Some Questions Relating to a 1UZ... and a FC3S RX-7

[hamgatan]

I've been pondering the technicalities of this conversion for a while and I think its time to ask the 1UZ Experts (ed i'm looking at you here).

Next year I intend to take on this project (Once I finish the other two projects first), so I've got some time to do the research first.

Basically I like the FC3S RX-7, all round its a good package. Good handling, good brakes and plus it just looks hot. But the prospect of rebuilding 13B's constantly annoys me. Yeah sure rotaries are great engines.. between Apex Seals. I intend to find someone whos selling one with a blown motor and get it on the cheap.

So. As i already have 3 Turbo cars I kind of wanted this one to be N/A and Toyota.. and the 1UZ is an engine that fascinates me. Plus, as a lightweight alloy engine, it technically shouldn't weigh that much more than a loaded 13B, and thus keeping the FC3S's F-R weight distribution intact. Something about the 1UZ with ITB's just gets me going..

Therefore I'm trying to work out the technical restrictions of this project (and hopefully theres a few old Mazda guys on here too that will know the answers). Reason I'm not asking these questions on AusRotary or something is I know I'll get a flamefest from Mazda purists wanking on about how I should go a triple rotor instead.

So, heres my first batch of questions.

1. Does anyone have good images of the Series 5 crossmember and particularly the steering rack setup (Is it at the front or rear of the crossmember?). I google image searched it but not much came up. I did find one RX7 crossmember shot with a 13B mounted on it, and from what i could see the Mounts looked very very similar to a JZA70 crossmember setup, although i couldnt tell what gen RX-7 it was in the picture. If this is the case, I'm thinking that the mounts used to bolt a 1UZ into a MA70 might be fairly close a match (although some custom work will be required).

2. If anyone has a S5 RX-7 crossmember, does anyone know what distance is between bolt holes on the crossmember mounting locations? Secondly what is the same distance between rubber mount bolts on a 1UZ?

3. I'm not sure where the steering rack lies on a RX7, and if its going to foul on the column or not (Im hoping the rack is to the rear of the crossmember for this reason. However, if its at the front, then it might not clear the 1UZ sump. From what I have seen with regards to the one image I have of the RX7 crossmember, it looks like I'm going to need a Celsior front sump 1UZ setup as the crossmember sits quite far back. What is the distance then on the 1UZ between the engine mount bolts (rubber when bolted on) and the back of the Celsior sump? I'm trying to get an idea here if it clears the RX7 crossmember or if its going to need to be cut/modified slightly.

4. I had a search for that thread that was made with 1UZ dimensions.. Couldn't find it. Can someone help me with a link to it? Im sure it will fit because I've seen a 1UZ slapped into a Miata.. so if it fits in that, surely it must fit in a FC3S

I'm going to have thousands more questions over the next year.. so assistance is always appreciated gents.

Chris

[Draven]

1uz is probably going to come in a good ~50-70kg (at least) heavier than the rotary

edit:

Dimensions:
http://www.toymods.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=53432

[tomvale13]

All I can find is that the 13b-msp renesis is about 122kg...

that's the rx8 motor though.. I've read a guy saying:

"My 13b engine weighed in at 213, that included a stock flywheel and stock main pulley." (lbs)

I take it that's non turbs.

[hamgatan]

Cheers Greg,

Hmmm the LS1 conversion has been done a few times into RX-7's from what I've been reading and they're only 5cm longer than a 1UZ.. but I dunno. Something about it being GM just irks me. I think the issue is going to be the width.. and whether or not there will be enough room for good headers afterwards (AND whether they can clear the steering column or not).

Secondly the bellhousing on that LS1 is HUUUUGEE. If the US boys have managed to squeeze that thing into a RX7 tunnel I'd be amazed..

[tomvale13]

they are pretty phat up top.

[Draven]

chop, add sheet metal, weld.

Instant larger tranny tunnel

[RA35GT]

Theres a guy on Lextreme (i think) with a uz in his rx7. (it was an older one IIRC).

may be worth searching for it.

(no idea if the rx7 maintained same crossmembers throughout the years etc.)

[Mr Ed]

I have an FC rolling chassis sitting in my front yard at the moment. Happy to take some measurements tonight for you.

[hamgatan]

That would be fantastic if u could.. oh and some photos would be sweet.

Im interested in the width of the crossmember also (around the sump region), and the width of the entire bay (how much room I have to play with.. hehe)..

[RONA]

I know of someone doing a 1jz conversion into one so length wise you would definately be sweet.

[benjamin]

chop, add sheet metal, weld.

Instant larger tranny tunnel

I'm pretty sure the tranny tunnels are already pretty massive.



Here is a picture of one (it has been moved back 9.5 inches but it still shows how massive they are!

Check out http://www.grannysspeedshop.com/ and see what these guys are stuffing intoRX7's

[JustCallMeOrlando]

LS1 bellhousing is huge cos they run a 300mm clutch!

[hamgatan]

Looks like i found one engine bay pic off a wreck..



Steering rack appears to be at the front of the crossmember.. Mounting blocks seem to sit quite high up.

Some pics I saw of the LS1 mounting blocks indicate to me that i might be better off with a UZZ30 Rear Sump setup instead of the Celsior one..

[Mr Ed]

Will do but didnt get a chance today. Turns out my housemate filled the engine bay with various suspension parts, wheel ramps, axel stands and god knows what else. Finished work late so was too stuffed to bother unpacking everything in the dark.

Will do it tomorrow.

[hamgatan]

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