djaaronp

Hi everyone.

I just wanted to ask you all about some basic modifications I could do to my 88 Rx7 Convertible. I just got a decent job and can afford to put a little money back into my ride.

What kind of things can I do to get better performance out of the engine for less than $1000. I know intake/exhaust would definatly help but Im considering swapping engines (i know this will cost a lot) and putting a turbo engine from a 3rd gen into my 2nd gen. But, if I decide not to do that (or you all persuade me not to) then what other kinds of things can I do for a low cost modification?

Nothing has been done to the car yet, totally stock except for Mazda rebuilt my engine about 5,000 miles ago.

Thanks!

Aaron

autocrash

well... for starters, don't swap a 13B-REW (3rd gen motor) in... just use a 13BT (2nd gen motor)... it's easier (everything fits), the engine is cheaper, and performance of a modified 13BT is equivalent to a 13B-REW...

As far as cheap mods go, AFC, Exhaust, Intake, tuning... (not neccisarily in that order...)

Exhaust mods do great things for rotaries, same with intake mods...
let that rotary breathe!

djaaronp

So should I bother spending the cash for a new(rebuilt) engine? Also, you cant just slap on a Turbo kit can you? There is a lot more that needs to be done to an engine to perform well over time right? Pardon my ignorance on this subject, Im just learning all of this stuff. Thanks again.

Aaron

Ryde _Or_Die

Best bet is to put a 13BT in as autocrash said. If you have paperwork for your current engine as well as compression test results then you could prolly get enough to get a j-spec engine at least. Once you have a TII engine it will be MUCH MUCH easier to get better performance out of it.

djaaronp

Who and where should I talk to and look for a J-Spec or something similar? The engine is perfect still so I should have very good compression. Who does compression tests? The dealership? Also, anyone know about how much a TII engine swap would cost? roughly? And about the other modifications, am I going to have to replace the tranny and differential? Could someone try to explain all the NECESSARY part swaps for installing a TII from a N.A.? I dont have a lot of money so I only want to do the necessary parts. Thanks guys!

Aaron

Ryde _Or_Die

Try searching. There have been uncountable posts on doing this. A j-spec is the cheap way out and not the best way. You can get a j-spec for like $1000 from www.fc3s.org or www.corksport.com. Or you can buy a blown engine and send it as a core to a place like www.mazdarx7engines.com. OR...you could get a j-spec and have it rebuilt whenever it needs it.

autocrash

Or you could get a J-spec and rebuild it when you get it... that way you get a new condition turbo motor for ~ 2200 ish...

And you are looking for a replacement motor when the one you got in there now is a mazda rebuild with only 5000 on it?? Why?

djaaronp

Well, replacing the engine is only one of the options im considering. I mean, if I could find an affordable and reliable way to turbo the engine ive got, then I would do that. I just dont know how many differences there are between the Turbo II engine and the N.A. one thats in there now. I only considered switching the engines because I thought it would be an easier alternative than having to strip the whole engine to pieces and replace several parts in the block. If its easier to create a GOOD turbo system on a N.A. engine, please let me know so I dont spend a bunch of money for nothing. My ultimate goal is to have a turbo charged engine with plenty of room to upgrade down the road. Thanks.

Aaron

Ryde _Or_Die

Ya if he has the money right now.

Just depends what kind of budget you have man. You can do anything with the right amount of money.

He is looking for a new motor since his is NA. Almost everyone gets bit by the turbo bug Happened to me.

autocrash

I think its much easier to swap in a whole turbo motor, then you start of with low compression rotors and etc.. easier to upgrade..
There should be a post around somewhere about turboing a N/A... not too fun ...

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

Considering it sounds like you're still at a basic skill level, I would recommend starting slow and covering your bases.

You said you have a grand or so to spend. I would use that money to fix anything broken on the car, give the brakes a good once-over, and get shocks and springs. Then maybe get a cone intake. That will definitely keep you interested!

A turbo conversion is possible, but it's a MAJOR project that's not for the RX-7 novice. Start slow, have fun with your car, and work your way up to that skill level.

Dale

djaaronp

I see your point and I have one reservation about that. If I go ahead and buy exhaust/intake etc, then when I go to turbo the car in the next year or so, I will have to buy a new set of the same parts for the turbo engine. Why not just spend the dough now and save an extra couple of hundred bucks?

Aaron