Selling Your Stock Engine/Turbos/Trans...
...If your engine/turbos/transmission are in running condition, the best time to secure a
buyer is while they are still in use, where the running condition can be easily verified by
the prospective buyer. This way, there is no question about the compression, boost
pattern, seal condition, etc. There are many more RX-7’s than there are available running
engines, so a good engine can demand a premium price. This can go a long way to help
defray the cost of your V-8 conversion.
Complete transmission assy. including ....
...Manual trans...
......Flywheel w/ correct cast-in balance weight
......Clutch disc / pressure plate / throwout bearing
......Bellhousing / output yoke
......Shifter / knob
......Shifter extension
......Clutch release parts (see NOTE below)
...Auto trans...
......flex plate w/ correct balance weight installed
......Shifter w/ neutral safety switch
......oil cooler
Optima style dry cell battery
Battery box/hold down
Battery cable & ends
Radiator hose clamps
Heater hose & clamps
Heater hose restrictor fitting
Oil cooler adapter, hoses, & fittings
Drop base air cleaner
Throttle cable
Engine Oil & Tune-Up Supplies
Transmission Gear Oil
Brake Fluid (for clutch hyd. system)
Preventitive Maintenance Parts (gaskets, seals, bushings, bearings, etc.)
...To minimize the down-time required to complete the conversion, the new engine should be prepped & detailed in advance.
Removing Un-needed Parts & Accessories...
...Remove the alternator and stock motor mounts. After you’re done, now would be
a good time to pressure wash the engine, before it gets “too” exposed.
...Remove the stock exhaust manifolds. Use a 6 point socket, and be careful not to
break any bolts.
...Remove the distributor & intake manifold.
Preventive Maintenance...
...If there is any PM to be done on your new engine, now is the time to do it.
Replace any leaking seals or gaskets. If you want to install a new timing chain, oil pump,
etc, it will never be easier than now.
OPTIONAL STEP: Installing The Oil Cooler Adapter...
...use an oil cooler adapter that installs between the block and the oil filter, such as those available from
Fram or Trans-Dapt (TD Products). Follow the instructions that comes in the kit for adapter installation. New
hoses can be fabricated using fittings salvaged from the oil cooler end of the original RX-7 hoses.
Prevenitive Maintenence...
...now would be an excellent time to change the front and rear seals, as well as the gear oil/fluid.
If you are using an automatic trans, now would be a good time to change the filter and install a drain
plug in the transmission pan. B&M sells one that's easy to install.
Joining The Engine / Transmission...
...it's easiest to install the engine/trans as a unit. Be sure to use the correct flywheel/flexplate
bolt (too long can bottom out or hit the rear face of the block). Properly torque the flywheel/flexplate
bolts as recommended in the shop manual BEFORE joining the engine/trans.
T-5 Only...NOTE: The bellhousings typically used a pull-style cable clutch linkage. When installing into a RX-7, there are a few options with regards to clutch actuation...
...OPTION #1- install a Mustang style clutch quadrant and cable system under the dash of the RX-7. Aftermarket adjustable quadrants are available from such sources as Summit Racing that make this job easier,
but you are still going to be working upside down under the dash for a while.
...OPTION #2- convert to a pull style hydraulic slave system. This requires cutting away the cable anchor point from the bellhousing to make room for the pull slave (a hacksaw makes the job quick and easy).
You will also need to anchor this pull slave on the forward end. We usually use an angle bracket that extends down from the driver's side motor mount with a simple hole to attach the slave's anchor rod.
You will also need a larger clutch master cylinder. We use a Wilwood 1" bore unit with a remote reservoir, necessary due to the 2nd gen RX-7's angled clutch master cylinder mounting stud bolt pattern.
We install the clevis from the RX-7 master cylinder pushrod onto the Wilwood pushrod. The threads are very close and do not require additional tapping.
...OPTION #3- install an internal "hydraulic throwout bearing" onto the front of your T-5 trans. A larger 7/8" bore clutch master cylinder is also required if you go this route.
Draining / Evacuating Your AC System...
...While your RX-7 is still mobile is the best time to have your AC system properly
evacuated by a professional. Not only is it illegal to release your refrigerant into the
atmosphere, it is also bad to expose the inside of your AC components to the outside
moisture laden air. A pro will be able to evacuate and seal your system, and at the same
time he can recover and save your rare and valuable R-12 for re-use later.
Pressure Washing The Engine Compartment...
...On your way back from the AC shop, it’s a good idea to stop by the car wash and
give the underhood area a good, thorough pressure washing. You would be surprised at
how much easier and more enjoyable the job will be when you can actually see what
you’re working on.
2....Considerations & Requirements....
4....Engine / Transmission Installation....
5....Exhaust / Throttle Cable / Accessory Drive / Pulleys....
6....Cooling / Fuel Systems....
7....RX-7 Wiring Harness Connector ID and Circuit Locations....
8....Electrical System Modifications By Circuit....