i always loved the body of the rx7. Rx7+wide wheels/tires=PURE SEX. Not to mention the weight distribution of this car. But i've been fiending for V8s lately. I know this has been done plenty of times, but im looking at several options:

FD3S chassis(i plan to stitch weld the chassis) so i wont mind opting for a cheap chassis that hasnt been damaged

Now, either a LS1, LS2 or LS7(yes, very expensive, about 12k brand new)

I know most will say the cost of a LS7, you can get a LS1 and modify it to be better than the LS7.

I'm looking at reliability here. I rather have a reliable, stock 505hp engine, than a modified 600hp engine. What you guys think?

Use of vehicle:
Daily driven, drag raced/autocrossed once every 1 or 2 weeks. I heard the LS series are all aluminum and with the LS1 tranny and engine, it only adds on an extra 30-60lbs up front so it wont be a huge issue with handling (i hope)

 

I just got my newest issue of GM High Tech Performance and they tested the new L92 heads and L76 intake manifold that you can get straight out of the GM Performance Parts catalog on the LS2 engine. These are the heads and intake designed for the new trucks but are very close in design to the LS7 heads. The bone stock LS2 engine was fitted with a decent cam and valvetrain and Kooks headers and ran on an engine dyno with 93 octane pump gas. It put down 502.3 hp and 465.3 ib/ft at the flywheel in that setup. Just swapping to the new heads and intake with everthing else the same the engine put down a reliable 546.8 hp and 494.3 ib/ft at the flywheel. And these heads and intake shouldn't run you too much over $1k on top of the cost of an LS2 short block.

Using almost all OEM of-the-shelf parts this much power can be made for much less than the cost of an LS7 on pump gas! This would be my choice in your position. Have fun!

 

WOW thats amazing

 

The GM powertrains are amazing....I wish GM could get the design elements (exterior and interior) up to par ....When that day happens I'll buy a GM sports car...Until then it is either just using their engines or buying their trucks....

Back on topic -- good luck with your project!

 

Damn, that's awesome.

 

hows ur rx7 holding up

 

i'm selling mine if you are interested.

I'll just put up some major points and the rest (ad nauseum) is on my website (sig).
1993 Mazda rx7 70k miles
professionally converted by hinson supercars www.hinsonsupercars.com
ls1 stroked to 370 cubic inches with baby cam. 400 rwhp, 410 rwtq.
not a junkyard motor. hand built with excellent parts, about 5k miles on it:

http://209.177.55.37/enginereceipt.htm

rebuild t56 six speed tranny, rev-lock clutch
kaaz adjustable diff, 300m axles, 3.90 gears
mazdaspeed coilovers
electron blue paint under 6 months old
r1 lip and spoiler
mostly tan interior, black 94 door panels
black leather seats
ssr comp wheels 8.5 front (245's), 9.5 rear (275's)
sony explod cd head unit, Polk 6x8 rears
custom oil cooler
hawk hp+ pads
set up for autocross and road racing, but ran 10.97 at 127 on DR's with 1.57 short time.
2730 lbs, 50.5 % front, 49.5% rear.
no ac, no ps
drive it on street now. needs nothing.
Performance wise, i think it can hang with a new 505 hp z06 on any track.

$32,000 or best offer

 

Just get a LS1 engine, they are cheap and have a lot of aftermarket heads/cam packages. The engine will last as good as its treated, my LS1 has 111,000 on it and runs like a pro.