Other Engine Conversions - non V-8 Discussion of non-rotary engines, exc V-8's, in a car originally powered by a Rotary Engine.

VR6 swap in a FD

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-15-13, 02:28 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
350VRz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
VR6 swap in a FD

Hello all,
I’m building a 350Z with a turbo VR6 swap and have a thread going on here
Turbo VR6 in 350Z - MY350Z.COM Forums
I have a buddy with an RD RX-7 that has a tired motor, again, and he wants to so the same swap in his car. The question I had was why some people have to notch the firewall. Is it because it sticks out into the engine bay because the rotary is not very high? Sorry I have not had time to go over and look at the car but I though this forum would have people with the most knowledge on this car. I hear people do 2JZ swap in the FD as well but they have to change the hood because of the length of the engine. If I remember it was 30” long when I stuffed one into my DeLorean. This VR6 is much shorter and gives you a lot more room to work with.
Here are some pics. The engine is 19” long and 8” wide!!!
Name:  IMG_2583_zpsf12217b2.jpg
Views: 8929
Size:  65.7 KB
Name:  IMG_2584_zps643297e6.jpg
Views: 5106
Size:  64.1 KB
Name:  IMG_0409.jpg
Views: 6029
Size:  67.4 KB
Name:  IMG_0411.jpg
Views: 7715
Size:  77.1 KB
Name:  IMG_0431.jpg
Views: 4921
Size:  98.1 KB
Name:  IMG_0386_zps6011d788.jpg
Views: 8166
Size:  92.2 KB
Name:  IMG_0387_zpsfa61aac9.jpg
Views: 5287
Size:  72.6 KB
Name:  IMG_0391_zps501e03eb.jpg
Views: 4988
Size:  95.1 KB
Name:  IMG_0390_zpsf120bace.jpg
Views: 6151
Size:  92.2 KB
Name:  IMG_0393_zps683e37ef.jpg
Views: 5143
Size:  97.8 KB
Name:  IMG_0372_zps54ce1775.jpg
Views: 5355
Size:  79.5 KB
Old 02-15-13, 02:49 PM
  #2  
Rx7 Wagon

iTrader: (16)
 
Narfle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: California
Posts: 6,988
Received 875 Likes on 548 Posts
The rotary is low and short, so the bay isn't designed with much headroom. That's why swaps often notch the firewall or screw up steering geometry.

Not sure why you'd go with a VR6, except the convenience. Should be durable, but not exactly a peak performance engine.
Does your buddy have a bum tuner or something? Plenty of reliable high HP rotaries on this board. Usually user error to break them.
Old 02-16-13, 08:31 AM
  #3  
PURIST

iTrader: (43)
 
turbodrx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
I agree on the VR6...Great sounding motor, but that's about all its got going for it in my eyes. Plenty of better motor options out there.

-Austin
Old 02-16-13, 09:12 AM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
ru1i8b4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alabama ROLL TIDE
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do u just have vr6 engines laying around? If that's the case then I could somewhat see doing it just to say u did. Other than that its not that expensive to rebuild a rotary. Or he could sell his car and get something the vr6 fits in.
Old 02-18-13, 09:35 AM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
350VRz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The reason for going with the VR6 is it is cheap to buy and build, very strong in stock form, VERY compact and has great aftermarket support. Oh, it also has torque!!
Yes, I Love the FD RX-7 and may buy one myself.
Here is some progress pics from my 350Z build.
Name:  IMG_0463_zpsc6bb1861.jpg
Views: 4648
Size:  135.8 KB
Twin disc clutch
Name:  IMG_0464_zps4b92e502.jpg
Views: 5187
Size:  68.5 KB
Name:  IMG_0479_zps329467e0.jpg
Views: 4611
Size:  98.4 KB
Old 02-18-13, 12:47 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
350VRz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It looks like there is plenty of room without cutting the firewall at all. I prefer not to hack the car up!

Name:  IMG_0481_zps7b9f1971.jpg
Views: 4512
Size:  72.6 KB

Name:  IMG_0482_zps9c41243a.jpg
Views: 4584
Size:  80.8 KB
Old 02-18-13, 01:29 PM
  #7  
Senior Member

iTrader: (4)
 
sbnrx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
This is really cool. Think this swap is opening a few eyes (on several forums). Love the sound of the VR6. What is the engine displacement?
Old 02-18-13, 02:13 PM
  #8  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
350VRz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
stock it's a 2.8L, my motor is bored to a 2.9L but you can bore them out to a 3.0. The later 24V VR6 has a 3.2L you can get.
Old 02-19-13, 01:53 AM
  #9  
Junior Member
 
Dem3ntia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
a RWD swapped vr has been a dream of mine forever, its really cool to see someone thinking out of the box!!
Old 02-19-13, 06:31 AM
  #10  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
350VRz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Maybe we can make that dream a reality?

When I'm done with my swap I plan to post all the info for everyone to follow along. To include the wiring schematic and MS tune file. It will all be done with engineering drawing tools!
Old 02-19-13, 06:33 AM
  #11  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
350VRz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Can anyone tell me how tall the rotary is from the center of the crank bolt to the highest point on the motor? I forgot to check that on the car.
Old 02-19-13, 09:24 AM
  #12  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
diabolical1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: FL
Posts: 10,811
Received 305 Likes on 266 Posts
oh this is great! i'm in ....

the VR6 (in just about any form) is one of my favorite engines. should make for an interesting ride, putting one in an Rx-7.
Old 02-19-13, 11:41 AM
  #13  
What's the point??

iTrader: (6)
 
papiogxl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I just now saw this. I'm putting a VR6 in my FC. How did you make the adapter plate? If it was CNC'd any chance you'd be willing to share the VR6 bellhousing drawing with me?
Old 02-19-13, 11:48 AM
  #14  
What's the point??

iTrader: (6)
 
papiogxl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by 350VRz
Can anyone tell me how tall the rotary is from the center of the crank bolt to the highest point on the motor? I forgot to check that on the car.
Are you looking for the measurement including intake manifolds or just block? I'm assuming including the IM.
Old 02-20-13, 12:11 PM
  #15  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
350VRz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by papiogxl
Are you looking for the measurement including intake manifolds or just block? I'm assuming including the IM.
including intake manifold. thank you very much sir!!
Old 02-20-13, 01:27 PM
  #16  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
350VRz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by papiogxl
I just now saw this. I'm putting a VR6 in my FC. How did you make the adapter plate? If it was CNC'd any chance you'd be willing to share the VR6 bellhousing drawing with me?
PM sent
Old 02-20-13, 01:42 PM
  #17  
Will TIG for 20b

iTrader: (1)
 
jaggermouth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Nanaimo
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Yeah I went to your site, should definitely make a 13b trans adaptor for a VR6
One of my favorite motors
Old 02-20-13, 03:05 PM
  #18  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
350VRz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
13B transmission adapter? I didn't think the rotary transmission was designed for to much torque. I can make this adapter for 350z 6-speed, SBC and SBF transmission. I want to stick with what is common and easy to get. it takes a lot of time to get things perfect!! It's not worth doing a lot of one offs. I'm about to make a Rover V8 to SBC adapter here soon for my boss at work because he says there are not a lot of tranny options but it seems like people like them because of their size.
Old 02-20-13, 03:29 PM
  #19  
Will TIG for 20b

iTrader: (1)
 
jaggermouth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Nanaimo
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Stock tii transmissions are very durable and it would be nice to keep it in the stock position
Old 02-20-13, 04:14 PM
  #20  
What's the point??

iTrader: (6)
 
papiogxl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yup. Cheapens the cost considerably- Stock trans, driveshaft, starter, and an aftermarket flywheel. The adapter for the bellhousing isn't complex, but must be made with a fair amount of thickness to allow for a crank adapter that needs to house the pilot bearing.
Old 02-26-13, 08:06 PM
  #21  
What's the point??

iTrader: (6)
 
papiogxl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I just noticed you were having issues with MJM, good luck. I've gotten 3/4 of my shipments from an order placed 1/8, the last shipment solely contains my rod bearings. Kinda sucks. And what head studs are those? Most ARP's have allen drives in the head.
Old 04-10-13, 02:53 PM
  #22  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
diabolical1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: FL
Posts: 10,811
Received 305 Likes on 266 Posts
any updates with this?
Old 03-17-20, 08:08 PM
  #23  
Can Post Only in New Member Section
 
Benito Graciano's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Brasil
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Project

Hello, how are you? Congratulations on the project and information.
Could you share the adapter card design with me?
Thanks
Old 03-17-20, 08:09 PM
  #24  
Can Post Only in New Member Section
 
Benito Graciano's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Brasil
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Smile Project

Hello, how are you? Congratulations on the project and information.
Could you share the adapter card design with me?
benito@thinkpro.com.br
Thanks
Old 03-17-20, 08:10 PM
  #25  
Can Post Only in New Member Section
 
Benito Graciano's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Brasil
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
[CITAÇÃO = papiogxl; 11381170] Acabei de ver isso. Estou colocando um VR6 no meu FC. Como você fez a placa adaptadora? Se fosse CNC'd acaso você estaria disposto a compartilhar o desenho bellhousing VR6 comigo? [/ QUOTE]

Hello, how are you? Congratulations on the project and information.
Could you share the adapter card design with me?
benito@thinkpro.com.br
Thanks
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeff20B
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
73
09-16-18 07:16 PM
Wehavetocook
New Member RX-7 Technical
2
09-23-15 11:04 PM
gtcd
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
3
09-17-15 01:15 PM
gabescanlon
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
2
09-15-15 06:57 AM
jakeishness
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
11
09-11-15 11:33 AM



Quick Reply: VR6 swap in a FD



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:12 AM.