FD3S RX-7 LS1 Build...

[NTIMD8]

First of all I would like to give a huge thanks to No Limits Auto Parts for working with me on this project and getting me all the miscellaneous parts needed for this build. Great customer service as always!!!


BUILD INFO:
The donor Car is a 98 Trans Am LS1 4l60E (Auto). I was looking for an auto since I have a bad left hip but to make it more enjoyable I am installing a pretty trick paddle shift set up. More to come on that in the future although I may end up installing it only next winter depending on time.
The LS1 will be mildly modified and should be enough to keep me happy for a season or two.

RECIPIENT:
As most of you know the LS1 is going into my 1993 RX7 which has about 56K kms on it. The car ran perfect and strong so I was able to sell the motor and tranny for good money.
http://img18.picoodle.com/img/img18/3/4/10/ntimd8/f_Tint001m_b184c26.jpg

http://img18.picoodle.com/img/img18/3/4/10/ntimd8/f_RX7andCTS00m_10a7dca.jpg

http://img18.picoodle.com/img/img18/3/4/10/ntimd8/f_Shifter001m_bcdbc46.jpg

http://img18.picoodle.com/img/img18/3/4/10/ntimd8/f_Dash009m_364d8dd.jpg

DONOR:

Here is the donor. It was fun doing a few burnouts and driving it around a bit...

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6896/getattachmentnx7.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1745/getattachment2bj4.jpg

[NTIMD8]

STRIPPING OF THE TRANS AM (F-Body fans may not want to watch this part)

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7714/partout001rd0.jpg

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/8595/partout002ky4.jpg

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/4220/partout003oz6.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8995/partout004yp8.jpg

http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/3/11/8/f_PartOut038m_9d5da56.jpg

http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/3/11/8/f_PartOut037m_32ea0c2.jpg

http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/3/11/8/f_PartOut039m_05feae0.jpg

In the air draining all the fluids and disconnecting crap...

http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/3/5/4/ntimd8/f_project003m_54cb58d.jpg

Engine bay with everything out of the way so we can drop the cradle.

http://routerx.dungeons.ca/albums/album164/IMG00021.sized.jpg

Me buffing the paint with a beer cap (GTPAUL eat your heart out)...

http://routerx.dungeons.ca/albums/album164/IMG00024.jpg

Cradle unbolted so lifting the car on the hoist while the cradle stays on the floor. Raise the body by a couple of inches at a time and check to see if anything is still connected or catching on something.

http://routerx.dungeons.ca/albums/album164/IMG00025.sized.jpg

Hello Grabber...

http://routerx.dungeons.ca/albums/album164/IMG00027.sized.jpg

[NTIMD8]

Powder coated the valve covers and the MAF...


http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/3/5/4/ntimd8/f_project005m_87c1642.jpg

http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/3/5/4/ntimd8/f_project006m_d158b27.jpg

[NTIMD8]

Comp Cams 918 Valve Spring install:

Here is a pic of one of the heads with the valve cover off:

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/2/5/17/ntimd8/f_VS002m_2352d97.jpg


Here are the rockers and pushrods removed (Very easy to do).

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/2/5/17/ntimd8/f_VS004m_1925186.jpg


The head with the rockers and pushrods removed...

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/2/5/17/ntimd8/f_VS005m_f5ec30b.jpg


New springs...

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/2/5/17/ntimd8/f_VS006m_4eea7b4.jpg


So in order for the valves not to fall in the Cyl when you remove the springs you have to force compressed air into each cyl through the sparkplug socket. The air basically pins the valvs closed so they dont drop. Here it is set up in the first cyl...

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/2/5/17/ntimd8/f_VS007m_bf176a1.jpg


Here is a picture of the valve spring compressor hooked up to one of the stock valve springs. The first two springs have already been swapped out for the new stronger springs.

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/2/5/17/ntimd8/f_VS008m_e394c33.jpg


Here is one of the stock springs, retainer and locks...

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/2/5/17/ntimd8/f_VS009m_26eadeb.jpg


So basically I go one by one and swap out all 16 springs.

[NTIMD8]

CAM, TIMING CHAIN & OIL PUMP INSTALL:

After buying the 3 jaw puller I was able to get the balancer off…

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods002m_8f67b63.jpg



Front cover off…

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods003m_3a794f1.jpg



Next came time to remove the oil pump. I removed the bolts and tried to remove it like I read to do but it would not budge. Quick chat with my buddy who helps me with my projects and stupid me didn’t remove the oil pick-up. As a result I had to remove the oil pan. This meant lifting the motor.

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods004m_8376ff0.jpg



Removed most of the bolts on the oil pan at this point. Enough for me to be able to reach in and unbolt the pick-up at the pump. 1st pic is of the old pump, 2nd pic is with pump removed…

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods005m_a2e7d27.jpg

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods006m_6ff4e1e.jpg



Now that the pump is removed I can remove the upper timing gear by removing the 3 bolts. Before doing that though I had to align the timing marks on the gears.

Under that is the cam retainer. Basically just a plate held in by 4 bolts that holds the cam in place. Once that is done I turn the cam around a few times which pushes up the lifters cathing them on a plastic roller-lifter retainer. This is a cool feature of the LSx series motor. Once that is done I carefully slide the old cam out…

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods009m_428664f.jpg



New cam (Texas Speed and Performance 228R cam)…

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods010m_4d1bd6f.jpg



Here is the new cam going in (sort of). After this picture though I noticed something and had to remove it and put it back in correctly since I was putting it in backwards. LOL

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods012m_c53d5e9.jpg



Here is a pic of the new Melling oil pump and the Cloyes LS2 timing chain on the left.

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods013m_4b68d5d.jpg



And finally here is a pic with the new cam, LS2 timing chain and Melling high pressure oil pump installed…

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/2/5/24/ntimd8/f_mods014m_7900247.jpg

[NTIMD8]

IMPROVED RACING ROAD RACE BAFFLE:

Today I installed the road racing baffle in the oil pan and put the motor back together...

Here is some info on the baffle...

http://www.improvedracing.com/product_info.php?products_id=27&osCsid=eba22aa13f69c1348417672c71593f42

Comparo...

http://img27.picoodle.com/img/img27/2/5/30/ntimd8/f_mods017m_326eef2.jpg


In the pan...

http://img27.picoodle.com/img/img27/2/5/30/ntimd8/f_mods018m_7eca78c.jpg


Motor all put back together...

http://img27.picoodle.com/img/img27/2/5/30/ntimd8/f_mods022m_baf9ab0.jpg


And finally we worked on gutting the Trans Am some more. Here is about 1/2 of the wiring we took out. Swapping all of this over to the RX-7 is gonna be fun. LOL

http://img27.picoodle.com/img/img27/2/5/30/ntimd8/f_mods023m_bfbe4a7.jpg

[NTIMD8]

Quick Release Steering Wheel

This was not as easy as it seems. The hub kept hitting the steering surround so I had to have it machined. Had to put in a resistor so the airbag warning system would not go off. Also had to hook up the horn and rewire the cruise control which was on the stock steering wheel. Not sure where I will mount the cruise control buttons but I will deal with that later.

http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/3/4/19/ntimd8/f_Wheel002m_b303fda.jpg

http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/3/4/19/ntimd8/f_Wheel003m_4f041fe.jpg

http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/3/4/19/ntimd8/f_Wheel005m_746aede.jpg

[NTIMD8]

DRIVETRAIN

Headers installed…

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/9/27/f_y7mpcpqm_ed69849.jpg

Here is the fun part. Getting the motor/tranny into the RX-7. I am going to leave out a LOT of the details but you guys wouldn’t be interested in them anyway. Here we go.

Stock Subframe still in the car...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc1rm_1fe8022.jpg


We decided to drop the subframe rather than put the motor in from the top.

Starting to remove everything needed to drop the subframe...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc1tm_2abb09b.jpg


Like magic the subframe is out of the car...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc1vm_b3fff8e.jpg


My buddy Steve removing suspension parts from he stock subframe...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc1wm_c2f2259.jpg


New Hinsons Super Car FD LS1 Subframe...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc0ym_97cd04a.jpg


New subframe with the suspension parts swapped onto it...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc1xm_6d38cba.jpg

[NTIMD8]

DRIVETRAIN (Continued...)


Subframe bolted on to the engine...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc1ym_7b871a6.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc2rm_841e1d4.jpg


Okay so now we had to figure out a way to be able to move the motor and tranny around so we can line it up correctly when lowering the car. What better way than a dolly, a steel wheel and some wood. LOL This was not a good idea but we really had no other option and it ended up working fine. :blush:

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc2sm_233db79.jpg


After taking our time and lowering the car inch by inch we were able to bolt in the subframe from underneath the car..

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc2um_80847f8.jpg


Next was time to install the tranny brace. You can see it in the middle of this picture with the bolt sticking out the middle of it...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc2vm_019248e.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc2wm_58e9a61.jpg


Next we had t install the driveshaft and the torque arm. This was a royal pain in the ass trying to get everything lined up. In fact the torque arm still hits all along the tranny tunnel. I am doing some research right now and it looks like this is common. Time to get out the BFH and move the tranny tunnel a bit. :blush:

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc31m_5fe7433.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc30m_84f8a28.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc3tm_ee809ed.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc3sm_02f8095.jpg


And finally here it is in the car... :)

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc3vm_348151e.jpg

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc3um_3ed773b.jpg

[NTIMD8]

OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT

I had to get an RX-7 oil pressure sending unit to go on the LS1 motor. There is a fitting just over the oil filter that I took off and tapped it by 1/8 NPT to fit the sending unit on. Problem is it would have ended up hitting the header so I had to buy some adapters from Mike at NO Limits (which is where I buy all my non specialty stuff) :victory: LOL

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4qom_a985fb6.jpg


Lots of room....

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4qnm_4d36d6d.jpg




EXHAUST FABRICATION

This was very time consuming. Lots of trial and error, cutting, welding test fitting. Took about 7 hours of work to get everything just right.

Here are all the parts "Thank again to No Limits!"

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4qrm_fd5717c.jpg


Tacking everything into place...

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4qsm_1952b40.jpg

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4rmm_cefa7e1.jpg

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4rnm_f9c6f4c.jpg

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4rom_739bb67.jpg

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4rqm_c5aa9db.jpg

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4rrm_87cb9d2.jpg


Unbolt it in order to weld it all together...

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4rtm_2fab459.jpg

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4rum_fce5b48.jpg


Time to make the Cat-back portion...

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4spm_d9b1671.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4snm_3ae56a8.jpg


Here is the system from front to back. We still need weld the cat back all together and then remove it all and paint it with some high temp black paint. They install the tip (3.5" Dolphin Tail Tip).

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/2/10/25/ntimd8/f_iomgnm4som_37deefb.jpg

[NTIMD8]

FINISHED UP THE EXHAUST TODAY

Tip cut and welded on...

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/11/7/ntimd8/f_j8c45aqverm_c07d6c5.jpg


Then applied some high-temp paint...

http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/11/7/ntimd8/f_j8c45aqveum_7b3159b.jpg


http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/11/7/ntimd8/f_j8c45aqvfpm_0f1e678.jpg


http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/11/7/ntimd8/f_j8c45aqvevm_39e0ccb.jpg


http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/11/7/ntimd8/f_j8c45aqvewm_9a9781d.jpg


http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/11/7/ntimd8/f_j8c45aqvfrm_3917eb8.jpg


http://img03.imagefra.me/img/img03/2/11/7/ntimd8/f_j8c45aqvfsm_7e64b7e.jpg

[moose]

reserved11

[aznterrorist]

Reserved 12

I LOVE LAMP!!!

But really, I can't wait to see more!

[T5shortblock]

yay Jay!

[moose]

looking good let me know when you need help with the electrical and what not im adventourous :)

[PDP]

Atmf

[neilscivic]

wow, looks like a good project


i dunno about the auto tho

[TYPERRER]

a lots of work

[NTIMD8]

Atmf

:dunno: The only thing I can think of is "About Time Mother $ucker"

[NTIMD8]

i dunno about the auto tho

Ya, it's not for everyone but it is what I wanted. The Paddle shifter will keep me happy.

[NTIMD8]

a lots of work

To say the least. :5shots:

[The Grey Area]

That shouldnt offset the handling at all. Interesting project but i would have gone 20b boost personally

[NTIMD8]

That shouldnt offset the handling at all. Interesting project but i would have gone 20b boost personally

The all aluminum ls1 with tranny weighs very close to a stock 13BREW with tranny (less than 30lbs difference). It laso retains a near perfect 50/50 weight dist since that extra few lbs is located near the middle of the car (tranny). There is no noticable change in handing with this swap.

Wasnt interested in a 20b although they are impressive when done right. I'm a V8 guy at heart.

[scottxkillyou]

^ yeah that. fuck 20b with boost when you can have ls1 with boost.

[The Grey Area]

Blasphemy

[jza]

ls1

I put that shit in anything

[The Grey Area]

i love dinosaurs too

[PDP]

Reserved

[moose]

seriously pete your beating that joke like its a taxi.... nvm....

[NTIMD8]

Bump for updates... :biggthumpup:

[DARIUSZ]

wow, Awesome project. Great aftermarket parts too

[А4663ИВ]

+1. Awesome project, respect.

[NTIMD8]

Thanks guys. With any luck there will be more updates this weekend.

[EvilDeadFan]

Impressive! :) I'm loving the writeup and pics. :D

[evo]

sweeet build dude!!!

[Batman]

finally a domestic rhd FD GREAT WORK when ur done with that do u want to install a C32B in my ef hatch?

[snowstang00]

damn, I can't believe I missed this thread.

You gonna boost the LS1? all this work to the car, and it won't even be close to some of the "slower" vehicles you've owned.

[NTIMD8]

finally a domestic rhd FD GREAT WORK when ur done with that do u want to install a C32B in my ef hatch?

Only if we can install it in the trunk. :hehe:

I still think about buying an NSX to this day.

[NTIMD8]

damn, I can't believe I missed this thread.

You gonna boost the LS1? all this work to the car, and it won't even be close to some of the "slower" vehicles you've owned.

:)

At first yes boost was in the plans but now I don't think so. We will see how it runs with the current mods and if that is not good enough I will throw on a set of heads on it and it should be more than enough. These things are light so it should go pretty good even with just a cammed LS1.

I am thinking it will put down around 370 RWHP give or take at the wheels as is and 450 RWHP with a set of heads. To give you an idea, the RX-7 ran mid 12's at 113mph at Luskville with about 310 RWHP and no torque when the stock motor was in it.

[snowstang00]

For comparisons sake, how fast was your camaro and the tow vehicle again?

[NTIMD8]

For comparisons sake, how fast was your camaro and the tow vehicle again?

The Lightning put down 510 RWHP and 620 RWTQ. The camaro put down 590 RWHP and 580 RWTQ. I never really got to run either down the track after everything was said and done and the they were running right. I sold both before I had a chance to do so. The Lightning would have run mid 11's and the Camaro I am guessing low 11s since it was not set up for drag racing and would spin down the track. I would like to see 11's out of the RX-7 but I will have to run it down the track a few times to see what it will do since I have no idea.

[snowstang00]

The Lightning put down 510 RWHP and 620 RWTQ. The camaro put down 590 RWHP and 580 RWTQ. I never really got to run either down the track after everything was said and done and the they were running right. I sold both before I had a chance to do so. The Lightning would have run mid 11's and the Camaro I am guessing low 11s since it was not set up for drag racing and would spin down the track. I would like to see 11's out of the RX-7 but I will have to run it down the track a few times to see what it will do since I have no idea.

I loved that lightning. It sang and got weird looks everywhere you went I am sure :laugh:

[NTIMD8]

Out of all my builds the Lightning is the one I miss the most.

[NTIMD8]

Bump for exhaust update.

[snowstang00]

WTF!?!>?! a catalytic converter? Doesn't this build qualify for hotrod status, AKA no emissions test?

[NTIMD8]

WTF!?!>?! a catalytic converter? Doesn't this build qualify for hotrod status, AKA no emissions test?

I can't stand the smell of cars with no cats.

I don't think I am going to seek hotrod status. Hot rod status from my undertsanding does not mean it does not need an emissions test. It just means you are tested at 1982 specs. The LS1 should pass when my RX-7 is tested at factory spec.

[T5shortblock]

link to camaro project? never seen it!

[snowstang00]

I can't stand the smell of cars with no cats.

I don't think I am going to seek hotrod status. Hot rod status from my undertsanding does not mean it does not need an emissions test. It just means you are tested at 1982 specs. The LS1 should pass when my RX-7 is tested at factory spec.

is it going to be tested to camaro specs, or RX-7 specs?? :dunno:


link to camaro project? never seen it!
He got rid of the camaro a couple years ago. BEFORE he gave me that ride he promised :(

[NTIMD8]

link to camaro project? never seen it!

I didn't really document it. I may have some bank statements that document the build though. But then I would want to :shootme: LOL

[NTIMD8]

is it going to be tested to camaro specs, or RX-7 specs?? :dunno:


He got rid of the camaro a couple years ago. BEFORE he gave me that ride he promised :(

It will be tested at RX-7 specs.

The Camaro has been gone for a long time now (I know time flies) but to give you anm idea I sold it before I sold the Lightning and I sold the Lightning 4 years ago. Crazy hey?

And ya I am sorry I never gave you a ride. There were a few that I was never able to take out in it. I promise to take you out in the RX-7 and you can even take it around the block a couple of times. :hehe:

[snowstang00]

Jesus fuck, has it been that long?!?!

[NTIMD8]

Bump for finishing up of exhaust... :biggthumpup:

[TYPERRER]

looks good!

[NTIMD8]

Thanks! I am really happy with how the exhaust turned out.

[blackfoot]

as for the etest, when you write in the machine that it has a V8 of what ever displacement.. its going to alter your emession limits.. its going to give you the expected limits for the displacement of the engine.

highlighting hot rod status in the drop box, increases the limits from there.

[T5shortblock]

pointed down tip ftw!!! looks great boyyy!!

[moose]

thanks for taking me for a spin in it soo much fun!

[MotleyDrew]

Good work ! Just wondering if you put some lock tite on those 3 cam bolts when you put the cam back in? These can come loose over time without it. Another issue with these things is the stock balancers are known to fail and wobble so just watch for that.

Great write up and pics !

[NTIMD8]

Good work ! Just wondering if you put some lock tite on those 3 cam bolts when you put the cam back in? These can come loose over time without it. Another issue with these things is the stock balancers are known to fail and wobble so just watch for that.

Great write up and pics !

Thanks.

No I didnt use loc-tite on the cam bolts but torqued them down and extra pound or two. Should be okay. I'll keep an eye out for the balancer issue thanks!

[theurgy]

Much respect.. good build... I'll be keeping an eye on your progress.

[EvilDeadFan]

Great progress so far. :D

[curtis.ebear]

Love the turned down tip. Stealthy. :D

Btw, do you post this on ls1tech.com as well?

[NTIMD8]

Love the turned down tip. Stealthy. :D

Btw, do you post this on ls1tech.com as well?

Thanks.

No not on ls1tech.com. I have it here, on midnight runs and LSFFA.com.

I may post it up on ls1tech if I have some time though.

PS, on a side note I was reading a post from one of the first guys who took his rotary out of his FD rx7 and threw in a V8 and posted pictures. He actually got death threats from people. LOL

[charged-ls1]

Nice build must be fun. But i want to know if you still have the trans-am donnor car and if so whats left of it? I would like it as a parts car for my ws6.

[NTIMD8]

Nice build must be fun. But i want to know if you still have the trans-am donnor car and if so whats left of it? I would like it as a parts car for my ws6.

Thanks! I'll send you a PM about what I have left.

[theurgy]

http://pix.motivatedphotos.com/2008/6/16/633492517915414378-rotary-engine.jpg

[NTIMD8]

LOL I know they don't have the best reputation but I must have been very lucky. I threw a lot at the stock motor and it performed better than I could have asked for.

[deebz]

yeah but it hadn't hit 100,000kms yet had it? :-P

[NTIMD8]

yeah but it hadn't hit 100,000kms yet had it? :-P

LOL, no only about half that. :oops:

[ArbitraryHer0]

Absurd!

[NTIMD8]

Rubish!

[Spoolin4]

Very nice build! Anxious to see this beast hit the track!

[V6PONY]

very nice and detailed work!

[The Grey Area]

I have no death threats but hate to see a rotory thrown out in exchange for an engine designed in prehistoric times

[scottxkillyou]

I have no death threats but hate to see a rotory thrown out in exchange for an engine designed in prehistoric times

ls1 > rotary x's 4543593298574309875432

not too mention that rotary was designed by mazda in 70's

[The Grey Area]

In my world pushrods belong with dinosaurs and nothing will change that. And scott you silly the rotory was designed by a nutty german

[scottxkillyou]

In my world pushrods belong with dinosaurs and nothing will change that. And scott you silly the rotory was designed by a nutty german

i know it was designed by a german. I was refering to the one mazda uses, they started building it in the 70's. But yes, Wankel

[The Grey Area]

Yes indeed sir they did. And yes wankel

[NTIMD8]

I have no death threats but hate to see a rotory thrown out in exchange for an engine designed in prehistoric times

I had no issues with the rotary engine and it performed better than expected but knew I would be upgrading it to an LS1 before I even bought the RX-7. I was thinking of the plate SOULESS7 :hehe:

[The Grey Area]

Understandable if your consider that an upgrade

[NTIMD8]

I sure do. :)

[The Grey Area]

Then why did you buy an rx7 lol

[NTIMD8]

Then why did you buy an rx7 lol

Not really sure I understand where the question is coming from. The answer is because I like it. Why else would I have bought it? I have always loved the 3rd Gen RX-7 so when I found this one I bought it. Like all toys I buy I also like to modify them. Hence this project. And please don’t say “why didn’t you buy a corvette or F-body?” The answer to that is I didn’t want a corvette or F-body.

[RT/SH]

Awesome build, can't wait for updates

[t-royMP3]

Not really sure I understand where the question is coming from. The answer is because I like it. Why else would I have bought it? I have always loved the 3rd Gen RX-7 so when I found this one I bought it. Like all toys I buy I also like to modify them. Hence this project. And please don’t say “why didn’t you buy a corvette or F-body?” The answer to that is I didn’t want a corvette or F-body.



lmao! good answer!

[moose]

Understandable if your consider that an upgrade

reliable ls1 with mild mods producing the same amount of power
or

apex seals going on a rotary that you can only have ow soo much fun with for soo long.. many people do this mod becuase its easier to maintain produce and have fun with a ls motor then a20b rotary. i dont know what your getting at grey area with this?

[The Grey Area]

One of the key reasons i would want an rx7 would be for the rotory. Im a fan of the engineering

[shytstorm randy]

I think that the project is pretty impressive in terms of the work involved and all the effort your putting forth. RX-7's are probably my overall favorite car, but apparently for different reasons. Im a fan of the Touge racing and generally anything that isn't straight line and requires real driving, which is a major contributing factor for my decision to favor the RX-7 with things like 50/50 distribution, light weight and favourable redlines. I know a couple of things will be changing (i.e redline at 6200 unless you are changing that, a bit more weight, and alot more parts to replace if they break such as 4 times the cams, and 2 times the amount of valves and springs).

Powerbands will almost be reversed, fuel efficiency will nose dive, yet you will probably be one of the few in this region that has this setup.

I don't really know what to say except good luck and I look forward to the end results.

Just my 0.02

[NTIMD8]

WOW, I don't want to sound like a jerk but you are way off. The only thing that you wrote that was even close to accurate was about the redline being lower but I don't see what the downside to that is.


I think that the project is pretty impressive in terms of the work involved and all the effort your putting forth. RX-7's are probably my overall favorite car, but apparently for different reasons. Im a fan of the Touge racing and generally anything that isn't straight line and requires real driving, which is a major contributing factor for my decision to favor the RX-7 with things like 50/50 distribution (50/50 weight distrubution is retained with this swap. It will handle just like it did before), light weight and favourable redlines (what does favourable redline mean? The RX-7 had a high redline because it needed it to ring out the power. That is a moot point with an LS1. A high revving engine might sound cool but if it doesnt have to then there is no point to it.) I know a couple of things will be changing (i.e redline at 6200 unless you are changing that, a bit more weight (no more than adding a 10" sub and amp in the truck. Plus the added weight is in the tranny I.E middle of the car. In fact with some of the other systems I removed the car will most likley end up weighing less than before), and alot more parts to replace if they break such as 4 times the cams, and 2 times the amount of valves and springs (A rotary has no cams, valves or springs and the odds of having to replace any parts in an LS1 are much less than parts from a rotary when you take reliability into account).

Powerbands will almost be reversed (No, power will just start from 1000 RPM and go to redline rather than have to wait for it with the rotary), fuel efficiency will nose dive (LOL The Rotary is a PIG on gas. Guys who go with the T56 tranny notice a HUGE improvement in fuel efficiency), yet you will probably be one of the few in this region that has this setup.

I don't really know what to say except good luck and I look forward to the end results.

Just my 0.02

[NTIMD8]

One of the key reasons i would want an rx7 would be for the rotory. Im a fan of the engineering

I am a fan of women. Doesn't mean I would sleep with Rosie O'donnell.

[shytstorm randy]

You don't see what the downside to having a lower redline is?

[NTIMD8]

Not if the engine does'nt need to rev crazy high to make power. Can you tell me what the downside is to an engine that revs to 6500RPM and makes it's power all through the rev range vs that of an engine that revs high and makes it's power only in the upper rev range? And I hope the answer is not you can hold that gear longer and go faster in each gear, because with motors that don't need to rev crazy high they use proper gearing in the tranny and rear end to do this. What I do see is the downside of a motor that needs to rev high in order to make power. If I remember right the LS1 makes 300 lbs/tq at 1000 rpm.


You don't see what the downside to having a lower redline is?

[shytstorm randy]

Yea your right...I wasn't trying to flame you in the first place. Your project is pretty admirable. Your going to get alot of funny looks from 'no replacement from displacement' crew when your cruisin around. Again, good luck with the build and I look forward to the results.

On another note, how were you able to upload 15+ pics? I was going to make a thread in the pics section of my travels to Japan this summer and have some pics I want to share. Any advice?

Edit: I was only able to upload 5 max, do I just upload 5 and then upload more after their posted?

[The Grey Area]

I am a fan of women. Doesn't mean I would sleep with Rosie O'donnell.


You shoulda bought a vette or a j-body;)

[AWDGuy]

you should give up.

[NTIMD8]

Don't get me wrong. I knew you were not trying to flame me and understand the attraction to high revving motors. I really started to like the rotary which was abig surprise to me. There is a lot of misconseption when it comes to this swap. Just trying to inform since a lot of misinformation floating around the net.

Hmm, not sure why I can upload more than 5 photos. Maybe because I'm a mod? Not really sure. :dunno:



Yea your right...I wasn't trying to flame you in the first place. Your project is pretty admirable. Your going to get alot of funny looks from 'no replacement from displacement' crew when your cruisin around. Again, good luck with the build and I look forward to the results.

On another note, how were you able to upload 15+ pics? I was going to make a thread in the pics section of my travels to Japan this summer and have some pics I want to share. Any advice?

Edit: I was only able to upload 5 max, do I just upload 5 and then upload more after their posted?

[NTIMD8]

I said I don't want to sleep with Rosie O'donnell. :rofl:



a j-body;)

[The Grey Area]

HAHA i know you did. However im thick to this idea so i would prefer to keep bugging you about it.

[ArbitraryHer0]

yo guy have you considered an H22?

[scottxkillyou]

yo guy have you considered an H22?

h22, are you serious? its all about the b18-clmnop-qrst7

[jza]

dawg please da clmnop-qrst8 is a far superior b18.

[The Grey Area]

Hahahaha

[NTIMD8]

Can a mod please clean up this thread! Oh wait.

[mobilityland]

Awesome build, Lots of work for sure. One of the first guys do to this was in toronto. I remember reading Years ago when he was designing front and rear subframe ( engineering dude ). Everyone hated on him.

Going to be ready for 2010 season ?

PS THE FD body is amazing, coupled with this motor makes for a great fun toy.

Yes the rotary purist will deny that this is a good swap, And I believe now a days theres enough knowledge out there and the ems are so powerfull that a 400 hp rotary 13b is not a problem.

The fastest street cars in dunville and shannonville I believe are 13b RX7s ( Jim old man in the black one, and a blue one , that has had the 400 hp motor for a while but keeps going through 3rd gears )

[NTIMD8]

Thanks man!

[NTIMD8]

4L60E SHIFTER

I could not find too much info on this so there was a lot of trial and error today but I am very happy with how it all ended up. I am using the stock F-body Shifter cable and shifter.
The first thing that had to be done was to cut up the shifter getting rid of any unnecessary metal. Also got rid of the brake saftey switch. We welded a tab (A) to mount the front of the shifter and used existing holes (B and C) to mount the rear of the shifter.

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/1/12/6/ntimd8/f_11oq0ykpcfbm_4539770.jpg


The shifter is mounted from underneath rather than from in the car. In order to retain the Neutral Safety switch we had to cut a small notch in the stock shifter hole so it could be plugged in. We also cut a small notch on the left side of the stock shifter hole so the shifter cable has enough room. Drilled the three mounting holes in the car and mounted it up. Here is a picture from under the car...

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/1/12/6/ntimd8/f_11oq0ykpcgdm_6d2fcfc.jpg


Here is the shifter from the top. The three mounting points are shown as (A,B and C)... PS, it kills me to see the car this dirty and dusty on the inside!

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/1/12/6/ntimd8/f_11oq0ykpcf9m_f38a256.jpg


So I didn't want the traditional looking automatic shift knob so I bought an MBA shifter adapter. Basically you tighten the grub screws to the shifter and then screw your shift knob onto the adapter. You then press down on the shift knob to change gears. I had to take my shift knob to a machine shop in order to have them tap the shifter with the correct thread size. Here is the adapter...

http://img18.picoodle.com/img/img18/3/3/10/ntimd8/f_parts029m_01dcb17.jpg


And here is everything in the car. The shift knob is just placed on the shifter so it is sitting about 1" higher than it would if I installed it correctly.

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/1/12/6/ntimd8/f_11oq0ykpcfgm_36f5e72.jpg


The only thing remaining to do is to fabricate a box that will go underneath the car covering the hole so no fumes get into the car and it will reduce the noise.

[mobilityland]

Thats awesome, Cant tell its automatic ! . I thought you were doing a paddle shift system ? For next season ? .

This setup looks nice.

I read you took the car while it was 13b and 5 speed to the tack quite a bit, are you planning on tracking ( aka lapping ) with this car in automatic form ? or just drag racing ?

[NTIMD8]

Thats awesome, Cant tell its automatic ! . I thought you were doing a paddle shift system ? For next season ? .

This setup looks nice.

I read you took the car while it was 13b and 5 speed to the tack quite a bit, are you planning on tracking ( aka lapping ) with this car in automatic form ? or just drag racing ?

Hey thanks. Ya I still plan on doing the paddle shift but not sure if it will be for this coming season. I hope so.

Yes, I still plan to lap the car which is why I want to give the paddle shifter a try. It will see lapping events far more than it will the 1/4 mile track.

Thanks again for your comments!

[The Grey Area]

inserts smart ass comment about shift linkage looking dinosaur like

[NTIMD8]

inserts smart ass comment about shift linkage looking dinosaur like

Pfff, that linkage doesn't look anything like a dinosaur.

[The Grey Area]

im just joshin ya

[t-royMP3]

this is a project i would love to see in person, great job man!

[ArbitraryHer0]

This junker done yet?

[steel_205]

any chance u wud like to put a ls1 or a 5.0l in my civic lol ps very nice build i love rx7's and i love v8s always have always will even tho i own a kinda fast shitty civic i tried to get my dads 85 merc marquis (original california car)(not a grand marquis)but he sold it the fucker and i wanted to jam a 500 cube caddy engine from the 70's in it its not related to this thread but its kinda the same idea going from a stock small engine to a big engine from another manufacturer that produces more power reliabely

[NTIMD8]

this is a project i would love to see in person, great job man!

I am sure you will see it sooner or later. :biggthumpup:


This junker done yet?

I couldn't finish the project because it is garbage day and the garbage men took it away. :(


any chance u wud like to put a ls1 or a 5.0l in my civic lol ps very nice build i love rx7's and i love v8s always have always will even tho i own a kinda fast shitty civic i tried to get my dads 85 merc marquis (original california car)(not a grand marquis)but he sold it the fucker and i wanted to jam a 500 cube caddy engine from the 70's in it its not related to this thread but its kinda the same idea going from a stock small engine to a big engine from another manufacturer that produces more power reliabely

Have you seen the car where the guy puts a civic shell on top of a corvette frame? It's funny as hell. :laugh:

[gypsydigi]

In my world pushrods belong with dinosaurs and nothing will change that. And scott you silly the rotory was designed by a nutty german

If pushrod technology is so shitty... then find me a 3000hp engine that doesn't use pushrods

http://www.horsepowerconnection.com/CustomersCars/SprioCamaro/SpiroCamaro%20001.jpg

[jza]

In my world pushrods belong with dinosaurs and nothing will change that.

So true dude!! VR6 fo lyfe!

http://www.webdesignetc.net/Merchant2/graphics/00000006/LS7a.jpg

505 horsepower / 475 lb.-ft. torque
28 mpg

[radam]

One of the key reasons i would want an rx7 would be for the rotory. Im a fan of the engineering

somebody has to be I suppose

[snowstang00]

One of the key reasons i would want an rx7 would be for the rotory. Im a fan of the engineering

buy a WW1 airplane with a 100+ year old engine then if you want a rotary? :dunno:

[NTIMD8]

Finally got to work on it again this weekend but nothing worth taking pictures for. I put in the Walbro Fuel pump in and then we started on the wiring. Got some good progress done. Thank god for the fact that we have full electrical schematics and connector end views. Our goal is to make this thing look factory so we have a lot of tedious work ahead of us.

[cadieuxj]

I have no death threats but hate to see a rotory thrown out in exchange for an engine designed in prehistoric times

Are you well....?

[EvilDeadFan]

Glad to hear you're making some progress. Will this thing see the streets this summer?

[NTIMD8]

Glad to hear you're making some progress. Will this thing see the streets this summer?

That's the plan. I actually "hope" for it to be done by spring.

[snowstang00]

I'm not posting much, but I am definitely lurking this thread.

It's an awesome project. I wish I had the time, resources and skills to pull off something similar, but I don't, so I will live vicariously thru this thread and your car :P

[NTIMD8]

I'm not posting much, but I am definitely lurking this thread.

It's an awesome project. I wish I had the time, resources and skills to pull off something similar, but I don't, so I will live vicariously thru this thread and your car :P

LOL. I don't think I have the time, skill or resources (including $) but here I am. :hehe:

PS, half the fun is knowing guys like you enjoy this kind of project so I appreciate your input.

[ArbitraryHer0]

Sometimes you just gotta toss yourself in the thick of it, good work Jay. You'll be motivated once spring rolls around.

[NTIMD8]

Sometimes you just gotta toss yourself in the thick of it...

This man speaks the truth!

[NTIMD8]

THROTTLE CABE BRACKET

The LS1 throttle body cable bracket was such that the throttle body would not open 100% when the gas pedal was all the way down. Some say to just flip it but even then I was only seeing about 60%. So we cut it up and fabbed it and not it works great.


Cutting the bracket...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22vohom_d972f18.jpg


http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22vohpm_7bea29a.jpg



Quick weld to test fit...

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22vohqm_bedc225.jpg


http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22vohtm_f6b5ee0.jpg



It fit so now to grind down the welds and paint to it looks good...

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22vohrm_0d3e4fb.jpg


http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22voiqm_c42a168.jpg


http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22vohwm_e353d42.jpg




POWER STEERING HOSE

Given that I am using the stock rx-7 steering rack and the LS1 power steering pump neither the RX7 nor the LS1 power steering hose would work. Basically plan A was to cut the two power steering hoses and and have a hydrolic shop graft them together. This didn't work for a couple of reasons. 1- The hoses were not the same diameter and 2- We cut the RX7 hose to short exposing the inner metal hose as you can see in the following picture.

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22voium_d4fed35.jpg



So plan B was to cut the ends of of each hose and graft them onto a new hose. Had this done at a local shop and they did a great job.

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22voivm_2569bc9.jpg


http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22voixm_06fa9b0.jpg


http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/2/19/ntimd8/f_ef22vojpm_f4c27ba.jpg

[gurj18]

this is BOSSSSSS lol

[blackfoot]

east end hydrolicks, around the corner from surgenors truck center. can make you stuff like that no problem. and while you wait too

[NTIMD8]

Well no real interesting updates since I have not had time to work on the cra much. The last three or four days that I got to work on it was mostly spent figuing out the wiring.

The goal is to get the car looking like it came out of the factory with an LS1 in it. Here are some misc. pics while working on wiring...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/3/27/ntimd8/f_10dl8m_0210c8a.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/3/27/ntimd8/f_10dl9m_541b6aa.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/2/3/27/ntimd8/f_10dlam_ee19c53.jpg


Here is a picture of where we decided to mount the OBD II port. Easy to access and completely hidden when the kick panel is in. There was even a stud that let us bolt it in securely.

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/3/27/ntimd8/f_m1u5vdem_462a815.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/2/3/27/ntimd8/f_m1u5vdgm_6e8751d.jpg


Here are a couple of pics of what the engine bay looks like right now. The rad is in and hopefully you can see how we are trying to route the wires in a way that looks factory. Ignore the upper right hand corner as we just bundled up some wire there till we get to it.

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/3/27/ntimd8/f_m1u5vd9m_cc6027d.jpg

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/2/3/27/ntimd8/f_m1u5w61m_130eb86.jpg

[EvilDeadFan]

Nice work. :) Getting every so closer to being able to drive it eh? :)

[adgair]

I can't believe I've never clicked the thread be4...

Huge kudos man.. Would love to see that thing on the road, gett'er done!

[civic01]

Props on the build, all be following thread a lot more. Keep up the great wok.

[NTIMD8]

Nice work. :) Getting every so closer to being able to drive it eh? :)

I think we have about another 50 hours or so to put into it. Should be done in a month or two. I hope. LOL


I can't believe I've never clicked the thread be4...

Huge kudos man.. Would love to see that thing on the road, gett'er done!


Props on the build, all be following thread a lot more. Keep up the great wok.

Thanks guys!

[snowstang00]

I think we have about another 50 hours or so to put into it. Should be done in a month or two. I hope. LOL





Thanks guys!

Looking at those pics reminds me of why I'll never be a mechanic. Wiring looks like a motherfucker. :5shots:

[NoLimits]

I wish I had your patiance and calm attitude jay, I woulda ripped all that wiring out and put a 1 barrel carb on it:thsmokin:

[NTIMD8]

I can't take much, if any, credit on the wiring. My friend is a Tech who specializes in this shit. If it were not for him I would have lit the car on fire. Just looking at the schematics he uses I get confused.

He is very meticulous. He did not just splice two harnesses together (The Mazda and GM one). He basically de-pinned two harnesses and removed everything that was not going to be used and modified everything that was. Rather than get power from any old source (like most people do when doing these swaps) he studies the diagrams and pulls it from where the factory would have if they built the car this way. It is unreal.

I hack away at other things while he does the wiring. That way I stay out of his hair. He sometimes explains things ot me and why he is doing it that way but I don't understand anything he is saying. LOL

[snowstang00]

I can't take much, if any, credit on the wiring. My friend is a Tech who specializes in this shit. If it were not for him I would have lit the car on fire. Just looking at the schematics he uses I get confused.

He is very meticulous. He did not just splice two harnesses together (The Mazda and GM one). He basically de-pinned two harnesses and removed everything that was not going to be used and modified everything that was. Rather than get power from any old source (like most people do when doing these swaps) he studies the diagrams and pulls it from where the factory would have if they built the car this way. It is unreal.

I hack away at other things while he does the wiring. That way I stay out of his hair. He sometimes explains things ot me and why he is doing it that way but I don't understand anything he is saying. LOL
you owe that man FLATS of booze :laugh:

[ArbitraryHer0]

So you just stand around and take pictures?

[moose]

lmao

[NTIMD8]

you owe that man FLATS of booze :laugh:

LOL Agreed.



So you just stand around and take pictures?

LOL You forgot to create the troll account and then post that. And no, while he is doing the wiring I am working on other stuff. You know like fetching beers and sweeping the floors.

[moose]

wanna help me work on my car ? dont worry bout the sweeping as its outside you just need to wear a suit and hold an umbrella above me ... and i get too call you jeeves.

[NTIMD8]

wanna help me work on my car ? dont worry bout the sweeping as its outside you just need to wear a suit and hold an umbrella above me ... and i get too call you jeeves.

How can I say no to that offer? :dunno:

[moose]

sweet we start tommorow at 5 am sharp.

[NTIMD8]

There is a 5 AM now?

[EvilDeadFan]

There's an AM now??

[moose]

0500 hours. poste haste

[WRX_KTC]

wow amazing project

[NTIMD8]

wow amazing project

Thank you.

[NTIMD8]

COOLING SYSTEM

Although the rad was a direct bolt on for this swap this was not an easy install. The main reason for this is because I wanted to use a rad fan that had a shroud and would do a good job of keeping the engine cool even in bumper to bumper traffic.

The Rad itself is a Hinson Super Cars double pass aluminum rad. The fan I ended up choosing is from a Ford Tempo. The motor was a but to thick so I almost ended up throwing it away and getting something without a shroud but after several hours of cutting, fabing mounting brackets, trying different positions and fabing up some 1/4" spacers to lower the rad I finally got it so it clears both the water pump and the crank pulley. The intake system is going to be tight but it should be okay. On tot he pics...

Ford Tempo shrouded Rad Fan...

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/6/5/1/ntimd8/f_1m_63b22dd.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/6/5/1/ntimd8/f_2m_e5f00cc.jpg


Fan mounted on to the Rad...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/6/5/1/ntimd8/f_3m_bdf782f.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/1/ntimd8/f_4m_f578abc.jpg


Both the Rad and Fan mounted in the car...

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/1/ntimd8/f_5m_0ff092e.jpg


From underneath the car looking up...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/6/5/1/ntimd8/f_6m_afea769.jpg


And finally under the hood with part of the intake on...

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/6/5/1/ntimd8/f_7m_1c06b91.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/1/ntimd8/f_8m_0ba9869.jpg

[III76]

loving the updates. keep up the great work!

[WRX_KTC]

keep it coming man looks awsome

[curtis.ebear]

fuck is that ever a tight squeeze by the looks of things! :S

[NTIMD8]

loving the updates. keep up the great work!


keep it coming man looks awsome

Thanks guys!!!!


fuck is that ever a tight squeeze by the looks of things! :S

Yup, I might even ditch the fan set-up I have because the MAF sits too high because of the shroud and hits the hood. So I am either going to buy two 10" slim fans or move the MAF closer to the air filter. Not sure which one I am going to do yet.

[WRX_KTC]

how long till were seening this project at mm :P

[NTIMD8]

My guess would be another 2 months. Wanted it done sooner but I don't get much time these days to work on it. I also decided to update to 99 Spec styling so after the swap it is going for paint.

[Domo]

What a ricer. :P

[WiredRebel]

Might take that front bumper off your hands if the price is right, Pm me with your price

[NTIMD8]

COOLING SYSTEM:
This rad fan is going to be the end of me. LOL I was not happy with the above set-up because there was just not enough room. The MAF hit the shroud and in turn the hood would not close. I could have moved the MAF further down the intake path but did not want to go that route. So I ended up buying 2 slim 10" rad fans. Problem is when I went to put them on they didn't both fit???? I measured them and sure enough I was sent 12" fans in error. So for now I mounted one on one side as a puller and the other on the other side as a pusher (since these fans can be set up either way). I contacted the company that sold them to see what if anything they would do without me being out anymore $. The way I have it set up right now will work but only because I am not hooking up the AC this year.

PULLER:

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/6/5/16/ntimd8/f_gmjem_b25eb18.jpg

PUSHER:

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/6/5/16/ntimd8/f_gmjfm_a331a6a.jpg



TRANNY MOUNTS:

Below is a picture of the tranny mount installed. The two outer locations where the tranny brace is bolted to are only spot welded. To avoid having them rip off we decided to weld them around the perimeter.

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/2/10/10/ntimd8/f_x9dc2wm_58e9a61.jpg

I will just show the drivers side since the process is the same for the passenger side. Tranny brace removed and grinded the undercoating off to allow us to weld it.

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/16/ntimd8/f_vbhm_d3c1b68.jpg


We had to pull out the interior and carpet so it wouldn't catch on fire. You can see all the smoke which is from the sound deadning material. I was on stand-by with a spray bottle of water to put out the fires when they happened.

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/16/ntimd8/f_1035fi9jm_953e168.jpg


And here is is all welded and re-undercoated...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/6/5/16/ntimd8/f_vbim_14b7f85.jpg



FUEL SYSTEM:

The fuel system is almost done. The front was done early on in the build and all that was left are the lines at the rear and the filter. I ended up using a Corvette fuel filter because it has a built in pressure regulator.

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/16/ntimd8/f_gn8m_1cf1d04.jpg


We mounted the Corvette filter/regulator in the location of the stock RX-7 fuel filter. The only thing left to do is have a piece of metal fuel line bent in a U shape where I have shown in red...

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/16/ntimd8/f_gn9m_f6016df.jpg

[deebz]

this is my boner of the month

[NTIMD8]

this is my boner of the month

Impressive! But if it lasts longer than four hours you are supposed to call a doctor. :laugh:

[WiredRebel]

Wait a second, was this car originally yellow?

[NTIMD8]

Wait a second, was this car originally yellow?

Yup, original owner wanted a Montego Blue RX7 but since they were so rare he bought the only RX7 in his town at the time which was yellow. He bought it and had it painted Montego Blue with about 500km on the odometer. :banghead:

After the swap is 100% complete it is going to the body shop to get painted back to yellow.

[WiredRebel]

Sweet Deal, Those yellow rx7 were awesome and also rare.

[curtis.ebear]

Yup, original owner wanted a Montego Blue RX7 but since they were so rare he bought the only RX7 in his town at the time which was yellow. He bought it and had it painted Montego Blue with about 500km on the odometer. :banghead:

After the swap is 100% complete it is going to the body shop to get painted back to yellow.

I never knew the yellow ones are 'rare'. Cool i guess. Not a fan of that color personally, but might as well keep the car as close to OEM as possible in terms of VIN. Not like that engine helps the case! LOL

[-=M=-]

Wow now that is an insane build. Good Job.

[DJTR]

I like! and I'm not an ls1 fan!

[NTIMD8]

Got a good amount of work done today.

If you look back to my post about the shifter you will see it ended with me saying all that is left to do for that is to build a box to seal up the shifter from underneath the car. Here it is...

This started off as a sheet if aluminum. Some bending, welding, grinding and we get this...

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/30/ntimd8/f_11oq0ykpos6m_86db787.jpg


Some seam sealer, screws and some paint and we get...

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/6/5/30/ntimd8/f_m1u5yjcm_020dc9b.jpg


Here you can see we even made sure that where the cable goes through was sealed...

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/6/5/30/ntimd8/f_m1u5yjfm_d1d091a.jpg


Bump Steer Correction:

Given that the steering rack gets lowered we now get bump steer. To correct this we neeed to add spacers to the tie rod ends.

Stock...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/6/5/30/ntimd8/f_m1u60c3m_b60e828.jpg


New Tie Rod Ends with spacers...

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/30/ntimd8/f_m1u60c5m_b820f42.jpg



O2 BUNGS:

Three O2 bungs welded in the Y-pipe. 1 for the wide band and 2 for the pre-cat O2s. The post cat O2s will be deleted in the tune.


http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/6/5/30/ntimd8/f_m1u5yjim_3f28711.jpg



99+ SPEC Front Bumper:

Transfered all the brackets from the olds bumper to the new one, modified the 93 Spec Rebar and wires up the new bumper lights...


http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/6/5/30/ntimd8/f_m1u5yjgm_0762b06.jpg



http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/6/5/30/ntimd8/f_m1u5yjhm_473fa23.jpg

[gurj18]

niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ler sex

[curtis.ebear]

dude, is that you're garage?? If so ... sick!!

[NTIMD8]

dude, is that you're garage?? If so ... sick!!

No, It's my buddies garage. :tu:

[Corn]

I didnt read the whole 9 pages, but are you gonna boost this beast or keep it n/a?

[TYPERRER]

what a monster! good job man!

[NTIMD8]

niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ler sex


I didnt read the whole 9 pages, but are you gonna boost this beast or keep it n/a?


what a monster! good job man!


Thanks guys! Corn, No plans for boost. Heads and cam should be enough to keep me happy in a car this weight.

[madtrucker]

when will you ever finishing this sacraligious dismemberment of a rx7 project,whats left to do b4 u can drive this car with out giving yourself a heart attack lol.

[NTIMD8]

when will you ever finishing this sacraligious dismemberment of a rx7 project,whats left to do b4 u can drive this car with out giving yourself a heart attack lol.

Should be another couple of weeks before it is ready to go to the body shop for paint.

[EvilDeadFan]

Very nice progress! :)

[WiredRebel]

Please tell me you have a 99 spec lip, If so do you want to trade, I have one for my car but its red and since your going to the body shop you can paint this in the process too

Think about it :D

[1FSTSRT]

Hurry up, my car is now out and gone from garage to road status! I thought you would have had it rollin befor me. :)

[Jonoc4]

That is a sweet project. Supercharger next right? haha.

[NTIMD8]

Please tell me you have a 99 spec lip, If so do you want to trade, I have one for my car but its red and since your going to the body shop you can paint this in the process too

Think about it :D

Hey, yes I have a new 99spec lip but no sorry I do not want to trade since I am keepng the lip black to match the Feed sides. :)


Hurry up, my car is now out and gone from garage to road status! I thought you would have had it rollin befor me. :)

Jerk! LOL Shouldnt be long now.


That is a sweet project. Supercharger next right? haha.

LOL, I am pretty sure I am going to keep this one NA. No forced induction planned. :rice:

[1FSTSRT]

Back from Buffalo and all tuned up ready to rock bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[NTIMD8]

Back from Buffalo and all tuned up ready to rock bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Hooked up the laptop to start tunning today and it wont recognize the VCM. FUUUUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! :banghead:

[NTIMD8]

FIRST START UP:

After a setback yesterday (the tuner not recognizing the VCM) today was a good day. Figured out the wiring issue and then hooked up the laptop using HP tuners and removed VATS and other SES lights. I couldn’t believe how quickly it started up and how well it idled with the cam and no tuning for it yet. This is through open headers and the cam is a TSP 228R.


YouTube- LS1 Swapped RX7 June 13, 2010

[mobilityland]

sounds great, Looks even better.

[NTIMD8]

PAINT:
So when I bought the car it was in excellent shape. I was the second owner and purchased it 3 years ago with only 45K KMS on it. The only thing I didn’t like was the original owner wanted a Montego Blue RX7 but the only dealer that had an RX7 in stock had a Competition Yellow Mica one. So he bought it and drove it to a body shop the same week to get it painted Montego Blue.

So now that the swap was complete I wanted to go back to the original colour. The thing is I wanted it to look as good or better than when it came out of the show room and CYM is not an easy colour to paint. For that I went to a local company with a great reputation. I will continue to post update pics for the next few weeks. Car has already been at the body shop for almost 2 weeks. The amount of prep is insane...

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/8/8/17/ntimd8/f_1m_eff2fc9.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/8/8/17/ntimd8/f_2m_0c5dde2.jpg

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/8/8/17/ntimd8/f_3m_6dc7fa8.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/8/8/17/ntimd8/f_4m_cbe4c81.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/8/8/17/ntimd8/f_5m_ff6be8b.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/8/8/17/ntimd8/f_6m_2cac452.jpg

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/8/8/17/ntimd8/f_7m_fdde0b1.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/8/8/17/ntimd8/f_8m_345b310.jpg

[EvilDeadFan]

Sounds mean with no exhaust! Glad to see you've started it up. I must have missed that originally. Can't wait to see the final results!

[snowstang00]

jesus, so close I am sure you can taste it... Only thing that sucks is that it'll be ready to go, and the summer season will be just about over :(

[NTIMD8]

Only thing that sucks is that it'll be ready to go, and the summer season will be just about over :(

Ya true but I have so much going on anyway it keeps my mind off of it. lol :whatsthat:

[mobilityland]

CYM is such a beautiful color for the RX7, it will look bad ass. You got other rims in the works ?

http://cabaynes.com/files/CYM/800/CYM-041306-800-02.JPG

http://cabaynes.com/files/CYM/800/CYM-041306-800-04.JPG

[DVS Talon]

I love that it's being restored back to the colour it was born with! Can't wait to drool on it in person...if I can catch it.

[TurboFC]

def hit it with some work sp1's. looks sexy.

[EvilDeadFan]

That IS a really nice colour!

[NTIMD8]

Thanks everyone!!! No plans on different rims for now... maybe down the road.


CYM is such a beautiful color for the RX7, it will look bad ass. You got other rims in the works ?



I love that it's being restored back to the colour it was born with! Can't wait to drool on it in person...if I can catch it.


def hit it with some work sp1's. looks sexy.


That IS a really nice colour!

[NTIMD8]

PAINT:

Went to the body shop today and took some more pictures. The work is progressing well. As you can see the door jams, hatch, under hood and seems are complete and the car is back together. All that is left is some more sanding and then into the spray booth it goes.

Flash on...

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_9m_2d8ca97.jpg

Flash off...

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_11m_324ba2b.jpg

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_12m_82697b5.jpg

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_13m_5d93a39.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_14m_af5a661.jpg

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_15m_8721229.jpg

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_16m_96028fb.jpg

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_17m_9b3d54f.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_18m_aef867c.jpg

http://img37.imagefra.me/img/img37/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_19m_007da06.jpg

[Bastard]

pullmeoveryellow

[Bastard]

fenders rolled yet?

[NTIMD8]

pullmeoveryellow

Pretty much yup. :rice:


fenders rolled yet?

I didn't want to post it because of the haters but here it goes...

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/8/24/ntimd8/f_meyqm020yjm_768a8ba.jpg

[vtec]

made me lol

[TYPERRER]

great JoB!

[Centrino]

Amazing work!
What shop is doing the painting, body work - I am looking for a good shop myself and I like what I see.

[NTIMD8]

Thanks guys. Centrino I will send you a PM.

[honda blood]

Sweet ride~

[NTIMD8]

Sweet ride~

Thanks!

[NTIMD8]

PAINT:

The car has been painted and man this is going to take some getting used to. LOL Weird seeing it a different colour but once all the moldings, emblems, skirts etc. go on I think I will be very happy with the look. Looks like the car will be ready about Thursday now.

These will be the last pictures before the car is 100% complete and I do a proper photo shoot of the car.

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/7/8/30/ntimd8/f_1am_6f0e0d3.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/8/30/ntimd8/f_22m_325aa6b.jpg


Here you can see the new spoiler, the vents, one of the mirrors and the headlight covers...

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/7/8/30/ntimd8/f_23m_43d31c8.jpg

http://img02.imagefra.me/img/img02/7/8/30/ntimd8/f_24m_b8bd7e3.jpg

http://img38.imagefra.me/img/img38/7/8/30/ntimd8/f_25m_6810ca9.jpg


You can't see the true nature of competition yellow mica in any of the pictures I took (other than the difference in sheen in the 4th picture above on the rear pumber where the sun is hitting it) so I tried to take one that shows how it actually looks. It didn't come out that great but it gives a better idea. This is with the flash off...

http://img40.imagefra.me/img/img40/7/8/30/ntimd8/f_2fg2wvm_f624188.jpg

[xenon]

Such an amazing car but those wheels ruin it for me.

I would rather see the stock wheels back on that car.

Love the pics. Keep the updates coming!

[KayWhy]

A bit eye scorching, but looks like a decent paint job. I love fd's and wish i would have got when when i had the chance.

[NTIMD8]

Such an amazing car but those wheels ruin it for me.

I would rather see the stock wheels back on that car.

Love the pics. Keep the updates coming!


The wheels have always looked way better in person than in pictures but I agree that they seem to have suited the car more when it was a dark colour. I am hoping that with the black front, side and rear skirts and with the chrome badges it will look good in the end. Either way I will be living with these wheels for a while.


A bit eye scorching, but looks like a decent paint job. I love fd's and wish i would have got when when i had the chance.


Ya you either love or hate yellow. CYM was always my favourite colour for an FD RX7 so I am very excited for this. ALthough I have to admit that going from green to yellow was a shock when I saw it for the first time.

[mobilityland]

It looks Fantastic ! . I'm sure it will be a keeper for a whileeeee after all the work and $$ you have put into it.

[NTIMD8]

It looks Fantastic ! . I'm sure it will be a keeper for a whileeeee after all the work and $$ you have put into it.

Thanks man. I appreciate the comment!

[Trueno]

The wheels have always looked way better in person than in pictures but I agree that they seem to have suited the car more when it was a dark colour. I am hoping that with the black front, side and rear skirts and with the chrome badges it will look good in the end. Either way I will be living with these wheels for a while.




Ya you either love or hate yellow. CYM was always my favourite colour for an FD RX7 so I am very excited for this. ALthough I have to admit that going from green to yellow was a shock when I saw it for the first time.


I usually HATE yellow cars!

But... I LOVE CYM!

[quickspool]

Nice hoist. I might have sold it to you since I have the matching one. Is it running off 3 phase or has it been converted? Boy thats a lot of yellow. It will be a blast.

[NTIMD8]

Nice hoist. I might have sold it to you since I have the matching one. Is it running off 3 phase or has it been converted? Boy thats a lot of yellow. It will be a blast.

The hoist is my buddies where we built the car. I think it is running off 3 phase but not sure. I think he got it from a dealer he worked at when they upgraded.

The paint turned out real nice...


http://www.firewired.ca/latenight/CS4%20tryout/800/IMG_5659.jpg


I will be updating this thread in a bit since I am upgrading from a torque arm to a rear diff brace and upgrading the heads and intake manifold.

[chriscivic]

sick car for sure

[gurj18]

put up some videoss

[CRAZYBEN]

Hard work looks great! Bet you cant wait for the nice weather to come. Cant wait to see it on teh street.



STAY POSI
CRAZYBEN

[NTIMD8]

Thanks guys. I will make some vids this spring. I'm not sure why since it was plenty fast but I bought some ported PRC heads, LS6 intake and a couple of other goodies that are going in this spring. I will start a V 2.0 build thread on that stuff if people are interested.

[snowstang00]

Thanks guys. I will make some vids this spring. I'm not sure why since it was plenty fast but I bought some ported PRC heads, LS6 intake and a couple of other goodies that are going in this spring. I will start a V 2.0 build thread on that stuff if people are interested.

not only do I want your disposable income, I want your understanding wife....

[NTIMD8]

not only do I want your disposable income, I want your understanding wife....

lol I'll let her know... Wait... no I won't.