My 81 FB sbc + a LOT more

[Frankenmazda]

Well, guess I'm far enough into mine to post some pics. I already have the Granny's kit and a friend is working on my LT1 4 bolt block. Should about 400 hp when done. I'm going T5 for now. It is a GSL so it has LSD and rear discs.

I'll keep updating the site as I get more done. My next big project it to adapt rack and pinion steering.

miles1776 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[bobbob]

Originally Posted by Frankenmazda

Well, guess I'm far enough into mine to post some pics. I already have the Granny's kit and a friend is working on my LT1 4 bolt block. Should about 400 hp when done. I'm going T5 for now. It is a GSL so it has LSD and rear discs.

I'll keep updating the site as I get more done. My next big project it to adapt rack and pinion steering.

MySpace.com - www.myspace.com/frankenmazda

Sounds sweet. What T-5 are you going to use because that's a lot of power for one? As for the rack and pinion steering, I think that someone on RX7 club did it with an FC steering rack.

[Frankenmazda]

I'm going to use as late a T5 as I can find I guess. I do eventually plan on switching to a T56 but the budget just can't account for it right now.

I've heard of switching the cross member to a FC and using the rack and suspension setup from the 2nd gen but I want to adapt something to the 1st gen suspension and cross member. I design Jet engine components for a living so I feel confident I can come up with a design that will work.

I like Billy's design but it looks expensive plus I haven't heard anything lately on it so I'm just going to work on my own.

[zoltans4]

The First gen is a really light car.
with just that statement in mind i offer the following suggestions
People think the T5 is weak, but the T5 came in a car 1000lbs heavier than your car will be, however if your doing a LT1, you should do a T56. It will probably cost you more in the long run. Subtract some goodies from your motor to afford it. 400hp is alot in the FB and losing 50hp for the time will make up for the T56.
Why would you want to change to a rack and pinion? Again, money that could go toward Cage, T56, Power, wheels, brakes just a small list of what should come before revamping the steering IMO
Lastly, if your throwing up your build thread put the pictures up. Myspace isn't a very friendly and heterosexual place to link into to try to find pictures.

have fun with the swap, its awesome.

[Frankenmazda]

Well, I see the 1st gen steering as the major drawback of the car and mine is garbage. It would cost me way more to buy the parts to replace the factory steering than to fab up a rack myself. I can get a used rack from my local pull and save for about 40 bucks. Besides, the reason I build cars is that I enjoy making them better or different. Thats why I do everything myself.

The other stuff is all figured out. Cage, wheels, engine etc. I bought the Granny's kit awhile ago and that is one the main reasons I'm going with the T5. The way I drive it will be in little danger of failing.

Myspace is a great place to post pics. A free website basically. I don't understand your "hetrosexual" comment but the site has gotten close to a hundred views so far in a just a couple weeks. I'll be posting a lot of "how I did things" to go with the pics for people who want to see some ideas in the near future.

As always, comments are welcome. I'd love to hear from some of you that have converted yours to rack and pinion.

[Jeff]

The stock FB steering drives me nuts, the slop at dead center where you spend most of your time street driving.
I tried to convert a FB to R/P steering using a VW Rabbit R/P like in the CP Racings kit,...very frustrating,...very frustrating for me to reinvent the front end mechanics in my spare time with "backyard" tools/engineering,...project dropped.
Swapping in the FC front subframe + R/P and lower steering column has been done many times though and is "doable" with simple tools. There are a number of online write ups, (try a search on BC Rotary.com), just an idea.

[Frankenmazda]

Well, every joint on mine is shot plus the box appears to be gone as well so there is no way I'm using it.

I design jet engine components for a living and have access to a CAD system plus I converted a 73 Karmann Ghia to R/P. The biggest thing is getting the Geometry right at static ride height to eliminate bump steer.

I feel confident I can fab something up once I find the right R/P to use.

I'll keep you guys posted!!!

[bigsliks]

If you want to get the slop out of the steering just take the little cap off the steering box then loosen the nut and turn in the the bolt that the nut surrounds, tighten the nut back up and your done no more slop.

[Brak]

Just looked at your pics, and all i can say is WOW!!

I like the tailights

[bigb3433]

awsome roll cage... i like the chamfered piece at the roof