Project Pussy Galore

I was 19 when the convertible Rx-7 came out. I've always wanted a turbo one but they were only available outside the U.S. It's not the first case of an import company keeping their best model out of our market but at least there were plenty of turbo coupes available for parts swapping.

I started by buying miscellaneous needed parts but decided it would take forever to go that route. Then I decided it would be best to get an entire jspec front clip/drivetrain package (~$3000 shipped) but got screwed out of a nice one by unscrupulous sellers. I finally found a complete running donor turbo vert with a lot of nice parts on it but put together wrong and running hot for its owner.

Heres what the two cars looked like when I started...

After getting the donor car home I decided to pull the motor and have it ported. While the engine builder had it I went a little nutz and bought a T04R turbo, 44mm TiAl WG and GReddy Type-R BOV. I also shelled out for a little bling, too.

After failing to get either swap done before my help bailed I let the project sit for a while. It took roughly 1.5 years to finish the rest of the car after finally meeting a guy that REALLY knows his stuff. I agreed to give hime the donor car in exchange for all the work needed on my project. He welded the exhaust manifold/DP/WG and put together a custom PWR intercooler/piping system that allowed me to keep all the factory accessories, and wired my Haltech E6k up. We used GM weatherpack connections on the harnesses so they can all be pulled out quickly if ever necessary.

After finishing the car we had a hard time getting the motor started. Turns out the original rebuild was bad so he ended up rebuilding/porting the motor for me as well. This was done with new housings and seals all around and this engine rocks now!