I've been looking for another project to start in a year or so when I graduate college, and I think I've finally decided on swapping an LS1 into an RX-7. At the moment I'm leaning toward the 2nd gen/FC because they're cheaper and I like the looks, and also because I've sat in the driver's seat of a 3rd gen and couldn't get comfortable- too tall.

Has anybody here done the swap, or are currently working on it? I'd be interested in checking out your setup and chatting it over a bit. Right now I'm going through the extremely premature process of learning everything I can about LS1 stuff, just because it's fun. So far I'm leaning toward spending the extra cash to get an 2001-2002 T56 pullout, slapping in a TR224/224 112 and supporting valvetrain, installing some katech rod bolts and then spraying a 100 shot dry. Just a mild daily driver setup that would be a lot of fun in a 2700 pound car.

 

Lookup Mark Mcewain exhaust in ruskin.He helped a car dealer build a 350 powered, rear turbocharged Fc.Last time i was there it was in his parking lot.

 

This is all Kenny. I am pretty sure he still has the car too...

 

stop stealing my ideas jerky.

well, mine was going to be a track slut though... lots of cast iron and an auto tranny. still trying to make that one happen... i can never seem to find a turbo shell though. they're all freaking $8,000 with recently rebuilt 13a's.

 

just buy kenny's car, unless you want a newer rx7 shell

 

Huh, the last time I read one of Kenny's kill stories it did seem like he might have done some sort of swap into something, but the way he writes those things I couldn't really tell.

Oh, don't worry, I'd like to do that too, at some point in the future. Gut a first gen RX-7 (they're quite a bit lighter than FCs) and drop a in a large displacement gen 1 SBC, built to take a 300 shot, a glide, and backhalved... could be pretty fast weighing in just around 2000-2100 pounds. I'd rather build a street car first, though.

 

Kenny plans on having a dd and a weekend special(or full out race) RX7.

 

www.hinsonsupercars.com i believe that is the website

 

yea i have a gen 1 in an FC. i really love it to death.

and honestly, if i wanted a good daily driver setup, LS1 T56 setup is the best way to go. little more cash, but funnest damn thing someone can put together. and honestly think i may build one and use this one as the track car.

downfalls, these rearends/axles hate life...i dont care what you hear about the turbo 2's holding 500hp...thats with like 100ft/lbs. i currently dont have powersteering, but am looking to put it back in for creature comfort, so definately get those options.

i got my conversion kit at grannysspeedshop.com, and also a good resource for this stuff is at torquecentral.com in the v8 rx7 section.

im new to carbs so i am really having my issues with getting this thing running up to par...but with an LS1...youll have alot of fun. and if its anything remotely close in size to a gen 1...you will sit there..and think turbo 24/7....there is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much space. i can stand in the engine bay between the block and radiator basically.


now if i were to want the cheapest possible route, for the best results...FB, ford 9", TH350, behind a gen 1 sbc.....i would address the rear end 1st though before you try to make any considerable power. my little wimpy low rpm torque has snapped 2 half shafts already...


and miles if your interested in one thats started, i can give you a better deal then 8k. and the heads/cam for 120+mph n/a traps.