83 242 V8 LQ4 swap

[55superbeetle]

Yeah most likely mustang struts and a manual steering rack of some sort. I plan on keeping some resemblance of the factory front frame rails so it doesn't get called a racecar. Hoping to just tie in some good subframe connectors and a chromoly 8.50 cage. My biggest motivation on the mazda now is getting it done so I can start on my car.

Got the floor filled back in with room for the diff and driveshaft tunnel raised up, going to knock out the cage this weekend.

[SquareD]

Killer stuff.

Originally Posted by 55superbeetle

6.0 with twin s366's. Reaaaaalllllly want to have AC in the car too, planning on rear mount radiator, but that could all be a pipe dream once I start mocking everything up. Probably going to move the firewall back some to make room. Lot's of dreaming that might not become reality.....but number one goal is to be able to drive it anywhere i want and run 8.50's, we'll see.....

Sheeeesh. Would you start it already.

[55superbeetle]

I bent up half of an 8.50 cage to tie the back of the car back together, tied in the 4 link mounts too. Went back and forth on doing the full cage but decided I can add it in the future if he decides too. Found a perfect 14 gallon steel tank to go back in the stock spot and stay under the floor, even get to plumb the stock filler neck back it for super street car status. Added a small sump for the 044's.

[DNAsEqUeNcE]

thank you for sharing. inspiring as usual.

[55superbeetle]

Going back together for the last time I hope. My father in law who owns the car is pretty handy with a rattle can, turned out pretty decent. The cage was done with brush on hammer paint, probably wont use it again.

[soclosenotnear]

Originally Posted by DNAsEqUeNcE

thank you for sharing. inspiring as usual.

Seconded.

[55superbeetle]

Originally Posted by soclosenotnear

Seconded.

Thanks guys

[Harlard]

That looks awesome.

PS: I used the same paint you used on the cage for my wagon's roof rack

[55superbeetle]

Originally Posted by Harlard

That looks awesome.

PS: I used the same paint you used on the cage for my wagon's roof rack

Thanks! I have seen the same paint used on other internet projects with better results, don't know if it was applied wrong or what. I should have done some test pieces first. It's not horrible but seems like it should have flowed better and been a little more uniform. At least its nice and hard and will keep it for rusting.

[boosted12a]

as much as i hate to see this done to a 1st gen RX-7, you did an awesome job. id like to see the final weight of the car.

[Harlard]

Originally Posted by 55superbeetle

Thanks! I have seen the same paint used on other internet projects with better results, don't know if it was applied wrong or what. I should have done some test pieces first. It's not horrible but seems like it should have flowed better and been a little more uniform. At least its nice and hard and will keep it for rusting.

I think it's part of the "hammered" look. Looks like the intended finish to me anyway. Either way it's nice to use consumer-grade paint that takes minimal effort for fiddly, out of the way stuff like this!

[55superbeetle]

Originally Posted by boosted12a

as much as i hate to see this done to a 1st gen RX-7, you did an awesome job. id like to see the final weight of the car.

Still needs the kirkey bolted in, driveshaft and fluids, not light but not a pig either.

[MikeJr.]

Originally Posted by 55superbeetle

Found a perfect 14 gallon steel tank to go back in the stock spot and stay under the floor, even get to plumb the stock filler neck back it for super street car status. Added a small sump for the 044's.

Where did you find the tank?

[55superbeetle]

http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...cat/cat133.htm

[55superbeetle]

Bunch more progress, and it's a runner now, hoping to take it out on it's first drive this weekend.

[55superbeetle]

The rx7 has been daily driven almost all year, although he has pretty much parked it now that the weather has gotten ugly. Had to work out a few initial bugs but it has proven to be very reliable. I got a new job that is 5 minutes from my house so my family and free time has drastically improved. I've been helping a friend with a turbo 5.3 elcamino that has silly fast for such a simple combo and also building a 81 510 for a fun daily driver. At my new job we build mostly build hotrods and typical camaro/mustang/tri-five type stuff but we also have a full chassis shop that builds drag stuff. I have been learning a ton and hopefully next year will finally be time to build the 142.

[Andrewhans]

I'm very happy to see you back up and posting! Love the updates and was always impressed with the fab work.

You're swap was always a big drive for my build. Simple and to the point.

That RX7 is awesome.

[55superbeetle]

Been a while since I've updated this thread. My Datsun got boring really quick with the sr20 so I cut it up and built a 6.0 cert chassis for it. I'm using a honda k24 with a powerglide this time. Plan on 2200 lbs and around 1k hp so hopefully it will be fast enough to justify the chassis.

[Harlard]

[NONHOG]

Keep the post coming!

[Andrewhans]

Holy **** lol. Just checked back in and was not disappointed lol

[55superbeetle]

Datsun is almost a roller, just need to fininsh making the front lower control arms.











Here are some pics of customers stuff I have built at work too.

[Vol242vo]

Good lord. Fab skills are strong with this one.

[oldschoolvolvo]

Beautiful work. You have a gift sir.

[BillyMaysHere]

Wtf is going on with those valve cover vents coming into the cabin and tying into the tube/cage!?