Conversion tyme: Rotary to a v-8
12-06-04, 06:24 PM
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Conversion tyme: Rotary to a v-8
I am new to the rx-7 scene so everyone play nice. I don't know exactly where to turn to or what to believe.
I have decided to convert my 1987 13b N/A to a 1990 Ford 351 Winsor that has been completely re-done with cams, etc. By the way, this car will be set up to run auto-cross next year.
Is there a company that makes a kit that would help me in my endeavor?
Will a Ford 8.8" rear end out of a 95' Thunderbird (with indepentent suspension) work on the RX- 7?
Does my "engine" idea sound logical to be used for an auto-cross car?
What do I do next?
Thanks for all your help,
Sarah
I have decided to convert my 1987 13b N/A to a 1990 Ford 351 Winsor that has been completely re-done with cams, etc. By the way, this car will be set up to run auto-cross next year.
Is there a company that makes a kit that would help me in my endeavor?
Will a Ford 8.8" rear end out of a 95' Thunderbird (with indepentent suspension) work on the RX- 7?
Does my "engine" idea sound logical to be used for an auto-cross car?
What do I do next?
Thanks for all your help,
Sarah
12-06-04, 06:36 PM
#2
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Not really, you'll get a shitty handicap, have too much torque and have a tendency to chase your tail. But if you continue on this, go with a TurboII rear-end, it'll take whatever abuse you throw at it. And check out http://www.grannysspeedshop.com/, you should probably post this in the other forum area however, since this section doesn't really like people who do v8 swaps. 
12-06-04, 06:37 PM
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Grannysspeedshop.com
hinsonsupercars.com
torquecentral.com
And you may not want to stick around here long.
go to the "other conversions" section in this forum...
hurry go, they're coming!!
hinsonsupercars.com
torquecentral.com
And you may not want to stick around here long.
go to the "other conversions" section in this forum...
hurry go, they're coming!!
12-06-04, 06:37 PM
#4
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you posted this in the correct section already i see. sorry, this topic doesn't really belong in here.
https://www.rx7club.com/other-engine-conversions-non-v-8-118/
hope you find what youre looking for there.
https://www.rx7club.com/other-engine-conversions-non-v-8-118/
hope you find what youre looking for there.
12-06-04, 07:36 PM
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12-06-04, 09:51 PM
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Is that thing Turbo?
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yeah i really wouldn't reccomend putting anything much heavier in there maybe an aluminum v8, but for autocross keep the rotary, i think the v8 would make more sense for drag
12-06-04, 10:13 PM
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Rebuilding the 7
12-07-04, 03:31 PM
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Hey you're right! That was a great site! www.wrongmotor.com. lol
And thanks for catchin' my typo, I'll correct it now for you: Cam instead of cams in the Winsor. No really, I appreciate all your commments. I do agree that it would become nose heavy with all the extra weight and that it would be good for drag. I am not building this car soley for auto-cross, but also to drive on the nice dry/sunny days to work and to the drag strip on Friday nights. So with this in mind now, is it still such a bad idea? What would you recommend to be the best tranny for this conversion and is the Turbo II still the best option for the rear end?
And thanks for catchin' my typo, I'll correct it now for you: Cam instead of cams in the Winsor. No really, I appreciate all your commments. I do agree that it would become nose heavy with all the extra weight and that it would be good for drag. I am not building this car soley for auto-cross, but also to drive on the nice dry/sunny days to work and to the drag strip on Friday nights. So with this in mind now, is it still such a bad idea? What would you recommend to be the best tranny for this conversion and is the Turbo II still the best option for the rear end?
Last edited by undrcvrtt; 12-07-04 at 03:39 PM.
12-07-04, 07:34 PM
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The TII rear is the best bolt-in rear you can use. There are other options like a Cobra rear, Corvette rear or anything you want if you fab a ladder bar or coil over suspension for it, but those are all on the expensive side. Several 2nd Gen cars have gone mid 9's with small blocks and nitrous without detonating the rear. Most likely it's because it's an IRS and doesn't shock the diff at launch quite as hard as a solid rear suspension would. 9 second cars that don't pull the front tires off the ground = a sight to see 
As for the trans, I'd go with a T-56 if you want to run manual, or in your case a C4 if you want an auto for dragstip use. I've heard of well built AOD's but I've never seen one personally. I'd sacrifice overdrive to have a trans that I knew wouldn't blow up.
I'd definitely consider aluminum heads for whichever engine you use. I have an all iron setup and it's fine on the street and the track, but the way I've set the car up (stock suspension, skinny tires, no front sway bar) roadcourses would never be an option. If I were to do it again I'd save a little more weight with aluminum heads. Of course, I am in the process of putting an LS1 into my FD, so I guess that makes up for it for me
As for the trans, I'd go with a T-56 if you want to run manual, or in your case a C4 if you want an auto for dragstip use. I've heard of well built AOD's but I've never seen one personally. I'd sacrifice overdrive to have a trans that I knew wouldn't blow up.
I'd definitely consider aluminum heads for whichever engine you use. I have an all iron setup and it's fine on the street and the track, but the way I've set the car up (stock suspension, skinny tires, no front sway bar) roadcourses would never be an option. If I were to do it again I'd save a little more weight with aluminum heads. Of course, I am in the process of putting an LS1 into my FD, so I guess that makes up for it for me
12-09-04, 07:06 PM
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Thanks for the information. I will be considering all my options and be making a decision on the tranny & rear-end after the holidays. So I will still like to hear some more opinions. Also, from what I have read, I can't decide to trust Granny's or not. Are they worth the hassle? Or should I fabricate all my own stuff? Pro's. Con's.
12-22-04, 11:16 AM
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i put a cammed 308 in my 86 and i can tell you right now for drag racing its an anwasome swap. however it does cause some cornering problems nothing you couldnt overcome with the right amount of money, but ive got tracion issues with the stock suspension so cornering at high speed is out. get yourself a good coilover set up and some really sticky tires and you should be fine. just make sure to fab up a new bracket for the front sway bar.
Last edited by Whitesmoke; 12-22-04 at 11:22 AM.
- LS1 powered vert....
01-14-05, 08:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Karack
you would be killing the wieght distribution of the car, you would be taking a perfectly balanced sports car and turning it into a nose heavy tank that will snowplow around turns...
how many have YOU driven in?
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