10k Flash: 1997 Mazda RX-7 FD w/ LS1 Swap

 The Mazda RX-7 was in its 3rd generation in 1992 when the FD was released- with curvy Japanese styling, a front mid-ships layout and a turbocharged Wankel rotary engine.  It was a fantastic combination, except for the horrible reliability of a rotary multiplied by the abysmal record of a 90’s turbocharger..and basically every FD RX-7 you will find with more than 70k miles has had a new engine or two.  Many today have been replaced with simple, reliable and lightweight Chevy LS series small block V8s.  This 1993 Mazda RX-7 with Chevy LS1 engine is for sale in San Jose, CA currently bidding on ebay for $8,100 reserve-not-met.

This RX-7 is still wearing its factory Blaze Red paint job and looks decent in the photos.  90s era Mazda’s were not known for great paint quality, so a thorough check for signs of peeling clearcoat is important – especially check roof, hood and trunk lid.

The original 1.3 liter 255 horsepower turbo Wankel has been replaced with a 5.7 liter LS1 from a C5 Corvette, which would have originally put out 350 horsepower, but could easily put out 400 with some software and bolt-on mods.

Inside this FD has had some modifications including a rollcage, Momo seats and an aftermarket steering wheel.  It looks like a good place to ‘do business’ on a race track.

Bottom line, this RX-7 isn’t for everyone and it does have some questionable aesthetic modifications – such as blingy wheels, carbon fiber trim around the tail-lights and pimp-my-ride fog lights.  But that can probably be forgiven the first time you hammer an apex in this track rat.

See another LSFD for sale?  email us here:  tips@dailyturismo.com