Page 01: Introduction
Page 02: White RX7
Page 03: Green RX7
Page 04: Engine
Page 05: Let the fun begin!
Page 06: Engine bay work
Page 07: The V8 drop-in
Page 08: IT'S ALIVE!!!
Page 09: Clutch & Radiator
Page 10: Driveshaft & Exhaust
Page 11: RX Unleashed
Page 12: Dyno and Weigh-in
Page 13: Alternator, Fans, Gauges
Page 14: SUSPENSION!
Page 15: Seven Not Stock, 2006
Page 16: Paint & Quarter Mile
Page 17: Saying Goodbye
Page 18: Conclusion.

Choosing the engine and transmission for the project is very important and therefore a really tough decision for me. For this particular swap there are many different choices of which engine/transmission, ranging from ford to chevy, small block to big block, carbureted to fuel injected, automatic to 6 speed. Basically if you think it's better than a rotary, you can put it in the enormous RX-7 engine bay. For me, two things were important, I wanted a fuel injected engine for reliability and fuel economy, and a manual transmission because I love the control and sporty feel... and plus the ladies love it. The first possibility I considered was a ford 302 CI(5.0L)/T-5 combination. This combination is easy to come by and quite cheap. However it also has some disadvantages including incorrect shifter location, low(er) HP ratings, and less RX-7 swap documentation. My second choice was a 350 CI (5.7L) Chevy LT1 V8. This engine when coupled with a T-56 6 speed transmission literally fits like it�s from the factory. It is much more powerful than the 5.0 but bears the burden of the price tag. Even though this project was under an extremely low budget, I decided to start searching for an LT1.

This is mine! It's from a 1994 Chevy Camaro Z28 and is coupled with a T-56 6-speed manual transmission. It also came with the wiring harness, engine computer, accesories, alternator, and driveshaft. This particular find was a eBay auction in which I bought the whole package for $1200. In my opinion this is an incredible deal... even with over 100,000 miles. Generally I have noticed that these types of LT-1 combos cost anywhere from $1800-$2500. Shipping cost from Indiana to Washington was $340, through CON-WAY, and included a huge company discount.

The engine arrive nicely crated, but badly leaking oil. I was forewarned about the oil leak by the seller, it turned out to be just as he claimed... only a small slash in the pan itself, this was inflicted when the engine was being removed. The engine looked really great, it was showing it's age a little bit with some rust and alluminum corrosion. The tranny is in great condition, the seller left the slave cylinder which will be used down the line.

My plan was for the motor to stay near-stock, I really didn't have a whole ton of money to throw into mods considering my budget. I decided that I would run only the essentials for this car, that meant I was to say good by to comforts such as power steering and AC, but on a positive not running only an alternator frees up a lot of free horsepower. I also decided, that the majority of the emissions stuff was to be removed or blocked off as well, I don't feel like messing with it all and we don't have emissions testing in my hometown (don't tell).

Feels just right� Probably the happiest guy in the world!