datsun78
datsun78
1/5/16 2:16 p.m.

I inherited my father's '89 Maxda RX7 convertible that he bought new. It's got 160,000+ miles on it, on it's 2nd 13B NA that will not pass emissions due to worn oil seals. With the sentimental attachment I have to it, I want to have an LS swap (from donor car yet to be located) done on the car, but at my age, this is too big a project for me. (New name: Chezoom?)

Does anyone know of any shops or individuals in or near Colorado that have done any of these conversions? Thanks for any leads!

Mark

xflowgolf
xflowgolf Dork
1/6/16 8:04 a.m.

good luck!

NOHOME
NOHOME PowerDork
1/6/16 11:45 a.m.

Curious how your age factors in to the ability to do a swap? If you have the coin to pay someone, I am assuming you are "old enough" and capable enough to do the swap? Or is it a case of being too old?

To address the question asked:

Quick search on the LSx forum:

http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids-28/

"Colorado Performance Unlimited Or Colorado Speed and Performance"

dyintorace
dyintorace GRM+ Memberand UberDork
1/6/16 4:12 p.m.

I've owned two FC RX-7s with V8s. One had a built LS1, the other had a stock Chevy 5.3L. The latter was a 'vert. Both were a LOT of fun! On neither car did I actually do the swap, so I can't speak to the difficulty of doing so.

That said, there are a lot of vendors out there like Ronin and Grannys that can sell you everything you need.

JtspellS
JtspellS SuperDork
1/6/16 5:05 p.m.

Personally, don't.

Aside from that you have to think about subframe replacements, steering shaft angles, header fitments, what trans are you going to use, are you going to keep the stock rear end or swap it out with something stronger, are you getting a crate motor or a junkyard LS/LT and rebuild on the cheap, carb or FI, along with much more.

What and how willing are you to go out and get cheaper parts, it can mean the difference between a $3-5k swap and a holy E36 M3 I'm now in $15-30k and it still does not run.

wheelsmithy
wheelsmithy GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
1/6/16 5:09 p.m.

Will Flying Miata in Grand Junction touch an RX-7?

YoloRX7
YoloRX7 New Reader
1/6/16 10:17 p.m.

Good luck with the build. Let us know how it works out for you. Any pictures of the car?

datsun78
datsun78 New Reader
1/7/16 9:29 a.m.

In reply to YoloRX7:

Thanks for the wishes. No pix, it's just a stock convertible, with a few dents & worn interior, but solid for 160,000 mi. Always garaged. It's that it was my dad's that is keeping me from letting it go.

As to NOHOME, (age), I'm at a point that I'd rather pay someone, than prefer to take this on.

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