website:www.grannysspeedshop.com

...Ordering Information...

2nd gen RX-7 / Chevy V-8...

The purpose of this guide is to lay down the necessary tasks in an orderly fashion, to hopefully minimize the time and effort required to pull off a successful COMPLETE conversion.
Often times projects such as this are undertaken without a full understanding of what is involved. Hopefully, this summary of the steps necessary will provide individuals with the insight necessary to evaluate their own abilities, and help them come up with accurate estimates for both time and cost. Most hot rodder types will not need these instructions, but if they encounter a problem at some point, it's nice to know that helpful information is a close as their computer. This is a very easy swap that can be executed successfully by the average shade tree mechanic. No special mechanical skills or tools are required.

Many, if not most of the steps described here, are the same regardless of the engine choice. Injected engines such as the TBI, TPI, Vortec and LT1 will differ mostly with regards to electrical connections and fuel system plumbing. The main mechanical components and basic proceedures are generally the same.

If you would like more info on completing a smog legal conversion in California, CLICK HERE

Additions and corrections to this guide are encouraged, and will hopefully result in an evolutionary process that will eventually include EVERY detail required, right down to the wrench type, sizes, torque specifications and parts required to carry out each individual step.

...Realistic Expectations...

Effects On Maintenence & Reliability...
...If you already own a 2nd gen RX-7, then you already know about the rotary’s maintenance requirements, have probably heard stories about dealer service departments that lack proper training on rotary engines, and chances are, your beautiful RX-7 is probably on it’s 2nd or 3rd engine by now. The RX-7 has not been sold in the US since 1995, and replacement parts are getting scarce.
The Chevy engine, on the other hand, is perhaps the most common engine on the planet. Most any person with automotive experience has worked on one, and a large factory trained network of technicians exist from coast to coast. The modern Chevy engine routinely goes 100k between tune-ups, and replacement parts are among the cheapest and most common.

Effects On Performance...
...As you might suspect, the switch to a V-8 powerplant has an effect on performance too. The additional low-end torque makes the RX-7 very easy to drive, and is available throughout the RPM range. No longer will you have to excessively slip the clutch at a stop light to keep from killing the engine. No longer do you have to downshift, wait for your RPMs to come up (or boost to build) to pass a car. No longer will you live in constant fear of the dreaded carbon lock. With the V-8, your power is always available.
If and when it comes time for an upgrade, things can really get interesting. Simple $100. modifications can result in 15-20hp increases, while spending a mere $4-5000. can get you up to around 500hp level. We are seeing low to mid 13 second 1/4mi times from mild smog legal engines with around 300-325hp, which is better than the high 13 second times that were possible with the 3rd gen RX-7’s stock twin turbo rotary engine.

Effects On Weight, Balance, and Handling...
...This is where you probably expected there to be a downside. People have probably told you that your handling and perfect weight distribution will be ruined with the addition of that big, heavy, american V-8. Just ask yourself if any of those so-called experts you have been talking to have any actual experience with piston-powered RX-7s. We’ve got the numbers to prove all those bystanders and spectators are just that....bystanders and spectators.
Here are some real numbers from a typical 2nd gen RX-7 converted to Chevy power:
The example car is an ‘86, which was not lightened in any way. The car was converted using a ZZ-4 crate engine & T-5 transmission. It has a full stock interior, as well as the stock air conditioning and power steering. The stock RX-7 cooling system was re-located but retained, as was the stock RX-7’s engine oil cooler. The battery was relocated to rear area just in front of the tail lites. With a full tank of fuel, the balance is close to 50/50, 1535 lbs front / 1545 lbs rear, for a total of 3080 lbs (including the 200lb driver). Subtract the weight of the 200lb driver, and the total weight is 2880, 235lbs heavier than the RX-7's 2645 stock weight, and amazingly slightly less than the later Turbo II's stock weight of 3003lbs.

Skills Required...
...If you have a good grasp of things mechanical, do all your own automotive maintenance, have a good selection of tools and know how to use them, you are probably qualified to perform this swap.

Estimating Time For Completion...
...We have broken the conversion process down into smaller steps (links listed below). This allows the person actually doing the conversion to estimate the time he should allow depending on his abilities and resources.

Next page....

1....Introduction....

2....Considerations & Requirements....

3....Getting Started....

4....Engine / Transmission Installation....

5....Exhaust / Throttle Cable / Accessory Drive / Pulleys....

6....Cooling / Fuel Systems....

7....RX-7 Wiring Harness Connector ID and Circuit Locations....

8....Electrical System Modifications By Circuit....

9....Start-up / Troubleshooting....

10....Upgrades....