Ford 5.0 V8 Swapped: 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

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I know that the RX-7 rotary purists (Wankers as they call themselves) will cringe at the average pushrod V8 swapped RX-7, but they’ll be decidedly appalled that the builder used a GSL-SE to turn into a piston pumping pavement pounder. However, despite the vintage Cali sunset plate, the car itself is pretty ragged — rust appears in bubbles all over the paint and the seller reported having a blown engine…so this wasn’t some cherry collectors item, this was an RX-7 that needed some love…which it got in the form of a Ford V8 swap. Find this 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE offered for $3100 in Palo Alto, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

From the seller:

1985 mazda rx-7

VIN: JM1FB3327F0868962
fuel: gas
odometer: 179330
title status: clean
transmission: manual
This is an unfinished swap. It has been test fired on ether (see video below). Price is OBO.

For sale is my 1985 Mazda Rx-7 GSL-SE with a Ford 5.0 EFI and T5 manual transmission from a 1991 Mustang. I bought the car with the original rotary engine and began the swap when it failed. The chassis has 180k miles.

The body is great besides the paint. The interior is excellent. The factory radio was stolen from the previous owner, but I found a replacement along with the bezel trim.

I would love to see this project through to completion but am moving and can’t bring it along. Currently, the engine and transmission are fully installed in the chassis. The starter motor and ignition have been wired. It still needs the fuel system wired, radiator, driveshaft (to be spliced together from Mustang and original Rx-7 driveshafts), and exhaust (I will include a custom exhaust made to fit, may need a new flange).

The car comes with a full set of replacement bushings. All documentation for the swap will also be included, such as the factory Mazda wiring diagrams, Ford wiring diagrams, and Granny’s Speed Shop instructions.

This is a great collection of parts for somebody. Feel free to make me an offer. Please reach out for more information or photos. The car is non-op and will need to be towed. I have the required moving permits from the DMV.

Test fire video: https://youtu.be/7pi_SheNMmM

See a better way to drive an RX-V8? tips@dailyturismo.com