Quintessential junkyard RWD swaps?

This is a spin off from my other thread "Am I ever going to find a car that I want to keep?"

Since the answer is explicitly "no", I have decided to embrace it and give it another go with a car totally different than my previous projects.

This means light, RWD and fast. (Fast to me means dipping into the 13s while handling on rails)

My thoughts for chassis are fc rx7, s12, s13, 944, an s30 if I can swing it (yeah right). (Although the 944 is looking more likely than the others, there are many around here for cheap and if I researched right they have a galvinized unibody which hopefully would make a huge difference in the salt pot that is New England).

So here's the question... using $2011 tactics, what RWD motor/tranny would one find in a junkyard for cheap that would lend itself to a good balance of power, parts availability, etc.

No matter what motor is chosen I will likely run it on Megasquirt.

I have access to all hand tools and basic metalworking tools (portaband, light duty belt grinder, DC stick/tig machine, grinders, corded sawzall, chop saw, hand files etc)

Proven setups and unique craziness are both encouraged!

FC RX7 with a B2200 transmission and motor out of a Probe GT Turbo.

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: FC RX7 with a B2200 transmission and motor out of a Probe GT Turbo.

And this is why I love GRM.

Dude really? You're asking what RWD motor makes 13's power for cheap and no fuss in a basic light chassis?

If the first 35 answers are not LSx, then something is wrong with the world. The LQ type are slightly heavier with iron blocks, but much cheaper.

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: FC RX7 with a B2200 transmission and motor out of a Probe GT Turbo.

Except for Ben, his answers are always crazy.

LS1

I must live in a weird part of the world, as i've never seen a challenge friendly LS1.

TR7 with rotary

FC + 5.0 + Grandma's Speed Shop to make it easy.

tuna55 wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: FC RX7 with a B2200 transmission and motor out of a Probe GT Turbo.

Except for Ben, his answers are always crazy.

I have a reputation to uphold.

Let's make this more interesting:

S12, 3.8 s/c from a Thunderbird S/C, and whatever manual trans bolts up to that.

S13 with a 1uzfe from a Lexus SC400/LS400/GS400, and adapter plate.

AE86 Corolla w/ Probe GT Turbo motor and B2200 trans (been done. I'm serious)

RX7 + Kia Sportage 2.0 DOHC motor + turbo.

Kia Sportage, slammed, lots of rubber, Probe GT Turbo motor. Enjoy the insanity.

93EXCivic wrote: TR7 with rotary

LOVE IT

LS1 is obvious but not really available in my local junkyard.

Of course you should all expect this: 1UZFE v8 from an LS400.

They are not that rare in the junkyard, weigh about 400 pounds all up, put out 260 horsepower, and at a pick-n-pull cost about $160. Megasquirting it would simplify the wiring a lot. The big challenge is mounting a manual transmission to it.

93EXCivic wrote: TR7 with rotary

exchange rotary for "Built Buick V6", and you are looking at some fun. I am putting 240ish horses out, plus buttloads more torque for half the price. WOOT!

dculberson wrote: Of course you should all expect this: 1UZFE v8 from an LS400. They are not that rare in the junkyard, weigh about 400 pounds all up, put out 260 horsepower, and at a pick-n-pull cost about $160. Megasquirting it would simplify the wiring a lot. The big challenge is mounting a manual transmission to it.

They respond REALLY well to bolt ons. Like... REALLY WELL. You'll laugh hysterically at the 260hp rating.

Later variants made 300hp/310tq anyways.

Anyone know what adapter plates generally cost?

FYI: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba8sT2BQ4uc

I found an LS1 for $200. it needed a rebuild though. same guy I bought my Locost chassis from.

SWB 4.3L manual S10 with a TREE-FITTY swapped in slammed with 17x8 & 9 wheels and 255/40 and 275/40r17s.

Cheap fast two seater that hauls.

Taiden wrote: Anyone know what adapter plates generally cost?

So you have a mill? Cheap if so!

I have seen probably 100 burned LSX powered trucks in the junkyard, so if there was some way of making a melted one usable they could be easily acquired. i would probably want to find out why they are the number one vehicle to be a total loss from fire by 2-3 times over anything else (from the sample of cars I have seen in going to the junkyard) before I put one in a project.

Taiden wrote: Anyone know what adapter plates generally cost?

Expensive to buy pre-made. You can get one milled for about $200 total.

You can buy a CAD file here for the adapter:

http://v-eight.com/tech_forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=753&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

or pre-made kits here:

http://www.quantum-auto.com/store/

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:

tuna55 wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: FC RX7 with a B2200 transmission and motor out of a Probe GT Turbo.

Except for Ben, his answers are always crazy.

I have a reputation to uphold. Let's make this more interesting: S12, 3.8 s/c from a Thunderbird S/C, and whatever manual trans bolts up to that. S13 with a 1uzfe from a Lexus SC400/LS400/GS400, and adapter plate. AE86 Corolla w/ Probe GT Turbo motor and B2200 trans (been done. I'm serious) RX7 + Kia Sportage 2.0 DOHC motor + turbo. Kia Sportage, slammed, lots of rubber, Probe GT Turbo motor. Enjoy the insanity.

If you ever get money and time I am moving into a cot in your garage.

FB RX7 + LSX/5.0 240/260/280Z + LSX/5.0

1UZFE to Tremec TKO DWG files