Haven't post close to a year now...not that I no longer own a FD but because of having other interests.

One of those interest was buying a LS1 FD...but can't stopping myself asking same question of "WHY" over and over.

Our FDs have the most perfect sheet metal works comparing to any other car produced in 93-95...needless to said the FD body is "timeless". Have you look at the 1994 Corvette...it's fugly!

But what about the frinicky twin rotor twin turbo engine, yes it doesn't last as long as the piston counterpart but the rotary is what made the FDs so special...believed or not 50% of people out there don't even know about rotary engine.

So why should I go buy a LS1 FD? I am sure it's one heck of a ride...but would it make more sense if I just go buy a C5 Z06...well that would open up another debate...

Cheers...from Big D
Go MAVS.

 

i think there are lots of threads on this topic. it's all about personal preference. some people seem to think that having a v8 will make it a more reliable car, other's like the 50/50 weight distribution that the rotary offers and say that rotary can be just as reliable if taken care of properly.

try searching for more info.

 

there's a lot more to it than reliability or weight differences and I think the LSX cars are just about as close to 50 50 as the rotary anyway.

I may find myself driving a v8 FD if the right one comes my way but at this time I'm still in love with every aspect the rotary has to offer which to me include:

A long linear power band that steadily increases to redline

Lots of personality from buzzing like a bee to throwing flames and backfiring

Passing yet another c6 z06 when I have just a little more invested than he does in his wheels and tires alone. That's a stretch but you get the idea

Driving a car that's as much fun to drive as fully built race cars that cost 100k plus like a well prepped Porsche gt3. I've ridden in lots of different cars on track and the only thing that's gotten my attention is the GT3 (still my dream car) I haven't driven a v8 FD but I bet it won't feel anywhere near the same on track. Whats great about the FD and the Gt3 is the strong and long power band that just never falls on its face and I've yet to experience that in a v8 car.

Nothing makes you prouder of your little 13b than seeing that cup car or viper comp driver sneaking a look at your engine bay with that look of confusion as they scratch their heads.

I could go on and on but the rotary still does it for me and I thank all you v8 guys for providing some high quality parts during the transformation. Keep up the good work

 

you basically described an ls1. its true that many older, crappier v8s just fall off after like 4k, and thats not fun. 5.0 mustangs.. bleh. ls1's put down power a bit different than most big engines, especially with a cam.
heres a typical stock ls1

 

if i was going to get a non rotary rx7 it would be a LS7

 

I think if someone could make a thread on "HOW TO" install an LS that would be hella tight!!

 

you answered your own question....
people make/own/buy LS1FDs because they love the FD bodystyle and chassis dynamics and amazing handling... BUT they want a different motor, either for reliability, greater power with less mods, ease of service and repair, or any of several other reasons.

I think all of us LS1 swappers can agree with all of the rotary purists, that the rx7 is an amazing car and the chassis provides incredible handling, either FC or FD and hey even the FBs for what they were (theyre old yo! ) but us LS1 swappers also have a need and desire for more power or torque from our motors or even just want more gears in our transmissions

the deciding factor for me was driving a stockish LS1FC back to back with a highly modified nonturbo S4 lightweight... there was no doubt I wanted an LS1FC and I was stoked to build it. still love to drive it as often as possible, it freaking rips and I havent even modded the damn motor. it spins 295 wide advan ad07's on a hot day, in several gears (!) and leaves me with an ear to ear smile after each drive.

I guess if you want a drawback of the LS1 swaps compared to keeping a mild rotary then just figure in the expense of all that power... it will eat tires like no other

 

but the c5 corvette doesnt handle as well. lol right

 

I drove aC5 z06 and it just seemed like a much larger car and the handling is, well, different.

the RX7 fits me very well, I like how it handles and I like what I can do with it.
the C5 vette has a totally different driving experience and feel to it. in some ways the C5 z06 felt like the car was bored at anything under 120mph, it just felt like it was built for higher speeds and made driving on the street at normal safe speeds seem like a boring drive to me. its a very capable car and is a great track machine too, but for me its limits are just too high, so high that driving under them, way under them to be a good citizen, is a lame driving experience, IMHO.

 

Because LS1's are the ****. But next car for sure is a c5 z06 no doubt.

 

Something to remember: Any car you drive temporarily is going to feel "different" than the one you're used to. However, the car you're used to felt different to you at one time too. You just don't remember it as well.

The reason the C5 feels bigger than the FD is because it is. The FD is so small that it's ridiculous. It makes a Honda Civic look roomy. Considering the FD to be somehow "normal" and viewing every other car as "oversized", "bloated", "overweight" (or whatever adjective you want to apply) is just further indication that you're used to something that is not normal. If it were normal, there would be more cars like it instead of just a handful (e.g. Lotus Elise) that most people consider so small as to be unusable for anything but performance driving.

Whenever anyone says that the FD is smaller and more tossable than [Car X], I have to laugh. What they're really saying is that they're not comfortable enough with their driving skills behind the wheel of a different car to perform as well as they can with one that they feel has an advantage -- real or not. Think about it; Rhys Millen would mop your *** up in a MKIV Supra or any other car you feel is larger and heavier than the FD, so obviously the car isn't the limitation. Especially when magazine tests proved the Supra is just as nimble as the FD in every aspect.

I always thought that it was a better indication of a driver's skills if they felt they could drive just about anything and make it perform, but what the hell do I know.

 

There are quite a few swapped FDs and FCs in DFW (including mine). We meet up on occasion and I'm sure you could easily get a ride in all of the cars if you really wanted. Thats all the convincing you will need. Typically meet posts are over on v8rx7forum.com

 

sucked in from different thread,

if i wanted a V8 FR, i would buy C4 LT4 or a Stingray.

Why kill the personality and heritage of the car?

 

shut up with that.
obviously someone doing a swap doesnt care about personality or heritage. if you dont like v8 FD's, then go buy the rest of the remaining rotary cars so they cant be molested.

ITS A PILE OF METAL AND PLASTIC! no soul to be found.

 

A V8 Rx7 is just so different and sounds so different it's cool, especially if it's your Rx7. If you don't agree then stay out of these threads (you know who you are).

 

well.. i have thought that question a million of times. I've saved enough money for a V8 swap.. but cant push myself to do it to my RX7. I think to myself, if i want a V8 car, why not just get a corvette.. =/ Yes, your right, the RX7 is special for the rotary, therefore is why, im debating so much, and keeping my mind open about the rotary engine. It will not be my daily driver, so why not?? Now if this is going to be your daily driver, thats another story. But, to put it short and sweet...

RX7 = Special for its Rotary Engine ( keep the rotary )
LS1 RX7 = buy one already done, save yourself time and trouble, and save a FD's life.. =)
Corvette = self-explanatory

Also depends on what your wanting to do w/ the car, like some1 posted above, he likes the way it handles and what he can do w/ the RX7. (Keep in mind purpose of swapping)

Thats my view on things, but im pretty sure i will keep the rotary motor and go single turbo. Don't beat yourself to much, b/c I know I did, took me about half a hear, maybe more to decide to keep the rotary motor.

**But I will always want to ride/drive in a LS1 RX7** =D

 

My opinion of daily driven FD's is that it's perfect for it. I daily drive mine from home to school, school to home and home to work everyday. Thats about 60+miles a day. I live in San Fran and every month or so I drive down Fresno and LA to hit up some casino's with my friend and nothing bad has ever happened. Even when stuck in LA traffic. Just trying to let you know that when it comes to rotary engines all you have to do is really maintain it. I have nothing against swapping your engine so if you have enough money saved for a swap I suggest getting a roller and just putting it the LS1 in there so that you have both...then when you know for sure which you like best, sell the other

 

FD is special for its apperance and handling. its still one of my favorite cars, and i would own one over a corvette anyday.
if i did own an FD tho, no way would it stay rotary. i dont want to drive such an amazing vehicle while constantly wondering if today is the day its gonna pop.
besides, such an incredible chassis deserves some torque.

 

Holy thread resurrection batman.

 

duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh BATMAN!!! - beavis and butthead

 

The LSX series has a lot power and what not, but they just turn me off cuz they are so "rough" compare to the rotary, the 13b its so damn smooth.

I did the mistake of swapping an SR onto my TII a couple years ago but i'm back in the rotary. now i try not to molest the RXs with any piston motor.

bottom line is that the LSX got lot of power and if you got for an aluminum block you kind of keep your 50/50 weight.

In my opinion that will be the last motor i install on anything, I just can't stand the rough american V8.

I guess a short stroke, high rev kind of guy

 

Different strokes(pun intended) for different folks.

Having owned SR's, LS1's, 13b's, etc, I must not be in tune with the 'smoothness' you rotary guys feel with the rotary. They all feel the same to me except in how the power comes on.

 

probably because lsx's are very smooth. much smoother than older v8's. they changed a lot of stuff when they reinvented the SBC, to include firing order and timing.

 

Just thought I'd show more proof of how nice and linear the powerband on an Ls1 is. This time with a centrifical supercharger and headers... The motor is bone stock and a cam would really wake it up.

 

The stock LS1 drops off at 5500 rpms due to the cam. Throw in a cam that makes power in the upper revs and you can make power past 7k if the valvetrain will hold. It's all in how the motor is setup. Race built LSX motors can make power all the way to 8500. Next argument?

Or the person just doesn't notice that different Gorden. You make a lot of assumptions. Not everyone has the same hearing, sight, feel, or perception. I honestly have never been able to feel this 'smoothness' you rotary heads mention. I've been around enough rotaries in the past 5 years, that it isn't just about my own personal FD(that has given me a chitload of problems).