My project. turbo LT1 powered Mazda RX7

[GuillaumeC]

Bought the RX7 from a friend 2 years ago with a naturally aspirated LT1 already in it. It ran great but I bought it with the intention of swapping the turbo motor from the Caprice in it.
The Caprice ran high 9's @ 140+ mph with this motor at 4200 lbs race weight. The RX7 with the N/A motor weight is 2880 lbs, I'm guessing it should be a good bit faster if I can get it to hook! :D

So here's the plan:

- Refresh the bottom end of the turbo motor
- Change the stock heads for a set of Advanced Induction ported TF 215cc heads
- Change the stock intake for a converted Edelbrock Victor E with Nitrous Outlet elbow
- EFI Connection 24x kit with Holley HP EFI engine management
- Garrett GTX4708R dual ball bearing, billet wheel 80mm turbo
- Ford 8.8 solid axle swap with torque arm/panhard bar suspension
- Hughes Performance built TH400 with transbrake and billet converter

I'll try to keep this page updated with the project as I make progress. I hope to be able to drive it summer 2015. :)

[GuillaumeC]

Here are some pictures of the car for people who haven't seen it already.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMG_1922.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMG_5153.jpg


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2014-04-25173003.jpg

[GuillaumeC]

Parts porn!

Garrett GTX4708R
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/project/2014-02-09112211.jpg

Tial wastegates
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/project/2014-02-09114555.jpg

Also got this massive intercooler with the 'gates and turbo, not sure I have the room to use it though...
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/project/2014-02-09104514.jpg

Converted Victor E intake
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMG_3103.jpg


I'll get some pics of the engine, probably next week.

[popo8]

Wow... that will be insane!!!!

[dawdaw]

Damn ... looking forward to seeing this build progress ..


Maybe I missed.it but what's your plans with the b body

[GuillaumeC]

Maybe I missed.it but what's your plans with the b body


I'll install a stock powertrain back in there and sell it this spring/summer.

[popo8]

I'll install a stock powertrain back in there and sell it this spring/summer.
Make sure u post that thing back up here. It looks clean!

[blkchevyz]

sounds like a fun project.

[LT slow]

Good luck. Sound like a cool build.

[Ryan Stout]

Dude I'll make you a great deal on headers and a merge. Message me.

[GuillaumeC]

Dude I'll make you a great deal on headers and a merge. Message me.

Sent you a message on FB.

[GuillaumeC]

Test fitted the intake and elbow this weekend.
The opening on the intake was smaller than the opening on the elbow... I had to port it to match but now everything fits well. :)

I'm sending the intake, elbow and timing cover to get powder coated this week.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2014-11-22115454.jpg


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2014-11-22115421.jpg


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2014-11-22115403.jpg


The WP, opti and coil was installed because at first I was supposed to get the intake wayyyyy earlier and install and start it as is, N/A, in the RX7 and break it in before winter.

Well, snow got here before the intake showed up so that didn't work out as planned. I took the WP, timing cover, coil, damper and oil pan off. WP housing is getting sandblasted and painted and I have a new oil pan coming. That one didn't clear my steering rack. :(

I'll install the 24x components when they get here (end of this week hopefully) then re-assemble the rest of the motor.

[BaddAss93TA]

That manifold looks wild!

[Fastbird]

That a nitrous outlet elbow on the manifold?

[GuillaumeC]

That a nitrous outlet elbow on the manifold?

Yup!

[Fastbird]

Yup!
Watch the boost if it's a NA elbow. We pretty much blew apart an NA Nitrous outlet elbow on CALL911's car. Every seam except for 1 or 2 cracked. No worries If you got the FI version.

[GuillaumeC]

It's the FI version, welded inside and out.

How much boost did it take to break the NA elbow?

[Fastbird]

It went around 12lbs first short, car is pullied for 15ish. Didn't make a full pull.

[Flyinz]

Cool project! That car should HAUL butt..

[GuillaumeC]

Sorry about the crappy cell phone pics, I'll get better ones when I'm done assembling it.
The pictures really dont show the finish on the gray parts... it's a silver/charcoal hammertone finish.

Like this: http://kbbcollective.kbbonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BlueStarTexture_SilverGrayHammerTone_Swatch.jpg

The WP and timing cover are just there for the picture. I'm still waiting for my 24x kit so I can install it permanently.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2014-11-30134253.jpg


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2014-11-30134156.jpg

What are you guys running for oil pump pick-up to pan clearance? I have 1/4", is that enough?

[popo8]

That is a very serious looking motor... very nice.

[GuillaumeC]

Goodbye IRS, you will (not) be missed.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMG_6208.jpg

[GuillaumeC]

Here's a close-up picture of the intake elbow to show the finish of the powdercoated parts:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMG_6201.jpg


And a better picture of the motor

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMG_6194.jpg

[dawdaw]

Nice keep the pics coming

[popo8]

GuillaumeC any updates on the rx7?

[GuillaumeC]

Yes but not as much as I would like, didn't get to work on it as much as I would've liked to.

The rear suspension/differential is in. I had to machine the bottom part of the coil-over to clear the differential tube but it fits now.
I still need to get some "reducer" bushings made for the lower shock mount but that's it.

I did the first "test fit" of the motor a while ago. I replaced the stock steam tube with AN fittings and they don't clear the firewall because they are too long. I give the firewall a little love with the BFH and it should clear now. Another issue I have is that the TB doesn't clear the stock hood. I'll have to modify the elbow so that it slopes down towards the front of the engine instead of being parallel to the ground. I should've checked that BEFORE I had it powdercoated...

Then there's the huge Canton valve covers, they also don't clear a part of the firewall where the top half is spot welded to the bottom half. There's a big lip there that hits the valve covers. I'm in the process of notching the covers to clear.

The fuel tank is out but I haven't touched it yet. The plan is to go with dual in-tank 340 lph pumps. One running constant duty and the other one will be switched on when needed, the Holley Dominator EFI kit I bought will take care of that. It'll also monitor fuel pressure and I can program different fail-safes if the pressure drops for what ever reason.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2015-03-02%2021.05.03.jpg

I also removed the ABS module and installed a bigger brake cylinder with dual diaphragm booster. The stock booster/cylinder on the FC is pretty weak/small.

I need to finish some stuff on the Caprice so I can sell it, then I can get back to working on the RX7. :)

[popo8]

Well come on man... any chance ull come out to the shootout?

[GuillaumeC]

This year, absolutely not. Maybe next year...

[MI6TA]

I need more pics of this in my life

[popo8]

This year, absolutely not. Maybe next year...
Darn...

[GuillaumeC]

Darn...


It'll depend where the shootout is next year. I don't have a truck/trailer, I drive it to and from the track. Driving for hours to the shootout and breaking down over there doesn't sound like fun. lol

[popo8]

Well I believe its home is bgky... As long as the track takes care of us... It should continue to be there.

[GuillaumeC]

Well I believe its home is bgky... As long as the track takes care of us... It should continue to be there.


It's a 1000 mile drive from here... :(

[popo8]

Damn... 740 for us.

[GuillaumeC]

Valve covers notched and back from coating. I like the monochrome color scheme. :)

I'll have more updates soon.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMG_6667.jpg

[popo8]

Valve covers notched and back from coating. I like the monochrome color scheme. :)

I'll have more updates soon.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMG_6667.jpg
That looks really good...

LTXtech.com is my Drug...

[Flyinz]

What kind of intake is that? Looks sharp!

[dawdaw]

That looks fantastic with that gun metal gray.

[GuillaumeC]

The intake is a modified Victor E with nitrous outlet elbow.

Thanks for the good words!

[GuillaumeC]

The motor is in the car.

I've done some measuring and the only way I'll get a 4" downpipe going towards the back of the car is on the passenger side.
I'll need to move the alternator to the drivers side. It shouldn't be too hard, I was thinking of using the bracket I have now on the other side. The power steering uses an electric pump from a MR2, I was thinking about installing it in the trunk where the spare use to be.

I still need to modify the elbow to get the hood to close... The TB sits pretty high (see pic below) and I'm pretty sure I could get it to close if the TB was really close to the thermostat housing and maybe some notching of the "ribbing" in the hood.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMG_6675.jpg

[popo8]

All business...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

[bustedassz28]

Any pics of that electric power steering setup ?????? hmmmm....

[GuillaumeC]

You can see it here: http://www.rx7club.com/v-8-powered-rx-7s-299/spring-2011-updated-pictures-specifications-1989-turbo-ii-lt1-t56-945549/page2/#post11028455

[GuillaumeC]

The project isn't progressing as fast as I'd like it to, but at least I'm making some progress.

I cut away everything that isn't necessary in the front of the car... rad support, cross-braces, misc brackets, etc because I need to move the radiator as far forward as I can to make space for the T6 turbo.
(I had already started cutting/removing unecessary parts when the picture was taken)
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2015-10-25%2012.10.13.jpg

I got an intercooler made that fits the front of the car. I made brackets and installed it last night. I had to trim the bumper cover and the lower splitter but I love the fit. The bottom of the IC is flush with the air splitter, so a lot of air will be directed towards the intercooler at speed.

I had my radiator shortened to fit it's new position, it's about 3" shorter now. I still need to make a support for it that will also double as a chassis brace and turbo support brace.

A couple months ago I upgraded the brake booster to a larger twin diaphragm unit with a larger bore master cylinder and deleted the ABS system. Looks a lot less crowded under the hood and it should improve the brake pedal feel as the OEM parts are way undersized.

Here's a picture of the IC mock-up:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2016-01-17%2015.02.40.jpg

[popo8]

Hey, any progress is still progress

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[GuillaumeC]

Slowly but surely...

Lower rad support done, still need to make the top sheet metal support.


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/12916179_10156876146725651_728345677691914080_o.jp g


I can start to figure out how/where to mount the turbo. It'll probably be close to this:


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/IMAG0751.jpg

I'll make a bracket that'll bolt to the lower passenger side of the block to support the turbo.

[popo8]

Any chance she will be at the shootout? Id love to check it out in person.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[GuillaumeC]

Not a chance.

Well, not this year anyway.

[GuillaumeC]

Time passes by and the RX7 doesn't get the attention it deserve... lol
I've been working on a bunch of other cars but now it's back in the shop and things are happening.

I've installed the double 340lph pumps on the sending unit, I now need to wire and plumb the thing. The outlet is a 3/8 hose barb but I'll step it up to a 1/2" or 5/8" hose to the front, then "Y" into two 1/2" lines to the rails.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/14074335_10157474432160651_1984929739_o.jpg


The support bracket for the turbo is built. It's a tight fit but it'll work :D
3/4" clearance from the compressor housing to the damper and about 1/2" from the fan (not show). Next step is to build the merge pipe and connect it to the headers.
The headers aren't pretty but they will have to work for now. I'll hide them under a layer of black header wrap lol

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2017-01-07%2016.05.29.jpg

[SSlowBoat]

Time passes by and the RX7 doesn't get the attention it deserve... lol
I've been working on a bunch of other cars but now it's back in the shop and things are happening.

I've installed the double 340lph pumps on the sending unit, I now need to wire and plumb the thing. The outlet is a 3/8 hose barb but I'll step it up to a 1/2" or 5/8" hose to the front, then "Y" into two 1/2" lines to the rails.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/14074335_10157474432160651_1984929739_o.jpg


The support bracket for the turbo is built. It's a tight fit but it'll work :D
3/4" clearance from the compressor housing to the damper and about 1/2" from the fan (not show). Next step is to build the merge pipe and connect it to the headers.
The headers aren't pretty but they will have to work for now. I'll hide them under a layer of black header wrap lol

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2017-01-07%2016.05.29.jpg
Awesome, thanks for updating, can't wait to see this car done!!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[popo8]

Good stuff... cant wait till its done man. Would love to see it at a shootout...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[GuillaumeC]

Next step is to build the merge pipe and connect it to the headers.
The headers aren't pretty but they will have to work for now. I'll hide them under a layer of black header wrap lol

Well, it seems like I have added a step to the process... decided I'd build a set of headers. Got my stuff yesterday, will get started real soon.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2017-02-08%2015.04.03.jpg

[popo8]

Well, it seems like I have added a step to the process... decided I'd build a set of headers. Got my stuff yesterday, will get started real soon.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/mtl9c1/RX7/2017-02-08%2015.04.03.jpg
Please post progress pics as they come together.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN