Make:  Mazda

Model:  RX7

Code:  FC – Series 4

Badge:  Turbo

Year:  1987 – 1988

Drive:  RWD

Rotors: 2

Capacity:  1.3

Aspiration:  Turbo

Power:  136kW

Torque:  -

Notes:  The famous 13B turbo is a popular engine conversion for many different cars.  Old RWD Mazdas such as the R100, RX2, RX3, RX4 and RX5 are popular homes for the 13B, along with dozens of other old RWD cars such as old Corollas and Datsuns.

13B turbo engines are well known for their huge power potential, and are commonly used in drag racing cars as well as track cars.

Toyota fans in Australia and all over the world are rejoicing at the imminent release of the Toyota GT86.

The pictures of the production version look absolutely fantastic, and by all accounts the car is a blast to drive.

Power isn’t huge at just short of 150kW, however the GT86′s reported light weight should ensure the car still has plenty of go.  Reports are indicating a 0-100kph time in the six or seven second range.

The interior also looks fantastic for any car, let alone a Toyota!  Thankfully the people who design the drab grey interiors of Camrys and Corollas were kept away from the GT86 project!

You can find more photos of the Toyota GT86 along with additional information at the Super Car Club.

Website:  www.ngjap.com.au

Phone:  02 9792 8112

Address:  1 Enterprise Avenue, Padstow NSW 2211

Email:  -

Notes:  -

Website:  www.kyp.com.au

Phone:  08 9470 3828

Address:  118 Briggs Street, Welshpool WA 6106

Email:  info@kyp.com.au

Notes:  -

Website:  www.japparts.com.au

Phone:  07  5593 8533

Address:  31 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Notes:  -

Make:  Mitsubishi

Model:  FTO

Chassis Code:  -

Badge:  GPX

Year:  1995 – 2001

Drive:  FWD

Cylinders: 6 (V6)

Capacity:  2.0

Aspiration:  Natural

Power:  147kW @ 7,500rpm

Torque:  -

Notes:  MIVEC

Once you’ve decided to go ahead with an engine conversion, one of the next decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a half cut or just an engine package.

There are advantages and disadvantages with both options, and the right one will depend on your needs.

Generally with a half cut you get everything from the dashboard forward (with a few exceptions) however with the engine package you’ll generally only get the engine, wiring loom and computer, and perhaps the gearbox.

We have details some of the factors to think about below:

Cost

It’s a fact that an engine package will generally cost less that a half cut, so if cost is an issue, an engine package may be a better option.

However, getting the half cut can save you money in some ways, especially if you are doing the swap yourself.

The average home garage worker will find the conversion much easier with a half cut, so if you can save a few bucks on not needing a mechanic, the half cut could pay for itself.

Another benefit is that you may be able to sell additional parts from your half cut, which could also subsidise the cost of buying a half cut instead of an engine package.

Making life easier

If you’re doing the conversion yourself and don’t have a great deal of engine conversion experience, getting a half cut can make your conversion much easier.

Having your half cut and your own engine bay in the same garage means you can compare the two side-by-side as you go through the conversion.  It also means that you know you have everything to get the engine running in its new home.

Extra bonuses

If your half cut is from the same make and model as the car to be converted, getting yourself  a half cut can provide you with plenty of extra JDM goodies for your car.

Parts that can be swapped over may include bigger brakes, strut braces, interior panels, and even exterior parts such as bumper bars and headlights in some cases.

So much metal…

One advantage to getting an engine package over a half cut it that it’s much easier (and cheaper) to transport and move around.  A half cut contains a lot of metal, and therefore a lot of weight.

If space is an issue in your garage, a half cut could pose a few problems.  You will literally have another half of a vehicle to fit into your garage, plus the space taken up by the engine and gearbox once it’s removed.

Another issue is that you’ll need to dispose of the half cut and all the leftover parts once you’re done.  Disposing of a half cut can be a pain, and by taking an engine package you avoid some of the hassle.

Which should you choose?

If you are doing the conversion yourself and don’t have a huge amount of experience, getting yourself a half cut is the recommended option, especially if the half cut is from the same make and model of your own car.

If you have plenty of experience and confidence with engine conversions, then it may be worth saving a few bucks by going with the engine package.  The money saved can be spent elsewhere on your project!

Make:  Honda

Model:  Integra

Code:  DC2

Badge:  Type R

Year:  1995 – 2000

Drive:  FWD

Cylinders: 4

Capacity:  1.8

Aspiration:  Natural

Power:  147kW

Torque:  -

Notes:  -

Make:  Toyota

Model:  Starlet

Code:  P90

Badge:  Glanza V

Year:  1996 – 1999

Drive:  FWD

Cylinders: 4

Capacity:  1.3

Aspiration:  Turbo

Power:  99kW

Torque:  157Nm

Notes:  -

Make:  Toyota

Model:  Starlet

Code:  EP82

Badge:  GT Turbo

Year:  1990 – 1995

Drive:  FWD

Cylinders: 4

Capacity:  1.3

Aspiration:  Turbo

Power:  99kW

Torque:  157Nm

Notes:  -