Does anyone know the physical dimensons of the RX7's engine. I'd like to know if it can be transplanted into either Lotus Elise or Exige. They both use a 4 cylinder 1.8 engine that produces a maximum of 190 BHP.

Don't know if I'll be able to do it but it could be interesting.

Any other information like the size of a triple rotor engine etc would also be appreciated.

Thanks

Richard

 

Richard,

The rotary should be smaller in every dimension that a 4-banger. I don't have the physical specs, but Blake's site might:

http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com

It would be an excellent choice if it does all work out, and in keeping with Colin Chapman's philosophy of making everything as light as possible.

A much better choice than the company that imports these and then stuffs an Integra engine in. That is supposed to do bad things to the handling.

Cheers,

Steve
http://www.ScuderiaCiriani.com/rx7

 

If you can get that transplant done, that little car will be faster than demons! The Exige is just a totally gutted car with little more in the cockpit than the seats and controls. Lots of carbon fiber too. We had a bunch of Lotuses in the warehouse over the winter last year. They're amazing little cars. Be sure to put an RX-7 or 13B badge on it though. be proud of what powers the 7's.

 

You're going to have to do a lot of work, or find a FWD tranny that will bolt up to whatever rotary you choose.

 

Why when the Elise/Exige is RWD?

 

WRAYR hey i do not know the dimension personally.but i doubt the 3 rotor will fit without firewall modding.

a 2 rotor turbo is not a compact as everyone makes it out to be.a v8 is not much longer than a 13b.but much wider. so a 13b should fit without nothing but a new cradle.u could also customize the intake manifold and lower it.u see high it sits.

 

They use a transaxle-
Hence the need for a FWD tranny. How do you think they swap B18c5's into the Elise? FWD honda tranny/transaxle.

 

The Elise with the Integra type R motor is amazing. Runs clean, strong, great powerband, mileage. According to all the people who have driven it, it compliments the car so much better than that Rover truck motor that comes with it. It is high revving, and makes plenty of power for that chassis. I cant imagine any advantage to putting a rotary keg in there, other than the bragging rights of "I put a rotary in an Elise" The type R motor should be superior to it IN THIS APPLICATION in almost every way. I didnt say it would sound as good, or be as much fun, but Ill put my money on the B18C5 for lap times and reliability.

 

That's what I was just thinking. Mid-engine cars use a transaxle, much like FWD cars. I can't imagine it being easy to find a transmission that would work for that application.

 

Hey all i have to say about this.. is if you pull that transplant off... I WANT TO SEE IT!!

 

Same here. Would be interesting to say the least . Where did you guys get your info on the integ-r swap into the elise/exige? I wanna see some info .

 

In SCC:

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/fe...205scc_coblot/

I think Car & Drivel had an article on it too.

Cheers,

Steve
http://www.ScuderiaCiriani.com/rx7

 

http://www.sunspeed.com/pr_idx.html


This is the company that is making it available and legal in the US.. A little pricey at 50K+ but I bet its a kick in the pants.

 

a little bit off topic, but I've read the contrary - the integra motor is not as good as the rover motor - the rover has a smoother powerband and actually has some low-end to it. The type-r motor bogs down at the low end and isn't much good unless it's screaming. Granted, when it's screaming, it's great.

The advantage of a TT 13B would be more power & more power available sooner. That said, the 13B TT with all the plumbing is almost assuredly heavier than a type-r motor ready to run.... and there's that whole transmission thing and reliability issues.

 

you could nount it longitudinally and try to build a vw transaxle that would handle the power. i know there is an adapter for the bellhousing somewhere.

paul

 

I looked for an Elan or Bugeyed Sprite for 4 years and could not find a wrecked one that didn't cost a fortune. I wanted to do a 13B single turbo swap. I ended up buying a 3rd Gen instead.
The 3 Rotor is very heavy. The Twin turbo 13B is wide and heavy. You could offset the engine easily through. Go with a single turbo 13B and fly. Power per weight ratio would be SCARY / FUN / SUICIDAL "OHHH I want a ride."

 

Why don't put a 2 rotor 13B NA that will put 300 rwhp ? That will be better than street port 13B turbo or B18C5(which is a very good engine, those who don't know it's a high compression engine, no torque my *** it is undeniably better than the Rover engine).