Page 1 of 1
I have a queston
Posted: May 1st, 2003, 4:00 pm
by sas1986
What do i need to make my Friends Mx-3 rotary powerd? He already has his engine he took it out of his Rx-7 that he totaled. What he wants to know is will the stock RS tranny hold up to the power of a 13B TT? If not what will? He's planning on keeping it FWD but what all would we have to do?
Re: I have a queston
Posted: May 1st, 2003, 4:49 pm
by cjthor
Hello and welcome to the board. This question has been asked may times. It will take more than 10k in customizing I am sure. It is not a practical swap due to the MX3 being front wheel drive and the drivetrain will not fit.
Re: I have a queston
Posted: May 1st, 2003, 5:08 pm
by Custommx3
Also, there is no FWD tranny that will fit the 13B or 20B engines.
Re: I have a queston
Posted: May 1st, 2003, 5:57 pm
by Manach
First thing first.. was there ever a FWD tranny for a rotary engine?
Re: I have a queston
Posted: May 2nd, 2003, 10:08 am
by guyaverage
There arent any stock FWD trannys for rotaries. All the earlier rotary powered cars (R100, Rx2,Rx3, Rx4, etc.) were rear wheel drive. Audi and NSU made a small number of rotary powered cars but I believe those were all RWD also (that was back in the late '60s and early '70s). You may be able to fabicate an adapter plate to make it fit the Mx3 tranny, but I doubt it would last long.....Somone asked about swapping a 13B TT a few weeks back, here is the readers digest version of my personal $.02 :<p>1. How many miles are on this engine? He may want to rebuild it before he spends the time and money to try to make this work. Most of the 3rd gen. Rx7 engines dont make it past 80k miles or so.<p>2. Good luck finding a FWD tranny that is going to handle the HP and torque this engine produces,one that will handle 255 HP at 8000 rpm, not to mention one that fits in the space you have, and that will physically mount to the 13b, one that will accept stronger axles you'll need, mate to the shift linkage, etc.<p>2. If you switch to rear wheel drive, good luck in integrating a driveshaft, rear end, rear suspension, braking system, and whatever else from your donor Rx7 onto the Mx. Would you use the Rx7 driveline? Think of the mounts, chassis attachement points, clearances, springs, different gas tank, brake master cylinder,brake lines, and everything else that needs to be thought of during this process. Not to mention the cost.<p>3. You will have to integrate the 13b wiring harness into the Mx3's system. This is more than finding a way to insert plug A into incompatible plug B. The Rx7 ECU, the Mx3 speedometer and tachometer feeds, warning lights, etc. Pretty much everything will have to be fabricated from scratch.<p>4. Your going to need a MUCH higher capacity radiator. The 13b pumps out some serious heat. The turbos make it even worse. You will want a decent sized intercooler, if you can find room for it, not to mention the plumbing.<p>5. A completely different exhaust system. Downpipe, cats, muffler, etc. Rotaries with a free-flow exhaust are obnoxiously loud. Read up on rotary exhaust systems (Racing Beat, Mazdatrix, etc). A home made system made out of regular exhaust pipes wont last very long. Rotaries need heavier pipes than the Mx'3s, to handle the noise and heat. And you'll want a catalyst (rotary exhaust with a cat stinks to high heaven), and plenty of heat shielding.<p>6. Who is going to insure this car? The average insurance company probably wont even give a quote, given the circumstances.<p>7. Do you have inspections in your area? You'll never make it thru.<p>My advice, if this engine is low mileage, is to sell it. He could probably get a few grand for it, at least. Take the proceeds and do a 1.8 swap or get a GS and get a 2.5l.......The amount of money and effort he will spend trying to make this work will be obscene. If he is really attached to this engine find a good condition 1st or 2nd gen. Rx7 with a blown engine and drop this one in (there are tons of 1st and 2nd gen Rx's still out there, and they're cheap).<p>[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: guyaverage ]</p>
Re: I have a queston
Posted: May 2nd, 2003, 3:38 pm
by sas1986
hello again i was reading on the net and i found out that there was a FWD rotary car i belive it was the 13A or 11A and it had an auto and a 5 sp tranny its a jpec car though. Also even though this is unrelated i have a chance to get a wrecked Supra for 300 and the engine is fine, is there any thing i can use off of it?
Re: I have a queston
Posted: May 2nd, 2003, 3:48 pm
by OsoSlo z28
what car was the fwd tranny in?
Re: I have a queston
Posted: May 2nd, 2003, 3:55 pm
by Custommx3
those are old rotorys, I wouldnt use them, but thats me..