Selling Your Stock Engine/Trans...
...If your engine/transmission are in good 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, 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.
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 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.
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.
Oil Pan Considerations...
...This engine conversion requires use of a "double-sump" oil pan (and pick-up tube) from a '79-'93 5.0 equipped Mustang/Capri/MK7. If you plan to use a 351W engine, it will need a double-sump oil pan (and pick-up tube) from a 351W equipped Crown Vic. The "double-sump" oil pan actually has (2) drain plugs, one forward plug for the mini front sump that covers the oil pump, an "archway" between the sumps, and a lower/rear plug for the actual oil sump that the pick-up tube draws out of. The archway between the two sumps is required to clear your RX-7's "reversed" crossmember and the steering's center link. A conventional "rear sump" pan from a pick-up will not work.
If your engine does not currently have the right oil pan, they are available from Ford Motorsport as a kit that includes the pan, pick-up tube, dipstick & tube, and a special main cap stud (for securing the pick-up tube). Here's the FMS numbers...
...5.0 engines...FMS M-6675-A50
...351W engines...FMS M-6675-A58
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.
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....