Project V8 RX-7 Update 9 - L33 Modifications and Preliminary Install

While it may appear that Project LSX-7 hasn’t been touched in weeks, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Before diving into the latest update, the first thing I would like to do is introduce Secondbolt Racing as the latest sponsor for the project. Secondbolt Racing was officially created 5 months ago by an Import Meet member by the name of Matt K. (v8rx7guy). Secondbolt Racing designs parts for late-model GM swapped vehicles as well as performing the swaps into import cars.

Secondbolt Racing will be the shop swapping the engine into Project LSX-7 and performing any additional upgrades to the car. Matt K. has personally swapped multiple RX-7’s and it doesn’t hurt that his FD RX-7 runs a 10.87 in the quarter mile.

One of the first things we had to do prior to doing a test fit was to swap the truck oil pan for an F-body oil pan. This was the perfect opportunity to install the Improved Racing oil pan baffle. This also meant that the windage tray and pickup tube also had to be swapped for the F-body style versions. The truck parts were removed and brand new F-body parts were installed.
Since the oil pan was off, it was the ideal time to swap the L33 cam. I would have liked to have gone with an aftermarket cam, but the budget for the project didn’t allow for it. Because the engine was originally from a truck, it was decided an LS1 cam would perform better with the LS1 intake manifold I will be using. Willcoop, another Import Meet member and owner of an LS swapped FC, donated his old 99 spec LS1 cam to the project.
The valvetrain and pushrods were kept stock because the LS1 cam was very similar in size to the original L33 cam.

The next step was to install the Ronin mount kit. Since we wanted to start the engine before the 90 day warranty expired, we had to install the engine into the car without a transmission (the starter mounts to the engine). Below you can see the Ronin mount installed on the side of the block. New fasteners and all of the required torque specs were provided by Ronin Speedworks which made installation very simple.
Secondbolt Racing had an engine hoist with a load leveler so it was very easy to keep the engine suspended while lowering it into the car. You can see the Ronin pedestals attached to the subframe in the second picture below.

Kyle (Quicksilver_s14) decided to come over and help us lower the engine into the car. Since I was taking photos, I wasn’t helping with positioning. The two of them were able to lower the engine onto the pedestal mounts and attach the mounting bolts easily.
Once the engine was attached to the pedestal mounts, we could see just how well positioned it was in the engine bay. As you can see in the photos below, the engine sits low and far back in the engine bay. I would estimate the back side of the engine is about 2 inches from the firewall.
In the next update I will show photos of a parts car that I happened to come across that I couldn’t pass up. Check back next week!