'93-'95 3rd gen RX-7 / Chevy LS1 V-8...
...Considerations & Requirements

Considerations...

...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.

Tools Required...
...Both Metric & inch sized hand tools
...Floor Jack
...Engine Hoist
...A minimum of (4) Jack Stands
...Drain Buckets & Floor Dry
...Coolant storage Buckets
...Penetrating Oil
...Tags (for labeling parts & wires)
...12v Test Lite / Volt-Ohm Meter
...Fender Covers
...Drop Light
...RX-7 Shop Manual
...Small Storage Boxes (for bolts & small parts)
...Wiring Terminal End Assortment & Crimping Pliers
...Wire (misc colors for extending harnesses)
...Wire (for temporary support of misc. components)

Parts Included In Our FD/LS1 Econo Kit...
(pictured at right)
...V-8 Subframe
...LS1 Adapter Plate Set (not shown)
...Modular Engine Mount Set
...Transmission Crossmember / back-up plates
...Torque Arm / Transmission Anchor bracket
...Torque Arm Assy
...Driveshaft w/ Rear Flange & Front U-joint
...FD/LS1 Optional Parts...
.........Dual Exhaust Transmission Crossmember
.........Extreme Duty Adjustable Torque Arm
.........Transmission Slip Yoke- Spicer 2-3-6081X
.........Corvette Fuel Filter / Pressure Regulator Assy
.........LS1 Fuel Line Adapter Fitting
.........LS1 Temp Sender Adapter Bushing
.........Dakota Digital #SGI-5 Speedometer interface
.........1" Clutch Master Cyl
.........Aluminum Driveshaft

Additional Parts Recommended...
Complete engine including...
......Starter
Complete transmission assy. including ....
......Clutch disc / pressure plate / throwout bearing
......Bellhousing / flywheel / output yoke
......Shifter / knob
(1) Transmission mount
......Polyurathane:..Energy Suspension #3-1108
Cooling fan thermostat & relay
Optima style dry cell battery
Battery box/hold down
Battery cable & ends
Upper radiator hose & clamps
Lower radiator hose & clamps
Heater hose & clamps
Throttle cable
Engine Oil & Tune-Up Supplies
Transmission Oil
Brake Fluid (for clutch hyd. system)


Recommended Work Area...
...The bare minimum should include a level, dry cement or asphalt surface to provide firm and safe support for your jack stands, as well as to ease the rolling around of the engine hoist and floor jack.


Engine Preparations...
...To minimize the down-time required to complete the conversion, the new engine should be prepped & detailed in advance.

Editing the LS1 PCM...
The LS1 PCM has many parameters that should be re-programmed for compatibility with the RX-7. Among them are...
...tire dia
...gear ratio
...smog configuration
...speed limiter setting
...rev limiter setting
...fan turn-on temp
Depending on what your needs are, you may also want to remove the following faults and codes as well...
...VATS (anti-theft)
...BCM
...EGR
...rear O2's
...EVAP
...AIR
...Fuel Level
...Limp Home (possibly change to an alternative tune)
We suggest sending your PCM to Jesse (574) 267-3630. He has re-programmed hundreds of LS1 PCMs, and knows what he is doing. He is familiar with the RX-7/LS1 swap, and can recommend changes depending on the intended use of your car.

Removing Un-needed Parts & Accessories...
...Remove the 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 LS1 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 Cam, timing chain, oil pump, etc, it will never be easier than now.


Transmission Preparations...
T-56...shifter removal will be required for installation. Drain the oil from your transmission to prevent a leak at the output shaft while the transmission is maneuvered into position.
Automatic...drain oil and remove the dipstick tube as preperation for installation. Replacing oil seals and installing a new filter is recommended.


Pre-conversion Last Minute Preparations...
...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.

Next page....

1....Introduction....

2....Considerations & Requirements....

3....Getting Started....

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....

9....Start-up / Troubleshooting....

10....Upgrades....

Back to 3rd gen Conversion Page....

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