Getting the most out of my RX7
 

Hey guys!

Just bought a 1988 RX7 Convertible. Rebuilt 13b motor with only 9,000 miles.

I'm looking to get most power out of this thing. Ultimately I'll probably do a t2 swap. But for now, I'm looking for any and all suggestions.

Thanks!

Leave it alone, enjoy it the way it is, save up a ton of cash, while saving said ton of cash, read this forum forward and backwords, take cash and build yourself a engine

Leave the n/a alone

I appreciate the honest feedback lol.

ok, so I wait to build/swap a new engine. It looks like the used t2 swap would be drastically cheaper than a v8 swap...is that accurate?

could equal about the same depending on what your limit for power is

Really? I've found several used t2 engines for around $800...some with a year warranty. And then, from what I read I just need the t2 ecu, wiring harness, and a few other miscellaneous items.

Read up some more, but you'd be better off getting a running T2. The amount of parts you need to get for a correct and total swap is extensive.

It's not just the engine you need to worry about, but all of the bits that attach to it.

Do some more research, but set your budget to about $3000-5000 for a proper swap, if you can find everything. the short-list is:

Engine
T2 Transmission, flywheel, clutch
T2 rear diff AND axles (NA ones will not fit)
Full engine harness and all turbo sensors (MAF, boost sensor, ECM)
Fuel pump upgrade
Full exhaust system (or at least the front section for a stock car)
Gaskets and fluids
misc hoses, belts, fasteners, etc

Most used T2 engines you will find, especially JDM ones, are in need of a rebuild anyways. So figure anywhere from $1000-4000 for a rebuild depending on if you do it yourself or have a shop do it.


Any major swap, V8 or turbo, is going to get expensive. Do as much research as you can. There are too many people who want to swap and end up either selling the car or not having a properly running car, or if you are like me you will have your car on jack stands for 3 years and counting.

Fixed.

Thanks for the thorough responses guys...really appreciate it. Obviously I know nothing about these particular cars...have always had turbo cars such as gti, cc, TSI, and my current daily driver which is a 14 Focus ST. I just really admire these older RX7's look. Maybe I'll just make it look super cool and accept the fact that it's a slow cruiser lol.

You won't get the smooth, effortless power of those cars you listed without significant amounts of money and work. Enjoy the car as it sits and buy a T2 or an FD down the road after you research everything you can.