Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: hblair on April 23, 2003, 11:07:33 PM

Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on April 23, 2003, 11:07:33 PM
'87 RX-7 with a late model chevrolet LS-1 powerplant with the 6 speed trans. I thought buick grand nationals were pretty fast. or late model Z28's. or RUF 911's. But brutha, this beast will skin it back. Reminds me of my old CR250. will accelerate as fast as you can shift gears.
:D :) ;) :D :p :D
I cant stop smiling.
I'm putting together one with a ford 351 w/ 5 speed.

(http://www.thewrongmotor.com/logos_buttons/the_car.jpg)

(http://www.thewrongmotor.com/gallery/atlanta1/images/Mvc-004s_jpg.jpg)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Toad on April 23, 2003, 11:24:17 PM
That's gonna be fun to suprise folks with at the stoplight Grand Prix.

;)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on April 23, 2003, 11:29:45 PM
I was just thinking about these the other day and dropping a T-Type in one of them.  Unfortunately, In the Portland metro area, you cannot do that kind of engine "upgrade".

MiniD
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Leslie on April 24, 2003, 12:26:56 AM
Why not MiniD?

Les
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Leslie on April 24, 2003, 12:44:11 AM
That's pretty cool HB.  A buddy of mine paints Vettes and classic cars...one guy even shipped a Bentley over from England for him to paint.  He works out of a small shop at his house.

Anyhow, last car he painted was a 1963 Corvette body that was pitted with many years of weathering, sitting in someone's back yard and covered with leaves.  One of his clients bought the body and brought it to him to fix up.  He plans on placing this body on a 2003 Corvette chassis, so it'll look vintage on the outside, but be completely modern on the inside.  Way cool.:)

My friend is an artist when it comes to cars.  He painted a 1973 Olds 98, (which I recently bought), about 9 years ago.  And it still looks like it was painted yesterday.  He loves Oldsmobiles with their 455 Rocket engines.  Think his is a Cutlass, not sure what year.:D



Les
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on April 24, 2003, 08:29:10 AM
now imagine if you put a V8 in a light car.   In my modified Healy club there are some Jensen Healey's that have got nice 350's in em... they run very well.   I rode in a mazda with a 350..   coulda bought the car for 5 grand.. the ac even worked but... smog woulda been a squeak here in CA.

I am seriously thinking about a 434 stroker small block for the old Healey to replace the little 331.  that... or a vortech supercharged 383..   I really like the way the little motor shoots past 6,000 rpms tho... if I change anything it will have to live past 6 grand.
lazs
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Wlfgng on April 24, 2003, 08:58:45 AM
making me miss driving that Austin healy with the V8.. sigh
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on April 24, 2003, 09:52:53 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Leslie
Why not MiniD?

Les
It has to do with our D.E.Q. certification requirements.  Any car 1975 or newer has to have an engine that came with a production model of the vehicle.  It has to do with the fact that the D.E.Q. rates emmissions by drive-train.  If your vehicle doesn't have the specific drive-train that they have rated, they have nothing to compare it too.  Its a bit of a pain in the ass.  Anywhere around Portland, D.E.Q. certification is required.  Outside of the area, you can do what you want.

Cars fro '74 or later do not require D.E.Q. certification under a "classics" exemption.

MiniD
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Airhead on April 24, 2003, 10:01:21 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
now imagine if you put a V8 in a light car.   In my modified Healy club there are some Jensen Healey's that have got nice 350's in em... they run very well.   I rode in a mazda with a 350..   coulda bought the car for 5 grand.. the ac even worked but... smog woulda been a squeak here in CA.

I am seriously thinking about a 434 stroker small block for the old Healey to replace the little 331.  that... or a vortech supercharged 383..   I really like the way the little motor shoots past 6,000 rpms tho... if I change anything it will have to live past 6 grand.
lazs



lazs, don't do it- that Healey runs too sweet just like it is. If you have a 434 let's put it in my daughter's Civic. :)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Ripsnort on April 24, 2003, 10:03:56 AM
Straight line speed = *Yawn*

25 mph curves at 65 = FUN!
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Pongo on April 24, 2003, 10:12:28 AM
Are those plastic straps holding the rad in?
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on April 24, 2003, 02:33:28 PM
rip... what makes you think that fast cars can't handle?  Even with my fat ol El Camino I bet you couldn't pull your head off the passenger side window on a hard left turn...
lazs
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: TPIguy on April 24, 2003, 03:51:22 PM
Rx-7's handle pretty well to begin with. Also keep in mind an LS1 only weighs about 50lbs more than a 13b. Probibly a bit less than the turbo models. Overall weight and weight distribution are hardly effected.

350hp 350ftlb in a 2600lb car is fun.


for rx-7 motorswap info go here.  http://www.grannysspeedshop.com/
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: SOB on April 24, 2003, 03:56:17 PM
Sterile Yuppie-mobiles
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Steve on April 24, 2003, 04:00:40 PM
Cool Hblair!!!  I dropped the 385 HP version in my '86 vette.
I eat up the occasional "jap crap" car that feels froggy and I haven't had to hit the NO yet.  Funny, those Honda/Nissan drivin dudes are the only ones that feel the need.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Holden McGroin on April 24, 2003, 04:34:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Mini D
It has to do with our D.E.Q. certification requirements.  Any car 1975 or newer ....MiniD


I thought it was because Vera Katz is a wacko.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on April 24, 2003, 04:53:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Holden McGroin
I thought it was because Vera Katz is a wacko.
We've stopped blaming everything on the fact that she is a wacko.... it was getting redundant.  Though, in her defense, she's less of a wacko than our previous mayor (Bud Clark).

MiniD
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on April 24, 2003, 04:59:07 PM
Nylon straps pongo. :D He's still working on the car.  The trans he used went right up in the shifter hole. Like it was made for the car. If I had 3500 to lay down I'd go the LS-1 route too. But I'm, a poor boy.

Rip, that RX-7 would handle too. His is 70 lbs. lighter than the turbo it replaced. Gets better gas mileage and prolly 3 times the horsepower.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: senna on April 24, 2003, 05:00:09 PM
Hey hblair, just curios. What sort of compression ratio are you gona run on your V8 powered Rx-7. Nice pictures BTW. I guess it sounds like a monster huh? Flowmaster exhaust as well?
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Dune on April 24, 2003, 05:02:41 PM
My first "car" was my dad's 1967 Jeep CJ-5.  It had a 327cu out of a 1967 Corvette in it.  (My dad bought it used and the 4cyl died, so grandpa shoehorned a V-8 in it.  They had to cut out the firewall so the distributor cap would fit).

It was...well, strong.  :D

When we had a four-speed in it, it would pull the front tires off the ground.  In sand.  In 4x4 low.  

:D
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: senna on April 24, 2003, 05:03:20 PM
Hey hblair, just curious. What sort of compression ratio are you gona run on your V8 powered Rx-7. Nice pictures BTW. I guess it sounds like a monster huh? Flowmaster exhaust as well? Im starting to think you might be one of those intersection dragster types all incognito with your V8 powered Rx-7 ready to dust a nice teenie ricer boy.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Wanker on April 24, 2003, 05:04:47 PM
I've owned 2 RX-7's in my lifetime, a 1979 and 1983.

What a great car that was.

Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Ripsnort on April 24, 2003, 05:06:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
rip... what makes you think that fast cars can't handle?  Even with my fat ol El Camino I bet you couldn't pull your head off the passenger side window on a hard left turn...
lazs


Do you mean as I pass you on that corner with my BMW? :D :p
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on April 24, 2003, 05:07:18 PM
Put it back in your pants rip.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hyena426 on April 24, 2003, 05:14:00 PM
what kinda 351? windsor or cleveland?,,,i know ford part and motors work well with rx7 sence ford took them over,,,,i got a buddy who is building one,,,but he hasnt decided on powerplant yet,,he is thinking 390 or 351 cleveland,,,,i know with a stock 302 it has the same power to weight ratio of a 1965 ac cobra,,,very powerfull cars with a v8,, and the beauty of it,,you only gain about 200 pounds,,and the front springs can handle it:) and only thing you have to do,,is flip over the main support bar and buy the kit and it all fits up nicely

way cheaper than tring to get horse power out of a rotary motor or 4 banger,,,,he allready went threw that,,thats why he going to v8,,he has dumped too much money into them little rat motors to realize he wont be able to keep up with the big boys in the end,,v8 lots cheaper,,lots more power
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Steve on April 24, 2003, 05:14:32 PM
Ya Rip, as you stare impotently at the back end of my vette, in front of you. Muhahahahahah!

Did you take it out of your pants?  Really?
Nuttin wrong w/ being proud, I guess  
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Ripsnort on April 24, 2003, 05:16:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Steve
Ya Rip, as you stare impotently at the back end of my vette, in front of you. Muhahahahahah!

Did you take it out of your pants?  Really?
Nuttin wrong w/ being proud, I guess  


Now a vette, thats different!  Horse power with a good suspension(Later models). :) You can do either straight line and/or curves :) Unfortunately they were $10,000 out of my price range and no back seat!

With all due respect to Horsepower guys...I was >< close to buying a SVT Cobra, but I happened to test drive the Cobra on the same windy road as I did the BMW...not even close for cornering...but hey, thats Ford for ya.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Hooligan on April 24, 2003, 06:19:21 PM
Lazs wrote:

Quote

I am seriously thinking about a 434 stroker small block for the old Healey to replace the little 331. that... or a vortech supercharged 383..


When I rode in your healey a few weeks ago the heat coming though the firewall from the "little 331" was threatening to melt the instrument panel.  My ears are still ringing from the engine noise.  Are you insane?  (hmmm... nm, silly question)

DejaVu wrote:

Quote

:  My local communist infiltrated government is sucking my soul out through my wallet and it's even against the law for me to pump my own gas.  This is no state for a hot-rodder to live in.


My condolences :(.

Hooligan
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on April 25, 2003, 08:53:29 AM
sanity is a relative term... I am much better than I used to be.

rip... have you ever built a suspension system?   do you know any more about it than what you read in "motor trend" or on your yuppie BB?   Real world....you ain't gonna see much of my elky but the taillights.... and then... not for long... best you can hope for is that I run out of gas.   On a tight little autocross course you would blow my doors off.   If we raced anywhere with a straight or an uphill.... you would't even make much of a dot in my rearview mirror.

steve... I believe that if you have a 385 hp crate motor then you have a 350 with fast burn heads not the ls1 that they are talking about.

for the Ford... I would do a 302 stroker motor..  450 lbs... narrower than the chevy and you can get close to 400 inches and 500 hp no problem.

I am still running old double hump fuelie heads on the 331... I ported em but they are holding the Hp down to around 420-450..  still... in a 2100 lb car it's ok.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on April 25, 2003, 09:00:55 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Hooligan
: My local communist infiltrated government is sucking my soul out through my wallet and it's even against the law for me to pump my own gas. This is no state for a hot-rodder to live in.
Actually, its a very good state for a hotrodder to live in... just not someone who wants to trick out newer cars.  You can do anything you want to an older (74 and earlier) car.  You only pay $40 every two years for tags with no inspections at all.

Its like that for every car in 90% of the state.  Just not in the crowded part.

MiniD
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Curval on April 25, 2003, 09:19:42 AM
Now it is time for lazs to put his back in his pants.;)

I shouldn't even be in this thread based on my lack of knowledge of anything mechanical...but it is fun to watch the "Who has got the bigger one" contest between Rip and lazs.

Do you guys worry about girth, or just length?
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on April 25, 2003, 09:38:56 AM
Hyena, it's a windsor thats been bored .030 over. I got it at a bargain. I've got to go through the heads and am thinking of doing some work to the bottom end to make it high compression. I'm gonna set the engine and trans in the car first to fab the mounts, then yank it out, build it, paint the car, etc. I've got a fair amount of work ahead.

Quote
I ported em but they are holding the Hp down to around 420-450.. still... in a 2100 lb car it's ok.


rofl lazs. That's a deathmobile man. :D
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on April 26, 2003, 09:24:55 AM
not only that curval... but I am taller and have more hair than rip.  cubic inces are the thing tho.   No substitute for cubic inches curval me lad.   Now you know all there is to know about cars and members.   Heck... even works with guns.

hblair... have you seen some of the new srtroker kits they have for Fords?  You are going to have a clutch in the car tho.... right?
lazs
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Pollock on April 26, 2003, 09:33:50 AM
1 word          TORQUE
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Hajo on April 26, 2003, 10:18:31 AM
Ripsnort!   Yup.......Road Racing is the most fun.....more challenging.......setting up turns.......shifting at right moment.......acceleration thru and out of turns.  Of course only us BMW owners would know that :D

Freind of mine at work has 91 vette......350cu. in....auto.
We have a nice road called Salt Springs Road.  Lots of S turns country road.  When we work late........after 12 midnight when weather permits during summer on the way home we road race............his vettes best finish in 9 races is 2nd place to the Z3.
Z3 accelerates faster and corners much better......he'll even tell you that  :D
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on April 26, 2003, 10:31:13 AM
No I haven't lazs, you got a link? She is gonna have a clutch though, and a 5 speed.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on April 26, 2003, 12:17:26 PM
wtg hblair!  Try any summit or PAW catalogue for stroker kits..

hajo... if that vette is outaccelerated by a (LOL) z3 then it is indeed some smogged out low performance automatic shifted disco rig.   I can make a 350 powered anything beat a z3.
lazs
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: crowMAW on April 26, 2003, 12:23:25 PM
WOW!  Is he running the stock rear end?
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Airhead on April 26, 2003, 01:05:25 PM
I spent 45 minutes watching that stupid movie "Zapped" just to see the naked boobies at the end, and they censored it!!! :mad:

Oh, and Hajo? Not only is Lazs' Healy faster than your BMW but I'll bet it gets more looks too.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: -ammo- on April 26, 2003, 01:31:04 PM
Quote
Originally posted by hblair
Hyena, it's a windsor thats been bored .030 over. I got it at a bargain. I've got to go through the heads and am thinking of doing some work to the bottom end to make it high compression. I'm gonna set the engine and trans in the car first to fab the mounts, then yank it out, build it, paint the car, etc. I've got a fair amount of work ahead.



rofl lazs. That's a deathmobile man. :D


Are you going to use a longer connecting rod?  In the chevy world, it is a neat trick to use a 6" connecting rod (instead of the stock 5 7/8") to build more compression.  Clearances are tighter though and you have to be carefull with camshaft and rocker arm selection.  

You must have deep pockets to soup a windsor motor.  But half your battle is complete if the heads are already what you want them to be.  Before  children number 2 and 3, I was fiddling with my last hotrod, a 68 chevy C10.  I did a 350 .30" over though.  Thousands of dollars later I had a truck that digested 91 octane and would click off a 8.20 second eight of a mile.  It didn't look like much but i was eating 5.0's, Z28's, and corvettes for lunch.


I envy you guys though that have the time and money to play with fast cars.  That is a alot of fun.  

PS, that mazda has got to be awesome.  Has he ran it down the track yet?
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: moose on April 26, 2003, 03:07:49 PM
blarg!

hb you're killin me. taking the heart and soul outta that car :-P


here's mine :-)
(http://www.103rd.com/FC3S.JPG)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Hajo on April 26, 2003, 03:52:48 PM
Lazs.......that's if ya can keep it running a chevy is still a chevy  Fact is Larry, who owns that Vette will tell you it can't corner with the Z3.  Size makes a difference,front  to back wheelbase.....and yes....that 350 what ever happened to the 427 anyway? 350 can't rev with the 6 in the Z3 with 24 valves DOHC VANOS steplessly remote lift and duration changes . Plus the Z3 weighs only 2200 lbs. HP/Wt ratio very good. The "little" 6 in the Z3 holds 7 quarts of oil.... and uses only BMW racing Oil or Mobile1 synthetic.  And as I've owned just about everymake of car there is in the US....all the stuff werks and werks the first time on the Beemer......something the US automakers finally improved on during th 80s was quality....a little known word until foreign competition forced them into it.


Most of you weren't around during the muscle car era of the mid 60s to mid 70s.  My first new car was a 69 RoadRunner .......lotsa great hiPo cars then.........cheap too!  Paid a whopping 3600 dollars for that new roadrunner  And very ez to work on.  GTOs........Chevelles........ ..vettes with the vaunted 427 and 454 cuin. powerplants.......the Hemi...in charger RTS, Cudas, and the RT  , which was a Hemi powered Dodge Coronet.  I can still hear the low rumble as we drag raced at 3AM in the morning......can also still see the lights on the State Higway Patrol cars as they pulled into the parking lot wondering what 15 muscle cars with Mickey Thompson Ls and air shocks in the back were doing at 3AM  LOL gas was a whopping 37Cents a gallon Wow forgot the first Camaro with the 301 cu.in experimental engine....great days......to bad the Insurance Companies ruined it LOL.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Hajo on April 26, 2003, 04:22:40 PM
hblair fergot

That has to be a screamer.........at what rpm in that ride is it torque efficient?  Guessing around 2800 here....maybe 3200.  Getting the horsepower to stay on the road must be tough.  Lot of rear wheel bounce coming off the line?  Or does the rubber dig in right away?
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on April 26, 2003, 05:22:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hajo
hblair fergot

That has to be a screamer.........at what rpm in that ride is it torque efficient?  Guessing around 2800 here....maybe 3200.  Getting the horsepower to stay on the road must be tough.  Lot of rear wheel bounce coming off the line?  Or does the rubber dig in right away?


As far as torque efficient, I don't know. He just took me for a ride to grab a burger the other day. I was interested in seeing what his car would do. We were going about 30 mph and he kicked it and went through the gears real fast. A couple seconds later we were 110mph+ and slowing down keeping eyes peeled for lawdogs. He says you have to baby it off the line or both rear wheels get to bouncing and spining something fierce. He's already broken a differential mount.

Thanks for the stroker info, I'll prolly go that route.

Here's the guys website who has the LS1. lotsa pics of V8 RX-7's..
http://www.thewrongmotor.com/

Here's a board with mucho info on these cars...
http://www.torquecentral.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=11

Moose, it was born with a defective heart. I'm giving it a rebirth. Better, stronger, faster...
:)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Raubvogel on April 26, 2003, 06:53:41 PM
Hey Hblair, keep us posted man, I'm seriously considering this if I can find a decent Rx7 chassis. From the looks of it a Ford 302 will drop right in too. Those things are a dime a dozen. I've wrung about all I can out of my Saab, need a new project.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on April 27, 2003, 09:29:16 AM
hajo... a 350 automatic is not a corvette is all I'm saying.   Any late model vette will blow the doors off the z3.   My chevy motors hold six quarts of mobil one.  I can get pans that hold as much as 12 quiarts...no big deal... I shift the 331 motor at 6400 rpm..  no big deal.

The rearend in my Healy is a narrowed 55-64 chevy unit with 9" ford axel ends and a danna 40 spider gears and mosler axels... I use homade traction bars and have no wheel hop.  any decent company can build a rear that will stand up to serious torque.

There does not exist a z3 that weighs 2200 lbs unless you are talking about one that has the engine and tranny removed to make room for a v8.  

modern versions of the old muscle cars are a world away from when they were new... they have 50%-300% (a mild 454 puts out an honest 450 hp now) more horsepower.... 100% or more better braking (12" discs all around) .... 100% or better improvement in handling.   You can buy a frame for a 55 chevy that has all c5 corvette susspension installed.

or.... you can go down to the dealer and choose a color for your new z3 that hopefully, not too many other people on the block have chosen for their z3... filing that.... get a flourecent family crest flag that you can attach to a 10 foot high mast on the car so that you can find it in the parking lot.

lazs
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on April 27, 2003, 09:54:46 AM
Does the RX-7 have a full frame?  Does it have IRS?

MiniD
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: TPIguy on April 27, 2003, 11:10:22 AM
The Rx-7 is a unibody w/ IRS.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: JoeSmoe on April 27, 2003, 11:17:12 AM
My real car is a jet.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on April 27, 2003, 11:55:47 AM
Quote
Originally posted by TPIguy
The Rx-7 is a unibody w/ IRS.
Cool.  That means the IRS can easily be replaced with something that can handle the torque.  The only real problem would be at the IRS to body connection.  Seems that should be re-enforced to ensure there are no problems.

Of course, you're still going to have a twisted car after a few years of heavy torque on a unibody... but such is the price for HP.

MiniD
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: TPIguy on April 27, 2003, 04:28:13 PM
thats not really an issue. The stock units are pretty strong. However the gear ratios are around 3.90-4.10. Not the greatest for a street car, especially when alot of folks opt for a th350 tranny.

There is a company that sells ford 9" rears that fit, so thats always an option.

One can always install subframe connectors or a cage. There are quite a few 10 sec rx's about. And probibly alot of faster ones I just haven't seen.


this guy is running 10's @ over 130 w/ the stock rear. And its not even the strongest one available for that year. http://members.tripod.com/~grannys/mazdarx8.html

heres a FAQ that should answer most of your questions.
http://members.tripod.com/~grannys/1stgenrx7faq.html
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on April 28, 2003, 08:57:47 AM
3.90 gears are not an issue if you use a T56 or richmund gear 6 speed.  

I know a guy with a 477 inch Hemi in a bug eye sprite.  It uses a narrowed corvette IRS... rear ends are no problem.

if you are effiminate or crippled and you must ruin a car with an automatic tho... the 350 and 400 are all going out of favor for the 700r and other overdrive autos.
lazs
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: TPIguy on April 28, 2003, 10:47:47 AM
Agreed Lazs,
However, if one is building the car on a tight budget a th350 is hard to beat. Its stronger than a 700r4, or t-5. And a hell of alot cheaper than a t-56 or richmond.

It really depends on your budget.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: -ammo- on April 28, 2003, 03:18:24 PM
I have destroyed 3 Turbo 350's with a less than 400 HP small block.  I personally don't think they are the best bet when you want to play.  However there are companies that can build a really strong TH 350, but at a premium.  If was to do it again, I would build the car with a TH 400.

Forget about shifting gears, I leave that "duty" to Lazs.  My last Camaro had a Muncie M21, and I got tired of pushing that expensive pressure plate.  But it was good for a strong left leg.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on May 05, 2003, 02:03:15 PM
Hey Hblair.. get the engine in it yet?

MiniD
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on May 05, 2003, 07:50:33 PM
Not yet. It'll be a while before it's together and running. I'm gonna have to re-ring it and am gonna port the heads. I've got my borg-warner 5 speed but am waiting on the bellhousing and the motor mounts. As sson as I get those I'll bolt it all together and set the heads and intake on it, put it in the car and fabricate the brackets. Then back out with all of it to do the internal motor stuff.

Don't get me wrong, I've been busy with it. This car was hit in the front. I've had it on the frame machine and just about have all my pulling done. I had to buy a used front bumper and right fender. for those who don't know, new mazda parts are notoriously astrnomically high. A new front bumper cover for an '88 RX-7 is only $680. :eek:

I'll be painting the whole car but haven't decided on whether I'll be going back with the factory gray or not. I really don't want to have to paint the door jambs. But some funky wild color sounds like more fun than gray. Depends on how energetic I'm feeling. ;)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Airhead on May 05, 2003, 08:17:06 PM
hblair when you paint it WHATEVER you do don't paint a flag on the top! That looks so gay....:p
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on May 05, 2003, 08:18:33 PM
Used to have a really good mazda only shop by our house, but it shut down.  Solid inventory of mazdas to pick from.  It was nice, cause the dealer's parts prices bottomed out at $500.

Get some pics as you go and post them.

MiniD
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on May 15, 2003, 08:37:59 AM
My plans to use the 351windsor just went out the window (after I've got the engine sitting in the car, no mounts made yet though) My parts guy told me yesterday that the windsor takes a 14 inch flywheel. That's all cool except the bellhousing for the T5 transmission I use is too small for it. Lucky for me he had a 302 HO out of an 89 mustang GT convertible. It's a complete engine, with distributor, fuel injection, factory shortie headers, etc. It's never had the valve covers off! :) It set me back one hundred clams. :D I haven't decided if I want to use the fuel injection or not. It's gonna be tall. I want to leave my hood unmolested if possible. I'll prolly put the engine in as-is without building it for now. With just the factory 225 horses and 300 lbs of torque, it'll be much more powerful than even the turbo '88 RX-7 model.

Moose ;)

Still got some bodywork left, prolly gonna paint it back gray as I don't feel like pulling the doors and hatch to paint the jambs..

(http://www.blairautobody.com/Mvc-01253s.jpg)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on May 15, 2003, 08:42:43 AM
Painless wiring makes a harness that will allow you to use the factory 302 fuel injection and computer.
lazs
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on May 15, 2003, 01:33:40 PM
I'll prolly get the harness that came out of the car if I use the EFI. I'll have to up my horses a lot to run with the healey though. :)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Ripsnort on May 15, 2003, 02:13:19 PM
351 Windsor was only good for 225 hp? Wow, I always thought they ran more than that...(I;m getting 225 hp out of a straight 6 ;) )

Anyway, whats the state laws down there Hblair, do you guys have emissions standards?  They hose ya up here for something like $300 clams if you alter the stock engines in cars (like putting a different engine into a car that it was not designed for)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on May 15, 2003, 02:20:30 PM
no rip... the 302 was rated at 225 hp but it was about 350 lbs of torque.   The motor was very tame and 50 more hp could be gotten out of it with a simple computer chip swap... Headers were very restrictive.. another lost 25 hp... air filter... 20 more..  You need to really compare torque and average hp and torquefor the entire band and then you will see whats up.
lazs
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: funkedup on May 15, 2003, 02:25:38 PM
Hell I get more than 225 out of my 122 cubic inch four banger.  Hblair you are a *****.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on May 15, 2003, 03:00:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by funkedup
Hell I get more than 225 out of my 122 cubic inch four banger.  Hblair you are a *****.


Wonder why funked didn't tell us how much torque he's getting? :)
And best knee-slapper of them all,
how much did you pay for it? ;)

Rip, no emissions problems here.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: funkedup on May 15, 2003, 03:25:22 PM
Torque don't mean ****.  Why do you think they invented gears?  Get back in your boat and catch me some fish!
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Ripsnort on May 15, 2003, 03:42:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
no rip... the 302 was rated at 225 hp but it was about 350 lbs of torque.   The motor was very tame and 50 more hp could be gotten out of it with a simple computer chip swap... Headers were very restrictive.. another lost 25 hp... air filter... 20 more..  You need to really compare torque and average hp and torquefor the entire band and then you will see whats up.
lazs


Similiar to my straight 6, with a chip, CAI, Exhaust etc.  You can stroke 275 hp without a turbo on these M54 engines ;) not I though, I'd rather invest the money and move up into a better car.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: funkedup on May 15, 2003, 04:06:45 PM
Of course, if you break one part on that bimmer it will cost more than HB's entire budget for his redneck racer.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Ripsnort on May 15, 2003, 04:25:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by funkedup
Of course, if you break one part on that bimmer it will cost more than HB's entire budget for his redneck racer.


LOL! True...true...(Actually, I researched that before I bought, 20% more on parts generally across the board then Cobra SVT Parts, and labor if done by the dealer was $79 at Ford, and $80 at BMW )
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on May 15, 2003, 05:19:20 PM
rofl funked. Redneck racer. :)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Airhead on May 15, 2003, 09:43:59 PM
Swoop, what I was trying to post was a link to an E-Bay add I saw on AGW off topic. Unfortunately I'm too stupid to figure out how to do it. It was a 1970 Opel powered by an Allison airplane motor. Bizarre looking thing- it might not be quick off the line, but I'll bet it'll do better than most cars at tractor pulls.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Airhead on May 15, 2003, 10:07:44 PM
Crap, I posted this in the wrong thread. Sorry, but I'm so excited with happy gleefulness that the Lakers lost that my hands are shaking. I haven't felt this excited sinse I was 33 and lost my virginity. WOOT!!!
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: lazs2 on May 16, 2003, 10:18:11 AM
torque is that thing that you wish you had when you puish down on the throttle at 2500 rpm.  It doesn't mean squat unless you don't have it.   400 ft/lbs is a nice minimum for around town driving.   You don't need stringback gloves with that kind of torque... neck braces are optional.
lazs
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on May 18, 2003, 02:05:16 AM
I put a chevy 350 complete engine next to my Mini.  It didn't make it go any faster.  I think you actually have to put it in the car.

MiniD
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on June 27, 2005, 07:40:39 AM
How's this one going hblair?
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on June 27, 2005, 07:49:30 AM
Well, since baseball is finally over, I shall pursue the redneck racer project with more motivation.
I've spent too much money on it to quit. Just taking entirely too much time. I've got to paint my engine comp't, and engine, then start puttin the drivetrain in to stay. I bought the painless wiring kit and ecm along with some other goodies. Much more money spent on goodies than the car. The ford motorsports fuel injectors were about 270 smackers.

The car itself doesn't look like much, I've got to paint it. When I'm in the motivated mood I'm thinking I'll change the color to a bright silver. Currently I'm in a lazy sleeper mood and am thinking about painting the car back the factory shadow gray.

This goofy projects been goin on for 2 1/2 years. It's time to get it done.
:)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Ripsnort on June 27, 2005, 08:34:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by hblair
The car itself doesn't look like much, I've got to paint it. When I'm in the motivated mood I'm thinking I'll change the color to a bright silver. Currently I'm in a lazy sleeper mood and am thinking about painting the car back the factory shadow gray.

:)


Is that a clear coat? :D
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on July 05, 2005, 07:03:05 PM
It shall be clearcoated. Not code 314.
Here's a couple of progress pics...


(http://www.blairautobody.com/rx7/100_0503.JPG)
(http://www.blairautobody.com/rx7/100_0505.JPG)
(http://www.blairautobody.com/rx7/100_0504.JPG)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: moose on July 05, 2005, 08:45:06 PM
mmm
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Lizking on July 05, 2005, 08:51:12 PM
1970 Datusn 280z with a Chebbie 327 cleaned and clocked.  A drop in, from what I have been told, and the balance helps an already decentsuspension package.  I will have one before I die.

(http://www.smoothline.com/280z/280z.gif)
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on July 05, 2005, 09:03:28 PM
That's going to have to be a 1980 280Z Liz.

My uncle built a custom rear for someone making a 200mph 240Z. I don't know if they ever hit it (took it to salt flats), but it sure looked impressive.

Thanks for the pictures hblair. Now... how's the father's roadster going?
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Lizking on July 05, 2005, 09:05:28 PM
You may be right, I could well be thinking of a 240z I remember as a kid.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: RightF00T on July 05, 2005, 09:33:32 PM
Wow, what an old punt.  Was wondering where the pictures guys were talking about were.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: hblair on July 05, 2005, 10:43:40 PM
Deja, dad had a mini-stroke about three months back. Real scary episode. There was no damage from it though thankfully. Shortly afterwards he traded his old RV, his roadster, and maybe a few other things in on a new RV. Really cool rig. Him and mom headed out west for about 5 weeks and just got back recently. They drove it 7500 miles. Were evn in Oregon and Washington state. Long way from Alabama.

So the roadster is gone but dads enjoying himself more with lless stress,which is a good thing.
Title: I took an unusual ride today
Post by: Mini D on July 06, 2005, 12:29:26 AM
Aw... bummer. Glad he's OK though... but bummer.