Mazda 323 13B

[Jmancool]

Hi guys, I’m new to this forum. I’m currently in the process of fitting a bridgeported 13B to my 1978 Mazda 323. Below is a link to my video and I am open to any hints and tips. Cheer Jason

https://youtu.be/q2PtfBEWoyY

[Jamie R]

Welcome to the forum Jason!

Nice project,

Where do you want to start?

This is pretty much an open book. If it was ME id get a donor engine and transmission and getting that mocked up in the shell first.

Leaving plenty of room for all your ancillaries.

You may no doubt need to make some cuts in the bulkhead to get things to fit perfect, not sure what your fabricating skills are like.

You can update the suspension and stuff after.

Dunno if you have a live axle or independent suspension on the back. But this may have an effect on how the engine and box is mounted.

Ive got mine completely horizontal in my current project but Ive done Chevys and Mk1 escorts where the gearbox points downhill slightly as it makes for a better angle on the prop shaft if your running a live axle where the diff is constantly moving up and down with the suspension.

That said, Id 4-link the rear end with a panhard rod and have the nose of the diff pointing up 7 degrees and have unequal length links, shorter at the top so the diff levels out when it travels up.

Take a peek at Boosted Westfield rotary car on this forum, he runs a live axle on his. Mine is the Rotus project on here, you may get some ideas.

Best to ask questions on something specific, there are many helpful people on here to give opinions and ideas.

J

[clive]

  to MRC Jason,

Keep us posted on the build.

Not something many will know, but Mazda actually built just 150 Rotary 323's made for the JDM market only.
I only found out from a Guy who worked at Mazda HQ 

[Jamie R]

Lol 150?

In which case, probably not many spare parts going for the engine swap.

Looks like an interesting build nethertheless

[re japi]

Nice swap and project! Looking forward your progress

Lähetetty minun G8141 laitteesta Tapatalkilla

[clive]

Lol 150?

In which case, probably not many spare parts going for the engine swap.

Looks like an interesting build nethertheless

I'm sure someone told me years ago that a Gen 1 crossmember bolts up under a 323 (both are RWD cars)

[Jamie R]

Clive, you are a font of knowledge!!!!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Familia

Here's another link which may help for info......

http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/02/small-scary-13b-turbo-mazda-323/

[clive]

Clive, you are a font of knowledge!!!!

Font of something, I don't know if it can be called knowledge

p.s. even my old banger made Speedhunters years ago
http://www.speedhunters.com/2010/08/car_spotlight_gt_gt_mellow_yellow_rx4/

[Jamie R]

Wit-Woo

That's clean as you like.... look forward to seeing it at JDM show! 

Bit unfair to compare the styling to the Ford Capri.....

The Cragar Wheels finish it off perfectly !

You have any shots of the engine bay?

[clive]

Wheels are different these days with Rocket rims.

To help with your insomnia, there is a whole thread on the car from day one .
http://mazdarotaryclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=44357.0

[Jamie R]

Wheels are different these days with Rocket rims.

To help with your insomnia, there is a whole thread on the car from day one .
http://mazdarotaryclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=44357.0

That's majestic!!!!  I do love a classic ! crazy money today and hard to find a rot free one.....and I have enough projects on my plate atm lol.

Sleep helps my insomnia!!!! I dunno why I do it, my mind goes a million miles an hour, was wide awake at 4am today thinking about radiator ducting design and air separation yadda yadda...... went to work at 5.30 lol

Look on the bright side ....only 3 sleeps till xmas.

[Jmancool]

Here is the next video if you’re interested.

https://youtu.be/5F053oLdDvY

[Jamie R]

Watched........and jumped the gun and watched part 3 too.

Its a half decent stock set up on the back end for a live axle. Better than leaf springs anyway.

Depending on how much power your putting through it, you may want some adjustability on the back end for fine tuning and being able to get the power down.

Axle tramp is horrible so negate it where ever possible.... keep up the good work

[Jmancool]

Hi Jamie, thanks for watching. Yeah I don’t think that rear axle will last long. I do have plans for a hilux diff in the future.

Heaps more videos

https://youtu.be/l9zNSXQEL6Q

Cheers Jason

[Jamie R]

jumped to 25.5, sounds nice.

I do prefer the look of the old rotary 13B  no bells and whistles.

The 8 engine is just plastered in valves, solenoids, and clutter......... at least with yours and Clives RX4 you can SEE the engine in all its glory.