Zerottie

I'm considering a 1988 rx7 for my first build for drift. I've been thinking about buying it and swapping it for a ls1 motor ( I know. Most people prefer to leave the Rotary engine alone. ) but I'm still not sure. I really like the rx7 but I don't want to do something that's been done 1,000 times before. Thoughts? Tips?

86svo9l

LS power is a lot of fun.

Expect to spend 6k and up for a nicely done LS swap. Well worth the money in my opinion.

Zerottie

I looked into the ls over a lot of other engines just because it would fit and well... It's a corvette engine. What's not fun about that? And as for suspension or set up the only thing I really know is that a short gear ratio is what you need. And that torque is your friend. Honestly that's about it.. Haha

86svo9l

It is a lot of fun. Just be prepared to set up a good budget.

It is easier to get a complete pullout and the cost ends up being about the same. May seem cost effective to get a truck engine and toss car parts at it. But the end cost is nearly the same, only the amount of work is much greater. So do yourself a favor and start with a complete pullout from a Trans Am or Camaro. Will save a lot of time.

Zerottie

I guess my budget would probably range from 15-20 but that would be over time. I'm only 20, haha and unlike the people who are given everything I'm one of the ones who get to work for everything

86svo9l

I know exactly how you feel. That budget should get you an amazing car.

You will find that most guys who do these swaps normally aren't the typical silver spoon crowd. Most are intelligent, hard working guys who enjoy a nice debate. So although young, your position of working for what you have is not atypical.

Zerottie

Well, also with that. My working so hard is what started my passion I cars. I cannot see myself stuck behind a desk for the rest of my life. I'm aware it will take a couple of years to even get remotely good at drifting. And finding sponsors will not be easy. But it's something that I feel I need to give my all at.

86svo9l

Definitely man. Did not mean to come off harsh or anything.

These cars are a lot of fun. Keep it up and the reward of taking those first couple corners is amazing.

Zerottie

You've been a lot of help. Not harsh at all actually. Thank you.

Cuzzynz

my car is a budget build also, I am 23 and one of the only guys in my area with a running V8 swapped FC.. and I've been working on cleaning swap up, wires body panels suspension.. owned car for over year its never seen the road (legitimately) so your build might take a long time but at least it will be the way you want