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The guys over at MotoIQ seem to have discovered what we feel is the very best way to nearly double the 3rd Gen RX-7’s output – swap in a GM Performance Parts E-Rod LS3 crate engine! After the coolant seals in the Rx7’s rotary went kaput, the guys at MotoIQ decided it made way more sense to step up to something… how should we put this? Ah, yes… better.
In the previous installment of the V8 RX-7 build the MotoIQ team showed off their shiny new LS3 E-Rod package from GMPP, complete with wiring harness and ECU, as well as how they would solve their accessory drive issues with a C5 drive set, also from GMPP. In this episode, the action really starts to pick up, as they finally start the install. The guys at MotoIQ picked the ultra-tough T-56 Magnum transmission for the build, and to make the installation super easy they picked an adjustable McLeod 1300 series hydraulic throw out bearing. (Check out their story for a full outline of how they installed the McLeod TOB.)
To mount the engine and transmission in the car, MotoIQ went with one of Samberg Rod and Custom’s subframe kits, which uses stock Corvette engine pedestals and rubber biscuits. Other than a little grinding and cutting here and there, which is to be expected in this kind of job, the swap actually seems to be pretty straight forward, and the LS3 looks right at home in the RX-7’s engine bay. This project looks like so much fun, we’re starting to get all kinds of bad ideas about picking up our own RX-7 with a blown out Wankel.
Check out MotoIQ’s website for more details on their V8 RX-7 build.
