Author Topic: 1979 RX7 GS LSX Project (Read 10699 times)

Badbird_96 · « **on:** June 16, 2013, 11:19:26 PM »

So im ready to start my build thread. I will be removing the wankel and 5spd this week. Just got a lsx harness and pcm. Should have a ls6 cam and springs lined up as well. So far this is my spendings.

Purchase price - $350
Transport - $60
Battery - $130
Chilton manual - $20
LS harness and pcm - $50
Truck airbox - $0
LS6 cam and springs - ?

Used the chilton manual to fix my wiring issue. Now my headlights and everything works except the engine lmao. Even the in dash clock and all the gauges, blinkers, high beams etc. Will post pics when i start disassembly.

JapCrap · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2013, 04:07:40 PM »

Good luck! I still cant believe how clean this car is for its age...Might as well figure on moving that battery.

forcefed86 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2013, 04:17:39 PM »

It's my twin! Looks really clean for $300, Good find!

Badbird_96 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2013, 04:47:27 PM »

Quote from: JapCrap on June 17, 2013, 04:07:40 PM

Good luck! I still cant believe how clean this car is for its age...Might as well figure on moving that battery.

Thanks. So the battery will have to be relocated. Where are they typically moved to?

Quote from: forcefed86 on June 17, 2013, 04:17:39 PM

It's my twin! Looks really clean for $300, Good find!

Thanks. I think i did pretty good for the money lol.

Edit - oh i read that the vin numbers started on 500000. If thats true my car was the 42,524 car because the vin is 542524. Pretty cool i thought.

JapCrap · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2013, 09:14:55 PM »

I don't know if it HAS to be relocated but will clean the engine bay up a good bit and give you more room to work. Depends on if your car has storage bins,no bins or seats in the back. Most people like to put them behind the passenger seat for better weight transfer. I didn't think about that when I moved mine (I was thinking easier access)and I even went up through the passenger bin with the cable...I can always change it later IF I want though...big IF.

Badbird_96 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2013, 02:00:36 PM »

Lol mine doesnt have bins. Started disassembly today. All thats left is the trans, starter wire, oil cooler, motor mounts and exhaust. Frame rails look great. Drivers has a little surface rust pass side doesnt even have that.

Badbird_96 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2013, 02:09:21 PM »

Scratch that motor mounts are done. Stopping for the day though. Too wet to get under the car and take that stuff loose

Badbird_96 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 19, 2013, 07:55:31 PM »

Due to current job situation the 7 is on hold. My company maybe kicked off the jobsite. We may get to roll over to the new company but its not for certain so before i get to dumping alot of money i will put it on hiatus until after the 4th. Im stopping on removing the current drivetrain in case i have to move the car.

JapCrap · « **Reply #8 on:** June 19, 2013, 09:21:01 PM »

That sucks. You were just getting warmed up...Good luck on the work situation man.

Badbird_96 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2013, 09:26:37 PM »

Thanks and its just a minor set back. Stock engine and trans are on craigslist. Surely someone needs a 5spd for a rotary lol. Still doing the wiring just not ordering anything else until this has blown past.

Badbird_96 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 21, 2013, 09:11:49 AM »

Ok so i was looking at the respeed big brake kit as its called for the sa. It says i need the 84-85 gsle spindles. What else would i need to get? It looks like it converts the car to fc 5 lug. If so i will get the grannys 8.8 with the 5 lug pattern. Im basically just concerned with an easy way to get 5 lug on the front so my wheels will match. Like i stated before the cost isnt the issue its that where im working out of town i have no way to fab stuff thats why im trying to find bolt in solutions. Im a little ocd about things only problem is im new to this platform lol.

nocargreg · « **Reply #11 on:** June 21, 2013, 09:37:37 AM »

I have the Re-Speed stuff on our Lemons/Chumpcar. It is quality stuff however it appears that RE-Speed customer service has gone downhill. Search over on the rx7club for them. Some people haven't received their stuff several months after order.

Your best bet is likely going to be going the FC front subframe as seen in Grr's build. I plan on doing it this way and am using Ronin style pedestal mounts.

http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=16201.0

Again you can find more detailed info on the FC subframe swap on rx7club. Going this way allows you to use F-Body oil pan and you avoid having to cut and weld a pan or modify your steering linkage. It also frees up room for headers by eliminating the steering box.

Badbird_96 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 21, 2013, 07:23:32 PM »

Ah ok i will look into it more. Guess i will be investing in a fab setup for here lol

frankenmazda · « **Reply #13 on:** June 22, 2013, 10:19:01 AM »

The FC swap is the best way to go in my opinion. Cheap and pretty easy depending on how you do it. I welded mine in so I could cut the brace crossing in front of the radiator out for more cooling but I've seen a lot of guys bolt them in. It also gives you the upgraded brakes. I bought 4 piston turbo calipers off ebay for 50 bucks. There are 4 lug or 5 lug hubs available for the FC as well that match the GSL-SE. Keep in mind it is wider than the FB front end. Good luck!

Badbird_96 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 22, 2013, 09:50:13 PM »

How much wider is it? The pics arent working for some reason, maybe i need to update tapatalk.

Side note - back in motion. Pulled the motor and trans this afternoon. Exhaust is next.