Daily Slideshow: Presenting an FD RX-7 That Comes With an LS3

This gorgeous Mazda isn't your average LS swap. It's a well thought out masterpiece!

By Brett Foote - January 22, 2018
Presenting an FD RX-7 That Comes With an LS3
Presenting an FD RX-7 That Comes With an LS3
Presenting an FD RX-7 That Comes With an LS3
Presenting an FD RX-7 That Comes With an LS3
Presenting an FD RX-7 That Comes With an LS3

Super Clean Japanese Classic

At first glance, you might just mistake this clean RX-7 for any other lowered, big-wheeled Japanese classic. Which, we might add, are quite plentiful these days. And yet, this isn't your average RX-7 build. The details here are nothing less than top-notch, the execution flawless. Throw in a killer powerplant, and it's no wonder that Speed Hunters (not to mention us) wanted to dive in for a closer look!

>>Join the conversation about this LS3 FD RX-7 right here at the LS1 Tech Forum!

American Muscle

Obviously, the fact that there's an American LS3 under the Japanese hood will certainly chap the hides of many. Especially when you consider that this RX-7 sports an amazing 26,000 original miles. But we look at it as a no-brainer, an economical way to add massive amounts of power to a lightweight chassis just begging for it. The 6.2-liter mill sends power through a TR6060 6-speed transmission to an 8.8-inch Ford rear end, making it quite the reliable setup.


>>Join the conversation about this LS3 FD RX-7 right here at the LS1 Tech Forum!

The Perfect Mix

There are plenty of mods on the outside, but they all blend in with the stock bodywork so well you'd think they were factory options. The rear is especially aesthetically pleasing thanks to goodies like an RE Amemiya FRP diffuser, LED lighting, and an Odula spoiler blade sitting on a 1999+ rear wing assembly. The side skirts, front bumper, and lip came from a '99+ as well, lending this older model a more modern appearance. But the Feed hood is a custom molded piece that looks absolutely stunning.


>>Join the conversation about this LS3 FD RX-7 right here at the LS1 Tech Forum!

Keeping it Clean

If you guessed that the inside of this stunning Mazda was clean and well sorted on the outside, you'd be right. Alcantara and carbon fiber bits reign supreme, lending a modern yet subtle look to the cabin. Even the dash is a custom built carbon piece, yet it looks like it was put there in the first place. And it makes a perfect mounting point for the AiM race dash setup. The builder even went to the trouble of completely hiding the stereo system to keep things extra clean.

>>Join the conversation about this LS3 FD RX-7 right here at the LS1 Tech Forum!

Nicely Balanced

Rounding out this find package is a series of suspension mods underneath those gorgeous lines. Öhlins DFV coilovers, M2 rear trailing arms, and a Racing Beat front sway bar keep it flat in the corners, while the Brembo Big Brake Kit and 2-piece rear rotors slow it all down in a hurry. Even the steering was updated with a Chips Motorsport manual rack. Rounding out the package is a set of 18-inch Desmond RegaMaster Marquis Promada wheels and Nitto NT05 tires that look perfect and keep the RX-7 glued to the road. The end result? One of the finest RX-7 builds we've ever seen, regardless of powertrain!


>>Join the conversation about this LS3 FD RX-7 right here at the LS1 Tech Forum!

For help with service of your car, check out the how to section of LS1Tech.com.


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