Hi folks,

I just bought an 88 'vert with an L33/T56 swapped in. The car runs pretty well, but has a few issues that need to be addressed. My wrenching skills are pretty weak, so I'm interested in finding someone locally who would be a good resource to work on this sort of hybrid set up. Some of the issues (brake pedal ridiculously stiff, idiot lights on all the time, need new top installed) seem RX-7 specific, while others (A/C not working) may be GM specific. If I do find someone who is helpful, I may seek their assistance with the GM wiring harness as well. It's pretty messy as is (see the nest in the upper left corner of the engine bay).

So, does anyone have any recommendations for me? Some of the items I'll try to address myself, but others are over my head.

As for my goals, I would like to have a fun streetable/weekend warrior (auto-x, HPDE) car. Given that, I'm also busy trying to understand what roll bar options are out there. Once that goes in, I'll probably go with fixed back race seats and harnesses as well.

Here are some pics from the PO:

 

Check out Holton Automotive, that is really your only option for Gainesville shops. Good guys, have had some minor work done with them, ie alternator install etc.

 

Holton is awesome for stock cars with his swap I don't know what they can/can't do the more ridiculous setup you get. Holton fixed up my a/c fast though.

Shoot me a pm with your cell if you have some free time you can bring it by a buddy of mine's shop who will take a look at it if Holton can't help you.

Holton Automotive
1605 Northwest 6th Street, Gainesville, FL‎ - (352) 384-0018‎

 

Holton is great. Were you supposed to meet up with us for the G'ville meet this past Saturday? Nice to see another piston in g'ville but looks like you have some work cut out for you. Who did the swap, who did your harness, etc?

 

Thanks for the recommendations guys.

Eddie - I was trying to hook up with you guys for the meet on Saturday. The timing didn't work out though as my wife was out of town and I had dad duty. I know Kevin K and he invited me out. Are you interested in a mini-meet one night soon here in town? I'd like to check out your car and get your thoughts on mine.

The PO did the swap, harness, everything. He has done several V8 swaps into various cars (BMW - V8 + turbo, Supra and this car among others) and provided me with pretty detailed documentation. Nevertheless, there are a variety of things that need to be addressed. On top of those, I would really like to clean up the engine bay. Compared to some of the swaps I've seen, this one is a mess.

 

I'm down to meet always

 

Yeah, we can do a mini-meet...always good for me. I'll check my schedule this, week...early evening when its not so hot out.

 

I'm out of town tomorrow and Wednesday for work. I should be good Thursday or Friday evening.

 

Hey T...

In regards to the idiot cluster...the cold solder joints go bad in them and can cause the issue that you have. I resoldered one of mine and it worked great ever since!

 

How about Thursday night around 7. Meet at Magnolia Park Kazbors off of 39th Ave.

Parking lot there is empty in the back and no one cares.

 

Sounds good to me. I'll confirm on the home front and look forward to meeting you and other folks!

 

Cool, see you on Thursday, hopefully Tom can make it out. Anyone else?

 

ill be there, hopefully ill get my doors on so i can bring my 7

 

you can drive without doors...jeeps do it all the time.

 

Holton Automotive (#352-384-0018) is definitely the place to go. I trust my FC with them every time. Plus their RX7 nuts like us. Derek is the ****.

There are only a few other places that even know what a rotary is. GP Auto off Waldo Rd (# 352-372-0518), though he keeps really weird late hours. And I forgot the last one, lol.

But also, given enough time and patience, you could learn to fix everything yourself from this forum!

I'd LOVE to join you guys out, but I'm waiting on my new wiring harness.

 

As luck would have it (bad luck that is), my trip to NYC has been extended. I now don't return to Gainesville until Friday, so tomorrow night is out for me. Sorry for the late notice.

I'm still very interested in getting together though. Would you guys be willing to postpone until this Monday?

 

met last night but we can meet next week...post up on the gainesville meet thread

 

Sorry I missed you all. Just finally got back to town this morning.