pics of my V8 RX-7 project

[mattster]

hey guys i've fiinally started the V8 swap that i always wanted to do. check out my pics and read up on my story. please don't tell me that i'm a rotary hater, because i love rotaries just as much as anyone else.

Car Domain Website

<small>[ July 21, 2004, 11:17 AM: Message edited by: mattster ]</small>

[Amma351]

Although I respect the amount of work that got into this project I can't help but feel bad for an import having something american inside.
American muscle is american muscle and japanese tuning is japanese tuning.
Thats just my 2 cents.

[Selecta]

Original yes...but I would have to agree with Sash...if you put a big american V8 in the RX7 it just stops being one of the dream tuner cars and just another example of big american displacement engines.

[Nd4SpdSe]

Just wondering, how much custom work was required?

[mattster]

wow, i really didn't think that i would be receiving so much flack from people around here. I'd agree, american muscle is american muscle. and japanese tuning is japanese tuning. however, as i said in another post... which would you rather see, these RX-7's be crushed or given another chance? obviously i could have chosen to put a built up rotary in the car, but i am looking to do something a little out of the ordinary. the truth is, i was looking to make a really fast car on a small budget, and this project clearly stood out from other options. a 2800 lb car with a 300 HP engine, sounds fun to me!

anyway, nd4spdse, i am not finished yet. and i won't be done until the end of next summer. BUT, i can tell you pretty much the main custom work that needs to be done. custom motor mounts and transmission mounts must be fabbed, these can be purchased for $250 or if you are like me can be designed and welded for cheap. the driveshaft must be 1/2 chevy 1/2 mazda to connect the T56 with the stock 4.10:1 RX-7 rearend. the radiator must be turned to the verticle positioned and brought as far forward as possible. the battery is relocated, the alternator is repositioned, and a custom exhaust needs to be fabbed. the car uses the LT-1 computer and wiring harness. thats the main things that are done off the top of my head. it really is one of the easiest V8 swaps to do!

[Selecta]

Well I know swaping to a 20B motor would have given you a whopping load of pwr as well...if you were looking to show up the american muscle.

[Nd4SpdSe]

Originally posted by mattster:
anyway, nd4spdse, i am not finished yet. and i won't be done until the end of next summer. BUT, i can tell you pretty much the main custom work that needs to be done. custom motor mounts and transmission mounts must be fabbed, these can be purchased for $250 or if you are like me can be designed and welded for cheap. the driveshaft must be 1/2 chevy 1/2 mazda to connect the T56 with the stock 4.10:1 RX-7 rearend. the radiator must be turned to the verticle positioned and brought as far forward as possible. the battery is relocated, the alternator is repositioned, and a custom exhaust needs to be fabbed. the car uses the LT-1 computer and wiring harness. thats the main things that are done off the top of my head.

Originally posted by mattster:
it really is one of the easiest V8 swaps to do!

I'm affraid to ask what the more complex swaps are like

[Sam Baker]

top speed...

[natural born honda killer]

well its way more work to put the 20b in there from what ive read. id rather see a 20b just because ive hardly ever seen a 20b rx-7 but props on the v8 in there. trust me theres plenty of people on this board that would put a v8 in their mx if they could.

[mx3man83]

I really doubt that engine will make that car reach that top speed. Cool swap though...good luck, have fun.

[mattster]

thank you guys for at least a little bit of support now. 20b's are quite fun engines, i must admit. i have seen those things 800+ HP, which would absolutely embarass my LT-1 powered RX. however, they are EXPENSIVE, if you can even fine one. LT-1's are everywhere and parts are "cheap". 215 MPH is the theoretical top speed, only considering engine RPM, gear ratios tire diameter etc. since rotaries cruise at such high RPM's i built a spreadsheet to calculate speed from engine spin, to make sure the numbers worked out... and i just had to see what the top speed would be .

when i said it was one of the easier V8 swaps to do, i meant in comparison to the datsun and fiero type "small car-big engine" swaps.

its going to be a fun little car when its all said and done .

[fry_81]

very original idea, good luck with the swap. It will probably confuse alot of people though when they hear it coming.....and then see it lol

[Nd4SpdSe]

i saw a video os a FC with a v8, insane power

[mattster]

thank you, thank you, i really am glad to hear that not everyone looks down on my car! i guess it is kinda "origional" but believe it or not, there is a ever-growing amount of people out there with these swaps. it is VERY well documented, and that is another reason that i chose this swap over some of the other V8 coversions out there. here is a picture of a 2nd gen similar to mine with the LT-1 swap (just in case ya'll think im crazy!).

<img src="http://www.v8rx7.com/bob_engine2.jpg" alt=" - " />


if anyone is interested... here are some links to check out:

V8 RX-7

Torque Central Forum

Granny's Speed Shop

[Selecta]

Don't get any of us wrong man...what you are doing is original and all the power to you. It's just I guess from where i am standing if you put a v8 in your car it is no longer a tuner (so to speak) but like I said before impressive project..and I am sure people will wonder what the hell just blasted past them.

From what I remember a 20B would run you about 5k USD. And puts out 280HP...but either way original and can't wait for some times.