ok so ive got a bone stock 1980 12a rx-7 and 2000 to put into it. the body is perfect so im not looking for looks at all. i want to put all of my money into performance.
sooo what should i do?
should i build up the 12a. could i fully build a 12a for 2000 and have it be reliable??
or should i do an S5 13B turbo II swap? could i even do that for 2000?

 

www.re-speed.com. Unless your looking solely for straight line speed, the car will be no fun if it can't handle. Get the front coilovers and adjustable rear spring perches. Talk to Billy there and tell him what it's for and he will suggest the spring rates you'll want. He's smart, so trust him. Get the Illumina's, full poly bushings and front sway bar. Konig Rewinds are available in the correct offset and bolt pattern you'll need. A set of good performance tire's to go with that, the car will handle like it was built this year and you'll be good to go.

 

You could get a TII engine I bet for 2,000. But all the parts you will need would probably put you over budget. If I were you, I would build up the 12A. I'm still pretty new but here's a few things I think would be a good start.

Upgrading Thread

12A Turbo write up

Cheap Cold Air intake

Rats Nest Removal(makes it a lot easier to work on the engine with this little mod)


Good luck with your car, post pics of progress We are about the same budget so I look forward to seeing what you do!

Dylan

 

i can get a turbo II motor for 1200 with free shipping

 

Compression/year?

 

I 'd save the $2000 for when the apex seals and everything else goes bad on your 30 year old car. Driving a 30 year old car that is OEM bone stock is to cool.!!!

 

A perfect body is great! But you didn't include the most important info ....... how does the engine run now? Has it been rebuilt before? Good compression? Then theres the issue of what performance you want. If you want "ride" quality, do suspension upgrades. If you want speed, eliminate the emissions, get a carb (lots of choices) and upgrade your exhaust. There's also lots of "cheap" upgrades like ignition (see FAQs). Or if your ok with the power and handling you have stock, maybe consider a short shifter. Your options are many! It all depends on personal preference. What's most important to YOU? I have nothing against a 13b swap, but doubt you could accomplish a full swap tp your satisfaction with 2,000. And if your 12a is still strong .......... "If it aint broke, don't fix it." Good luck on what ever you choose.

 

Do some simple handling and suspension modifications. Go through everything and change all the fluids, filters, etc. Investigate the bushings, mounts, and everything else, and replace everything that is worn, and give it a good tune-up.

How many miles are on it?

 

I'm with Orion on this. 2 grand could get you a full suspension setup, plus enough left over for a Sterling carb (www.sterlingmetalworks.com) to give you some more power to play with.

Check out some of the videos in the link in my signature line. With the parts I just mentioned, the car is an absolute blast to drive. It is still very driveable for day to day use, but on weekends I can trounce just about any Miata that shows up to play.

Other than that, I personally would remove any item that doesn't have to be there. It not only reduces the weight of the car, but also cleans it up and makes everything easier to get to. Besides, if it ain't there then it can't break down.

And if you do decide to go for the suspension upgrade, definitely contact Billy from Respeed and he will advise you on what spring rates etc. you're going to want, all dependant upon what you personally want out of the car. His user name on this forum is Bwaits_ and he will be happy to discuss these things with you.

Best of luck....


.

 

You may not be able to get it all for $2000, but heres a little list...

-Sterling Nikki
-RE Speed coils, or at least Racing Beat springs.
-New shocks
-Racing Beat air filter kit.
-2GDFIS and MSD Blaster 2 trailing coil.
-New brakes.
-Exaust work.
-Upkeep! Royal Purple 20w50, Royal purple gear oil, coolant flush, new cap and rotor, new spark plugs, new plug wires, new fuel filter.

 

Brakes and steering first. If you can't stop or steer out of a situation, you don't need more performance.

Perform the full 60k maintenance schedule for reliability and longevity.

Headers and exhaust are the biggest bang for the buck, then a Sterling or after market carb.

RX7s are built for handling. While zippy, they are not a muscle car. Do the suspension next.

Once that is all done, there are many choices for more hp. Take your time and learn learn the pros and cons of each.

In my sig is a link to the online FSMs, carb manual, etc.. Download and start becoming familiar with your 7.
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