I’m always thing ahead to my next project (or sometimes dream) and right now I’m dreaming about a first gen. RX-7 with either a 20b an. or a 13bt. I would want to keep power steering, a/c and keep the interior looking all stock and as new looking as possible.

But the main question is: How do the emission laws work in Houston? I know that any vehicle 2-24 years old has to checked but what if I had a 1981 and dropped in a 13bt or a 20b? Now both of those engine would be newer than 1981 so would they have to pass an emissions test? How would they know that they are newer? I’m sure that I could get the 13bt to pass but what about an engine (20b) that was never sold here in the states?

This is the stuff I think about when I’m at work………and I don’t feel like working.

-Bill

 

Don't know anything about the emmission laws, but if you were to try this with an 81, you wouldn't be keeping the power steering. That wasn't even offered till 84.......
13bt swaps are fairly common. I'm not sure how difficult a 20b would be to drop in, though. The 1st gen mounts the engine from the front cover, so custom mounts would be required.

 

Thanks, this is just preliminary dreaming right now. I don’t know much about first gen’s so I would have to do some info gathering. I don’t know what year this pic is but I really, really like it. I like the flared fenders and the stance and the wheels, it all looks so good together. Now picture it with a 20b na, now picture it in my garage!!!

 

1st tip, see the rear side marker lights? 79-80 models don't have them. they also have steel bumpers. Tag bolts onto the body, between the tail lights
81-85 has rubber bumper covers, and uses the rear side markers. Tag bolts under the bumper.
On the outside, there is very little difference between the 81-83, and the 84-85. Just the valance under the front bumper. Some 84&85 models (GSL-SE) came with a 13b, while the 79-83 all had a 12a.

 

finding a 20b is going to be the hard part.

 

yeah, not to hard to find but hard to find at a good price.
I might have to go with a 13bt but I would love to have a 20b NA.....they sound so gooooood! but then again this was just day dreaming at work.