I bought a 1993 FD3S with no engine or tranny with the intention of it being swapped with an LS. Suspension is all stock, just no drive train. Car looks like it was parted out.

I wanted to do LS, however, after reading the posts in these forums and seeing the youtube rotary videos (and hearing those sweet sounds), I am starting to really like the idea of a rotary. The light weight, the sound, the super high revs, they speak to me. I already have a couple V8 cars, so I figure why do another one?

So what will it take to get a 13B and put all the stock components back in? I see engines/trannys locally (Miami) for like $2k, figure a couple grand to rebuild and put on 3MM seals, I see the stock turbos for $350 on ebay.I have a cherry picker. I have a lot of tools (Did an LS swap with an LSA blower on a 1968 camaro). I have a mig welder. Step father has powder coating oven. I can fab up exhaust and turbo piping/manifolds if need be. I half thought of putting up a big single, and fabbing up a manifold, but with used working stock twin sequentials at $350, you really can't go wrong to start out learning on something before going ***** out.

What else do I need that will be a major (more than $500) expense? BOV, waste gates? ECU? Intercooler? What do you guys think my total outlay will be just putting (used) bone stock parts back in with a rebuilt engine?

Thanks!

Ryan

 

Your best bet is to find a front cut if possible, otherwise find a complete engine/trans/ecu/etc longblock. All the little bits add up,

Just yesterday i got lucky and found a complete(engine transharness etc) running pull out and paid 1000, be cautious buying from used jdm engine importers. Compression test is mandatory and if they won't let you or won't warranty it they are more than likely selling junk.

 

Thanks for the advice. It will be a slow process, but I imagine that it would probably be less expensive to put in the 13b (even with all the little bits). Thanks for the JDM advice. I figure whatever I buy I should rebuild it.
If I were to go LS, I would figure probably 2000 for the engine, another 3000 for the T56 magnum, 2500 for the Samberg kit with all of the fixings, and another grand or two for the rear and the driveshaft. So like at least 10k, and that is for stock LS power.
Instead of that I'm thinking now that I should get a 13b motor tranny combo for 2k, rebuild it for 1300, fab up a different turbo system out of stainless steel, maybe a couple of T04s, with some alky or water injection. Will probably (I hope) cost less than 10k). So much new information to learn, but that is the fun, right?

 

Also where do I find a front cut? I'm in Miami.

 

You will definitely not be under 10k. I am currently finishing up a rebuild/single turbo upgrade and I'm already over 12k into it. I still have some intercooler piping to make as well as a Downpipe and I still have to pay for tuning. And my car ran before we started this. I would probably add quite a bit more if I were doing something like you.

 

I don't speak from any experience here but if you're looking for a complete longblock you could inquire with those who are starting swap projects. It seems like there's a new one every week. That way you get everything you need engine-wise but may have to fix whatever underlying issue prompted the swap in the first place.

 

where in miami are you ,there is a place in ft lauderdale that have front clips time to time. also in south miami they have jdm of miami for engines and transmission but you will need harnesses

 

Would you mind sharing the rough prices of the parts you bought? Thanks!

 

Outstanding idea. When I get ready to swap I will do this.

 

Miami Lakes. What is the place in Lauderdale? Thanks.

 

Hmm... Let's see.

Motor rebuild-4K with new rotors and housings
Ecu- 700
Harness- 300
Fittings and hoses- 500
Turbo- 900
Manifold- 500
Wastegate- 300
Clutch kit and flywheel- 1000
Intercooler-1000

I don't even know where I spent the rest, lol.

 

THIS

Be aware - -You will be very surprised how easily things you didn't realize you needed can add $1,000's of dollars to a build.

Based on your comment to "maybe add a couple of T04S" - I strongly suggest you hit the pause button, do a lot of research, or better still go talk to a reputable builder and make a plan.

When I did my engine work I planned for 20% contingency on top of the quote........that was not enough........and I had a top quality shop doing the work. You will find unexpected issues that add cost, things that are good can break, and if you are like me, it's is way too easy to add or upgrade as you go along and before you know it your bank account is crying

I am not trying to put you off or sound like a jerk, but just the turbos you mentioned are $2,500 USD each...... take your time and make a good plan. Work out what you want from the car then chose your parts. Better to do it right first time.

 

HOLY THREAD RESURRECTION, BATMAN!

Actually just last week I got a 5.3 liter L33 on the way for $1500 shipped, and I am getting a used Hinson kit for cheap this weekend. I just know LS motors better. I can rebuild one in my garage. I know rotary fans, I am an evil evil person, but consider that the car has a salvage title anyway, and will never be a pristine original numbers matching FD3S. Pics to come.

 

WOW!

I never even noticed the dates! Just saw the low post count and assumed you were new!

Those "related" threads are dangerous!

Well i am glad you are still progressing on your build! Keep us updated!