85 rx7

[1_slo_92]

Was wanting some input on an idea i had. I have been offerd a 85 rx7 for the civic i have and i was thinking of throwing a 302 out of a explorer and a t5 trans with some nitrous anyone have any input on this? Looks like its a straight forward swap with minimal work involved, im not worried about the weight gain because ill gut it and have 2 seats and a cage in it. The rx7 weighs in roughly 600lbs lighter then a 85 mustang 5 speed. Heres a website that sells parts for the swap but i know it can be done cheaper with making some of it myself. http://www.grannysspeedshop.com/

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

FYI a big part of why it weighs that much less is because the Wankel doesn't weigh anything compared to a 302, and the trans and rear end are lighter as well. Change all those things and the weight would be around the same.

If done right, i love this swap. But, i love the Wankel too.

[Jake]

as much as i love a v8, those rotarys are imo too unique to replace. either way you go if its in good condition id go for the trade.

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

A friend of mine's dad had a bone stock and very well cared for '85. I swear you couldn't redline that engine...it would pull to 9k and keep going but the power would drop off so much there wasn't a point in going much higher. It was a really entertaining car to drive through curvy roads.

[1_slo_92]

just the thing about these motors that get me is the lack of power. it'd be a 16second car and thats already what i have but from the reading ive been doing id be loosing around 7mpg. Now im ok with loosing 15mpg and being able to run a decent pass on some spray

[1_slo_92]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_dLdtmh8bI&feature=fvst

Look fun?

[Stangman]

My friend has an '86 with a 351w/T5.

[1_slo_92]

My friend has an '86 with a 351w/T5.

Ok? Do tell more

[Stangman]

Idk... it aint done yet, lol

[Timido]

I saw an 88ish one at the nhra race that had a LS1 with a blower it ran 9.80 and looked stock. There was alot of room in the engine compartment

[Gene]

It's a really easy swap. I have a Granny's kit for an LS1 on the shelf in my garage.

I'm still debating whether I want to put the LS1 in my 87...I really love the feel of the rotary engine. If it had a turbo and some power it would be an awesome car.

[1_slo_92]

Id think the v8 route would be better bang for the buck when you would have 3grand into a 13b turbo swap. And honestly i have no clue how to work on a rotary lol

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Not many people do...i sure as hell don't...i barely understand how they work but to this day the fastest car i've ever driven was a twin turbo '87 RX-7 so i have a lot of respect for what they're capable of.

[foxbodyfan]

If you like rebuilding your engine all the time the wankel is for you.

[1_slo_92]

Thats what ive heard. The guy might have it sold if he does im back to square one so we'll see.

[ADaughen]

If it is the Turbo II, it already has a beefy enough suspension and LSD to handle the 302. I know an older guy in MN that dropped a LT1 into a Turbo II car with the Granny kit. The weight gain wasn't that bad. He put some 4-lug pony rims on it and swapped out the hood for a real hodge podge of WTF?!. It would lay rubber in the first three gears.

[mustang8998]

If you like rebuilding your engine all the time the wankel is for you.

You can't bore and stroke, a Wankel.

Heck, I didn't think that they could be rebuilt at all.

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

You can't bore and stroke, a Wankel.

Heck, I didn't think that they could be rebuilt at all.

the craziest thing is they can be "blown up" and still run and drive.

[foxbodyfan]

You can port them and those apex seals don't like to last to long.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr2x-5nTPXA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDgJZA0aI5E