Rx3

[jetpilot]

Could the more knowledgeable shed a little light on this please.

Model etc

How difficult is a 13b conversion, what sort of suspension/brakes can you use?

[Grant Monkhouse]

Which 13B?

[jetpilot]

Re :cheers

[Grant Monkhouse]

As in turbo?

[Grant Monkhouse]

Engine mounting pints are different. I think the rx3 mounts of the front cover, my rx4 did, however it now is mounted off the mid plate, not too hard to fix but it requires some work

[jetpilot]

Engine mounting pints are different. I think the rx3 mounts of the front cover, my rx4 did, however it now is mounted off the mid plate, not too hard to fix but it requires some work

I wouldnt expect them to be the same, but i am guessing it must be a popular conversion.

What about suspension/brakes, again i am sure this has been done but cant find any info over here

Cheers

[Grant Monkhouse]

There are options for big brake upgrades, but mainly from oz. you mostly have to fabricate the stuff yourself or adapt something else to fit.

[jetpilot]

Cheers mate. Fancy doing something different and going old skool, but will have to have decent performance.

[Grant Monkhouse]

If you are getting one then I suggest leavin the engine swap until last. Trust me. They are very light cars, so even a small amount of HP will make it shift. I have got a complete 13B in bits from my rx4, minus the carb, housings could do with inspecting but they would make a good engine.

Search for custom garage iirc, they have all sort of shiny stuff to buy for brake and suspension upgrades:)

[Ray]

Hi jetpilot my RX-4 is still for sale .... http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75261

My dad has got an RX-3 rolling shell that he\'d sell, but it will require a fair bit of welding, let me know if your interested.

There\'s not really any custom bits for old school mazdas in this country, either get them from Oz, Nz or States or fabricate. RX-4\'s have got more room under the bonnet, RX-3\'s really are tiny... well for my frame they are :Laugh

As Grant says, the old school engines were front mount, so old school 13b\'s drop into RX-3\'s very easily, just slight slotting, spacers or custom front mount.
Mark 1 RX-7\'s are useful donor vehicles and later engines can have old school front covers put on, http://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/front-cover-swap-797259/ plus loads more discussion in that forum.

Brakes don\'t have to be that big, old school mazdas are a lot lighter than the modern bloat. In race trim my RX-4 is 960 kg and my dad\'s RX-3 is 890kg (could be a bit lighter, but that was the minimum weight for the championship  he raced in).

Suspension wise, RX-3\'s are a bit tricky, the wheelbase is so short so they\'re always going to be a bit twitchy, but generally follow ford escort type mods, so springs, dampers, decent bushes. At the back end, extra location is a must, so panhard rod and ideally 5 link it.

Hope that helps as a starter!

[jetpilot]

Thanks for the info Ray, very useful. At this stage its a long term option, not looking to buy just yet but just get some knowledge so I am armed when it comes to getting one. I prefer the look of the 3 if I am honest though!

[BlitzBoy]

Franco\'s RX3 with Oldone Bridge ported engine, cant remember if its 12a or 13B, I\'m sure he wont mind me posting pics of this beauty , but I absolutely luv this car!!! :driving

[HaywardRotary]

That car was bridged in Aus then rebuilt again here.
Its a 13b

[BlitzBoy]

The engine had the plates and housings that were ported in AUS chucked in the bin, porting done from scratch and fully rebuilt by Era @ //www.oldones.co.uk

[HaywardRotary]

Oh yeah, i bet they were.