FormulaRX

Sorry if it's a repost but I'm fairly new here and I just came across a pic of this FD with an SR20DET swap...thought it was interesting...better than the LS-1 swaps you always see, but then again the 13B-REW is still the best and only engine to have in a FD (except for the 20B)!

rynberg

How is it better than an LS-1 swap?

We have a non-rotary sub-forum.

rx7what

iTrader: (6)

I would say its better just because its from japan. In a car from japan. rather than an american engine in a car from japan.

1QWIK7

iTrader: (33)

i think he meant better cause ls1s into fd's are becoming common so i guess it was better to see something else in there..

rynberg

Gee, both stellar reasons....

1QWIK7

iTrader: (33)

idk, just trying to throw out assumptions just so we dont hammer the guy for no reason..

FormulaRX

I just said it was "better" because it's not as heavy as a V8 but I don't think the RX-7 should be swapped with any other engine than a rotary, otherwise it would not be an RX-7...what's the point of buying an RX-7 if it wasn't for the rotary engine?

Icemastr

iTrader: (2)

Are you sure it is not as heavy as an LS1? Have you actually weighed a LS1 longblock vs. a SR20 DET longblock? Don't forget the weight of the intercooler, turbo, and piping you will want on there. Just because an engine has more cylinders doesn't mean it weighs more. You are comparing an all aluminum naturally aspirated engine to a turbocharged cast iron block. Don't forget that cast iron, turbo, and intercooler all add quite a bit of extra weight. Not saying the LS1 weighs less than an SR20DET, just don't assume that its heavier because it has more cylinders. You would probably be surprised what the actual weight difference is.

Whats the point of buying an RX-7 if it wasn't for the rotary engine? How about lightweight, excellent handling, inexpensive donor cars, and the looks of the car? It was because of the rotary engine that I took so long to buy my first RX-7 and because of the rotary engine I sold my first FD and Turbo II.

As for the guy liking it better because its a japanese engine in a japanese car all I can say is I wish I had a picture of the ROFL copter for you.

andrewb70

My LS powered FC TII is 2915 pounds. Thats the same as a stock TII with a rotaty, turbo and intercooler.

Andrew

13bhavoc

The SR20 is all aluminum it weighs in at around 450 lbs, the CA18 had a cast iron block and a stronger roller rocker head design wich made it just a tad bit heavier. Plus thats a S14/15 SR so the VVTi and the ball bearing turbo are a plus for both low and top end. Good engine if you are not going to do crazy tuning, just put 550cc injectors, 300ZX MAFS, FMIC, Exhaust, S-AFC dyno tune and crank up the boost to 1 bar, that should put it at around 300-350 ponies. I dont agree with the swap, it may be good for drifitng since you are constantly beating the living crap out of your car. For performance its not worth the cost of getting one in there.

ForceFed

The LS-1 longblock assembly is comparative, if not weighing in less than the ~450lbs you quoted for the SR20DET. I'd pick the LS-1 over the SR20DET any day to swap into my RX-7. I'd do some free mods, let it breath a tiny bit better, bolt up some ET streets and run mid 11s all day, on pump gas. Then I'd drive it home

sub9lulu

iTrader: (7)

same here
aftermarket support is just more avaliable here in the US for the LS1 compare to the SR20, it might be a good choice if you are in japan, heck 1jz will be a more avaliable option in japan too

oakback

There was a local guy here that did something like that. Check it out here: http://www.nrgperformance.com/projects-srx1.cfm

wingsfan

I wouldn't knock anyone for doing it, but I fail to see how it's "better". Personal preference I guess.

Yeah, that heavy ***, super expensive 20b is definitely the way to go.

Rx7thHeaven

What are you guys talking about saying it isnt an Rx7 anymore with a LS1 in it... RX stands for "Rotary Experimental" and with an Ls1 in it stands for "Reliability Experiment"!!!!

gnx7

iTrader: (10)

People don't just buy RX-7's for the rotary. Personally I love the way they look, brake, handle, are unique, and had 2 teams of engineers working on making the designs light and strong.

I wasn't happy with how long the engines last when pushed beyond stock and their lack of power low in the power band. Get a ride in an LS1/FD and you will change your mind.

RX7what- come out to Sears Point August 6-7th for NASA HPDE days and I'll take you out on the track in my car. You can tell me if I made a mistake doing the swap as we pass pretty much everyone on the track.

-Mark

Icemastr

iTrader: (2)

Thats impossible you know the extra weight of that dinosaur V8 killed the handling of your RX-7 I doubt you will be passing anybody

Marshall

Is that offer good for others interested in the swap? I'd love to make the trip up from Edwards for that!

locketine

that swap is retarded. You've got almost identical power with nearly identical reliability, and add weight. A V8 is a far better choice, especially an aluminum which prolly weigh less even with a turbo/supercharger setup. I read an extensive post on the weight balance difference between a normal fd and a ls1'ed fd and the ratio difference was like 50.5/49.5 to 51/49. There's almost no difference, not to mention your fuel economy and torque got a boost while becoming twice as reliable.

Dante1428

Hello everybody,

I'm new to RX-7s, but would like to learn more about the rotary that comes in them and the swaps out there. Do any of you know some good links I could learn more about the LS1 swap at? Also, as far as the LS1 swap goes, has anyone heard or thought of doing that with the new LS7? 500 HP & 475 ft lb of torque would be nice.

Thanks,
Alex

Nihilanthic

*sigh* I hope youre kidding icemastr.

gnx7 with his LS1/T-56 FD pulled 1.13Gs on a skidpad. He has INSANE power, along with tons of low-end, MUCH Better gas mileage, and MUCH more reliability! I saw a thread with the TITLE indicating the v8 swapped RX-7 (another FD) has a rear weight bias, not a front one.

So, to pete and repeat, all over again, lol. I think the forum guys need a popup window stating something to this effect for every person entering this forum

wingsfan

It's sarcasm. Didn't you notice the big at the end? Icemastr's been contemplating a swap for awhile now.

Nihilanthic

Right now I'm torn between a FD and keeping it mostly stock (reliability mods and boltons until I run a 12.9 and call it a day) or getting a loan for the same amount and doing a LS1/T56 FC.

Its *REALLY* hard to pick between the two, lmao. Though, once I get over how ungodly sexy the FD is, its really difficult to turn down a good modded FC. For less money then a good condition FD I can basically have a supercar, minus the sexyness. It appears, though, that I need a TII chassis unless I want to buy as rear suspension from one later on, heh.

GDJ

86 RX7 Sport w/ blown engine (more common than running ones)..............$200
2001 LS1/T56 Combo and Kit...............$5000
JTR LT Headers, Custom Exhaust, hot cam............$2000

400whp and 400wtq in a 2700lb car...........priceless

Nihilanthic

well, its settled, **** the FD, LMAO.

I'll get one in a few years, in that case. Its sexy but the already great deal bang/buck wise just gets tounced by the FC in this case, plus I have reliability. The insurance cost for "oh, just a 80s rx-7" shouldnt be too high either

Besides, at my age its probably a saner choice. My only concern is in a few years there wont be many FDs left