K24 Swapped FD3S RX7: Unexpected Balance
A K24 Turbo engine swap may be the correct choice for your RX7.
The Mazda RX7 comes from the factory with a rotary engine that is sometimes turbocharged. Rotaries are loved by a rare few for their high revving and smooth characteristics. With proper modifications they can make cool choppy exhaust sounds and have a redline on the moon. However, they’re plagued with a reputation of being unreliable. This Video highlights one of the possible replacements.
Common swaps for the RX7 are the Chevy LS series engines and Toyota’s J-series platforms. When these are installed, the center of gravity is effected due to the engines literal height. The weight distribution of the chassis may also change due to the engines being heavier than the lightweight dorito platform it replaces.
In theme of K-swapping the world, a K24 engine as seen in this RX7 matches a bit closer to the weight of the old rotary engine. It’s mounted in a similar fashion and can maintain a closer weight distribution and low center of gravity. The turbocharged K24 may not make the same sounds as a rotary, but the driveability is described to be very similarly balanced. The car feels natural, as if nothing had been really changed.
The turbocharged engine is paired with a Nissan CD009 transmission out of a 350Z. It is a common choice for many RWD engine swaps due to their availability and strength. The rear end is from a Ford Explorer that features an 8.8 final drive that pairs well with the turbocharged engine combination.
This wild engine and drivetrain conversion all comes together to make a balanced RX7. The feeling of the FD chassis still shines through. The K-series engines are rock solid in reliability and have been known for holding lots of power with ease. Could this be the ideal swap for RX7’s and other RWD platforms?
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