Here's the reason my maxima is staying N/A and staying on daily duty.

1987 Mazda RX-7... base model, no options, manual everything. I got it for $425 delivered. I didn't bother to try and start it, but the previous owner said it runs.

First order of business is to clean everything up and see what condition the brakes/suspension parts are in, then rip out the interior and drivetrain to sell. Also assess/repair the headlight and rip off those god awful foglights....

Initial inspection shows the body is in good shape with some minor damage to one of the sideskirts and a headlight assembly + cover that needs replacing. The brake calipers work fine and should be salvageable, I'll throw on new pads and rotors along with the 5-lug conversion.

Going to lift it tomorrow and start cleaning/inspecting to check all the brake/fuel lines and see what needs replacing.

My current goal is to have it LSX swapped and safely drivable by the end of next winter while spending the least amount of cash.

Pics as it sits before it goes up on jackstands for the next many months.

 

 

I'll be taking tons of pictures for my personal reference when disassembling everything, so I'll just post them up in this thread as I go through the build process. Will be a nice chronological reference for progress!

 

nice wut color u gonna make it?

 

I'll probably clean up the body and prime it black, then replace all the trim so it still looks clean.

If I'm feeling a little more ambitious I'll have a painter friend of mine help me build a booth and do a decent paintjob (better than maaco at least). If that's the case, it'll be something similar to Nissan's Sapphire or Daytona blue.

First priority is going fast, though. Looks will stop at "clean". No lip kits, no spoilers, no BS. I may end up with some 3k HIDs in the headlights but that's about it for flashy stuff.

 

Nice find. I like the rear dual exhaust.

 

nice project! definitely interested in the progress, nice max too

 

Thanks! Shooting for mid 12s N/A in the maxima this summer. I have everything needed to do it, I just have to drive it right on the perfect day...

New pics will be posted tonight.

 

nice find!.... i have always loved FCs.... if you need parts, contact mazmart in Atlanta and talk to Sheldon..he'll get you what you need!.... and why would you take the rotary out?????

 

quite the project... g/l man

 

Because the LSX is an easy swap and can make 450-500 whp N/A. That's enough for 10s in this chassis. I can also spray a stock LS 75-125 shot and have easy low 11s. In either case I'll need a roll bar with fewer big mods than my Maxima has.

The rotary would cost far more and be less reliable at the same power levels.

 

It was very cold and overcast today, so I didn't get a whole lot done. I was able to strip about 50 lbs worth of interior from the back of the car and cleaned everything up. I also sprayed PB blaster on all the bolts/screws I could get to so it'll be easier to work on later.

Work area:


Music:

 

 

Pulling nasty insulation out:

 

 

After hitting with air:

 

After cleaning:

 

 

 

god you have a lot of work ahead of you, good luck. i just bought a 89 s13 project tht needs lots of work too lol

 

Yep it's going to be a lot of long weekends, but I have the time thankfully.

 

nice bomb

 

lmao, that bomb still cracks me up.

im glad you went this route, rather than the miata route. This looks so much cooler.

 

Nice pics and project. sciff5 did a LS1 RX7, same body style. He's bound to post here.

 

Should be a fun project. Once my max is finished I'll be picking up a 94 sentra and building it up.

 

Yeah I agree. I also fit much better in this car than a miata, lol!!!

One day that bomb will get a nice paint job and get planted in the front yard

That should be an interesting project, I like the older sentras.

My project choice hinged on LSX + RWD + light weight, so I ended up with choices of various datsun/nissan Z cars, 240sx, miata, RX7s, porche 944, Fox-body 'stang, and a few others. The FC RX-7 seemed the most inexpensive choice and has long tube and solid rear axle options, which sold me instantly.

 

i had two of those 90 gtu and 89 convertable loved then wanted to put a 350 in my conv. but sold it and built a 70 nova have fun enjoy

 

That thing is going to be a real sleeper. Keep posting up some pics.

 

Alot of work, but in the end.......ohh boi. Subscribed.!

 

looks like a fun project, any plans to turbo it as well?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-47I...eature=related

 

If I ever build the bottom end and want to go single digits, yes.

But in general, I'll be happy with a bolton-only LSX for a while, as that should put me in the 11s with traction and I need time to get used to driving a high powered, short wheelbase RWD car. From there I can go with nitrous, heads/cam... etc. The possibility of 450-500whp NA seems really fun too.

 

Put a couple of hours in after school today... 35F burrrr

 

its NA and its AT?


make sure to do something with teh lubrication, i heard quite a few stories about oil starvation if u do go with an LSx

 

I wanted one that had no power options with the least extra junk, and cheap. I will have the same oil setup as any other LSX in any stock LSX equipped car...

 

Couldn't work on the car Tuesday due to this:



Here's some stuff I did on Thursday though...

 

You didn't even start it with the 13b? I drove a $500 FC once, it was fun as hell.

Any reason you're doing a motor swap, but keeping it auto?

 

I considered it, but I would have probably had to drain the gas tank, put more gas in, buy a battery and probably repair a few things just to NOT drive it because the tires are unusable. That's assuming it runs. No thanks...

The auto: Because in high power drag cars, autos are faster, easier on drivetrain components, and much more consistent. They don't trap as high as manuals, but will consistently ET faster. With lower gears they're a good bit easier to start from a dig on the street as well.

I'm hoping with my build, which should put me below 3000lbs with me in it and a bolton (and maybe cam) LS1, I can pull a 1.6-1.7 '60 with my maxima's slicks and a high 11/low 12 ET pretty easily. Cam only and good '60s has potential for low 11s. I'll have to cage it before I can spray, but should be able to spray my way to 10s on a stock bottom end LS1 and stock NA rear diff. Who knows though, every build is different and I may just be bad at launching it.

 

nice s4 man. maybe look into 89-92 tails and front bumper. i might pick up an 86 when i get my tax return back. i need a fun little car.