New RX7 project

[andrewb70]

Many of you know that I had an 88 RX7 with an LS1. Many of you also know that back in NOvember of last year I wrecked that car. So a few months ago I picked up the replacement. I stripped the old car of everything that was salvagable and I am slowly transfering it to this car.

This car is an 86 GXL. The stock hood has been replaced with an aluminum hood. The rear suspension and differential have been extensively tweeked. The stock diff is gone and in its place is a diff from a 2004 Cobra Mustang with custom halfshafts. The interior is going to be stripped from the seat back. The engine will be the same as before but with a slightly bigger cam and long tube headers. I am hoping for around 400RWHP. It made about 375RWHP before.

With any luck I should have it up and running by the end of the month.

Andrew

[dropit69]

awesome Andrew..you blew alot of peoples mind with your old one at rtth2..i know i crapped after your first pass down the strip..good luck with the build..looks cool :bananna2:

[Boulder69]

Nice. I was wondering if you were gonna build another. Sounds like this one will be better than the last one. Looking forward to the vids....

[TonyL]

Sweet. Make sure this one can stop and turn as well as it scoots and it'll be all good!

Are those spares on the front? Never seen those before.

[muthstryker]

andrew what do you think it cost you to build one of these?

[andrewb70]

andrew what do you think it cost you to build one of these?

The cost will largely depend on how good you are at scoring deals on parts and how pretty you want the end result. The cars themselves can be had for less than $1000. If you look hard enough very clean examples can be found with dead engines. The monting hardware is about $400. From there the sky is the limit as to how wild you can go. I have heard people doing the swaps for as little as $7K.

Here is one of my favorite builds that is currently for sale:
http://www.v8rx7forum.com/classifieds-buy-sell-trade/42090-87-ls1-rx7-fc-t56.html

As for the car that I am building now it will mostly see street and drag duty. I am not making any modifications that will hurt handling. So an autocross terror is only a strut and wheel/tire swap away.

Andrew

[Brandon Miller]

Where you at Slammin' and Jammin' a few years back in Lebanon, TN?

[andrewb70]

Where you at Slammin' and Jammin' a few years back in Lebanon, TN?

That was not me.

Tomorrow is a big day. With any luck the engine and transmission will be getting installed.

Andrew

[MrQuick]

Cool,
about time you get to building something again.
Questions for you... who is doing your half shafts? and what is the average price? Also what is the HP/TQ rating on them...I know its hard to gauge but just an average would do. thanks

[zbugger]

And to think, I almost got my aunt's RX7.....

[andrewb70]

Cool,
about time you get to building something again.
Questions for you... who is doing your half shafts? and what is the average price? Also what is the HP/TQ rating on them...I know its hard to gauge but just an average would do. thanks

The halfshafts are made by The Driveshaft Shop. I am using stock Mustang inner CVs with a custom 300M bar and custom outer CVs. This is the same setup tat has been used in 600HP Cobra Mustangs with great success. Cost is about $1000 for the half shafts. Atached are some detail pictures of the half shafts.

Andrew

[Steve68]

I want one too, thta guy car is really nice!

[andrewb70]

Busy morning and early afternoon so far.

Install the flywheel and torque to 107 lb/ft in a star pattern:

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/rx7/clutch_01.jpg

Clutch cover, flipped upside down:

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/rx7/clutch_02.jpg

Pressure plate added making sure everything is ultra clean:

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/rx7/clutch_03.jpg

Then the disk:

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/rx7/clutch_04.jpg

This is what a real clutch alignment tool looks like:

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/rx7/clutch_05.jpg

Alignment tool inserted. Disk lined up. Clutch cover tightened to 24 lb/ft with a dab or red locktite:

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/rx7/clutch_06.jpg

All done. The whole assembly with the flywheel and clutch is about 22 pounds:

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/rx7/clutch_07.jpg

After installing the clutch I double checked my setup height to make sure that the throw out bearing was in the proper position. Everything looked great. Transmission was attached to the engine and the engine is in the car. I will take more pics later.

Andrew

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Nice work, Andrew. Paint that sucker flat black!

[andrewb70]

Nice work, Andrew. Paint that sucker flat black!

Check out the first pic. See the color of the bumper? I think I will spray bomb the whole car in that same sheen. It's called semi-flat.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Engine and trans are in.

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/rx7/engine_01.jpg

Andrew

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Check out the first pic. See the color of the bumper? I think I will spray bomb the whole car in that same sheen. It's called semi-flat.

Andrew

That's where I got my idea from, lol. I think it will look awesome spray bombed like that.

[parsonsj]

Nice!

jp

ps. I seem to be missing a flywheel. Have you seen it? :)

[andrewb70]

I seem to be missing a flywheel. Have you seen it? :)

Whatever are you talking about? :hmm:

I just bled the clutch and the pedal feel is awesome. With the small 5/8" MC I can push the clutch pedal with my hand. I also did the release test and it perfect. I bearing is about .170" from the spring. I am very pleased so far.

Andrew

[wiedemab]

I had no idea that your other car had bitten the dust. Looks like this one will be a little meaner yet!

I was wondering when someone would make a comment about the name on the flywheel. I can't wait to see this one hammer down the strip.

Later,

Brandon

[andrewb70]

I had no idea that your other car had bitten the dust. Looks like this one will be a little meaner yet!

I was wondering when someone would make a comment about the name on the flywheel. I can't wait to see this one hammer down the strip.

Later,

Brandon

A telephone pole jumped out right in front of me while I was driving the red RX7. I really hate it when that happens.

Andrew

[BMF Machine]

A telephone pole jumped out right in front of me while I was driving the red RX7. I really hate it when that happens.

Andrew

CooL rides, Looks like the passenger really hated it!

Seatbelts, Check, oh, ohhhhh:drive2:

I have left several marks in winshields, just like that! Ouch! Looks like a Blast! I have a friend with a twin turbo 89. That thing is an ear popper!

[andrewb70]

Today I got up nice and early and started wrenching. After a little sheet metal massaging the headers bolted up. I then installed the following:

Intake
Coil packs
Radiator
Radiator and heater hoses
Cooling fan (thanks Charlie!)
Alternator
Belt

I also gravity bled the clutch and made sure it was releasing properly. The pedal is super smooth and very soft. I can push it in with my hand. Despite the heavy spring on the 8.5" clutch the 5/8" bore combined with the radius face throw out bearing makes for a great feeling pedal. The is plenty of pedal travel and modulating the clutch should be very easy.

Tomorrow I am going to start on the wiring and hopefully fire her up.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Well after working on the wiring for most of the day. I put gas in it and turned the key. Only to be greeted with no sound from the fuel pump. Then it hit me...

It would run MUCH better with the damn ECU plugged in!

Hooked it up. Turned ignition on. Fuel prime. Cranked over for about 5 revolutions and roared to life, shacking my whole garage. Gotta love open headers. I shut it off fairly quickly and called it a day.

Andrew

[Steve68]

Damn son, your moving quick on this thing!

[formula98]

Where are the progress pic's? Sounds great!

[andrewb70]

Where are the progress pic's? Sounds great!

I will post some more tonight.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Here are a couple more pictures for anyone that cares.

Andrew

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Damn, Andrew...you move fast!

[andrewb70]

Dynoed today. Made about 405 RWHP with open headers.

Andrew

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Nice numbers! Any idea on weight?

[andrewb70]

Nice numbers! Any idea on weight?

I am guessing between 2700-2800.

Andrew

[David Sloan]

Cool Andrew!!
Man you are moving on this one.
You coming to road atl. this weekend?

[andrewb70]

Cool Andrew!!
Man you are moving on this one.
You coming to road atl. this weekend?

Its about 5:00am now, 6:00am Atlanta time. I hope to be on the road in about 30 minutes. Looking forward to seeing you and many other folks!

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Tonight was test and tune night at Beech Bend. I spent the morning and afternoon getting the car ready. Little things needed to be taken care of. Tach hooked up. Line lock hooked up. I got some Dynomax bullet mufflers and had them welded to some collector extensions. Quieted things down a little.

So on my first pass I wanted to take it easy just in case the rear was going to fall out. No burn out, holding the RPMs at 3000. Popped the clutch, the car bogged a little then took off.

1.88 60 foot
11.38 @ 124.69

Not bad...and oops...forgot to take it easy...

I let the car cool down a little bit and lowered the pressure in my ET Streets to 16psi. I also got under the car and looked at the rear with a flashlight. Looking for any signs of funkyness. I didn't see anything out of place. Everything was tight and and no signs of movement or flexing.

Did a short burnout, mostly due to the fact that the car started going sideways. I think I need to bleed the brakes a little bit more.

Staged. RPM at 5000. Popped the clutch. Spun the tires a little. No bog.

Just as I crossed the finish line my windshield was covered with antifreeze (I wasn't running a hood). So al of a sudden I am going 125 mph and I can't see ****. I knew that Beech Bend has a long run off. So I looked out the side window to make sure I was not going to tag the wall and gently applied the brakes. Little dramatic, but safe and sound.

Stopped the car in the grass on the side of the return road. Started looking over the engine to see where the coolant was coming from. Nothing obvious was jumping out. Decided to walk to the timing booth and get my slip.

1.70 60 foot
11.10 @ 124.76

Not bad. Best time ever for me. This combo has 10.80s written all over it.

After the car cooled, I drove her back to the trailer. Turns out that my upper radiator hose was just barely touching the edge of the cooling fan. The fan must have turned on as I was going down the track and sliced the hose clean. It wasn't obvious because it was on the bottom of the hose. So that was the end of my night but I am pleased.

The Cobra diff held up awesome. The cradle seems to be working well. Its an amazing feeling being able to apply full power without having to cringe at the thought of something breaking.

More updates to come.

Andrew

[parsonsj]

Awesome Andrew! 11.10!

You've never been in the 10s? Seems you will be soon ...

Congratulations. That's the way to get back on after falling off the horse.

jp

[wiedemab]

That's impressive!

Got any vids yet, or am I going to have to wait for RTH3 to check it out!

I'm glad to see that the Cobra diff setup worked well. There's nothing better than when a plan actually works they way you'd hoped it would!

Keep us posted!

Brandon

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Impressive times, Andrew!! Did you encounter any resistance for not having a cage? I'm suprised they let you run a second time after going sub 11.40s.

[andrewb70]

Its Beech Bend...

Andrew

[dropit69]

damn Andrew !! you didnt mess around on time on this one..cant wait to see it run at rtth3...nice job

[datsbad]

holy crap , 11.10 thats smoking.
what the engine combo ?

[formula98]

Great work Andrew. This came together quickly...

Did you figure out what the car weighed in at?

[andrewb70]

holy crap , 11.10 thats smoking.
what the engine combo ?

Same engine as before. Stock LS6 with a 228/230 cam, 1 3/4" long tube headers, underdrive pulley.

Judging by the MPH and HP numbers i think its about 3000 pounds with me in it. So about 2750 with 1/4 tank of gas.

Andrew

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Its Beech Bend...

Andrew

Ahh, I gotcha. One of those.

A cammed LS6 with bolt-ons, that will no doubt see 10.80s or better--that's serious.

[MrQuick]

nice job, loosing sight at speed always fun...did you pass your seat cover yet? LOL nice times too. I see 10.60's in your future.

[FoxGranadaChuck]

Andrew, just out of curiousity, did you follow a similiar sound deadening route as you did with your GTO?!

[andrewb70]

Andrew, just out of curiousity, did you follow a similiar sound deadening route as you did with your GTO?!

Mmmmm.....more like the inverse of the GTO.

Andrew

[FoxGranadaChuck]

Mmmmm.....more like the inverse of the GTO.

Andrew

OK, my curiousity is satisfied. Thanks.

[andrewb70]

Exhaust was done last week.

JTR 1 3/4" headers
3" DynoMax bullets
3" to 3 1/2" y-pipe
3 1/2" DynoMax Welded round muffler in the stock location

The sound is very nice. Not exactly quiet, but very deep, mellow note.

Track tomorrow.

Andrew

[formula98]

Looks great. Why did you decide to go with single out the back rather than dual 3"? I'm just curious as I thought the LS motor loves to breath.

[andrewb70]

3.5" is plenty of "sewer" pipe to breath through. I did it mainly to save weight. Adding more 3" pipe and another muffler would have been an easy 20-30 pounds. Not really needed.

Andrew

[formula98]

I get it. I thought you were running 3" all the way back, but after reading your post again, I see that you are 3" at the headers and go to 3.5" at the "Y" and then all the way back.

Have to let us know how the track day goes tomorrow.

[andrewb70]

So I went to the track this evening.

The first video is from the first pass. I came out at about 4800RPM, dropping the clutch. The tires spun just a little and the engine bogged. I pulled an OK 1.858 60 foot. As I was going through the gears it seems to fall on its face once I hit third. Odd.

Let it cool down a little and put 14psi in the tires. That is the second video. Launched at about 5500RPM. Tires spun, but no bog. Pulled a 1.71 60 foot time, and proceeded to fall on its face once I hit third.

I pulled into the pits and it had occurred to me that I was pretty low on gas. That would certainly explain the loss of power after the launch. So I drive to the gas station which is right down the road from the track and put 8 gallons in it. Drove back to the track. Just before going through the gate, I stepped on the brakes and my right front tire locked up solid. F**K....I get out. The car does not move. I can't budge it. I start to think the worst. Get the flashlight, nothing hideous is popping out at me. I had my trailer there, but with a locked up front tire there was no way to drive it on.

Well after looking a little more, I noticed that the right caliper was a little off. Sure enough, I lost a caliper bolt. Thank God it was at 5 miles per hour and not 125. A quick jimmy with the screwdriver and it rolled fine. Got the trailer and drove it on. Just got home.

So not a bad night really. Got some good data and didn't die.

Video 1 (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/../%7Eandrewb/rx7/video_01.avi)

Video 2 (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/../%7Eandrewb/rx7/video_02.avi)

Right click, save as, please.

Turn your speakers down!

As you can see in the video, the cradle seems to be rock solid. Comments? Suggestions?

Andrew

[dropit69]

Holy Crap Andrew ..should warn folks..had speakers up and dog jumped off couch ..scared crap outa her..lol..that cradle is stiff for sure..looked good..

[formula98]

Thanks Darrin for the speaker warning. Great video! how are you taking the video? looks like the camera moved in the second video.

[andrewb70]

Thanks Darrin for the speaker warning. Great video! how are you taking the video? looks like the camera moved in the second video.

The camera mount was loose. I am using a little ball webcam and a laptop in the car.

I am going to do some more, maybe with a light sourse and a different angle.

Andrew

[formula98]

That was a great idea. I'll have to do some thing similar when I get mine running.

When is the next track day?

[andrewb70]

Yah....so I went to the track. On my first pass I missed a shift...floated the valves...number 6 and number 7 piston kissed the valve. Zero compression on those cylinders. Pulled the passenger side head. Intake valve is toast. The valve guide seems to be OK. Pulling the drivers side head tomorrow. Hopefully its not bad either. Sucks....

Maybe its a sign to step it up to some real heads?

Andrew

[Ralph LoGrasso]

That does suck; sorry to hear, Andrew.

[formula98]

Man that stinks! Sorry to hear about the loss. Let us know what you decide to do on the heads.

[tracar91]

Just curious if it's back on the road yet?

[andrewb70]

Just curious if it's back on the road yet?

Thanks for asking!

I was out of town and actually sort of lost interest for a short time. Rather frustrating. However in the past few days I have approached it again with more enthusiasm. I pulled the driver's side head and indeed found the #7 intake valve kissed the intake. So in the end the #6 and #7 pistons made contact with the intake valves. I am not really sure why just those two. Why not all 8? Perhaps its just inconsistencies in the cam profile or in the valve springs. The valves in question could have has slightly less open valve spring pressure than the other valves and thus floated more easily.

I will replace the two bent valves and all the valve springs. I may also take the time and shim the springs to the exact installed heights that was recommended by Comp. I am using the 918 springs.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Well today I fixed the heads. I replaced the 2 bent valves with new valves and I also replaced all the valve springs. Tomorrow I will bolt the heads on and see if I can not miss any more shifts...:6gears:

Andrew

[nbecker]

Is she running? How much work is it to put the mustang irs in the rx7?

[andrewb70]

This is the last installment of the sage of our friend Darrell. Yesterday afternoon I went to the track for the last time. The weather was perfect. Low 70s, dry, with a slight breeze. There were a lot of people at the track so runs were fairly limited. The first three passes left me very discouraged. The was was working fine, but the driver was a mess. I was getting consistent mid 1.6x 60 foot times, but I needed ****ing Map Quest to find the gears.

So on my last pass, I went through the motions, focused, did my burn out, staged and waited for the lights. 6000 RPM launch, the car came out strong, banged every gear perfectly. I knew it was a good pass.

I got my time slip and I was as giddy as a school girl at prom.

1.614 60'
7.032 1/8
100.34 MPH
10.957 1/4
125.73 MPH

My goal was to break into the 10s naturally aspirated. I did it on the very last pass of the day, on the last day that I will ever have Darrell at the track.

Its been a fun ride. Today the engine came out and it will find a new home in a 1965 Corvette, with suede black paint and C4 running gear. It will be a beast since the Corvette will be about 300 pounds lighter than my RX7. Its the perfect home for my engine.

Andrew

[Steve68]

Your vette andrew or are you selling the motor to someone?

[67SSDan]

Oh snap! Did said vette happen to be at RTH3? :)

Cool stuff.

Dan

[andrewb70]

Oh snap! Did said vette happen to be at RTH3? :)

Cool stuff.

Dan

That would be the Vette!

Andrew

[2MCHPWR]

congrats on the 10's!!
what tire? a DR or slick? how much HP is the motor making?
nice mph :)

[andrewb70]

congrats on the 10's!!
what tire? a DR or slick? how much HP is the motor making?
nice mph :)

Thanks!

ET Streets. Engine made about 400RWHP.

Andrew

[2MCHPWR]

pretty hot. 4.10's? with ET streets, last time out, i went 1.51! then broke tranny mount :( that was with 3.90's

[andrewb70]

pretty hot. 4.10's? with ET streets, last time out, i went 1.51! then broke tranny mount :( that was with 3.90's

I was running 3.55 gears. The car really needed some 4.10s. It would make it perfect in the quarter mile with the kind of MHP that I was running. As it was the engine and trans were already sold and I was done, having achieved my goal for the car.

Andrew

[67SSDan]

Awh man, that thing is going to be retarded. Well...it was retarded with the LT1... it's going to be even more retarded with the LS.

What's he doing with the LT? You know his screen name? (I'm assuming so since you're selling him stuff)


That would be the Vette!

Andrew

[trapin]

It amazes me how I miss these threads. Andrew...I very belated congrats on the car.

[andrewb70]

It amazes me how I miss these threads. Andrew...I very belated congrats on the car.

Thanks Tony. Glad to see you making progress on your car.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

This is the only video of the car that was ever taken.

http://www.v8rx7forum.com/andrew/RX7_launch.wmv

It is not the fastest pass, but typical.

Andrew