Papasmurf

I was wondering what engines will fit into my 1980 rx7. All the salvage yards won't sell me anything but 79-80 because they said that all the other year 12a's wouldn't fit. Is this true? I still want to stick with the carbs, unless fuel injection will be easy, but I assume it will not, thanks a lot for anybodys help.

Winnipeg85GSL

I thought they all would fit, but I'm not sure. If you dont wanna get a junk motor then buy mine off of me. 85 12A from GSL. 63000 miles, 108000 kilos, these are original miles we're talking about.(I'm in Canada) comes with 5 speed tranny. Runs excellent, with no problems whatsoever. 600 canadian takes it. But you gotta pay shipping. I'm swapping in another larger motor and thats why I'm getting rid of it.

Graeme Smith

Papasmurf

Thanks for responding, before I buy anything, I want to know if it will fit so if there is someone out there that can answer if an 85 can fit into an 80, it would be greatly appreciated. I will keep this one in mind because it is the best deal I have found so far. Thanks for responding and I will keep in touch.

Keaponlaffen

To my understanding, all 12A engines are exactly the same except for the subtle difference between the SA22c (79-80) and the FB (81-85). The subtle difference is the fact that on SAs there are two extra exhaust ports that were used for the thermal reactor, whereas the FBs don't have these. This doesn't matter though, as long as you get rid of the thermal reactor off the block and get either the FB manifold or headers.

The only thing I would question is Flywheel differences, but I think all the flywheels are compatible.

There are better people to ask than me, but I think I'm right.

Jeff

Papasmurf

Thanks for responding, so is this 12a carbed or not. I don't know the differences between the models. I almost gave up on this swap tonight because it was hard finding an engine, but thanks to your post, you gave me a little more hope. Atleast it comes with a five speed tranny. So back to my question, is the 85 model Fuel injected or not? Thanks Keaponlaffen.

hanman

You will be safe with any 12A. They will all fit. They each will have minor differences, mostly related to emission controls. I would think the main difference will be in the electrical connections and therefore the wiring harness. But if you use the engine core only, and hook up all your accessories on the new core you should be fine.

By the way all of the 12A's are carbed, only the 13B's were Fuel injected. On the first gen's the only 13b F.I.'s were the GSL-SE's.
hanman

vic'srx-7

They all interchange I am running a '79 in my '85 so it should go both ways.

Vic

RXcetera

They are interchangeable AS LONG AS YOU USE THE PROPER MANIFOLD! The 79-80 intake manifold will not fit properly on 81-85 engines. Some clever tinkering will be required to fill a gapping hole left uncovered by the early manifold. Be ready for this...

hanman

Actually, the manifold thing is no big deal. Just the ACV exhaust port is left open. There is a real easy fix for this, anyone interested just email me.
hanman

Papasmurf

I was just planning to swap the whole engine. I wouldn't take the intake manifold off of mine and put it on this other engine, I would like to just take the whole thing to make it less confusing. So just the wiring is different and it is not fuel injected. If any of you have a header, whether used or custom, let me know, I want to get rid of all the emmissions stuff. So just to clear this up, the 85 GSL is a 12A, right? Thanks again everybody. The only problem I was having was all these salvage yards telling me only the 79-80 engines would fit and wouldn't fit, and I don't know the differences between the models.

hanman

Yes, that is a 12A. GSL-SE's were 13B's. It's really easy to tell. Lift the hood, if you see a big blue air cleaner it is a 12A. If it has fuel injection, it is a 13B.

If you just use the 12A as a core, and put all of your "stuff" on it you will be fine.
hanman

vic'srx-7

I found an easy way to fill the extra exsaust port. I used J.B. weld on the holes and then installed the exsaust manifold onto the engine.
I have put on 3000 miles in the last month or so with no problems and it is very quite.

Vic

hanman

You can fabricate a block off plate out of aluminum also. It is not quite so permanent, and works well.
hanman