IRP Built LS2 FD Finally done!
 

Another V8 LS FD swap is complete! I had been looking for awhile for an FD roller, and found one over at norotors (http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=24189.0), and here is the for sale ad when it had a running motor and was sold to the guy I bought it from. 1994 Mazda RX-7 LS1

I picked it up with the help of my best friend, knowing this thing had been sitting for awhile and was going to need a ton of work.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4ae74a0134.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1be78c77c6.jpg


I put a downpayment for the swap at IRP, and began my engine hunt on ebay, eventually landing on a LS1 with some PRC heads. The motor arrived at IRP having been rolled in the delivery truck, with numerous broken parts and oil everywhere.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a40db9308.jpeg

The motor was returned for a full refund, but set me back at least 3-4 weeks while I looked again. Eventually I found a 50k mile LS2 from a GTO and it was shipped overnight, landing perfectly at IRP's front stoop.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4d38bedd0d.jpg

After lots of struggles with the oilpan fitments, engine mounts, body and engine harness issues, and more tiny little things, we got the motor in several months later.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...88e60f5ea2.jpg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...60d585717b.jpg


The day I picked it up, had to get gas cause I wasnt sure if the gauge worked or not:


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...0d476be690.png

How she sits today:


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...4a0d68ec2c.jpg

Once it warms up, dropping some custom upholstered Recaro RZ seats, new front lip, new shine auto side skirts, and then if funds allow Ohlins coilovers, and she should be 100% done. Car was $$, but done right. With all the electircal gremlins I would have given up on the swap if I had done it myself a long, long time ago.

Seats going in :

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...7bf08dfdec.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...a37a5aa426.jpg

Mucho Thanks to Ihor and Andrew over at IRP for finishing her up right! Looking forward to the 2017 car meets so I can get all the heat from rotards when they spot me.

That's cool that IRP is facilitating swaps as well these days.

Nice progress, but there is no such thing as 100% done.

Spoken with experience :)

True. I should say "im done spending money on it for a few weeks". Already looking into a Race Pak display since the stock gauges arent working the best.

Congrats on getting her on the road!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...19b8e59df3.jpg

Holy honkin main motivator!
This pic really illustrates this is about as big a motor as the FD can swallow.

And it looks perfect nestled in its new home.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...d8125b366f.jpg

I am going to do this swap someday when I am well and truly pissed off with rotaries or done with racing. Today is not that day, but someday...

Same here. As much as im against LS swaps, you cant argue the benefits. I was just looking as LSX engines on ebay. few hundred more than a REW

nice work brother

Love the wheels!!!

Stance looks awesome. Have fun

looks good the paint looks to be in good condition

So clean. Love the spoiler as well.

If youre going to do it, you should do it while your engine is still worth some money, i.e. not blown up.

wow great build. looking to do something similar, for reliability purposes.

Rguy, I messaged you about the car! If you have a chance could you respond. Thank you

How'd you make out with the Race Pak? I'm in the same situation with my LS1/T56 FD. Would love some photos :)