rx7machine

$30-40K? Is converting to a 20B worth it.. or could that money still be spent on other things and still come close to achieving the same results?

Turbo III

Is it worth it? That's a very subjective question. Is a sports car necessary? No. You'll have to answer that question on your own if it is or isn't.



Now keep in mind that the $30-40K quote is for doing the entire car, suspension, stand-alone computer installation and cost of computer, brakes, motor, wheels, exhaust, turbo, fuel system, IC, custom interior w/gauges etc, and anything else I'm forgetting. The cost of the motor alone vs. a high-powered 13B is going to be nearly similar...it's the rest of the project that is expensive. But...the same cost for any high-powered car you build safely, engineer everything to be servicible, and professionally done. This is not unique. Look at what it costs a Supra, Vette, 300ZX, etc, etc, owner to build their car into a streetable race car...



If you flinch at that number...then don't consider this conversion or any other high performance car for that matter that you want to seriously modify. None of this stuff is cheap and if it is, "you get what you pay for". Or you're a mechanic with a full supply of tools and can do all the work yourself. What did all those tools cost you then? The cost is everywhere, either direct or indirect.



However - a 20B is a unique motor that most people have never heard of and/or seen, including rotary people. If you have one, you are definitely a little nuttier than the rest Myself included of course. Plan on setting the car aside for at least a year or two minimum unless you pay someone to do it in one great wad of cash but that's not realistic for most of us. Pay as you go, buy what you can, and upgrade along the way.



There is another thread on the cost effectiveness of this project vs. a V8 so I won't reitterate that discussion but for an EFI V8 making the same power as the 20B it's cheaper to go with a rotary, both in the initial cost and rebuild costs as well.

rx7machine

I don't plan on going to a 20B anytime soon.. but, I was just wondering.

FikseRxSeven

for $40,000 i'd stick with a 2 rotor and just get it to the same horse power using 10,000.......hehehe

rx7machine

With a 20B and all the mods you would prob. be producing more power than just a 13B with all the mods..

Turbo III

Don't people read ALL the post?



$40K is for transforming the car into a semi-complete racing machine. It obvioulsy doesn't take that much (but it could if you wanted) to make a high HP 13 or 20B. If you do the work yourself, the 20B ported with single turbo, custom manifold, wastegate, and EMS is going to be about $10-15K depending upon the level of internal work, parts used, computer system used, etc.



And a 20B will always make more power than a 13B with the same/similar hardware. Compare a V6 vs. V8...same thing, more displacement.

Turbo II

do u have 3 turbos? ive been convincing myself to do either a 20b AE86 or a 2nd gen 20b. no matter which way i go about it, its gonna be a pain in the checking account. but to have a sleeper like this, there is no comparison. if i was able to save up enough money, id do the swap, no 2nd thoughts

Turbo III

Just one T-76...don't know why you'd need more than that for a street driven weekend application with street gas. However, every application is different as it all depends upon how you want to build the car. Some people may like to drive a twin or tri turbo bridge port 20B on the street with C116 for fuel...not me. A goal of 800RWHP is more than enough for me thank you. I'll be lucky and spending nothing but more time/money on just trying to actually get traction. Why people go with cars that can produce over 1000 for the street is beyond me as it's nearly useless and not even fun to drive.



If you have the money/time, go for it. Building a car is one of the most selfish things you can do as it is entirely for your benefit and pleasure...so do exactly what you want, take your time and do it right, and be happy with the learning experience you get from building it. Don't worry about other peoples' opinions on subjective things...but that's also why it's much better overall if you pay a professional to build you a car that will not fail and can help with the proper selection of hardware, they try to be more objective as their reputation is driving around and your happiness is key to their success.

Turbo II

porting a 20b never thought of that before

Dragon

even if you can get the same hp, you'll never even come close on the tork that puppy will put out.. and the 20B will be putting down the 13B's 7,500 peak hp at around 5,000 rpm to boot and for a lot longer power band.