Im new to the rx7 scene and would like some input. I am located in WI and there are very few tII cars anywhere near me. I do have a couple of GXL shells that seem like decent buys to start with. My question is if you had to start with an n/a model to do a turbo swap this would be the one to get, it already would have the five lug and the lsd rearend. Im assuming this lsd is similar to the tII cars, please correct me if im wrong. Also I havent decided what turbo motor to go with, more than likely the tII motors but if you are doing an RE swap can you use the transmission too? When I searched it seamed like the norm was to use the tII transmission. Thank you in advance for your help!

 

S4 GXLs had 4.1 clutch-type LSDs, which is what I have in my turbo swapped convertible. They're smaller than the LSDs in turbo models (7" ring gear vs. 8"), but they'll still take plenty of power.

Standard specs can be found in this thread at the top of the section: https://www.rx7club.com/new-member-rx-7-technical-256/specifications-what-did-2nd-generation-rx-7-come-w-options-standard-features-782409/

Swaping a TII engine in will be much easier & cheaper than adapting an RE or REW.

For the transmissions, the 3rd gen transmission has a different bell housing, tail housing, clutch slave location, and input shaft, as well as an electronic speedometer output (as opposed to the 2nd gen cable type). I'd assume it'd be similar with a cosmo trans. You'd likely be better off with a TII trans, since it will match the rest of the car better, but either way it'd be a lot of work.

If you use a TII engine, obviously the TII transmission is best.

 

The only benefit of the GXL is it has the upgraded brakes. It's also the most loaded and heaviest, besides the vert. For pure performance without all of the options and a lighter body to start with, look for an 87 Sport or 88 GTU. They are the lightest and generally don't have a sunroof. They do have the upgraded brakes and hard suspension package. The entire TII drivetrain is different from the NAs. This includes the engine, clutch, starter, tranny, driveshaft, diff and half shafts. Only the 88 GTU and S4 TIIs came stock with 16" wheels. For the S5 models, the GTU was the base model and didn't have the better brakes. The S5 GTUs did but they are quite rare, as are the 87 Sport and 88 GTU.

 

Thanks for the info. I will double check the shells that im looking at. I may just end up buying a turbo II to start?

 

since you don't already have a car, i would suggest just getting a T2 and starting there. it will likely be more money up front, but you'll end up spending the same or more to convert an N/A. if money is a big issue, perhaps you could look for one with a blown motor or something.