Hi all - I've realized that getting Surfshibby's old RX7 running and driving before the Challenge is highly unlikely. While we've made progress, thanks to Stampie's $2000 Challenge Advisory Services (tm) and MrJoshua's help, we're running out of time. As a result, I am submitting it as an excellent candidate for the 2024 PLB. I live in Gainesville so I can get the car to the hotel as early as folks plan on arriving.
You can find lots of information in the build thread I started (here) which includes links to the original build, plus PimpM3's ownership period.
Before it shows up to the hotel, we would get the engine bolted in the car. I would also get the tires ordered and on the wheels.
That would leave the following main systems in need of completion:
- Engine harness connected and car wired (ECU needs VATS taken out)
- Exhaust figured out (I'm looking for F-body exhaust manifolds to install in lieu of the truck versions)
- Driveshaft connected to the 4L60E
- Shifter cable and shift lever
- Existing fuel lines connected
- Fuel cell & lines boxed off from passenger compartment
I won't be at the Challenge but can remove VATS for the cost of shipping if the PCM is of the Red/Blue or Blue/Green varieties.
I'll take a picture of it and share it.
Aforementioned picture here:
Any thoughts on this as the PLB?
I don't know much about 2nd gen rx7s....
I don't know much about swapping gm engines into 2nd gen rx7s.....
I won't be at the challenge....
3 of the 3 statements above are damned lies.
That being said, I don't know E36 M3 about v8 swaps into these cars. I also don't know anything about automatic transmissions. However, I is gud at #lmgtfy.
Questions...
Do you have exhaust piping?
Do you have a driveshaft for this and it just needs installed? - the mazda driveshaft is staked and not easily serviceable.
Does it have a radiator and hoses and whatnot?
I mean, I'm in!
We currently have the factory truck exhaust manifolds and a really nice exhaust pipe. Pictures below. What we don't have is any exhaust piping to connect them.
We have a GM driveshaft that was used with the th400. We have the yoke with the 4l60e. Stampie thinks he has a solution to marry the two.
We have 2 radiators, one of which is for an automatic. No piping for it but we might be able to get that done beforehand.
I can pull VATS off of that PCM without using HP Tuners and I probably have a spare floating around too. If you can send that PCM to zip code 53545 then I don't have to guess on the operating system that's already on there. I can get that turned around in a day or two.
dyintorace said:
We currently have the factory truck exhaust manifolds and a really nice exhaust pipe. Pictures below. What we don't have is any exhaust piping to connect them.
We have a GM driveshaft that was used with the th400. We have the yoke with the 4l60e. Stampie thinks he has a solution to marry the two.
We have 2 radiators, one of which is for an automatic. No piping for it but we might be able to get that done beforehand.
How are you gonna connect that gm driveshaft to the mazda rear-end? Or, does it not have a Mazda rear-end anymore? Or is this driveshaft already setup for the Mazda rear-end?
You should need any slip points if the Trans is hardmounted and the diff can't move.
wvumtnbkr said:
dyintorace said:
We currently have the factory truck exhaust manifolds and a really nice exhaust pipe. Pictures below. What we don't have is any exhaust piping to connect them.
We have a GM driveshaft that was used with the th400. We have the yoke with the 4l60e. Stampie thinks he has a solution to marry the two.
We have 2 radiators, one of which is for an automatic. No piping for it but we might be able to get that done beforehand.
How are you gonna connect that gm driveshaft to the mazda rear-end? Or, does it not have a Mazda rear-end anymore? Or is this driveshaft already setup for the Mazda rear-end?
You should need any slip points if the Trans is hardmounted and the diff can't move.
The driveshaft came with the car and I believe it is the one that Surfshibby used between his th400 and the Mazda LSD.
The driveshaft that Surfshibby used "works" but the yoke going into the trans only engages an inch or two. The LS/trans combo came with a yoke in the trans to keep the fluids inside. It's spline portion is about 4 inches longer so the plan is swap it onto the driveshaft. Just needs a conversion U joint with inside clips to outside clips. I'll measure everything and make sure we get the right one.
Stampie said:
The driveshaft that Surfshibby used "works" but the yoke going into the trans only engages an inch or two. The LS/trans combo came with a yoke in the trans to keep the fluids inside. It's spline portion is about 4 inches longer so the plan is swap it onto the driveshaft. Just needs a conversion U joint with inside clips to outside clips. I'll measure everything and make sure we get the right one.
Perfect. Can you tell me if it has a pinion snubbed? If not, it should really have one. I can bring one with me.
wvumtnbkr said:
Stampie said:
The driveshaft that Surfshibby used "works" but the yoke going into the trans only engages an inch or two. The LS/trans combo came with a yoke in the trans to keep the fluids inside. It's spline portion is about 4 inches longer so the plan is swap it onto the driveshaft. Just needs a conversion U joint with inside clips to outside clips. I'll measure everything and make sure we get the right one.
Perfect. Can you tell me if it has a pinion snubbed? If not, it should really have one. I can bring one with me.
If you give me some guidance on what to photograph, I'll go to the garage and take a picture.
Eh, I have one that I'll bring. I only needed one but got a package of 2.
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/how-pinion-snubber-install-867300/
Edit. I didn't need to move anything to get it installed on any of the 2nd gens I have done this to. Saves the diff mount and greatly reduces wheelhop.
Anyone have some swaybar brackets for an FC RX7 they can spare?
I might. I'll check the shed.
We're making progress today.
In reply to dyintorace :
I will look, but i may still have the stock ls manifolds that y piped into the exhaust on that side. I doubt i used a v band on that setup but it would get you closer. Also no promised i still have it. But im terrible at tossing car parts out lol
surfshibby07 said:
In reply to dyintorace :
I will look, but i may still have the stock ls manifolds that y piped into the exhaust on that side. I doubt i used a v band on that setup but it would get you closer. Also no promised i still have it. But im terrible at tossing car parts out lol
Man would that be helpful! I could run down and pick them up soon.
In reply to dyintorace :
As soon as i get home from work ill go through the shed and see if i have them.
surfshibby07 said:
In reply to dyintorace :
As soon as i get home from work ill go through the shed and see if i have them.
Very much appreciated!
As mentioned, we had a successful work day yesterday. We got the F-body oil pan on and finally got the engine bolted in. Given that we're going from the TH400 that surfshibby ran to a 4l60e, we relocated the transmission cross member and have it in place. We also got the radiator mocked up for install and a bracket made (thanks to the free wheelbarrow Scott found on FBMP - also the one pictured above as a ridiculously oversized hood scoop). The engine harness started going back on as well.
In reply to dyintorace :
Very excited to see this thing make a return. I started to regret passing it up recently. Really looking forward to seeing yall compete with it!
