1979 SA RX-7 LS Turbo Build (8.93 @ 153)

[SSjon]

Looking good man, gonna have it going this year?

[N2v8fcs]

how much boost do you plan to run?

[forcefed86]

Prob won't have it ready this year. The plan is to get is in street legal trim after the install. The 2 gallon tank the previous owner ran in the nose of the car isn't going to cut it. I'll have to fab up some sort of tank in the back.   All the interior wiring was removed and the headlight assy was glassed over. Not sure how I'll get lights on it at this point. I was considering a FB front bumper, but I believe the SA fenders may need to be altered. I've had my eye on a few parts cars here. Hoping to find an SA.  Either way it won't be fun.

Not sure on boost yet, in the 20+ range I'm sure. I won't have the aftermarket heads or high lift cam most run. The plan is to compensate with e85 and boost. Also depends if our track owner gives me grief about not having a full cage.   

[forcefed86]

SFI approved $60 flywheel came in. As well as a few 4" exhaust pieces.

 Finished up the WG and started the DP.





   

[digitalsolo]

FWIW, if that's like my "SFI Flywheel"  it's built to standards, but not tested/approved by the SFI, which is why it's cheap.   I don't care about the sticker in my car which will never see an NHRA event anyway.

[forcefed86]

FWIW, if that's like my "SFI Flywheel"  it's built to standards, but not tested/approved by the SFI, which is why it's cheap.   I don't care about the sticker in my car which will never see an NHRA event anyway.

Could be, its from crankshaft depot on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360473713743?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_1556wt_1095

[DavidPHumes]

Looks mean - can't wait to see it run!

[forcefed86]

Made a little progress this weekend…

After finding the V-band assys for the s400 turbo outlets were $85 I decided to shave down the flange. After some serious time on the bench grinder and 20 minutes with a file it came out ok.  Used a. 3.5” to 3” “hump” coupling. Fits really snug.





Intercooler is mounted and piping is about 80% complete. Waiting on the 90* TB coupler to finish up the piping. Still need to weld beads on all the ends and mount the BOV.  IC is a 32x12x4. 3” inlet/outlet. Cheap bar and plate ebay junk. Was $116 shipped.   




Trimmed the Taurus E-fan down. Fits like it was meant for this radiator. I’ll glass the top and bottom before final install. The crank pulley has been pulled and is just pushed on the crank by hand at the moment. Looks like I’ll have about a ½” clearance between the crank and the fan once it’s pressed on. 





Some better pics of the above progress… (Although I like the low res cell pics, they make the welds look cleaner)

Downpipe







Cross over and WG





Hotside


Had a good run for a few inches on this weld. This is the typically what happens with every weld I do. Not sure what the deal is.  I’m using a Hobart 140a 120v MIG. It has 4 heat settings. If I run it on the “2” setting it doesn’t penetrate well and end up with bubblegum welds. Setting 3 tends to blow holes in the 16g pipe. It’s a constant battle with this thing. Sure wish it had a nice variable heat dial! I used .024 wire with 75/25 on these. Seems to weld the best so far. I’m using a 50’ jumper cable added to the ground on the #3 setting and it does help. Still a little on the hot side though. Any tips/tricks always appreciated. 
 

[texfc]

I'm not an expert welder by any means, but have you tried rotating the pipe so that you are always welding down the side?  That way gravity pulls the bead down the side as you weld.  If you weld directly on top the bead wants to fall inside the pipe and you get a burn through.  This is what I found in doing my exhaust.

[forcefed86]

Got the E-fan glassed in. Still need to sand/paint and add mounts. 





Test fit it all. Charge piping is all mocked up and in place. Waiting on BOV flange to weld it in.

[forcefed86]

Welded beads on all the piping. Welded the 50mm BOV flange on. I was a little nervous about hood clearance by the throttle body. Cut the webbing out of the hood (6lbs worth!) and test fit it. Fits great. I have springs under the rear pins, but it sits nice and flush when pinned.







Still need to figure out some sort of head light. The flip up lights are welded closed and glassed over. the IC piping is routed under them as well so I can't replace them.   Was thinking of bumper mount or something similar to this on top. May be to "tunerish"for the old school rx-7 though. Ideas? 

[N2v8fcs]

where did you get your throttle body elbow?

[zbrown]

When is this hummer going to be ready for passes??

[forcefed86]

Hope to have it up and track worthy by spring.  Hot and cold sides are done. Just need to pull motor swap the heads for some 317's and install the studs and ls9 gaskets, fuel system,cooling, and wiring.  If I wait till 2014 I can register it as a classic car and get by with a much more lenient out of state inspection. I've got a ton of work to do with wiring and lights to get it street legal. Not sure when that will happen. 

Throttle body elbow was a cheapo off ebay. I went with the 3.75 to 3". Fits much better than the 4".
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-3-75-90-Degree-Reducer-Silicone-Coupler-Black-RD-/110684375972?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item19c54d8ba4#ht_3901wt_1166

[screamin88]

Nice! This will be a fun little rig for sure.