Michigan Rotary Club

Generation Specific => 2nd Generation Specific => 2nd Generation Build Thread => : ITSWILL November 30, 2012, 10:07:51 PM

: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL November 30, 2012, 10:07:51 PM
I rolled the car into the garage and snapped some pics of the car and body damage on Tuesday

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0600.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0606.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0610.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0613.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0611.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0614.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0598.jpg)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL November 30, 2012, 10:23:21 PM
Thursday's progress

Removed everything that was left in the engine bay and pulled the front subframe.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0006.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0008.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0009.jpg)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL November 30, 2012, 10:33:19 PM
Tonight's progress.

I cleaned the crap out of it, removed the fuel lines and rear subframe.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0011.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0012.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0013.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0014.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0016.jpg)

This is the stuff I used to clean everything up and remove the grease.  I never used it before this but it worked great doesn't have a caustic smell.  I was very happy with it and would highly recommend it.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0017.jpg)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL December 01, 2012, 08:28:18 PM
For today's progress, I sanded the front fenders and put some body filler on.

Then my new radiator showed up and I spent the rest of the day mounting it.  I am super happy with the way it turned out.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0019.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0020.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0021-1.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0022-1.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0025-1.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0024-1.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0023-1.jpg)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: fidelity101 December 04, 2012, 10:27:46 AM
I like the progress so far! I want your 15" 5 spoke wheels also.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ December 04, 2012, 12:16:53 PM
Looking Good so far.  I will have to see about getting up there and helping you out when i can break away from my current project.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL December 04, 2012, 07:39:42 PM
Got a little more work done today.
I did a little sanding  and welded the radiator support back together where I had to cut it to make room for the radiator.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0035.jpg)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/IMAG0033.jpg)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL December 24, 2012, 07:58:05 PM
Well its been a little while now but I needed to kill every spec of rust I could find on the front of the car.

Here is a picture from Saturday after I sprayed the etch primer.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/IMAG0047.jpg)

And here is one from earlier today with the filler primer.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/IMAG0054.jpg)

I am on vacation until after the new year, so hopefully I will get the body in primer and maybe the engine bay painted.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ December 24, 2012, 10:35:02 PM
dam looking good.  i need to check it out in person
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL December 29, 2012, 07:46:38 AM
No pictures worth posting yet, but I have been sanding my ass off the past few days. I took the sun roof out it appears one of the cables are likely broken and the gear on the motor may be stripped! I removed the rear hatch as well, I found a little surface rust in the sealing area there that I killed.

This thing is turning into a full on restoration rather than just a paint job.

Anyway, it's coming along and I hope to have some pictures tonight or tomorrow some progress.

On a side note I picked up a Warwick 904H paint gun that should work pretty well for the base and clear, I cant wait to try it out.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ January 07, 2013, 10:49:58 AM
Your doing a great job with it.  I would love to get this involved on my red car but first priority is to get it running and body kit installed.  then probaly come back to do a full restoration on it.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: Chad D. January 20, 2013, 01:45:26 PM
WoW Will! That looks like it is coming along well.  I'm sure it'll be even better than the last one.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ January 21, 2013, 05:32:03 PM
Its looking real nice.  I was pointing out a few spots he hadnt touched up yet the other night.  Otherwise super super sharp.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL July 13, 2014, 08:03:55 PM
Well it has been a while since I have posted anything on this project,  mostly because I haven't done anything...  I was ready to have someone come do the body work for me when I found the small rust holes in the floor were actually big rust holes in the floor.  They were just hidden by under coat.

So I decided to fix the rust holes...
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL July 13, 2014, 08:06:03 PM
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140705_065952_zpsqq5fo36x.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140705_065952_zpsqq5fo36x.jpg.html)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL July 14, 2014, 05:26:30 AM
I guess I'll explain.  I added up the cost of fixing the 91 I have been working on and found that to do it right was going to cost me nearly $2000 to get the body fixed and repainted.  With that in mind I started looking for a new roller and I found the 89 GTU pictured above in Golden City, Missouri.  I bought it off Craigslist from a guy named Carl who absolutely loved the car but could not afford to fix it since it had a blown front rotor (I confirmed this, ZERO compression on any face of the front rotor). It took 26 hours of driving and and over night in Springfield, MO but it was worth it, this was one of the most stock untampered with FCs that I have ever seen.  I almost felt bad doing what I am doing to her. Rich even tried to convince me to just fix it and leave it stock.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL July 14, 2014, 05:37:50 AM
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140706_154220_zpsugqhvc7c.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140706_154220_zpsugqhvc7c.jpg.html)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140706_190247_zpsm2oq9ucs.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140706_190247_zpsm2oq9ucs.jpg.html)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140707_212814_zpsoyrnlwmw.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140707_212814_zpsoyrnlwmw.jpg.html)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140707_213542_zpsbulox4aq.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140707_213542_zpsbulox4aq.jpg.html)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140707_214207_zpsinfad5c4.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140707_214207_zpsinfad5c4.jpg.html)

I found the frame rails to be nearly unpainted as I have seen on every FC and even missing paint from brake fluid.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140709_205833_zpsnsiwhzg7.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140709_205833_zpsnsiwhzg7.jpg.html)

removed stock radiator mounting and welded/ smoothed it all out.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140709_222310_zpsmack0fgm.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140709_222310_zpsmack0fgm.jpg.html)
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140710_214345_zpsrexjfrns.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140710_214345_zpsrexjfrns.jpg.html)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140710_214336_zpsvzrn9o7a.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20140710_214336_zpsvzrn9o7a.jpg.html)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz July 14, 2014, 08:05:50 AM
Awesome build, what are the plans with the original motor?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL July 14, 2014, 03:27:28 PM
Thanks,

I am still trying to come up with a plan as to what to do with the 91 and that engine.  Clearly I could repair the engine and put it in the white car.  The problem with that is I don't really have any vision for that car and without any purpose, time would be better spent on something else.  Maybe once my pole barn is done I will just stash it away until I can come up with a plan for it.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL July 31, 2014, 07:06:44 PM
UPDATE:

The swap is done! I drove it to work today. Runs great, and super fast.  I'll get some more pictures once I have it all cleaned up.

Next projects involve grafting in an integra speedometer so that it will be electronically driven.

A permanent exhaust system rather than the ghetto setup I currently have... Anyone want to do some TIG welding? I have all the tubing just need someone with a TIG and some skill.

Cobbling together the AC.

replacing some cracked interior parts

getting cruise control working

And hunting down squeeks and rattles

Power window conversion

Cobra 8.8 IRS

Damn, projects never end...
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz August 01, 2014, 06:51:50 PM
Very nice! Can't wait to see her! I've been thinking of a V8 swap, sometime, somewhere, somehow. haha! Keeping it NA, or supercharging it?

On a difficulty level of 1-10, how difficult was the install to firing her up.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL August 02, 2014, 05:03:52 AM
I'll be running nitrous.  Maybe a 200 shot.

As far as difficulty level is concerned.  I would say it is somewhere between a TII swap and a 20b swap. I have done it 3 times now so it has gotten easier as I have done it.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz August 02, 2014, 09:59:12 AM
Awesome, a lot of fabrication involved then? Something to start saving up for then.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL April 26, 2015, 07:21:31 PM
I thought I would post some overdue updates.

I haven't done much to my car as I have been helping build another LS1 RX7 for a buddy.  But I have done a few notable things.

1st I converted the front brakes to 4 pistons.  I rebuilt an old set I had laying around.  I think it cost me like $12 or something plus some caliper paint I had laying around. I still need to get new brake pads.  I put some used Redstuff pads in the front and left the rears stock.  This causes a scary situation when panic breaking where the rears dont need any time to heat up but the fronts do causing the rear to lock and try to come around.  I'm thinking I will put a new set of green stuffs in all the way around.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20141231_210425_zpsb0lc2vr1.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20141231_210425_zpsb0lc2vr1.jpg.html)

Another project I completed was converting my speedometer over to an electric unit.  I used an integra DC2 speedo out of a cluster I bought off ebay for $30.  After some massaging of the face plate and cutting and rewiring of the cluster I have  a speedometer that can read the electronic signal from my LS1 PCM.  A little caliibration and it is working and  looking like it is OEM.  (although one of the bulbs might be too big)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20150322_221452_zpsb1vucwrt.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20150322_221452_zpsb1vucwrt.jpg.html)

Almost forgot, I relpaced the relay in my wiper swith using some info online and got my intermittent and high speeds working like new.

And the latest thing I have done is bought some new tires.  After almost killing myself everytime it rained last year and only making things worse from Dream Cruise burnouts I figured this was a must.  So I got 4 of these in 225/45ZR17, they were on sale and still are.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/tires_zpsdpi5vnjr.png) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/tires_zpsdpi5vnjr.png.html)


Next project is getting rid of the ghetto exhaust system,  I just need to buy a TIG welder or find someone to help me that has a TIG welder...
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 06, 2015, 06:20:34 PM
I ordered up a set of EBC yellow stuff brake pads last night. This should rectify the odd braking dynamics I have at the moment.  I picked the yellow stuff pads because they are supposed to have very good initial bite and still work when they are warm. I have had green stuffs which were great but created a lot of dust. I had red stuffs which I could never seem to keep enough heat in them to be effective on the street. Hopefully the yellows will be a good balance. I will update after I get back from my road trip to NY.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 30, 2015, 09:41:47 PM
I drove to New York and back last weekend. With all the driving I probably put about 1500 miles on the car without incident until when coming back from New York my taurus fan quit on 75 just on the detroit city line. The car hilly heated up and blow a radiator hose off dumping the entirety of my coolant on the road in about a half second. Long story short I wired up the low speed searched the ghetto for 2 gallons of coolant and limped it back home.

This is the second Taurus fan failure I have had. The first fan was a junkyard job and this one was new aftermarket one from rock auto. Has anyone had issues with a Taurus fan?  Normally I just wire up high speed but I think I will wire up both high and low when I replace it again. Maybe a new oem fan is in order.

Other than that it was a good ride. Could have used cruise control and AC but it was fine without it.

The new tires are phenomenal in about every way. Great acceleration, cornering and braking performance wet or dry. I would highly recommend them.

Also would highly recommend the EBC yellow stuff pads for street or racing. They have great cold bite and keep working when hot. Also they are very low dust.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ June 01, 2015, 05:58:59 AM
To bad on the fan failure.  I am glad you got to put some mile on your motor though.  Maybe there is another fan that will work as well and not draw as much power, or set it up to properly use both low and high speed operation.  I think it is designed to constantly run low speed and only turn on high speed intermittently.  Just a thought.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL June 02, 2015, 09:20:01 PM
The current draw really shouldn't be an issue, I have great wiring, a 70A relay and a good alternator.  And really it doesn't run all that often.  Some people have theirs on constantly with out issue.  I think i just need to get a good oem unit.

Next project is the exhaust, I think I found a guy that will do a good job for like $200-$300 since I have 99% of the materials.  I should be able to get that done and ready for the dream cruise.  We'll see how an LS1 sounds through racing beat mufflers.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz June 03, 2015, 05:58:21 AM
Should be interesting, Turbo or na mufflers? I think the turbo mufflers are open a bit more, not sure how it would affect  performance wise, but it will be interesting.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ June 03, 2015, 07:27:28 AM
I look forward to seeing and hearing your exhuast when you complete it.  Is there any other fans to try that would work other then the tuarus fan?  did the sensor for the fan itself fail?  Like maybe pulling to much current through the sensor to activate the relay.  Just a couple of things to maybe think about with your setup.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL June 03, 2015, 05:40:30 PM
The mufflers are the 2.5 inch inlet which I believe are the NA version.  I think they will be perfect for my application. 

As far at the fan system goes the coolamt temp sensor is a gm part so I am confident there is no problem with that. And I have already checked too!  It is definitely the fan. With that said I think I have suffered from coincidental bad luck with these 2 fans. I have faith that a new oem fan is a quality unit with superior performance to aftermarket BS.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL July 16, 2015, 05:34:05 AM
I called Racing Beat and they found the flanges I need which still apparently aren't generally sold.  $22 a piece, Ouch! oh well, they should be very nice SS flanges.

I also solved the problem with my radiator fan motor (kinda), autozone lifetime warranty, BADUNAH!

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/fan%20motor_zpsupejwzjs.png) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/fan%20motor_zpsupejwzjs.png.html)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ July 16, 2015, 05:59:46 AM
there yea go.  that will be a nice thing to hopefully not have to worry about.  if it fails, just get another one.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL August 01, 2015, 06:15:27 AM
So after digging into a concern of mine regarding my coolant system due to noticing some gunk in the coolant when the line popped off a month ago, I have realized my coolant system needs complete rerouting of the hoses.  I was under the impression that the LS1 was like every other car I worked on before and that water exited the engine at the thermostat.  This apparently it not true, so I currently have my coolant exiting the engine and pumping into the bottom of the radiator an leaving the top of the radiator to back into the engine.  After talking with some cooling system engineers it is clear that the gunk I saw was corrosion from air entrapment in the engine block. Yet another thing to get fix before the dreamcruise. I am also likely going to add a surge tank and emulate the corvette C6 cooling system, this will help to fill it too.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/c6%20cooling_zpsqqrfqq0f.png) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/c6%20cooling_zpsqqrfqq0f.png.html)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ August 03, 2015, 08:46:35 AM
let me know if you need a hand, happy to swing by and see you too when you get in.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL August 21, 2015, 08:56:05 PM
So I just got in tonight after 20 hours of total travel.  So I went straight to the garage.  I took my failed cooling fan apart and this is what I found. 

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20150821_223200_zps9rqeg93c.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20150821_223200_zps9rqeg93c.jpg.html)

Soldered it back together and all is well.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: dandoe August 22, 2015, 08:34:07 AM
Nice build!! And i know the feeling of being hesitant  to molest such a clean chassis, you get over it quickly  :)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL September 02, 2015, 05:22:00 AM
I completed the cross member and installed it yesterday.  Now there is tons of room and a straight shot for the exhaust.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20150901_212345_zps7qodhqod.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20150901_212345_zps7qodhqod.jpg.html)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL September 02, 2015, 05:28:38 AM
Also I talked with a couple exhaust shops that claimed to do custom stainless exhaust.  Unfortunately no one was willing to use stainless wire and could not mandrel bend, so I have decided to buy the bends and do it myself.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ September 02, 2015, 06:59:46 AM
The cross memember turned out well.  I can help you again with the exhuast.  just tell me when you need my hands.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 02, 2016, 07:08:00 PM
I got some goodies for my car this Christmas, so I thought I would update the progress I have made in the past couple days.

Driving the the car from the pole barn to the garage was an adventure on its own.

(http://http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160101_112758_zpso29ztjxk.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160101_112758_zpso29ztjxk.jpg.html)

I started by installing my new stereo. This thing is freaking awesome.  It really brings the feel of the car into this century, with hands free calling, GPS, Pandora, etc.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160101_113103_zps4oxoxgou.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160101_113103_zps4oxoxgou.jpg.html)

Sorry this picture is so shitty.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160102_142403_zps9n79fzk9.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160102_142403_zps9n79fzk9.jpg.html)

Once I was done I moved on to the next Christmas present.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160102_142423_zpsyhu59lww.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160102_142423_zpsyhu59lww.jpg.html)

I adjusted the shifter and now it is perfectly centered, no more banging my hand on the park brake.  I also added a B&M leather shift knob to get rid of the 5 speed pattern. I think it turned out pretty nice and stealthy too.
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160102_201740_zpshcpritkp.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160102_201740_zpshcpritkp.jpg.html)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: dandoe January 03, 2016, 06:03:02 PM
trans mount came out good! might need your help making mine, going to need a similar design as yours to mount to the chassis 
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 03, 2016, 07:46:55 PM
Just let me know when you want to build it. Should be easier with single exhaust.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: fidelity101 January 04, 2016, 09:16:57 AM
How many mis matched LS engines you got laying around now? Enough to franken 1 together? I'm really tempted to LS the truck and possibly then add a turbo.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 04, 2016, 12:13:01 PM
I've got nothing extra laying around. Nothing that's mine at least. 5.3L engines, code LM7 are pretty cheap though.  I'm planning to do a 5.3L and a turbo in my old C10 too.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL March 17, 2016, 05:41:44 AM
A lot has happened on this car in the past few days.  First if all I finished up the wiring for the 2 speed fan and adding the pressurized coolant reservoir.  Both of these things worked out great, the engine coolant filled like a dream and it ran perfectly cool, I don't think the high speed on the fan has even needed to come on.  I put a couple hundred miles on the car between Sunday night and Tuesday night and everything was great until Tuesday night when I got on it pretty good and I saw a huge plume of smoke behind the car at around 6K rpm, I have seen smoke before when I got on it hard and figured it was my incomplete PCV system pushing oil out and burning off the exhaust.  The PCV system is setup like stock now so this had me a bit worried.  When I got home I looked under the car and there was oil dripping out from between the engine and transmission, not good...

At this point, it looks like the engine is going to have to come out so I can get a look at the rear main seal and Cam shaft position sensor seal.  If the seals are bad that's really not a big deal but my concern is what made them go bad or caused oil to blow past them.  Right now the only things I can think of are excessive crank case pressures or excessive oil pressure.  Both oil pressure and crank case pressure are surely higher than stock since my ring gap is larger than stock for nitrous so there is more blow by to pressurize the crank case and my oil pump is a high volume high pressure aftermarket unit.

Plans for today are to idle the car and make sure its not just pouring oil at idle.  If that's good I'm going to take the oil filler cap off and cover it with a rag to allow for a lot of crank case ventilation and take it for a run and see if there is any more smoke when I get on it, also I will monitor oil pressure at high RPMs.  If there is no smoke then I know I need better crank case ventilation.

On a positive note I was planning on pulling the engine in a month anyway for upgrades.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz March 17, 2016, 08:58:48 AM
For a second there I was a bit worried reading this, but what you wrote out makes perfect sense. The rag is a good idea to test it too, hopefully that's what it is, just excessive crank case pressure.

Glad the new cooling system is working well!

Always good to look on the bright side of things.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL April 04, 2016, 12:23:18 PM
This happened last night  (just to be clear it's coming out)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160403_203848_zpsq6nfp8my.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160403_203848_zpsq6nfp8my.jpg.html)

I found my bad bearing noise (or what was left of my pilot bearing). And it looks like it was probably leaking from the oil pan gasket.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160403_211615_zpsesmr51kz.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160403_211615_zpsesmr51kz.jpg.html)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160403_211650_zps9y3squm2.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160403_211650_zps9y3squm2.jpg.html)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ April 04, 2016, 12:34:48 PM
that looks nasty.  glad you found it.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL April 14, 2016, 09:23:36 AM
I got a bit done in the past couple days.  I converted my engine to the Z06 style pcv system for improved crankcase ventilation and lower oil consumption.

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160412_185716_zpskj7bdnf3.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160412_185716_zpskj7bdnf3.jpg.html)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160412_191818_zpsmbtft77r.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160412_191818_zpsmbtft77r.jpg.html)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160412_193549_zpsiltlet68.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20160412_193549_zpsiltlet68.jpg.html)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL June 24, 2016, 08:08:41 PM
Looks like its been a while since I updated this.  The car has been on the road a couple months now.  It is running strong but needs some bugs worked out.

I determined that the driveshaft is vibrating through measuring the frequency, also I swapped it with Kevin's car and I didn't notice any vibration.  I also noticed it has no balance weight, can't seem to remember if it did, maybe it came of somehow at some point?  Either way, I dropped it off at a driveshaft shop to be balanced this afternoon.  It should be ready early next week. 

Recently I also installed a wideband where the original clock was.  Looks like my clock is going crazy.  I'll get a picture, it came out pretty good.

I also installed rear steer eliminators this afternoon.  This was a lot easier than I have read, I just pushed the bushings out and in with my vice. My stock DTSS bushings looked to be in good shape but they were causing some bad reactions when the wheels come loose and then hook back up.  I'll comment more on these once I get the driveshaft back in.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL June 08, 2017, 05:57:53 AM
Got some sticky Mickeys. Time to go to hook town!

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20170607_190655_zpsfnmnhx9f.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20170607_190655_zpsfnmnhx9f.jpg.html)

(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/WPhilippin/LS1%20RX7%20two/20170607_190739_zps8qtyqou8.jpg) (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/WPhilippin/media/LS1%20RX7%20two/20170607_190739_zps8qtyqou8.jpg.html)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz June 08, 2017, 08:06:19 AM
I want to go to hook town!

Going to the drag strip soon??
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL June 08, 2017, 08:38:21 AM
Hopefully I can get everything back together in a month or so. I can't wait to see what she will do.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz June 08, 2017, 08:48:27 AM
Same here, I'd love to go with you when you go too. Doubt my 7 will be drag race ready, but regardless it would be a good time.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ June 08, 2017, 08:57:29 AM
The new shoes look great.  Hopefully they let you put all the power down which would be awesome.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz June 08, 2017, 09:54:23 AM
How will the invisible wheels do though?

But seriously, will you be using the same wheels?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL June 09, 2017, 04:26:17 AM
Those are just ultra lightweight wheels. Really the tires were mounted to new wheels yesterday. I'll get pics when I put them on tonight.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL August 11, 2017, 08:52:28 PM
So after going to the dragstrip last week I ran a best of 11.005 in the 1/4 mile.  I was really hoping for 10.5 seconds.  After a bunch of research I have figured that I need somewhere between 80 and 100 more hp to get to 10.5s. 

I could get there on chassis work alone but my car is a daily driver,not a drag car and I'm not willing to make that sacrifice.

Right now I figure I'm at about 400 crank HP plus another 200 at the crank from nitrous (175 shot). Bottom line is that I'm at 600hp and I need to get to 700 or more...

So I started figuring I could get another cam and a FAST intake and that would get be 60 to 80 hp plus give it a full 200 shot for another 30 crank HP or so and get my extra 100 hp. The cost for this would be about  $1,300.

But then today at a company car show, I saw a fox body Mustang with a twin turbo LS engine and it got me thinking.  I have a lot of good turbo parts kicking around, FMIC, wastegate, BOV, a bunch of aluminum and stainless tubing, AN fittings, hose and fuel pumps.  I also already have a built bottom end that should be able to take about 1000 hp.  All I would really need is a big single turbo, some 6.0L truck heads to lower the compression ratio, 70 pound injectors and a few odds and ends and I could make as much as 800 HP on turbo plus still be able to throw the 200 shot at it for an even 1000 HP. The best part is if I can sell my current LS6 heads I could get it done for about $1,000 (until I blow up the rear end, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there).

Looks like I have my winter project picked out.

: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz August 12, 2017, 05:31:04 AM
No way, this is awesome hahaha. This is one way to do it.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: toplessFC3Sman August 15, 2017, 06:35:26 AM
Ha, that sounds like a fun winter project! For a V8 in an FC, where do you think you'll have room to mount the turbo so that it can be fed by both banks? Will it fit between the radiator and the accessory drive? Are equal-length headers a possibility to package?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL August 23, 2017, 03:40:46 PM
One bank will just have a longer run to the turbo, since the turbo will likely go behind the passenger headlight.  I'm not really all that concerned about it with the number of exhaust pulses from a V8. Should I be?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: toplessFC3Sman August 24, 2017, 08:54:13 AM
The turbo should be fine, it'll just create a little bit different exhaust residual tuning for one bank vs the other, so at some engine speeds the left bank (or the hottest cyl in that bank) will be richer with hotter exhaust & more prone to knock, and that will shift to the other bank at some speeds. If you're not tuning it to the ragged edge, overall it shouldn't matter much - you'll just notice different cyls getting hot at different speeds.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL August 24, 2017, 05:41:46 PM
I wish I could have 10 egts and 10 lambdas like at work.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: toplessFC3Sman August 25, 2017, 09:26:38 AM
Yea, me too! it would make things a lot easier, although trying to implement an in-cyl pressure transducer on a rotary would be tough. You'd need 3 per rotor, and would have to stitch together the traces from each based on rotor position. I've thought about it a few times, but I'm not sure I want to turn a fun hobby into a serious experiment
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL August 27, 2017, 06:59:22 PM
Oops...

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/923/Or7hNC.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnOr7hNCj)

On the left is the replacement, center is the good one from my diff, right is busted (notice the replacement has a different spline root without a filet)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/922/e5NPRk.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pme5NPRkj)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz August 27, 2017, 08:48:34 PM
That's crazy, you know i wonder if that replacement is stronger like that?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: toplessFC3Sman August 28, 2017, 06:49:06 AM
Ouch!  I know that the S5 turbo diffs had different lengths than the S4 (and a difference left vs right), but wasn't aware that there were differences with the S4 shafts
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL November 26, 2017, 03:48:16 PM
I think some of you know that I have a wide band AFR display integrated into my idiot cluster where the clock used to be.  Now that I'm preparing to do a turbo I started looking for a similar gauge for boost/vacuum that could be integrated like stock. Unfortunately the company I bought the AFR gauge from does not make a similar gauge for boost and had no interest when I asked them about it.

So I decided to just make my own.  At the moment I have it all working on a proto board.  The heart of the gauge is an Arduino UNO.  I have the Arduino programmed to take in a 0 to 5 V signal like a boost pressure sensor creates and output a -10.0 to 30.0 reading on a 4 digit 7 segment display.

The plan will be to locate it in the lower portion of the Tach so it is front and center

I ordered a more compact Arduino with the same processing capability that I will ultimately be using but I am wondering what you guys thing of the 7 segment display.

Do you think having 1 decimal point is good or not needed?  Do you think vacuum should be shown in inches of mercury or just - PSI?  These items would determine the number of segments I need for the display, could be as little as 2 or as many as 4.

In the future the Arduino would be able to use a PWM output to control a boost solenoid with boost pressure based closed loop control.

(https://preview.ibb.co/iPcpXm/20171126_181822.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bw5yQ6)
(https://preview.ibb.co/i1EEyR/20171126_181843.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dcAnJR)
<a target='_blank' href='https://imgbb.com/'>upload image by url[/url]
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: toplessFC3Sman November 27, 2017, 07:48:39 AM
Thats really neat! But PSI or in-Hg? Really? I thought you were an engineer! kPa or bar all the way!
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL November 27, 2017, 09:21:57 AM
I thought about KPA.  I may still go that way.  That would only need a 3 digit display.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: toplessFC3Sman November 27, 2017, 10:41:26 AM
If you went with bar, you'd be OK with 2 digits (and one decimal point) if you really want to minimize it, although you'd lose some precision when throttled (which could be useful if you're tuning it)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: fidelity101 December 01, 2017, 12:05:09 PM
that is really clever! should be fine with 1 decimal point IMHO
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: toplessFC3Sman December 20, 2017, 07:25:56 PM
I may be coming to you with some questions on the arduino and using the 7-segment display; I just got a starter kit and hope to do something similar for sensing additional temperatures and switching the e-fan and water-to-air IC system... free up some IO on the megasquirt for getting individual exh T measurements. Speaking of that, I need to start writing up some of these cooling changes. Maybe over Christmas break, I hope to get a day or two of wrenching in.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL December 21, 2017, 08:06:26 PM
Just let me know, I'm on to rev 2 of the boost gauge. I have the whole assembly down to about 1.25" x .75".
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 12, 2018, 09:10:49 AM
Turbo 1 of 2 came in yesterday.  I just bought one for now for mock up and because it wasn't cheap!

The turbo is a Borg Warner S200SX-E with a 57mm compressor inducer.  Each turbo should be good for about 650 HP if needed.

Seems to fit nicely in front of the front wheel wells on both sides.

(https://preview.ibb.co/h4Rz96/20180112_120444.jpg) (https://ibb.co/n5MXU6)
<a target='_blank' href='https://imgbb.com/'>best image hosting service[/url]
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: toplessFC3Sman January 12, 2018, 09:45:45 AM
Ooh, good choice (Turbo & Beer). How hard do you plan to push them?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: awfc3s January 12, 2018, 09:57:16 AM
Alcohol injection lol
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz January 12, 2018, 10:11:01 AM
That's a good sized turbo! I've read a bit about these , seem to go well with 13B's also. Anything have to be moved, that's not already relocated?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 12, 2018, 10:44:02 AM
  
Ooh, good choice (Turbo & Beer). How hard do you plan to push them?

Until the car scares me, then I'll probably come back for more boost.

I'm planning to start out at 7 pounds of boost, should do about 600 to 700hp there.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 12, 2018, 10:45:38 AM
  
That's a good sized turbo! I've read a bit about these , seem to go well with 13B's also. Anything have to be moved, that's not already relocated?

I may move the fuse box just to keep heat off of it, but I may just make a heat shield instead.  So far looks pretty straight forward though.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 12, 2018, 02:12:09 PM
Here is the latest version of the boost gauge.  I think there are some more improvements I can make but this should fit nicely anywhere I want to put it.

(https://preview.ibb.co/cj2FhR/20180112_170804.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mVSRp6)
<a target='_blank' href='https://imgbb.com/'>cheap image hosting[/url]
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: fidelity101 January 12, 2018, 02:22:30 PM
I dont think that boost gauge will fit in that car though :)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 12, 2018, 02:24:38 PM
  
I dont think that boost gauge will fit in that car though :)

Back to the drawing board I guess!!!
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 10, 2018, 04:02:04 PM
Only an FC guy would be so excited to get this in the mail. I got tired of my old surround which was comprised of 50 percent epoxy.

(https://preview.ibb.co/naqjLd/20180510_183914.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kuWDDy)

(https://preview.ibb.co/idMr0d/20180510_185451.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cbhaRJ)


: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 10, 2018, 07:31:13 PM
I have some other annoying broken parts on their way from Japan. I'll post them up when they come in.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 22, 2018, 07:06:20 AM
More parts, FC guys would get excited about, straight from Japan!

(https://preview.ibb.co/ck9fgT/20180522_100318.jpg) (https://ibb.co/iZ6hvo)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz May 22, 2018, 08:32:09 AM
Nice! How much were they?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 22, 2018, 08:36:35 AM
$20 shipped for the 3.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: fidelity101 May 22, 2018, 12:01:11 PM
I think you can still get the idiot light cluster from mazda parts depot in Ontario California but I doubt any dealer has one in stock. I was about to order it last mazda motorsports purchase I made but I took it off and forgot... lol
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 23, 2018, 10:40:39 AM
I found a few people selling them and ultimately bought the surround from Priority Mazda in Virginia since they had the lowest price.

A lot of these parts are still available amazingly enough.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 02, 2019, 09:13:26 AM
Some of you may already know this but I. planning to sell my FC in the spring/ early summer.  This leaves me with a few changes and things to finish up.  The first thing I am doing is swapping in the engine from the corvette I just bought after cam swapping it for something more reliable that should make as much or more power.

The plan will be to sell the car with a 400whp engine with a 100 shot of nitrous.

I got a lot of work done over the break and removed both engines and have the Corvette engine ready to install in the FC.

Another item I need to tackle before putting the engine in is figuring out the AC setup.  I believe I cut the condenser mounts off when I did the swap. I will need to come up with a new mounting strategy.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz January 03, 2019, 08:12:45 AM
Are you planning on having AC in the FC when you sell it? Someone is going to get a pretty sweet, well built car!
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 05, 2019, 07:53:13 AM
yeah, I got the AC condenser mounted yesterday.

This is going to be a really nice car for someone. I may have to enjoy it a bit more than I planned before getting rid of it!
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 07, 2019, 05:17:56 AM
Thanks to Murz coming and lending a hand the engine went in on Saturday and is up and running again.

https://youtu.be/fFW1Ii0_U5g

: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 07, 2019, 05:27:22 PM
sounds just like a Bridgeport right???...
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz January 11, 2019, 06:20:43 AM
Was fun helping you get the engine back in there. Wish I had time to hear it fire up before I had to leave though.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 12, 2019, 06:07:01 PM
I got the AC lines completed today. I kept the OE Connections and TIG welded the Mazda stuff to the LS stuff.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz January 14, 2019, 12:27:07 PM
Nicely done, you sure you're going to have it in you to sell this? haha.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ January 15, 2019, 12:48:02 PM
that is great.  Wish i was feeling better to have helped you with some of it.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 26, 2019, 06:17:49 PM
On Monday Rich came over and we sorted out getting the logicon to turn the ac on which was much more complicated than we anticipated.  We wound up having to modify some of the internal circuitry of the logicon.  You can kinda see where I removed diode 4 and jumped it.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 26, 2019, 06:34:41 PM
Today I managed to take all day putting the interior all back together but it's done.

Nothing left to do at this point until it warms up and I can finish calibrating the engine and get the AC charged.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ January 28, 2019, 11:37:33 AM
did you get the WOT safety wired in for the AC?  I know we discussed it but we didn't get it done on that monday.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL January 29, 2019, 04:12:31 PM
no, I may still.
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 05, 2019, 07:44:42 PM
dynotuned the car myself today
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz May 06, 2019, 06:18:30 PM
That's a lot of power in that light car, then add nitrous. This is the vette engine right, with the new cam?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: murz May 07, 2019, 06:39:02 AM
Ah, keep forgetting, this isn't retaining the 150 shot is it?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 07, 2019, 10:27:37 AM
Yeah, this is the Vette engine with an ls1 intake manifold rather than the LS6 the Vette had, exhaust manifolds rather than headers and just the different cam.  My feeling is that this cam would have made more power in the Vette setup.

Plan is to run a 100 shot of nitrous.  I'm heading to the drag strip on Saturday to see what it will do. I should probably bring a spare stub shaft with me...
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL May 27, 2019, 07:48:08 PM
for sale  :(

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2098438476921801/ (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2098438476921801/)
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ITSWILL June 15, 2019, 01:15:38 PM
Took a deposit on the FC today. He is coming to pick up the car on Wednesday. Seems like she will be going to a good home! Maybe the new owner will even join this club!?
: Re: LS1 RX7 build
: ~Groll69~ June 18, 2019, 06:56:32 AM
That is great.  Hopefully they join.