In a perfect world, we would all have cars that could go as fast as we want, look like a masterpiece and bring members of the opposite sex to their collective knees at the slightest blip of the throttle. Unfortunately, the world isn't perfect and isn't a videogame where we can simply enter a "god code" and get whatever we want. Even in movies and books there are stories of a man who attempts to create his utopia by genetically engineering the perfect species. This man ultimately becomes mad and fails miserably. The balance of nature is ruined and perfection becomes an abomination.
Now picture a world where automotive-life imitates art. That world of course, is our reality. The man isn't a mad scientist splicing pieces to create the perfect being. Failure is where reality and fiction differ. He is simply a software developer with a bit of ingenuity who attempts to build the ultimate driving machine. His previous experiments (RB26 Silvia, F20B Civic coupe), which were far from failures, would be the stepping stones to what would be his coup de grace. Sit back, relax, and let us tell you the true story of Karl Lindgren and his RB26-powered Mazda RX-7.
Of course, the true automotive purists will cry foul at the mention of putting a Nissan heart in the body of a Mazda. Cry if you must but in today's automotive tuning culture, engine swaps have become as commonplace as a suspension install. Swapping engines of a different make and model is the new head/taillight conversion of our time. The only difference is that engine crossovers aren't a terrible idea. If there was ever an appropriate spokesmodel for this type of operation, it would definitely have to be Lindgren's RX-7. Not only does it make over 800HP, it also happens to be one of the few cars out there that aesthetically represents the pure raw aggression that's under the hood.
"I absolutely loved the look of the FD RX-7s but I also loved the legendary power of the RB26." Karl says. "I had experience with the RB as well, being that I had one in a previous project. Putting the FD and the RB together just seemed like the best combination of both worlds."
On paper, it seems easy enough right? A Nissan engine into a Mazda, don't they go right in? "Fitment of the engine was the main issue." Karl explains. "After all, the original rotary that was in there wasn't very large in size. The RB26 however, was a pretty large item for the FD3S. The other issue had to be the electrical system. A lot of troubleshooting was involved in figuring out how to get everything working between the two. I had my face buried in service manuals and just used trial and error to work out most of the kinks in the swap."
There's no doubt that Lindgren expected people to talk. Why would you put a Nissan engine into an RX-7? The Wankel engine is legendary in it's own right. Some might consider it automotive sacrilege. Well, 876whp later, the discussion quickly ends.
The build-up of the engine itself is worthy enough of its own feature. Karl and Baril Engine Rebuilding Inc. in Green Bay, Wisconsin meticulously dissected the RB26 and used every possible inch of it to get this motor to perform at its full potential. The connecting rods, pistons and wrist pins were all balanced to within 1 gram. The crankshaft journals were micro-polished along with the full port-matched and polished cylinder head. Every fluid and vacuum line was redone in stainless steel lines and Earl's fittings. No details of the RB26, inside or out, were neglected.
Many custom parts had to be fabricated as well. When an uncommon swap like this is done, parts don't always fit and operate correctly, especially when someone is trying to make power. Luckily for Karl, he was pretty handy with the welder and technologically sound. He fabricated a custom intake manifold and fuel rail, DOM solid motor mounts, and even created the entire dry-sump oil system for his hybrid FD.
By Joey Lee
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