SoFresh1189

Whats up everyone, im brainstorming a project right now and im looking for some insight/advice. Ive got a spare 97 Honda Civic Dx coupe in my backyard with no motor and im completely stripping it out to build up something monstrous . i started out researching fwd motors to build up considering it would be a somewhat easy swap because a lot of honda motors will drop right in with little modifications. During my 4bangin' studies a buddy of mine, who is into the older muscle cars, said i should just get a 350 v8 for it and he would help me put it all in. So i started researching that. ive found that a f$&@load of custom fabricating is required including frame rails, differential installation and so forth. Now, considering im only 19 i was born and raised in the tuner era (i shouldnt say raised because my parents were not mechanics but w/e i do my research) so i dont know the first thing about a v8. Still exploring my options, i started to look into rotary motors because ive always admired the rx7. i found theyre much lighter than a v8 and can produce similar power with little modification to the motor, on the downside tho they dont usually last more than 100k miles but who cares its a race car not a daily driver. ****, if you do the math thats roughly 400,000 quarter mile runs, which is plenty. To get to the point im not afraid of the time, work, and money this will cost but just for arguements sake lets assume the money part isnt an issue. My question(s): to drop a rotary motor into my civic shell would i need to do something with the firewall? and if so how would i go about keeping the heat away from the driver? As far as the rwd conversion, is the differential different for every motor or could i hook up any drivetrain/differential to any rotary motor + transmission? Ive also read the gas tank may have to be relocated, where to? Or, if possible would it be easier to drop the shell onto the whole chassis setup off an rx7? I know i still have to buy an rx7 im looking into getting a salvaged one

Ive only seen pictures of 1 person who put a rotary in a civic and i think its a great idea, considering that a honda shell with an rx7 motor would weigh almost 200lbs less than an rx7 with an rx7 motor, and also the civic has a wider wheelbase which if im correct would handle better (especially lowered)

What do you think?

EL Vap133

Wow, that's going to cost some money there.

rick_rabies

DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!

SoFresh1189

i do plan on doing this swap, but based on my funds it may take a year or two or three lol i also dont wanna not know what im doing. very bad idea.

40mpg_dx00

That would be pretty sweet but you will have to have the motor first so you can determine what you need to hammer and cut and weld to get mounts in it. As far as a drivetrain, I would see about rx7 parts and then determine if they can be fitted to the car. Unless you have a lot of time and a lot of tools, this isn't your regular backyard swap. Measure twice, then measure again, then cut once.

roadsqueegy95

i think it would be a bad *** swap! i hope u do it! if so take TONS of pics!

kaiba

It would be a lot more easier if you have a RWD chassis. Something like old school corolla ae86, starlet kp61, datsun 510, honda s600/s800 or even better if you can find RX-3/RX-2.

SoFresh1189

Well, ive got all the time in the world. im an import lover especially my hondas so i dont plan on getting rid of them any time soon. i deliver parts for a paycheck and ive made friends with a few shops so ive got any tool i need an if i dont got it ive got connections whove got connections who have more connections. my only severe area of interest is doing it right the first time

kaiba

Have fun.

97ej6dx

Ive seen an RWD civic with S2k motor I think they used an entire S2000 rear subframe assembly.. you may do the same to this then Hook it to the 13b mazda motor or what ever motor you decide to go with! then get some ITR front hubs so both front and rear have the same lug pattern! You may have to widend the rear quarters with slight flaring to cover the wheels due to the s2000s stance.. A couple years ago i saw a whole rear subframe, rear suspension, brakes, diff, wheels for sale from an S2k for like 1500 bucks.. so i imagine you could find one for around that. Even if you find one that has some suspension damage you can replace the control arms with performance ones and have a nice rare setup for a civic!!! Keep us posted

SoFresh1189

widening wont be a problem i already have and am in the process of installing a wide-body kit! thats cool tho ill have to do some research on the s2k but ill probably end up doing that

SoFresh1189

so ive looked on craigslist and i found the rear subframe off a s2k for $500! i think it would be smarter to do the rwd conversion before dropping the motor in, correct?