American Makeover: 1989 Mazda RX-7 LS1
This next Mazda isn’t your average JDM rotary equipped apex seal spinner…no sir. This RX-7 has been given an injection of bald eagle power in the form of an LS1 V8 mated to a T56 6-speed manual gearbox AND it sports Bullitt style wheels that look straight off a late model Ford Mustang (which makes sense given the fact that both use a 5×4.5inch bolt pattern). Find this 1989 Mazda RX-7 offered for $23,000 in Staten Island, NY via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
From the seller:
1989 mazda rx-7
condition: excellent
cylinders: 8 cylinders
fuel: gas
odometer: 74200
paint color: red
title status: clean
transmission: manual
LS1 T56 6-speed manual swapped RX-7Absolutely beautiful car with 74k original miles, never any accidents. Approx 70k on the engine and trans (LS1 camaro donar car)
Way too much to list, serious buyers please contact and I will gladly tell you everything about the car. Please email me with your phone number and I will get back to you with any questions.
Some highlights:
- Brand new tires/alignment
- New battery
- Power top and all of the electronics work great (including headrest speakers etc.)
- Ice cold A/C!! ready to actually daily drive, heat works great as well
- All the factory gauges work
- Just changed the oil, coolant, and brake fluid (gear oil new with swap)
- Full custom exhaust – sounds great ( not too loud, just a nice rumble)
This is a very unique car built right, and ready to be driven and enjoyed. It does not need finishing, this is a project that is actually done!!
Do not contact me if you are not serious, please. Clean title in my name, thanks.
See a better way to let freedom ring? tips@dailyturismo.com
Nice find RockOn.
I once bought an “almost completed” swap project and I learned a lot about language, semantics and frustration. My K20a swapped Insight was drivable and astonishingly fast but the Pep Boys gauges the prior owner installed after failing to make the S2000 dash gauges work were an abomination. It ran hot, the engine wasn’t properly grounded, the ECM was chucked under the carpet, etc. The last few % of work was the hardest.
It warms my heart to see what very likely is a “finished project” consisting of one of my favorite drivetrains + a favorite chassis. The aluminum block LS1 incurs no weight penalties compared to the deleted dorito and working factory gauges makes me light headed. I wish he stated what engine management he’s using and how it’s interfaced with its new home. Overall, bellissimo.
I have a buddy with an FC hardtop sitting in his garage. I’ve been telling him to do an LS swap like this. Wish I had the space and money to buy it myself as a project.