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.
...V-8 Basic Kit instructions
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.
...Remove the oil pan.
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.
Modifing, Checking, & Re-installing The Oil Pan...(NOTE: modification is not necessary when using our oil pan)
...The stock Chevy oil pan must be a maximum total depth of 3-3/4" across the pan in the area of the steering rack. This area is in line with the 2nd oil pan bolts back on each side.
It's easiest to measure the depth with the oil pan removed from the engine...
If your pan is too deep, you can work it from the outside using a piece of steel pipe (or a wooden dowel) and a hammer...
Pre-install the oil pan without the gaskets
and rotate the crankshaft through one complete revolution to check for interference. Properly done, there
should be 5/16" clearance between the oil pan and the rod bolts. After no contact is verified, the pan can
be installed permanently with the gaskets.
NOTE:... oil pans from '93-up Camaro/ Firebird (1 pc rear
main seal), as well as those used on most SBC crate engines available from GM, typically clear with no modification at
all.
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 1- On T-5 transmission applications, be sure to install our shortened throwout fork into the bellhousing (along with the proper throwout bearing for your pressure plate)
before installing the transmission onto the bellhousing.
T-5 Only...NOTE 2- A special heavy duty clutch disc is now available for the 1"x14 spline input shaft used on some T-5s. Advance Adapters makes a special HD 10.5" disc for
V-8 applications that is much larger than the undersized 9-1/8" OEM disc. It is available from Summit Racing, PN# ADD-716104.
T-56 Only... A special fitting is available from Mcleod Industries mcleodind.com that plugs into your stock T-56 clutch slave cylinder and adapts it to a common -4 AN fitting,
making plumbing to your new Wilwood 1" clutch master cylinder a breeze. Mcleod can be reached at 714-630-2764.
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....