fcls1's RX7 (read before you judge me)

[fcls1]

Model: 1989 Mazda RX7
Colour: Champagne
Bodykit: Standard
Engine Type: 13bt
Engine Mods: microtech, fmic, boost upgrade full exhaust, etc
Power: when running 250rwhp now 0hp
Exhaust: Simgle 3 inch from dump pipe
Gearbox: M5
Cluch: Exedy Single plate 4 puck no cushoning springs
Diff: standard 4.11 lsd
Brakes: slotted and dimpled rotors allround
Suspension: GAB coliovers non adjustable, adjustable pillow mounts
Wheels/Tyres: Advan Racing 17" gold six spokes
Interior: standard cloth
Other Mods: Ironic Plates LCKY13B
Stereo: Kenwood Double DIN

Before you all jump at me for posting a rotary on a LS1 forum hear me out.

The rotary is dead ... so instead of a 7-8 thousand dollar rebuild i have decided it needs cubes so i have located a company in the states that offers a bolt in kit for a LS1 and a t56 so thats the plan.

I will keep you informed of the progress of the de-rotorifying and it happens
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG_0073.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG_0074.jpg

OK cya i'll keep throwing up pics as i go
Andy

[Clubb'N]

I always thought rotor rebuilds were cheap as piss

[fcls1]

I always thought rotor rebuilds were cheap as piss

far from it mate last one i did cost 8 grand and that was a standard rebuild no porting or performance upgrades at all

cos no one really knows they can charge the earth thats why i'm swapping

Cya Andy

[davus]

Gday mate, and welcome to the forum.

Ill be watching your thread with interest. From memory quite a few guys (particularly in the USA) have done this conversion.

I reckon once its done itll be a right rocket ship!...

Keep us informed mate, and make sure you show us photos of the progress.

Dave

[ova400]

It will be interesting to see how you go, seen a couple on the net done in the US and could be a cheap track car.

Do you plan to keep the car registered and if so, have you got anywhere with that yet??

Good luck and be sure to give as many pics.
Dave

[fcls1]

It will be interesting to see how you go, seen a couple on the net done in the US and could be a cheap track car.

Do you plan to keep the car registered and if so, have you got anywhere with that yet??

Good luck and be sure to give as many pics.
Dave

according to the information on the department of planning and infrastructure i should be allowed to put an engine upto 6.8L due to the cars weight if NA or 4 point something if turbo or supa, they seem to like that the kit requires no cutting or welding at all so thats a plus.

no i haven't got anywhere on it yet going to pull motor out soonish and sell it off to help fund it a little but about to purchase the kit from states.

Cya ANDY

[Clubb'N]

far from it mate last one i did cost 8 grand and that was a standard rebuild no porting or performance upgrades at all

cos no one really knows they can charge the earth thats why i'm swapping

Cya Andy

Ok sorry mate i have been misled. I wasn't criticizing you or anything either.

slap a cammed ls3 in though :) if you can get away with it, as for CI seems you can
Should be mostly the same conversion parts ?

[A^K^T]

Looks like it's going to be an interesting car when it's finished .
How does the weight of the 13B compare to the LS1 , i know the rotary is a fairly compact motor but with it's fairly weighty rotors and side housings i wouldn't think it's all that light .

[jonnyd1986]

I got quoted from Rotormotion in Perth about 3000 for a rebuild for a 12A rotary when i had a 1980 RX7.

Pretty cheap.

And 2,500 ish for a 13b engine swap. 2 years ago though.

I think you'll be spending 10K + do get the LS1 swap done.

My 2 cents.

[Delft Maloo]

Are you planning on using one of the hinson supercar kits?
These are supposed to be the ducks guts.
Id like to do an fd conversion one day if i stop spending money on my maloo.

[KCB50L]

Cool, your taking a toy and installing a proper engine in it. can't wait to see the end result.

[fcls1]

Looks like it's going to be an interesting car when it's finished .
How does the weight of the 13B compare to the LS1 , i know the rotary is a fairly compact motor but with it's fairly weighty rotors and side housings i wouldn't think it's all that light .
not too sure on the weight difference but apparently it aint too much heavier than the 13b with all of the turbo manifolds piping and such. i have guidelines on how to get 50/50 weight balance back .:yahoo:

I got quoted from Rotormotion in Perth about 3000 for a rebuild for a 12A rotary when i had a 1980 RX7.

Pretty cheap.

And 2,500 ish for a 13b engine swap. 2 years ago though.

I think you'll be spending 10K + do get the LS1 swap done.

My 2 cents.
Yeah you can have a rebuild done for around 4k now but as mine lost compression something is broken and stuff will need to be replaced. the last rebuild required two new housing and a new rotor aswell as the apex seals, so i did a good job lol.

Are you planning on using one of the hinson supercar kits?
These are supposed to be the ducks guts.
Id like to do an fd conversion one day if i stop spending money on my maloo.
The kit that i have found is by a company called grannysspeedshop (http://www.grannysspeedshop.com) looks and the quite cheap (relatively) and i can get custom 4into1's.

Ok sorry mate i have been misled. I wasn't criticizing you or anything either.

slap a cammed ls3 in though :) if you can get away with it, as for CI seems you can
Should be mostly the same conversion parts ?
no offence taken mate would love the ls3 but funds not there unfortunately for stretch that far.

[nonchalant]

No more 'Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz' noise..nice..(I mean lets face it, theres enough lawnmowers out there in suburbia as it is..) :goodjob:

[zorro]

not too sure on the weight difference but apparently it aint too much heavier than the 13b with all of the turbo manifolds piping and such. i have guidelines on how to get 50/50 weight balance back .:yahoo:

I reckon the LS1 is a bit heavier, we pulled a complete 13bt out of my mates series 4 with straps over our shoulders and slinging the motor - 2 people.

Have picked up an ls1 minus top end and with 2 people is doable but less than ideal.

Anyway I been following the wrongmotor guys in the US for a while now and the LS conversion into FD/FCs is excellent idea. They are a great car even with the rotors in them. Good luck in the conversion mate keep us all updated, heaps of pics.

:goodjob:

[bigdogdazza]

The v8 IS definitely a fair bit heavier than the 13b. And $8k for a rotor rebuild [tell em their dreamin!] is that for a billet crank new rotors and housings, labour, seals, porting, tuning and a turbo rebuild? Rather pricey in W.A for the rotor scene I think! Good luck on the conversion, if it doesnt unsettle the weight bias to much it will be a reliable weapon! Probably be better on fuel to!:goodjob:

[zorro]

billet crank

eccentric shaft to be picky :lol: I was in the understanding these things stock are indestructable.

[bigdogdazza]

eccentric shaft to be picky :lol: I was in the understanding these things stock are indestructable.

Far from it, they tend to twist if taken higher than 9000rpm so put a good eccentric shaft in and go to 12000rpm, with BIG boost no probs!:goodjob:Thanks for the correction.

[zorro]

ahhh I see. there you go. I remember seeing a pic of one that was made for a 4rotor that had sheared was very surprised.

Interesting someone has spent the time to copy one, they are certainly an odd component.

[Curtis-R]

As far as Im concerned doesnt matter what car an LS1 is squeezed into!, so welcome aboard! :)

Should be an interesting project, good luck!

[bigdogdazza]

ahhh I see. there you go. I remember seeing a pic of one that was made for a 4rotor that had sheared was very surprised.

Interesting someone has spent the time to copy one, they are certainly an odd component.

The rotas are a big business in the world of drag racing, especially in the states and peurto rico.

[zorro]

I've got some good coverage vids of the puerto ricans, things the size of R100s going full track on wheelie bars and doing sub 8sec runs.... madness

[fcls1]

ok ppl thought it was time to an update

weeds still growing around the car and have pissed me off to an extent that i am going to start the project saturday with the removal of the chook cooker and hock that off to help fund the conversion kit from the states. talked to them a couple of days ago only 325 american to get the kit shipped.

Cya LUCKY
(hopefully engine and wiring out this weekend *fingers crossed):smilesandbanana:

[zorro]

sounds good mate. do you think you will run into any problems with the US kit being made for LHD?

[fcls1]

just the big 4 into 1s i was goin to get from them they are lhd only but the rest should be fine apparently

Cya ANDY

[fcls1]

Good news everyone ...

My engine and t56 have arrived and i have started to take it appart to rebuild
the motor. I'm sure the motor is fine but with the run i have had in this car i am
taking no chances, placing the order for the mounting kit in a couple of days and then we will be in business as all i need is a fuel system on top of the mounting kit thanks to lingo selling me all the gear on the engine and gearbox

Cya Guys Later
Will post pics when i can be arsed taking them

Andy

[SSThunderute]

Should be a rocket mate, I know a guy building a LS2 for his RX7, will be an animal.

[fcls1]

yeah mate i can't wait now
plans are to get in it standard then when i get bored of the power i'll go head n cam

Cya Andy

[fcls1]

good news everyone ...

the engine is out finally, i have never had so much trouble to get an engine out ... jesus there is alot of shit coming off those engines

now to the fun bit getting it ready for its new heart

Cya Andy

will post pics when i can

[RED R8]

Wouldn't buying a LS1 then having to rebuild it be as costly as a brand new LSxx series motor but without the hassle ? Unless you are stroking or putting in a host of good gear ? Just a thought.

[VYSHSV8]

Don't know if it's been posted by someone, But just remember that all conversion kits from the USA are for Left Hand drive vehicles and you might come into trouble with brake booster positioning etc etc

[fcls1]

red r8 : i have decided to hold up on the rebuild for the time being going stroker probably end of year so going to wait till then

VYSHSV8 : the firewall is a mirror image to the left hand drive one so thats all good. the only problem i have found is the powersteering rack the line are different and also the sump on holden ls1's are front sump and i need a rear one

Cheers Andy

[VYSHSV8]

red r8 : i have decided to hold up on the rebuild for the time being going stroker probably end of year so going to wait till then

VYSHSV8 : the firewall is a mirror image to the left hand drive one so thats all good. the only problem i have found is the powersteering rack the line are different and also the sump on holden ls1's are front sump and i need a rear one

Cheers Andy

the sump can be arranged will speak to a friend tomoz as he needs a front sump and has a rear sump of a ls3 brandnew:) will probably swap :)

[fcls1]

awesome to hear mate

cheers
andy

[willz]

used to be able to post piccys. dont have enought posts atm. so instead of randomly spamming posts would someone please be able to add these?

Thanks

Will

h ttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy3.jpg

h ttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy4.jpg

h ttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy5.jpg

h ttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy2.jpg

h ttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy1.jpg

h ttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy6.jpg

h ttp://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy7.jpg

[SirNemesis]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy3.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy4.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy5.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy2.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy6.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m115/snack_wench/Rotary/andy7.jpg

[willz]

SirNemesis thanks mate im sure andy will appreciate that as well :)

finally the chook cooker is gone and the rx gets a real motor :hide:

hopefully this time it gets a clutch that i can drive

[fcls1]

thanks SirNemesis,

will why would i get a clutch you could drive its a anti theft device
if you can't drive the car away it won't be stolen LOL

another update.

i have bought the fuel system and the mounting kit is on its way from the states

i think i am getting a little bit excited now

Cya Andy

[Walked_on]

good luck with it all. nice conversion

[fcls1]

thanks mate


HELP !!!!!!

i can't post a WANTED thread due to post count and i tried post whoring to get it up but didn't work so

PPL i need a rear sump for an ls1 willing to swap or buy it as i have a front bulge sump and require the rear one

Thanks
Andy

[Spoolin]

Nice work dude! even though I'm a rotahead I've contemplated this conversion many times over, either an FC or MX5 would be even nicer.
You'll turn the handling on it's head even if you did manage to get it 50/50, it's still carrying a fair whack more over the front wheels, in saying that an FC will outhandle any of Holdens best with little cost.
BTW, the rebuild costs you've been quoted are BS, we've never paid more than 3K, with porting, imported seals, stud kits etc and they are small blocks:rofl: making 240rwkw in pretty sane boost being 1 bar.

[fcls1]

the rebuild cost is not BS mate .
got the receipt, (didn't help i went to an expensive shop)
WA is expensive for rotarys
given that i broke alot on that blow up


Cya Andy

[Senator]

Hi fcls1,

Good to see it's all coming along and as alot have said can't wait to see the finished product as it will be a bit of a weapon!!!!.
You should be able to pull some nice 3rd gear burns in the RX7 once it's done.:goodjob:

Cheers Senator (Andy)

[fcls1]

picked up the sump today

went with the MOROSO low profile winged rear sump
very cool piece of kit

Cya Andy

ps hopefully more items arrive soon i am running out of busy work

[PLASTED]

this thing will be interesting when its done very interesting

[fcls1]

update ppl

motor has gone in for a test fitting and have pics of it in


here we go can someone repost them to give me pic thank

h ttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG00020-20100206-2104.jpg

h ttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG00021-20100206-2104.jpg

h ttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG00022-20100206-2104.jpg

h ttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG00023-20100206-2120.jpg

thanks Andy

[INTNSSV]

Looking good bud!

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG00020-20100206-2104.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG00021-20100206-2104.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG00022-20100206-2104.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/IMG00023-20100206-2120.jpg

[hsvgts196]

What headers are you going to fit in there ?

[fcls1]

to begin with i will run the standard ones mainly cos money is getting thin on the ground

but they are quite compact and according to the kit manufacturer will fit

need to make a couple of adjustments to the engine to clear things but nothing too serious

Cya Andy

[CLUBRED]

far from it mate last one i did cost 8 grand and that was a standard rebuild no porting or performance upgrades at all

cos no one really knows they can charge the earth thats why i'm swapping

Cya Andy

I know this was an old post but:

http://www.mazfix.com.au/engines/rebuildengines.html

[fcls1]

I know this was an old post but:



yeah thats in QLD over in WA cos there is hardly anyone who rebuilds (maybe 6-7 shops) they charge what they want plus i broke lots on my engine as you will see on that pricing scheme it is reusing the rotors and the housings, and they aren't cheap and would have definately done a housing at the least.

but too late now lol sold the rotary and its gone

CYA Andy

ps. thanks for spotting that company but yeh moving on from the rotor to bigger and better

[fcls1]

hey guys

thought i would give you guys a little bit of an update
fuel system is just about completed, not sure on what has been
said before on it, recent arrivals have been a set of FAST billet fuel
rails and a aeromotive fuel filter has been added between the internal
pump and the surge tank got some pics if someone could post them for me.
h t t p://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/V8%20FC/surgetank2.jpg
h t t p://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/V8%20FC/surgetank1.jpg

also got the rip shifter the other day, just couldn't resist it, oh on that
bit does anyone know of someone with the fabrication skills to make me
a shifter handle, as i need to get a completely straight shifter to solve
the mounting problem i had.

thanks
Andy

[vuss383]

Can you shrink them pics by 50 % & then i'll post them for you . I just went to post & they are HUGE !

Send me a PM when done .....

Cheers
Troy

[fcls1]

done mate

thanks again

ANDY

[SirNemesis]

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/V8%20FC/surgetank2.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/V8%20FC/surgetank1.jpg

[vuss383]

Repost link ... Still huge


Looks good , but not liking your mounting method at all ( cable ties )

Troy

[fcls1]

lol ... that is just a safety so if the bolts that are lock tighted still manage to back out the surge tank will not fall out that is the only place a surge tank will
fit and bolted in on the other side LOL

the tank is very secure but thought if i do any track work better to be safe
than sorry

Cya ANDY

[fcls1]

Hello people

just thought that i would give you guys a progress update

the engine and gearbox are now fully mounted in the car
driveshaft is in
thanks to drew for the hsv headers ... the passenger side fits but drivers will be modded a little
powersteering lines are complete,

looking forward to getting this car running

Cya ANDY

[Wikedsik]

Mate that look mad, id love to see it in the flesh when you are done!

[Angeldust]

hi, just a couple of questions, if you don't mind,

Will a ls1 powered rx7 be easily registerable?
Will the chasis be able to wthstand the extra power over its lifetime without splitting etc. ?

I would absolutely love to have a rx7 with ls1



:goodjob:

[fcls1]

hi, just a couple of questions, if you don't mind,

Will a ls1 powered rx7 be easily registerable?
Will the chasis be able to wthstand the extra power over its lifetime without splitting etc. ?

I would absolutely love to have a rx7 with ls1



:goodjob:

1) No idea not sure if one has been licensed in aus yet ( i doubt it but will keep ppl apprized if i choose to go for the licensing)
2) This mod is very popular in the US some with in excess of 600hp
the diff is the next weak point in the car but good for around 500rwhp

[RRossi]

OMFG I wish I did this to my FC!! the ls1 looks to sit just snug in there.

Yeah when my baby snapped a seal I was pfft cheap as chips to repair!

Not 4k later and that was just for parts, I sonn lost interest and sold a brand new freshyly build motor and recoverd my cash and then wreaked the car! I swore never again with rotarys, they cost a fortune to fill up and you can damage them with just a few hard thrashes, again just my experiance.

good luck with the conversion bro, you will hqave a tail happy wepon there!

RR

[fcls1]

hey guys thought i would give you ppl an update on the car

i have managed to complete the oil system, the fuel system is done

it went to MCE to get the exhaust manifolds made up, i have got the
the rip shifter linkage modified to fit and collected my monaro gear stick

going to finish the clutch mechanism this weekend and then its wiring ...

really not looking forward to this part.

but it all has to be done now i have sent off my application for powercruise
hopefully i should be able to go (apparently they judge your car by a photo to let you know if its worthy.)

Cya ANDY

[RATTLER]

Great work with your build mate! Congratultions thus far and you'll have no problems with enetering Powercruise with an LS powered RX7 :bow:

Scotty

[Malus]

any updates?

[rufazz]

hey mate good stuff for the info the stock 13 shafts are strong and have done 8 on them

lucky have seen ya car around mate good work on the ls1 bro arfter geting riped off by mike and john no wonder ya went for a ls1 good shit bra

[madredss]

this conversion looks the goods mate i never did like rotories!
good to see one getting ripped out and replaced with a real engine!

[stealth vn]

looks great mate keep us posted

[fcls1]

Hey guys

sorry i haven't been on for quite a while
but updates are updates

the car is running, it sounds good but needs to be louder, it has a few little problems but easily fixed. the wiring held me up for a very long time, and i lost
interest but ended up sending the wiring to Sideshow wiring over east and they
sent me a complete plug and play harness.

most recently i was at this years Power cruise at Barbagello Raceway in Perth, where i managed to get a HP (hour of power) sticker with a stock LS1, so i went out on the track with with cars with 600 to 2000hp that was fun

on the last day of the event i was getting cocky and gave it a little too much throttle too early in the corner and almost put it into the wall coming on to the main straight (fun times lol).

the next stage of the build is about to begin, getting some trick flow heads, new cam swapping to a four barrel throttle body setup and an LS7 clutch.

heres a pic of the car at Power cruise
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/powercruise.jpg
cheers Andy

[blair_355]

Looks good, awesome project.

Heres your pic.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/powercruise.jpg

[Samurai Trader]

Awesome project mate. you now HAVE TO TUNNEL RAM IT !!

Seriously hang a couple throttle bodies and a couple filters out it.
your man status will go through the roof.

[phat_6ltr]

best non rotary, rotary. ever

[fcls1]

really looking forward to giving it more power it was fun at the track but not mind blowing, my only answer to that is a head cam and intake upgrade.
i will be getting;
edelbrock super victor single plane efi manifold
edelbrock 1000cfm four barrel throttlebody
comp cams MUTHA THUMPR cam (227 241 109LSA)
1.8:1 rockers unsure on brand atm
trickflow cnc 215 heads

should make it a little more fun

cheers Andy

[VYSHSV8]

Great to hear its up and running mate :)

[Angeldust]

this is awesome. rx7 with ls1 gives me a serious hard on always..

[AVENGE]

Awesome mate, can't wait to see how this goes. Love all the FD LS conversions guys are doing in the states.

[fcls1]

Hey guys

another update

well into the next stage of the fcls1 ...
have picked up a pair of trick flow heads, rockers, push rods,
and my throttle body 1000cfm four barrel, super victor efi manifold w/ matching fuel rails.

very happy with the placement of the throttle body should place the filter just out the bonnet thinking of getting a ve vk hdt bonnet bulge

heres some pics, when the intake arrived i had to test fit it

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/DSC_0121.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/DSC_0122.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/DSC_0123.jpg

cya andy

[Strick]

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/DSC_0121.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/DSC_0122.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/DSC_0123.jpg

[willz]

Andy,

Got any photos of your latest purchase?

There the exact model I wanted for the clubby :drool: very jealous.

[LS2CALAIS]

Bombed!
What's the estimated weight of this once complete?

[fcls1]

Bombed!
What's the estimated weight of this once complete?

estimated weight is about 3000lbs (1360kg) roughly same as luxury model maybe 50 kg more

its quite a lot of fun to drive has no trouble lighting the tyres and that was untuned completely stock

cya Andy

[willz]

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/DSC_0129.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/DSC_0125-1.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/Alchemy_Customs/DSC_0127.jpg

Enkei 17x9 f and 17x10 r