its place (and making gobs of torque to lug a heavy chassis and do rolling burnouts is not one of them).

In your case the rotary has no meaning to you, especially if you're just trying to go fast in a straight line. Let's be real, very few American cars can handle worth a damn, so we're talking highway fast here.

If you want to really experience something special though, ditch that boat anchor dinosaur of a WS6 and get yourself an RX7 WITH a rotary, now that will be something worth talking about.

Last edited by DC5Daniel; 08-17-16 at 06:57 AM.
Old 08-17-16, 08:07 AM
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It really is whatever you want to do with your car and your money. That being said I personally am opting to build the most obnoxious full out rotary powered street car to the maximum as I love being the oddball and outrunning everyone leaving nothing but confusion and light wallets in my wake.

Straight line, road course, freeway, highway, curvy mountain road...whatever. A properly built single turbo 13b will leave just about anything. Out of all the v8 swap guys I met here in Houston in the last 2 years I didn't see a single swapped FD that would have been able to take mine in any of the above mentioned situations, and that was on my old setup on a 22 year old factory motor running 15 PSI.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind swaps so long as they are well done and as long as the owner isn't an unrealistic Dbag about it. There is NOTHING that pisses me off more than when a person walks over, looks at my car, then tells me I should put a v8 in it...other than somebody who doesn't own a v8 FD doing that. I've got some friends here locally with some super clean v8 FD's. I don't give them hell about their choice, nor do they mine, but neither of them seem inclined to wanna line up with me.

I think its one of those things were the less you know about something, the more you should fear it.

I'm targeting 750 rwhp on a two rotor in my street car for my current build. So I'll be waxing that 600hp turbo 5.3 swap car....on low boost.

Cheers! I'm sure this will turn into a **** show.

-Skeese
Old 08-17-16, 08:29 AM
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Rotaries make me tingle
Old 08-18-16, 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ls325ci
But im a bit curious for why people decide to keep the rotarys when they are going for 450-600whp?
First of all 450RWHP is not really considered high horsepower as many people on here have that, including myself. Now 550+ now that's another story... But anyway there are reasons why people decide to stay rotary.

For me its these things (in no particular order):
I love how the rotary sounds and feels
It easily makes 450RWHP with a few (relatively speaking) modifications - turbo, fuel, spark and an ECU.
A 450RWHP rotary is very streetable i.e. idles just fine, no need for 335 wheels, nor heavy clutch as the lower torque numbers (compared to a V8) are a sweet spot for this light chassis.
And of course the tired old argument that an RX-7 without a rotary just isn't an RX-7


But if we are talking truly higher HP numbers then things change. But if I had a true choice of either going turbo V8 or turbo 3-rotor I'd go the three rotor route. Mainly for the reason posted above
Old 08-18-16, 05:22 PM
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If high power is all you care about then sell the rotary, you obviously don't like or know nothing about them.
V8s are a dime a dozen here in australia as I'm sure they are in your country, everyone loves them but to me there nothing special and sound like rubbish.
There's only so much power you can use properly on the street anyway so the the high HP will be useless anywhere but the highway, sell the rotary to a mazda owner (only if it's any good) put a v8 in and be like everyone else, or be different and keep the rotary and enjoy the smoothness and lovely sound that comes with it.
But it's your car you do what you like with it at the end of the day.
Old 08-19-16, 12:53 PM
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I'm a big fan of the 1jz and always would say "jz swap that b*tch" but when it came down to my rx7.. Even though I can achieve power stupid easy with a swap and have more 'reliability' it just feels wrong lol. I feel like someone's looking down at me n saying, "don't do it Ben" when I think about putting a piston engine in a rx7 lol

EDIT:
Anyways I'd keep the rotary because it goes brap brap bravo and I like taco salads
Old 08-20-16, 02:26 AM
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Originally Posted by OG BBF
Hehe maybe a loyalty to the brand but when you talk about reliable power it's a very moot subject. Your engine is only as reliable as it's built and tuned. My rotary is running 512bhp at the wheels and in 5 years it's still going strong because I'm ocd about its upkeep and I used one of the most renown tuners in the uk. A friend of mine has a supra and blew the engine after a year of its build....reliability is all relative. What I will say I to you is do what you feel is best because you will always have the for and against crowds for this subject.

Whatever you decide just make sure you cut no corners, do your research and use the best tuner and parts. You will have a reliable engine regardless if it's an LS or rotary.
Sorry I didnt clarify, When I say reliable power I meant having that on a daily without having spent an arm and a leg on an engine alone. You know like the old saying, "fast, cheap, reliable" pick only two.
well thats no longer the case.
My ws6 is running 600whp 20psi daily driven commuter for 2 years now and zero issues. Stock engine FROM factory, Only thing it has inside now is valve spring and cams for more power.


you can make any engine handle all day everyday at max HP but whats the dollar amount to make that happen is also a concern since im not rich. Garage builder like everyone else.


Originally Posted by DC5Daniel
I think it's a different situation when a regular car has a rotary vs. an RX7 being bastardized with an LS.

Why someone would put a rotary in a clunky American car is beyond me. The only reason I could argue against in THIS situation is the LS in boring...nobody cares about an LS making 600whp, especially with a snail. It's done every day, doesn't take any skill or thought, and is not special in any way. You can rip a motor out of a truck for God's sake! You may not care about any of that, and that's okay. I'm a hardcore fan of the rotary, but I understand its place (and making gobs of torque to lug a heavy chassis and do rolling burnouts is not one of them).

In your case the rotary has no meaning to you, especially if you're just trying to go fast in a straight line. Let's be real, very few American cars can handle worth a damn, so we're talking highway fast here.

If you want to really experience something special though, ditch that boat anchor dinosaur of a WS6 and get yourself an RX7 WITH a rotary, now that will be something worth talking about.
I guess it would help to mention that he put the whole rx7 suspension subframe and all. The car handles like an rx7 its really an rx7 than anything else.

I purchase this car because it handles extremely well. A v8 would simply give it better drivability. BUT ive never had a rotary so i was wondering if there was something worth trying.

I would like an rx7 but its not something i want right now. The cost is one thing, then theres the smog or worse state ref... WHich i one of the reason I actually am moving away from the ws6 and into a pre 1975 chassis.

And i dont really care if a swap is "boring" if it gets the job done and puts a smile in my face im happy.



Originally Posted by Skeese
It really is whatever you want to do with your car and your money. That being said I personally am opting to build the most obnoxious full out rotary powered street car to the maximum as I love being the oddball and outrunning everyone leaving nothing but confusion and light wallets in my wake.

Straight line, road course, freeway, highway, curvy mountain road...whatever. A properly built single turbo 13b will leave just about anything. Out of all the v8 swap guys I met here in Houston in the last 2 years I didn't see a single swapped FD that would have been able to take mine in any of the above mentioned situations, and that was on my old setup on a 22 year old factory motor running 15 PSI.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind swaps so long as they are well done and as long as the owner isn't an unrealistic Dbag about it. There is NOTHING that pisses me off more than when a person walks over, looks at my car, then tells me I should put a v8 in it...other than somebody who doesn't own a v8 FD doing that. I've got some friends here locally with some super clean v8 FD's. I don't give them hell about their choice, nor do they mine, but neither of them seem inclined to wanna line up with me.

I think its one of those things were the less you know about something, the more you should fear it.

I'm targeting 750 rwhp on a two rotor in my street car for my current build. So I'll be waxing that 600hp turbo 5.3 swap car....on low boost.

Cheers! I'm sure this will turn into a **** show.

-Skeese
but whats the cost that you have put into that engine? ive noticed that most swap are stock ls1 or HCI once in a while someone will boost it.

btw you do realiaze that youll be waxing a 600 hp with a 750hp lol. thats not a comparison at all.
Old 08-20-16, 02:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Montego
First of all 450RWHP is not really considered high horsepower as many people on here have that, including myself. Now 550+ now that's another story... But anyway there are reasons why people decide to stay rotary.

For me its these things (in no particular order):
I love how the rotary sounds and feels
It easily makes 450RWHP with a few (relatively speaking) modifications - turbo, fuel, spark and an ECU.
A 450RWHP rotary is very streetable i.e. idles just fine, no need for 335 wheels, nor heavy clutch as the lower torque numbers (compared to a V8) are a sweet spot for this light chassis.
And of course the tired old argument that an RX-7 without a rotary just isn't an RX-7


But if we are talking truly higher HP numbers then things change. But if I had a true choice of either going turbo V8 or turbo 3-rotor I'd go the three rotor route. Mainly for the reason posted above

I added 450 since that seems to be a good start where it would be acceptable "fast" My concern is higher up to the 600whp what kind of money are we talking about?
At 450 it would only be as fast as my ws6... so i know i want more already.

From what ive gathered 450whp-500whp is about the limit of stock engine?

i would love to try out a 600whp rotary I can build everything around it but if I have to spend 3-4-5k for a rebuild engine for it to be reliable to me thats will take some reconsidering. I mean Were talking DD here beat around town. no warm ups or cool down for the most part.

and 3 rotor budget sky rockets. unless im mistaken arent stock 3 rotor 7k?

budget wise its either stock or mild rebuild 2 rotor or turbo v8.(even though v8 comes out cheaper actually.)


right now for me the biggest advantage is avoiding down time of a swap and all the work of a swap- I can basically straight up sell the ws6 and put that money to upgrades or keep the ws6 around until I finish a swap.


could easily be a toss up right now. I just really want to drive the thing but I gotta have the power. rotary or v8. I think ill put up the rotary for sale with the tec3r ecu as a whole and see what kind of money i can get. If i dont get the money that i want ill go for the rotary build.
Old 08-20-16, 04:24 AM
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It sounds like you aren't made for a rotary. You want something you can daily and is cheap. Then you can't beat the ls swap.
Old 08-20-16, 07:38 AM
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I hear a lot of people bragging hp numbers and talking hp number goals with no mention of chassis, suspension, brakes or anything resembling performance. Just numbers. Like a wealthy person who likes to brag about having an expensive watch but can't tell time. The OP should just get a roller, put an LS in it and be done. Unsub'd.

Last edited by Sgtblue; 08-20-16 at 07:41 AM.
Old 08-20-16, 07:54 AM
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Originally Posted by ls325ci
but whats the cost that you have put into that engine? ive noticed that most swap are stock ls1 or HCI once in a while someone will boost it.

btw you do realiaze that youll be waxing a 600 hp with a 750hp lol. thats not a comparison at all.
Between the motor, turbo, ECU, and fuel I'll have between 10-12k in it. It costs that to do a proper LS swap. Sure you can toss a 5.3 in there on a home welded subframe, but the car will always lack the refinement of a properly swapped one and won't be anything other than a strip car.

And you completely missed it with the waxing comment. A semi-p port motor with a 9180 can make 600 RWHP at 18 PSI all day. That is a perfect comparison to a 600hp turbo v8 can and my statement that I'll wax him at low boost 18 PSI spring pressure stands. I'll just have the option to flip it to 32 PSI should he go spend another 10k on his car and wanna run again.

-Skeese
Old 08-20-16, 08:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Sgtblue
I hear a lot of people bragging hp numbers and talking hp number goals with no mention of chassis, suspension, brakes or anything resembling performance. Just numbers. Like a wealthy person who likes to brag about having an expensive watch but can't tell time. The OP should just get a roller, put an LS in it and be done. Unsub'd.

oh wow the king has spoken. Excuse me for building a motor with a power goal in mind, I must be way out in left field for doing so. I'm probably the only person to ever think that way. While yes I would very much so like a set of Öhlins Coilovers and a huge Brembo brake kit I don't have the luxury of spending another 15K on my car right this instant and there is a huge hole where the motor and turbo should be so I'm going to focus on that part for right now. But that was cool of you, say something insulting and then just unsub and back out.


I know exactly what time it is.

Skeese
Old 08-20-16, 09:24 AM
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These threads are always uh...entertaining...and always...ALWAYS have the same theme and end the same way, lol! There really isn't any sense in them. But to go wayyyyy back to the original question, which...correct me if I'm wrong was, "Why keep the rotary when you are after high power, i.e. 600+RWHP"...well, you don't.
I see several similar threads in the various boating forums I frequent. In the boating world, nothing...NOTHING beats displacement. Doesn't matter which engine base you start with...you can always get more ponies with more cubes. I've seen guys with 'maxxed out' 454 or 502 engines lamenting their plight and the responses are always, "Uh...go bigger."
So yeah...if you want to make some serious hp, whether that is for dyno bragging rights or drag strip results, etc...you SHOULD dump the rotary. But on the other hand if you can "live with the "restrictions/limits" the 13B or 13BREW has, there is a lot to love. Three moving parts in the engine itself is well...just cool, to me at least. The turbine-like smoothness. All that makes the rotary unique. And yes...the unique factor is HUGE. Kind of like going back to the boating world analogies...I've seen beautiful, triple 1375 hp big block boats get COMPLETELY overlooked at the dock when a turbine boat fires up, lol! That 'unique factor', again.
Old 08-20-16, 01:47 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by Sgtblue
I hear a lot of people bragging hp numbers and talking hp number goals with no mention of chassis, suspension, brakes or anything resembling performance. Just numbers. Like a wealthy person who likes to brag about having an expensive watch but can't tell time. The OP should just get a roller, put an LS in it and be done. Unsub'd.
Lol why would I mention suspension when I'm asking about power?

If that's what im looking for then I would ask for that.

That's like asking about suspension setup and someone bringing up needing engine mods because we know it's slow stock.... Well DUH but that's not what is being ask.
Old 08-20-16, 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Skeese
Between the motor, turbo, ECU, and fuel I'll have between 10-12k in it. It costs that to do a proper LS swap. Sure you can toss a 5.3 in there on a home welded subframe, but the car will always lack the refinement of a properly swapped one and won't be anything other than a strip car.

And you completely missed it with the waxing comment. A semi-p port motor with a 9180 can make 600 RWHP at 18 PSI all day. That is a perfect comparison to a 600hp turbo v8 can and my statement that I'll wax him at low boost 18 PSI spring pressure stands. I'll just have the option to flip it to 32 PSI should he go spend another 10k on his car and wanna run again.

-Skeese

You cost vary and what's proper? It's questionable that's like saying name brand exhaust performs better vs cheap mild steel mandrel bend that I can make. Complete BS.

I can do complete custom turbo related part on an ls running 600whp for under 1k. Fuel mods not included in cost.
But turbo inter cooler , piping wastegate bob hotside and cold side can be had for less than 1k... Proven setup.

Meaning I have a very fraction of that cost running 600whp 18-20 psi. And mine is extremely mild setup because goal is street ability / best drivability.

25+ psi is out of the question, I will only run 91 octain with methanol. And I feel like 25+ psi your start to really pushing the methanol.

I'm more interested in engine cost though to make it reliable at 600. If I don't have to go through the trouble of swapping and have 600whp I'll gladly take any engine lol
Old 08-20-16, 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by bajaman
These threads are always uh...entertaining...and always...ALWAYS have the same theme and end the same way, lol! There really isn't any sense in them. But to go wayyyyy back to the original question, which...correct me if I'm wrong was, "Why keep the rotary when you are after high power, i.e. 600+RWHP"...well, you don't.
I see several similar threads in the various boating forums I frequent. In the boating world, nothing...NOTHING beats displacement. Doesn't matter which engine base you start with...you can always get more ponies with more cubes. I've seen guys with 'maxxed out' 454 or 502 engines lamenting their plight and the responses are always, "Uh...go bigger."
So yeah...if you want to make some serious hp, whether that is for dyno bragging rights or drag strip results, etc...you SHOULD dump the rotary. But on the other hand if you can "live with the "restrictions/limits" the 13B or 13BREW has, there is a lot to love. Three moving parts in the engine itself is well...just cool, to me at least. The turbine-like smoothness. All that makes the rotary unique. And yes...the unique factor is HUGE. Kind of like going back to the boating world analogies...I've seen beautiful, triple 1375 hp big block boats get COMPLETELY overlooked at the dock when a turbine boat fires up, lol! That 'unique factor', again.
Well I'm not for unique factor I want performance. I've never taken my car to a show or meetup and "show it off" that's not my thing.

What I want is a DD that I can take to the back canyons once in a while, take cruising with ac ps music and when you run into those new cars, it actually holds its own.


Quick Reply: What made you keep the rotary when your after high power?



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