Cowboyfun

How much tougher would it be to put this engine in an 83 gsl, rather than a TII engine...I can get the 13bt-re for about 300 less with ecu, trans, etc. I'm tired of fighting with my 12a and I'm ready to chuck it if i can't get it running. Any suggestions. I know that I'll need to switch over the electronics, and get a new cross member and engine mounts...but anything out of the ordinary to expect with this twin turbo engine?

Max7

Basically the same swap since you have to change oil pan, front cover on either anyways.
you'll need to address the twins or get an S4 or S5 turbo, wiring would be about the same.
plumping would be about the same. Power would be better from the RE.
I'm installing an Cosmo 13B RE in my FB right now and its pretty strait forward.

Cowboyfun

what would you recommend as far as dealing with the twins, is there a fitment issue with them, or is it more of a electrical/wiring/ecu problem.

setzep

There is no problem fitting the twins in there but they are pretty weak. You'd probably want to run them non seq also for simplicity.

hornbm

if your gonna dump the money into the swap go single...

Cowboyfun

gotcha, did some reading, and I am enlightened. Will definately go single with the swap. WOOT, my FB will never know what hit it!

2a+RoN

^neither will your wallet

2.0L 1st Gen

I am also looking into swapping a Cosmo 13B-RE into my first gen....

What front cover should i be looking for?

The chassis is a 12a car so my cross member is 12a. I dont plan on finding a 13b cross member. I was thinking or purchasing the racing beat 12a to 13b adapter.

Also as far as ECU, I can get a good deal on APEXi Power FC. Would this ECU work with the Cosmo wiring harness or would i need to swap to an FD harness?

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

not trying to come off like a *****, but does it really make sense to undertake this engine swap if it's because you can't get your 12A to run right?

anyway, good luck and listen to what setzep and max7 said.

13BT_RX3

Reject import motor are en excellent choice for a rebuildable core, but I would not put too much stock in them running for long. Did I say reject import motors? I mean to say low milage JDM motors.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

just noticed that you brought up an older thread ... my bad, i guess, for not looking.

use either a 12A or SE front cover, and SE oil pan and either modify the mounting bracket or get the RB one.

get a proper standalone. there are a few FBs running RE motors with some good writeups in the Gen I forum. give it a look.

dayton

cowboy- i am about ready to start my swap as well... i am looking into tranny/ flywheel issues.... i ment to say that i don't want any issues to come up, once i start into this swap... let everybody know how it goes...

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

just use an aftermarket flywheel meant for an S5 T2 (as i'm assuming you'll be using a T2 tranny) and all should be well.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

just saw your other thread (HERE) and wanted to note, because people seem to get confused for some reason. the 13B-REWs (FD3S) are different engines from the 13B-REs (JC Cosmo). for the purpose of putting them in an FB, it doesn't matter, but there are not the same.

1.1LiterGasEater

13bt in 12a engine bay requires 12a front cover, gslse oil pan and pickup. I know that much but can you use the 13bt stock ecu just in the begining so i can get it running. And I found out the 12a tranny bolts up to the 13bt block is that a smart idea or will the **** break.

indispeed

iTrader: (3)

This is my plan , I will be installing turbo 2 front suspenion & subframe then use fc-cosmo engine mount brackets so I can use the cosmo motor. all this is i frist gen.

Will this this work??? will know soon.....

Romeallo

Will the 13b re fit in a 85 rx7 with no modifications? i heard that you have to have stock tranny in the cosmos .. anyone know why? by no modifications i mean nothing other than engine mounts

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

welcome to the board.

search the Gen I forum. there are threads (with photos) that can give you guidance if you're interested in putting an RE in a Gen I.

again ... you have to find a way to mount it. the easiest way is by getting an "older" front cover to utilize the stock SA/FB mounts. if you can fabricate, then you are NOT limited to that solution. so for the purpose of ease, then YES you have to modify it by changing the front cover.

you also have to find a flywheel compatible with the transmission you plan to use.

the Cosmo's ECU "looks for" the transmission. that is why if you have a Cosmo and intend to run the stock ECU, you need the tranny (or some way of making the ECU think it is there).