Well, took a ride in a c6 zr1 a few months back, and then got to ride in his buddy's c6 z06. Both cars are STUPID fast compared to what I'm used to, and the instant torque of the v8 motors got me hooked. Since I can't afford a new vette (or even a used one) and since I really love the small car feel, handling, and uniqueness of my rx-7, I talked to some local v8 swapped rx-7 guys and got to beat on one, the owner even made fun of me for driving too slow at first
Long story short: I'm doing a ls1 swap in my car. The stock turbo rotary motor has been very solid for the last 25k miles, I have four full track days, 1/2 dozen autocross, 9 1/4 mile drag passes (best trap 112.xx mph, best et 13.1xx sec) and tons of hard street miles on the motor. Once it warms up, I'm on it. BUT, it's missing that instant torque... of a bigger cube N/A motor. I'm going to miss the turbo rush and wankel sound, but at the same time I will appreciate the better street manners, generally better fuel economy, and stupid torque. AND, I will be getting corner weights for before and after the swap, believe it or not, the total weight and distribution will not change enough to really notice (esp. for a street car).
Will try to have it running by xmas this year, fully sorted by summer 2011. Part out will begin after my next track day, Oct 14th at Buttonwillow. Will probably pull the motor the day after
New motor has a little cam and CNC ported heads, shooting to get 350-400 whp and 120 mph trap with low 12, mid-high 11 sec 1/4 mile performance. Car will continue to be a semi-DD and track toy as it has been for the last 5 years I've had it.
Pic of 2800 lb (yes I weighed it and it came in at 2790 w/o me in the car and 3/4 tank gas) "donor car" from last track day labor day weekend @ cal speedway:
Here's some pics of the engine & trans:
My next mod is to buy an enclosed trailer. I just sold my car carrier because I thought I was still going to Hawaii. I'm looking for a 24'x8' enclosed trailer if you know of one for sale.
