Hi guys and girls,
This is my first post so excuse me if this is in the wrong area.
I currently own a mk1 MX5, and fancy "upgrading" to a RX7 fairly soon, and have found a nice shell locally.
I quite fancy the idea of putting a "different" engine in it, but running/servicing costs are at the forefront of my mind. Having become quite involved with MX5s, the idea of putting a 1.8 MX5 engine and gearbox into the Gen1 shell seems to make sense. Turbocharging it with a HKS kit should make it good for around 180bhp and still return a pretty good fuel economy.
Has anyone tackled a project like this before? Is it possible? Am i being a heretic by even suggesting it?! ;)
As i said, i\'m pretty new to the RX7 scene so any help would be great.
removing the rotary is usually frowned upon (its the best bit!)
I\'d rather have an MX5 with an MX5 engine ... its a better car all round really , handling , weight , steering etc.
Thats what i thought would be said!
Trouble is this shell is in good condition but lacking the engine and gearbox - and sourcing a replacement rotary could be a tad expensive. The other idea was a V6/V8 transplant, but i\'m pretty keen on having an economical engine as it\'d be used daily, and i could do without sky-high fuel bills or expensive rebuilds/servicing.
The MX5 engine seemed a pretty obvious choice for me knowing how they can be tuned etc and still return a decent MPG.
Good point about the MX5 i suppose, but for some inexplicable reason a gen1 RX7 really appeals - i suppose its the 80s child in me coming to the surface! ;)
still can\'t see the point of an RX7 without its engine.
Swapping over to the MX5 engine seems such a lot of work and outlay for so little gain. the 12a is a very capable engine and in normally aspirated form hit at least 150-160hp and if turbochargin is an option then the sky is the limit.
NO ROTOR NO MOTOR :D
Mike, really nice car by the way!
Just out of interest, how much would a replacement 12a cost? Was really financial reasons governing the idea - ie the MX5 engine returning about 30mpg not matter how hard its pushed and be a tad easier on the pocket service wise.
I\'ve never driven a rotary though - so if it turned out to be wallet friendly, then i could be quite easily convinced to go with that option
Thanks :)
whole cars cost peanuts and come with all the parts you need + finding a decent running engine and rusty car shouldn\'t be an impossible task (12a engines last a lot longer than the later ones) ... decent running cars don\'t cost a great deal either ( take a look at the for sale forum ... some realy good bargains)
Regards,
Mike