Editor’s Note: Over the next few weeks, OnAllCylinders will profile engines and engine builds by everyday high performance enthusiasts—hot rod hobbyists with DIY work ethics and real-world budgets.
Don Teifke was hunting for a donor Mustang to support a future Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster build when he stumbled on this second-generation Mazda RX7—a car he always liked the look of. His brother had owned a 1986 GXL RX7, and Teifke liked it. But it always needed a V8, he said.
When he stumbled on this RX7, the paint and body were perfect, but the drivetrain was a little rough. The only responsible choice was to drop a small-block Chevy 383 stroker into it. And Teifke makes responsible choices, so that’s what he did.*
The net result is a car that runs 11s at Great Lakes Dragaway, and presumably serves as a pretty cool sleeper on the streets of Wisconsin, where Teifke makes his home.
This is a super-cool swap, Don. Thank you very much for sharing with us.
Be sure to check out the slide show above!
*This is pure speculation. Teifke could be a total loose cannon. We just know if you’re dropping bored and stroked Bowtie motors into Mazdas, we’re always going to give you the benefit of the doubt.
ENGINE SPECS
Engine Block: Chevrolet 350 bored and stroked to 383, COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshaft (.540-inch lift, 252-degree duration)
Rotating Assembly: Callies Performance crankshaft, SLP pistons, Howards Cams connecting rods
Induction: Edelbrock Thunder Series 800 cfm carburetor, Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap intake
Ignition and Electrical: MSD 6AL Ignition Box with MSD Blaster Coil and MSD Pro-Billet Distributor
Exhaust: Hedman Hedders Elite conversion headers, MagnaFlow exhaust
Other Items: Vortec iron heads; COMP Cams dual springs; COMP Cams 1.50-ratio roller rocker arms, FluiDampr Street Series damper, Centerforce dual-friction clutch
Transmission: T5 World Class
Your speculation is almost spot on. lol Thanks for the profile of my budget beast.
Here’s an exhaust clip right after installation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WATLfH3w1qo
Wise choices/loose cannon, Don works both sides of that street!
My car and countless other RX7 swap projects can be seen at norotors.com
always loved this rx7! 🙂
summit the best thanks for the help with my 355
This looks like a super clean instalation. I think I’d like to go with aluminium Heads.
good job i like
Very nice car. This guy has helped me a lot with my build, he knows his stuff.
Don is a great guy and a true gearhead.His build is first class all the way.
Do you the part number for the headers
Wayne, we have been unable to track down the head part numbers.
I’ve got a 90 Mazda rx7 with a 383 stroker motor how do you keep the temperature down mines seems to run about 230-240 on the gauge
Great informative build .