FunWheelDrive's Dark Horse FC RX7 Build

[FunWheelDrive]

A little history, after owned a supercharged 408W Mustang that was setup for drag racing and.. nothing else. I wanted to build something reliable, something that wouldn't break the bank account, and something that was fun to drive around on the streets. Maybe attending some Auto X in the future as well. I always liked the 2.3 Ford SOHC motors. They have a very stout bottom end, they like to see 30psi of boost on a regular basis. With the ability to easily bolt a T5 Ford transmission behind it, made it a great engine for a Rx7 Swap. The goal is to run 20ish pounds of boost daily. Maybe turn it up to 30psi on a race gas tune.

Engine mods:

80lbs injectors
TunerStudio EFI and computer
Engle Race Boost Cam
Holset HE341
APR head undercut head bolts
Ported upper and lower intakes
Ported Big Valve head.


After finding an Merkur XR4Ti for $250 bucks with a blown timing belt, the project began.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_0778.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_0778.jpg.html)

What the $250 Merkur looked like.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_0938.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_0938.jpg.html)

A few beers later, the motors are none- interference so I threw a new timing belt on and the car ran! It actually ran pretty decent. The only mods on it were a full exhaust. Good enough to do a wicked burn out.
:burnout:

The engine had great compression numbers but she still had to come out. The Merkur chassis was very badly rusted. Wouldn't pass a safety.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_0946.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_0946.jpg.html)

And a few more beers later.

[FunWheelDrive]

I was pretty sure the engine had been rebuilt at some point in this cars life. I found updated Ford Head bolts and a few other pieces. The cylinders still have cross hatching in the cylinder walls. The crank was a little scored so I decided to take the crank out to get polished and put all new bearing and seals in.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1530.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1530.jpg.html)

The block all cleaned up and the transmission bolted to it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1807.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1807.jpg.html)


I found a v8 Ford adapter kit forsale on Kijiji. Came with a flywheel, adapter brackets, and a few other odds and ends to put a V8 clutch, and transmission behind the Ford 2.3. This ment being able to run a v8 clutch. 10.5" clutch instead of the much smaller four cylinder one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1803.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1803.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1804.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1804.jpg.html)

[FunWheelDrive]

I found an FC with a blown engine through a friend of a friend. He was planning to do an LSX swap. He never got around to it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_0958.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_0958.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_0959.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_0959.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_0960.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_0960.jpg.html)


After a few more beers.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1555.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1555.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1574.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1574.jpg.html)

[FunWheelDrive]

After doing some research, an intercooler from a Suzuki NPR delivery truck fits in an FC Rx7 almost perfect. I found one out of Empire truck parts. Test fitting:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1588.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1588.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1591.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1591.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1852.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1852.jpg.html)

Test fitting the engine, I got the motor and transmission mounts from a company called Grannies Speed Shop out of the states. I got my buddy to weld them in for me.

Got my exhaust manifold in from a guy who makes custom ones out of the states. Should support my Holset nicely.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_2943.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_2943.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_2948.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_2948.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_2946_1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_2946_1.jpg.html)

[FunWheelDrive]

Alot of people asked me why not go with an LSX? This is why..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_3331.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_3331.jpg.html)

My other project is an LSX swapped car. :rofl:

Got an LS1 T56 combo from the US of A

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_2767.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_2767.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_3335.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_3335.jpg.html)

I picked up some coilovers from Cam who has his 2JZ Rx7 build on here. I also picked up an HKS catback exhaust from him. Great guy to deal with BTW.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_1645.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_1645.jpg.html)



An updated engine picture shot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4389.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4389.jpg.html)


This is a shot right before the first start!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4502.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4502.jpg.html)

[Ca_Silvia13]

Damn that is a clean ass FC shell

[FunWheelDrive]

The first start was a success!! I had a few things to tighten up but no real issues. After finishing the cam break in, it was time to go for the first drive.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4553.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4553.jpg.html)

A pretty big goal for my swap was to have "Everything work" which I'm pretty happy to say worked out. Everything is functional on the car, even the factory gauge cluster, all the gauges work including the speedo. I tested the speedo with my GPS on my phone and it was accurate to within 5km/h.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4569.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4569.jpg.html)

Drove the car for about an 100km drive, runs awesome. I'm really liking the autotune feature on the EFI. The boost is currently at wastegate pressure of 14psi. Once I get bored of 14psi and get I'll start raising the boost.

The car badly needed a polish and a wax. So a few hours later and even some more beers.

Before:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_0958.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_0958.jpg.html)

After:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4590.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4590.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4589.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4589.jpg.html)

[tomt64]

Enjoyed reading this, great job!!

[Noremac]

Looking good! Take me for a spin?

[J.M.]

Wow this is awesome!

[EM2FTL]

Both projects look awesome, nice work!

[brucebanner]

SO Awesome! :clap:

[94boosted]

What a unique engine choice, nicely done :thumbsup:

[KRyn]

Awesome build!
Start a build thread for your other projects! I love these types of threads, beyond needs more of them.

[Lex350]

Great build......can't wait to see the RX8.

[Redlined_8000]

Nice! Looks awesome. Unique, and functional.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

I like it, very cool. I get the feeling you don't like rotary engines for some reason. :rofl:

[FunWheelDrive]

Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat
I like it, very cool. I get the feeling you don't like rotary engines for some reason. :rofl:

Not the biggest fan.. I appreciate a well built one. They have their pro's and cons. I love the chassis of these cars tho!!

I did a boost leak test on it last night and found a few leaks. I fixed those up and the car runs the same. Speed density does a very good job of giving the engine the correct amount of fuel for what the motor actually sees. I don't think I'd ever go back to a MAF setup. I'm now working to figure out how to get my no lift to shift, anti lag, and electronic boost controller working. :clap:

[ColoDano]

Very cool build, thumbs up!

[ekguy]

I usually hate non rotor swaps in rx7's...But somehow this seems to maintain the idea behind the 7, which is a light car, light engine, good balance.

I'm really digging the direction you went with this!!!

edited to add...

Christ is that ever a clean body on that car. I haven't seen many fc's in this condition...

:drool:

[FunWheelDrive]

Originally posted by ekguy
I usually hate non rotor swaps in rx7's...But somehow this seems to maintain the idea behind the 7, which is a light car, light engine, good balance.

I'm really digging the direction you went with this!!!

edited to add...

Christ is that ever a clean body on that car. I haven't seen many fc's in this condition...

:drool:

Thanks man! I have the car running pretty solid at 20psi and seems to be holding it pretty good. These 2.3Ls love boost. Probably cause the 8 valve head makes like 80rwhp till boost hits. ;)

The pictures make the car look good, the body has some issues but she's in good shape.

[FunWheelDrive]

Well sort of a sad day. I sold the RX8 project and have the LS1 forsale. I picked up something that I've been looking for. I used to have a bunch of DSM's back in highschool and always liked them. Found this GEM of a 1G. It has 52,000 original kilometres on it. One owner, Mitsubishi big brake upgrade, Koni suspension, Sparco seats, suspension techniques sway bars. Pretty well everything has been touched or upgraded. It did come with a set of aftermarket rims and tires. The tires on the factory rims are the OEM tires from 1991. :nut:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4797.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4797.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4802.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4802.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4812.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4812.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4815.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4815.jpg.html)


As for the engine it makes 575awhp on English's racing tune and dyno. I've had it for two weeks now and can say it was a properly well built and well taken care of DSM.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4804.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4804.jpg.html)

[relyt92]

That talon looks clean, always wanted one of those in highschool. Probably a good thing I didn't get one then though.

[Shlade]

Can't say I was expecting you to say 575awhp.... That's awesome. Such a sleeper

[FunWheelDrive]

That's what I love about talons, just by looking at one you have no idea if it makes 100hp, 600hp. Or even runs at all. :rofl:

I haven't tried race fuel (not sure If I will for awhile) but on pump gas it makes 450awhp which moves it pretty good. :burnout:

Mods List:
Buschur racing short block
Stage 4 head
TRE transmission
New OEM mitsu transfercase
FP3065 turbo
Kelford 272 cams

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4813.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4813.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4811.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4811.jpg.html)

[Maxx Mazda]

Very impressive

[ekguy]

Rowdy!!!

[FunWheelDrive]

Back to working on the FC. I was trying to figure out a boost / lag issue. The car made good boost when there was a lot of load on the engine. Struggled to make more than 10psi of boost tho. I decided to look at the turbo and BINGO. I bought the turbo off a guy from Kijiji awhile ago and looks like it's no good.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4855.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4855.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4857.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4857.jpg.html)

That's a 35thou feeler gauge. Luckily my buddy's dad has the same turbo Holset HE341 sitting on his shelf. I got a wicked deal on it and just finished putting it on. This is the difference in what the compressor wheel looks like.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4862.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4862.jpg.html)

The car now makes wicked boost! It still about the same spool time but once boost comes on it builds fast!!

Also.. talon picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4859.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4859.jpg.html)

[A3GTiVR6SC]

Nice choice of cars man!! Sub'd :thumbsup:
I just recently bought a LHD FD3S to swap as well... Just looking for a doner car at the moment.

[Gman.45]

Great RX7 build. I had an 87 Rx7 when I first moved to Calgary in 1993, it was a fantastic car, I was lucky to get it with an almost new rotory with only 5k km on it.

Very jealous, I would love to have an Rx like this one right now.

Nice Talon too.

[Redlined_8000]

That Talon is the best sleeper ive ever seen. Dam that is one hell of a find! :eek: :thumbsup: :drool:

[revelations]

Man my first car was 1G TSI FWD, what a LEMON but what a CAR !!

I now have a 2G Eclipse FWD Spyder .... DSM win !!

[FunWheelDrive]

Originally posted by Gman.45
Great RX7 build. I had an 87 Rx7 when I first moved to Calgary in 1993, it was a fantastic car, I was lucky to get it with an almost new rotory with only 5k km on it.

Very jealous, I would love to have an Rx like this one right now.

Nice Talon too.

Thanks man! As fun as the Talon is, I actually prefer to drive the RX7 around.

So Plasti-dip went onsale at Auto Value last week. 11 bucks a can! The Talon came with a set of aftermarket rims, I figured they'd look much better black.

Before
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4871.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4871.jpg.html)
After
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4874.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4874.jpg.html)

How they look on the car.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4886.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4886.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/KingofSpades/IMG_4882.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KingofSpades/media/IMG_4882.jpg.html)

I also plasti-dipped the rear wing on my FC. Huge difference from faded black!