valtcho1

So i have been lurking forums all over for the past 2 weeks and reading and gathering info. Now i bought a 1988 rx7 gxl with a 13b engine in it not working. So i said to myself hey what the hell lets swap it. Now the 3 main engines i figured are the 13bt 86-89 i believe? the 13b-re from the cosmo and the 13btt. Now problems ive read about on the internet which i think might not be true so i wanna clear up. with the 13bt the swap is easiest. Everything preety much bolts in and as long as i dont pop clutch at the red line my tranny can handle the increased power. there is no clearence issues. (keep in mind im buying a full swap including ecu wiring harness etc.) The 13b-re is a good swap apart from the different places for bolting it in but thats not a problem cause i can manufature my own mounts. the major thing i read is that the stock ecu keeps the sequential turbo but if its on a 5 speed car it wont even start the car since the ecu is for the cosmo which was automatic only. the third 13btt is from the 3rd gen and i dont think itll even fit? ive read that theres big clearence issues and i might snap my transmission with it. so my question basically is for a pro to shed some light on the myths/ non-myths that ive read so i can purchase an engine and begin. And also anyone recommend a JDM supplier they have had good experience with? thx to all in advance

j0rd4n

anything can be done with enough money (and enough search function usage ;D)

Jims554321

Lurk in this forum section and search it as well.



https://www.nopistons.com/forums/index.php?showforum=34



There is a guy doing a radical 13B-REW swap in there right now. I did a more conventional REW swap trying to maintain as much a stock look as possible.



As far as engines go, your probably better off with a 87-92 Turbo motor, sources vary greatly. One decent source is Corksport. I do not know where your located but we have a great source in Miami that seems to always get tight engines. If your not intending to swap out the tranny and rear end I suggest you do this swap it will be the easiest and the drive train will hold up.



If your willing to do the drive train, a 13B-RE is popular, just remember the internals are basically FC internals and the exhaust ports are ***. They need to be ported in order to get good flow. The intake ports are o.k. and can use some work as well, especially if your looking for good power.



A 13B-REW is the engine to use if your willing to go the extra mile, the guy doing the swap on here is making mounts and selling them so that is one hurdle already taken care of. Seriously consider saving up for this and getting a stand alone EMS. I saw a Wolf 3d for sale for a good price the other day.



Good luck its a lot of fun modding out these cars.

valtcho1

i think the 13B-T is my best bet just cause the next jump to 13b-re is only needed for horsepowers greater than 350+. So yea i think its my bestbet. I mean this is my first car so this is definately not bad. Thanks for the info btw i appreciate it. And im located in Vancouver, British columbia (in canada) so i dont know if you have any suggestions. im currently looking at these guys right here they seem preety solid http://www.royaljapanesemotors.com/details.php?id=148 now im just wondering thats about everything i need to swap it in correct? thx again for ur input. Cheers

rowtareh

You can gain enough from the 13B TII motors. It is true about the N/A transmissions not like 7-8krpm shifts, it's not the power, but rather the shifting that annihilates them. These swaps have been done numerous times, just make the swap clean and efficient so it will make things easier.



If somebody can swap an LT-1, LSx, 383 Mopar, or an S2K motor into an FC, I am SURE a 13B TII motor will fit.

j9fd3s

well since the t2 engines came stock in the car, all you need to put it in, is/are the stock t2 stuff. lots of stuff, like the ignition, engine mounts, cooling system, is the same na vs t2.



most of the difference is the wiring, which in the sceme of things is minor

valtcho1

OK so correct me if i am wrong BUT there is a difference in 13b-t and 13b-tt. Now ive seen 13b-tt reffered to as 13b-rew and also 13b-Tii. Now im guessing the 13b-TT (twin turbo) is from a third gen which makes it unfriendly to swap into a 88 GXL? Honestly i got the car the engine is shot. I dont wanna do **** half assed so im looking for my best bet. The 13bt sounds like the best option but if i can fit a 13b-tt in it i might as well considering im alrdy dropping the cash.... someone pelase clear up all these fuxed names ive been reading... like 13b-tt 13b-Tii and 13b-re? thx to all in advance

Maxt

13bt is the fc motor, 13b cosmo what some people call the re is still called rew by mazda since its a twin turbo motor,just like in the motor sheets a 20b is also called 20b-rew, the fd motor is what most people mean when they say 13b-rew.

The 13bt is drop in, the cosmo rew is easy to put in, the fd rew is a little harder.

The cosmo rew has the biggest intakes, but has an emmissions and low end drivability exhaust oriented exhaust port. As far as performance goes, the fd rew is the best motor of all, in terms of oiling, and overall potential.

The fd 13b-rew is not really that hard to put in, but everything needs to be changed a little, so you need to have some good sources for fittings, and a tig welder is probably a good thing to have as well.

Here is my FC with a fd-13brew and a hks T51s

Xynic

Well.... I'm doing a similar swap... I'm 5000 into the swap. And the motor hasnt even come within 20 feet of the car yet.





Just fyi.

valtcho1

i think ill just stick to a 13bt 87-91 motor and basically get it running nice at its stock 8 psi boost. After its running well ill finish my body and then ill start prepping for higher boost. Thx all. Oh and btw any tips on how to check out an engine thats not in a car...? =D