I'm thinking about selling the WRX to get an FD3S
 

What's up guys,

So I've always wanted to rock an RX-7, but I have never been a fan of the reliability of the Wankel engine. So what's a guy to do?

My Idea...

Decent Roller (with interior) + LS374 (LS3 with an upgraded cam that gives an extra 50hp) engine that pumps out 480hp + T56 Transmission + some fender flares for wider tires.

30mpg on the freeway, and it's super quick!

Opinions!?

If you got the money, then go for it.

Not sure if you really need an LS3 though. An LS1 would work just as well and I'm sure you could find one for cheaper. FDs are animals, they just need a lot of TLC.

I've always been one to keep up on my engine and drivetrain. I'm better at taking care of my engine and mechanical parts than I am with the body/interior.

LS1's are cheaper to find, and cheaper to mod, but the LS3's power from stock is so *****in'.

I'll still probably do an LS1 for the bang for the buck aspect since finding a decent FD roller is going to be costly anyways.

FDs are sick!!! If you can find a clean, unmolested specimen. I saw a nice one on Stevens Creek the other day, but who knows if it was good.

As far as the motor, I was actually thinking along the same lines in regards to the LS3. I hope soon to swap my 240's KA for an LS (Yeah, go Vtec!!! Just kidding.) I like the LS6 over the LS1, but I'm interested in the LS3. Prices are still a bit high, so I'll probably end up going the LS6 route, but LS3s will have just as many performance parts before long.

But, I plan on keeping my Scoobie. :)

I would prefer an LS3, but the LS6 has better heads than the LS1, and has better rings and a slightly higher compression ratio.

This is a tough decision =(

[QUOTE=nkghost;2275177]I would prefer an LS3, but the LS6 has better heads than the LS1, and has better rings and a slightly higher compression ratio.

This is a tough decision =([/QUOTE]

Once you throw any LS series engine in a tiny 2800lb FD, I don't think it matters which LS series you went with. Especially if you plan on doing bolt ons, new cam, etc.

[QUOTE=nkghost;2274131]What's up guys,

So I've always wanted to rock an RX-7, but I have never been a fan of the reliability of the Wankel engine. So what's a guy to do?[/QUOTE]

:( You no likey the rotary...*sniffles*
What's wrong with the awesomely unefficient constant combustion engine?
The FD is a nice body style, it is sleek and looks fast sitting still. But I would be halting to put an LS anything into it. The Twin Turbo puts out 255 bhp @ like 7 grand with about 225 foot pounds of torque, they were fast and can be made to be very light (but dont listen to me I love the Wankel design).
You could do an engine swap, I have an LT1 swap planned for my FC, and it is a pretty simple drop in with no cutting, but I am going to have to go with some heavy duty suspension along with a turbo II rear end just to keep it road worthy.
My best advice, get a copy of the pink slip from whatever car you pull the engine from (if you dont go with a completely new one) because in order to register the car in most cases (here in Cali at least) you have to registr it as a hybrid and SMOG it as it would be in it's intended use. Did that make sense?
If you want some more info, check out [url]http://www.v8rx7forum.com/[/url] and see if you can get a better idea...you can always ask me, all my buddies still rock the RX's.

I am a member on v8rx7forum.com, and I am going to go with a new crate engine.

Don't get me wrong, I love the rotary, it's power and even it's distinct sound. But to have a LSx engine dropped in, better gas mileage, and mean power is tempting too.

I am working on total costs/budget and I still need to decide whether I should sell the WRX.

If I sell the WRX, I'm buying a cheap commuter, saving up and getting an FD. I've wanted an FD for so long now it's killin' me! lol

i thought about doing the same thing i love the rx7. finding a clean one isnt the easiest. but i got my sti with only 20K on it so i think its gunna be more reliable for me which is what i need

I have a good friend with that setup and his car is so crazy. but you will not get 30mpg hwy lol

My buddies LS1 Trans Am, with headers, Borla exhaust, upgraded cams, upgraded gears averaged 29mpg on our trip to Arizona last summer. 65mph to 70mph in 6th gear the whole time.

Yup, LS motors can get rather good mileage. The C5 Z06s were capable of mid 20s ti high 20s, and the new C6 Z06 can get upper 20s, maybe even 30s with a few mods and a smart, efficient driver. Even swapped, and maybe slightly modded (IHE etc.) LS mills still get good mileage, especially if they are in light cars and not pushed hard all the time.