onikageka

I'm stuck in a dilemma. For over a year now I've planned on building an LS1 powered 3rd gen RX7. Well I have the car, and it needs a ton of work to get it where I want it. The work isn't my dilemma, it's the result. I need your honest opinions here.

Does an RX7 converted to use an LS1 engine using Hinson's conversion parts feel like a solid car? Does it feel like the V8 was built for the RX7 or does it just feel like a wild engine loosely tied down to the RX7's frame? Is it something you think a car manufactuer would deem worthy of the showroom floor?

I'm willing to bleed and sweat for my dream car, but I just need to know if it's going to feel like a car or a hack job.

Thanks.

wingsfan

Definitely feels solid. No issues and no regrets for me. Several people have commented that the engine looks at home, and the only clue it's modified are the braided fuel lines and the fuel filter.

https://www.rx7club.com/race-car-tech-103/autocrossed-my-ls1fd-today-1st-impressions-280030/

Crash Test Joey

iTrader: (1)

I'm still in the beginning stages of my project, so I can't say specifically for the 3rd gen's yet. But I did complete a 2nd gen swap with a Chevy motor last year.

My thoughts are that you get out what you put into it. My 2nd gen car isn't as nice as I'd like it to be, for a couple reasons. First, I tried to do it on a deadline because I wanted to bring it to a car show I attend every year. I rushed several aspects of it so I could drive it, and I haven't gone back and redone them. The other factor is I found the 3rd gen car and wanted to get started on it. So I decided to sell the completed car I already had.

If you're willing to bleed and sweat for the project, I think you're going to be very happy. I'm hoping to get my LS1 conversion done for the car show this year - but I'm not going to rush because I want to be happy with what I get. I plan on driving my car every day, and I have no doubt it will be capable of that.

owen is fat

well I've "only" got an LS1FC and I'll tell you it is one solid piece of performance... and I truly believe an LS1FD would easily be/feel/drive/look/handle/perform better than mine. There is no slop in the motor setup, there are no shortcuts with Hinsons equipment either and the end result is a very professional fit and if you route the wiring correctly it will look very oem ... use that ribbed plastic wire cover, I got it at Pepboys/Autozone and it made the entire swap look oem. Also its not like the LS1 is jumping round in the engine bay, even on stock rubber LS1 mount bushings so dont sweat it. The end result is one of the sweetest chassis' with one hell of a usable powerband and virtually no weight gain, its a beautiful thing... just stomp on the gas, even coming out of a corner (even at 1500 rpm in 4th!) and the car just fuc&^%$ rips up to ridiculous speeds, you'll be satisfied in the car within just a few seconds.

I personally think the idea of LS1-swapped-RX7's is going to spread like wildifre this year... I hope Hinson can keep up!

onikageka

Thanks for the help. I think I've made up my mind. I'm going to just do it and get it over with. I'm finally making enough money that I can afford the swap. So I might as well do it. Sides, not like there are that many cars in the world for under 30k that can do what an LS1 FD can do


Thanks again

owen is fat

hey no problemmo, youre right that its near impossible to meet this much potential without spending over 30 grand if not even more.
Not to mention if you do heads/cam for upwards of 450rwhp with serious rubber on wide wheels its possible to out maneuver and outrun almost anything on the road aside from the rare supercar or any custom and incredibly costly car.