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Author Topic: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap  (Read 14325 times)

Offline Classy

FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« on: November 25, 2013, 01:35:57 PM »
So, I have a 93 RX7 in my garage, but it seems that someone wants it more than I do, so I am at a point where I can re-evaluate what I want.  I can either find another FD RX7, or I can find a E36 M3 to LS swap.  I have read up on both cars and the only reason I leaned towards the FD is because I think it looks so much cooler.  I think from a handling stand point, they both handled like kings back in their day. 

Here is what I would be using the car for.  I actually plan to DD this thing most of the year.  Not really going to be a competition car, but I will likely do some drag racing, maybe some autoX and I would really like to do some standing mile when I have everything squared away.  So, saying that, I want something that is still comfortable to daily but I can dual purpose on the weekends.  Ultra reliable, and probably going to aim for 400-500 HP.  The one thing I noticed sitting in my RX7 is that 6'1'' me barely fits in it and there are no cup holders...

So, do I stay RX7 or go M3?
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Offline MPbdy

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #1 on: November 25, 2013, 01:38:49 PM »
M3
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Offline Classy

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #2 on: November 25, 2013, 01:43:19 PM »
I also know there are people on this board who either have both or have had both at some point in time, any input would be super helpful
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Offline jparker7

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #3 on: November 25, 2013, 03:11:47 PM »
I have an LS1 FD for sale and have an E36 M3 in the garage right next to it that will be swapped to an LS1.  I like the FD but my Wife hates it and I cant put a baby seat in the back.  The M3 is a lot more refined and rides way better than the FD.  Its all about what you are looking for or maybe what you plan on useing the car for.   I say racing of anykind go FD and if you want a unique hella fast street car go M3.  I think the price to swap the M3 is a little more also.  Besides why waste your time swapping an M3 when you can buy my Fd already completed.  So in conclusing M3s suck buy my FD.
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Offline Classy

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #4 on: November 25, 2013, 04:25:16 PM »
I am not joking when I say you are the 3rd person to try and sell me a car since I posted this thread!

Beyond that, I DD a 2009 challenger R/T 6 speed, it is a fast ass and the aftermarket sucks... But it works great for a daily.

I also forgot to put another car on the list to possibly swap, an E39 would be pretty fun I would think and could be a good hybrid between fun and comfortable, thought?
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Offline Tictakman

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2013, 07:04:02 PM »
Let me be the fourth to offer my car...mine is for sale! 

Basically, it sounds like you have a dd...so why not have a fun car to toy around in when you want some real performance.  I vote FD.  Id keep mine but I have the next project in the garage.

Zak
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Offline Classy

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #6 on: November 25, 2013, 07:16:58 PM »
Why is everyone trying to sell their cars to me? Is there something wrong with them that you want to leave them??

I understand the next project, and that is why I am aiming for a FD or M3, I would hope that I can't build on a better chassis for the money
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Offline Tictakman

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2013, 07:19:43 PM »
I wouldnt be selling mine but its funding my 69 Camaro
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Offline Classy

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2013, 07:29:18 PM »
I tell you what, I saw a car last week that about stopped me in my tracks... 1972 camaro split bumper Z28, it was orange with white racing stripes, nearly fully restored, with a modernized suspension and to top it off, it had a LS3 under the hood... It is in my top 3 cars to have almost exactly like that but WAY out of my budget...

FYI the other 2 are 1967 mustang fastback and 240Z super clean restoration with big flares, and an LS swap, but I am worried I won't fit in it...
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Offline jparker7

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #9 on: November 25, 2013, 08:22:52 PM »
An e39 has been done.  RAO built an e36 coupe, then a sedan, then an e39 and now its got a magnisun supercharger on it.  Its pretty bad ass.  Look it up on Bimmerforums.com
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Offline gnx7

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #10 on: November 25, 2013, 08:31:35 PM »
I'm biased towards the FD.  I've driven a 440ci (BigBlockQuad is current owner) e36 M3 and it does daily drive better; however my FD is over 400lbs lighter, fits much fatter rubber, and is more aerodynamic due to a smaller frontal area.  I can daily drive my car; however my 4Runner is a lot cushier overall.

No car will do it all.... but for top speed events and road course stuff the FD is hard to beat. 
A stock FD with rolled fenders can fit 285/30/18's.  The brake upgrade options are also much more affordable for it than any BMW.

e36 without welding on fender lips from an e46 simply can't swallow much rubber.  With the lips it can take 285/30/18's. 

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'93 FD: 441ci/AllPro LS7 heads/intake en route, T56 Mag, 8.8" IRS, HolleyHP, DavisTechTC 10.32@137mph cats/full exhaust. 165mph 1/2 mile (old LS7)
'93 FD LS9 turbo, T56 Mag, Samberg 8.8" solid axle, 9.35@163mph 197mph 1/2 mile
`69 Chevelle: alum 5.3, GTS76 turbo, ChiseledPerf A/W, T56 Magnum,Ford 35 spline 9".CTS-V interior http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=18234.0
old yellar....440rwhp/FD sold but not forgotten: http://www.ponycars.net/scc.htm
I sell new T56 Magnums/McLeod clutch/T56 rebuild kits/Holley EFI/FIC injectors and all BrianTooleyRacing parts.  norcalmotorsport@gmail.com

Offline Demon

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #11 on: November 25, 2013, 08:34:35 PM »
The FD isn't THAAAAT good at the top speed events, really.
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'93 RX7 (co-project with macnewma)
'95 Supra Turbo Billet GT42-76

Offline 65imp

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #12 on: November 25, 2013, 08:36:52 PM »
Since cup holders make your limited criteria list, I think you should go M3.
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absolute power corrupts absolutely  :yay:
93 FD widebody - destroked
69 Suburban - positive manifold pressure
72 Blazer - 6.0, 6speed 4wd
65 Impala - 5.7
59 cad  - 5.3
53 spartan - crash pad status

Offline Bigblockquad

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #13 on: November 25, 2013, 08:52:08 PM »
Quote from: 65imp on November 25, 2013, 08:36:52 PM
Since cup holders make your limited criteria list, I think you should go M3.


Yeah......leave it to BMW to fuck that up.  I have yet to find a cup or bottle on the planet that fits that tiny hole without tipping over  :scratch:
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94 RX7 LS7, Racelogic TC (565hp/505tq)
07 Superformance GT40 Dart alloy 427 (548hp/561tq) 2290 lbs...
06 Lexus IS350
04 Chevy 2500HD Diesel, lifted on 20x35's
95 BMW M3 440ci LS7/ T56

Offline Classy

Re: FD RX7 vs M3 for LS Swap
« Reply #14 on: November 25, 2013, 09:02:38 PM »
http://www.hardmotorsport.com/Hard-Motorsport-330-E36-Coupe-Rivet-on-Fender-Flares-HMSE36FENDERFLARES.htm

Answers some of the tire problem

I agree that there is no perfect car, and you have to find what your best is. 

I also don't have to make a decision tomorrow

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